All about the social media influencer licence in Abu Dhabi
Being an influencer in the UAE has become a lucrative career opportunity for many, giving people freedom beyond a usual 9 to 5. However, as with every profession, an influencer operating from the capital requires a social media influencer licence in Abu Dhabi.
But what is this licence, how does one apply for it, and what penalties can you incur for operating without it? Keep reading to find out.
What should you know about the Abu Dhabi influencer licence?
A social media influencer licence in Abu Dhabi is mandatory if an individual is making money through their content online. Issued through the TAMM platform via Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, this licence costs AED 1,250 for an individual and AED 5,000 for a group of influencers.
However, all influencers must also have a UAE social media influencer licence from the National Media Council. An advertising permit has to be obtained, too. The permit can be acquired free of cost whereas, for the licence, the fee is dependent on the type of licence and the jurisdiction one applies to.
Influencers must also pay 5 per cent VAT if they earn more than AED 375k annually.
What are the steps to apply for the influencer licence through the TAMM platform?
- Head to the TAMM website and sign in with your UAE Pass
- Click on the search bar under ‘services provided by Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED)’
- Select ‘Freelance Licence’
- Fill in all your details
- Pay the fee for Influencer licence application in Abu Dhabi.
- You will receive your licence in your email.
Penalties and fines to avoid
Please note that the social media influencers Abu Dhabi licence is a requirement for people receiving money for their promotional content. Individuals trading their content for food or services do not require this licence.
If caught monetising platforms without a licence, influencers can be fined up to AED 10k and possible closure of their accounts. You can also be fined up to AED 5k for monetising your content without the UAE influencer licence.
FAQs about Influencer licence application in Abu Dhabi
Do all social media bloggers need influencer licences in Dubai and the UAE?
Bloggers and media persons monetising their content and presence must hold an influencer licence.
WHAT IS THE Cost of influencer licence in Abu Dhabi?
As discussed, the cost of influencer licence in Abu Dhabi is AED 1,250 for an individual and AED 5,000 for a group of influencers.
What is the fine for influencers in Abu Dhabi without a licence?
The fine goes up to AED 10k for creating content that is monetised. In addition, AED 3k to AED 10k is the penalty for businesses collaborating with unlicenced influencers. Similar to the capital, advertisers prefer working with licensed social media influencers in Dubai to avoid hefty penalties.
Do you need a licence to be an influencer in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, Abu Dhabi influencer licence is mandatory.
How much do influencers charge per post in the UAE?
Influencers in the UAE charge from AED 3k to AED 36k per post, depending on their popularity and reach.
How long is a UAE influencer licence valid?
The UAE social media influencer licence is valid for one year, after which it should be renewed to continue creating monetised content.
Introduction of Abu Dhabi influencer licence has helped improve and streamline the structure of digital advertising and content creation in the UAE. Today, the USA, the UK and the EU have legislations to make influencers’ activities more transparent online – such as requiring them to label their post as a ‘paid partnership’ when being promoted by a brand.
Therefore, mandating licences is an important step by the UAE to regulate influencer’s activities is needed to ensure the safety of the people watching their content. This can prevent misinformation and false advertising in the long run.
Besides the emirate based licensing, there is the requirement to apply for the permit for advertising. Read our guide on the UAE advertising permit to learn more.
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