Can I Sell on Amazon UAE in 2026? Complete Guide

Quick answer

Yes, both UAE residents and foreign companies can sell on Amazon.ae in 2026. You need an active trade licence, an Emirates ID or passport, a local bank account, and to register with Amazon Seller Central. Tourists without residency cannot open a seller account.

Who is allowed to sell on Amazon UAE?

Amazon.ae accepts two main seller types: individuals with a UAE residence visa and companies registered in the UAE or in free zones such as DMCC, IFZA or ADGM. Tourists on visit visas are not eligible because Amazon requires proof of legal commercial activity and tax registration inside the country.

Documents you need before you start

• Valid Emirates ID (for residents) or passport copy (for foreign entities)
• Trade licence issued by mainland DED or a free-zone authority
• VAT certificate if annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000
• Business bank account in AED with any UAE bank
• Proof of address not older than three months

Step-by-step: how to open an Amazon.ae seller account

Step 1: Create your Amazon Seller Central profile

Go to sell.amazon.ae and click “Start selling”. Choose “Individual” or “Professional” plan. The Professional plan costs AED 300 per month and is recommended if you plan more than 40 orders monthly.

Step 2: Enter business information

Upload your trade licence, Emirates ID or passport, and VAT certificate. Amazon will ask for your business bank IBAN so they can transfer sales revenue weekly.

Step 3: Verify your identity

You will receive an OTP on your UAE mobile number or a verification call. Keep your phone handy; verification usually finishes within 48 hours.

Step 4: Set up shipping and returns

Decide whether to use Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) or Fulfilment by Merchant (FBM). FBA fees start from AED 22 per standard-size item plus storage at AED 12 per cubic foot per month.

Common mistakes expats make

• Using a personal bank account instead of a business account
• Forgetting to register for VAT once sales exceed the threshold
• Listing products without checking Amazon.ae restricted categories (health supplements, jewellery, etc.)
• Assuming a visit-visa stamp is enough proof of residency

Costs and fees to budget for in 2026

Amazon.ae charges a referral fee between 8 % and 15 % depending on category, plus a closing fee of AED 8 per order. If you choose FBA, expect storage, pick-and-pack, and weight-handling fees. Always verify current fee with Amazon Seller Central before scaling inventory.

Individual vs Professional plan: which should you choose?

Tips to stay compliant with UAE authorities

Register with the Federal Tax Authority for VAT if your sales exceed AED 375,000 in a 12-month period. Keep all commercial invoices for five years; MOHRE and FTA officers can request them during audits. If you store products in a Dubai free-zone warehouse, ensure the Ejari or tenancy contract matches the address on your trade licence.

Key takeaway

Selling on Amazon.ae is straightforward once you have a valid trade licence and local bank account. Plan for the Professional plan if you expect steady sales, budget for referral fees, and stay on top of VAT registration to avoid penalties. With the right paperwork, both residents and foreign-owned free-zone companies can reach millions of UAE customers in 2026.