Want to emigrate to Dubai with legal certainty? Here you can find out everything you need to know about emigrating to Dubai as an influencer. Specifically, this article explains everything about the new Influencer VISA, as well as the license that many need to avoid penalties.
Influencer VISA
Dubai now offers a “Golden Visa” specifically designed for digital content creators, allowing them to stay in the UAE long-term without an employer vouching for them.
Advantages
- 10-year stay in Dubai without employer sponsorship.
- 100 % business ownership in the UAE.
- No income tax on the influencer’s income.
- Access to exclusive business opportunities in the UAE digital market.
- Easy travel within the UAE and the GCC region.
Prerequisites
The Golden Visa is intended for many types of creative professions, including:
- Social media influencers on platforms such as Instagram, YouTube and TikTok
- Digital content creators in areas such as lifestyle, technology, fashion and more
- Podcasters who create interesting audio content
- Visual artists who create digital art, animations and graphic designs
- Filmmakers and videographers who create high-quality videos
- Authors and bloggers with a large online presence
- AR/VR content creators creating new types of experiences
To be eligible, it’s not just about having lots of followers. The UAE is looking for creators who really stand out. You could be the perfect candidate if you:
- Have a proven track record of impactful content that makes a real difference
- have awards or recognition in your creative field
- Demonstrate the potential to add real value to the UAE’s creative ecosystem
- Demonstrate steady growth and significant commitment to your content efforts
Application
The application will be processed through Creators HQ (a government initiative for digital creatives). The steps include:
- Submit an online application with proof of content creation, such as social media metrics, interaction rates or industry recognition.
- Submission of financial proof to demonstrate sustainability as a content creator.
- Waiting for approval, which can take 4 to 10 weeks.
Costs
The cost of the Golden Visa varies depending on the type of application, but is generally between AED 4,000 and AED 8,000 (excluding medical tests, Emirates ID and processing fees).
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More InformationInfluencer license
The Influencer License allows social media influencers to legally create, promote and monetize content in Dubai and the UAE. It is mandatory for anyone who earns money from social media marketing, brand advertising or content creation.
Who needs an influencer license?
- Influencers who earn money with social media activities (e.g. Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, etc.).
- Content creators who advertise products or services.
- Bloggers, vloggers and social media personalities.
- Freelancers working in the field of digital marketing and content creation.
Advantages
- Legally working as an influencer in the UAE.
- Avoiding legal penalties for working without a license.
- Opportunity to work with brands and companies in Dubai.
- Access to a regulated digital content industry.
Application
Influencers must apply for a license issued by the National Media Council (NMC) in the UAE. This requires the following:
- Apply for the NMC-E media license via the official UAE government portal.
- A valid residence visa for the UAE (either through sponsorship, a company formation in Dubai or a freelance visa).
- Acquisition of a business license (optional, but recommended for those who want to work independently or start a business).
- Payment of the required fees, which can amount to around AED 15,000 per year.
Penalties
Influencers who work without the NMC license must expect the following penalties:
- Fines of up to AED 5,000.
- Restrictions on cooperation with brands.
- Possible account blocking or bans on activities in the UAE.
Taxes for influencers in Dubai
The current tax system in Dubai is extremely attractive for influencers and content creators. This is because you don’t pay any taxes if your turnover is less than USD 816,000 (AED 3 million). Neither corporation tax nor income tax.
As a major influencer and entrepreneur with more than SUD 816,000 annual turnover, you only pay 9% corporation tax with an exemption of USD 100,000. Combined with a decent salary of USD 20,000 per month or more, this results in a tax-free amount of USD 340,000 per year.
Summary
Dubai offers two main options for influencers: the Influencer License and the Influencer Visa. The Influencer License, issued by the National Media Council (NMC), is mandatory for social media influencers earning money in the UAE and costs around AED 15,000 per year. The Influencer Visa (Golden Visa) is a 10-year residency permit for established content creators that offers benefits such as tax-free income and 100% ownership and costs between AED 4,000 and AED 8,000. While the license ensures legal business operations, the visa offers long-term residency, making it ideal for serious content creators.
