Are You an Influencer in the UAE? Here’s What You Must Know About Taxes in 2025

Over the past few years, the UAE has become a hotspot for digital entrepreneurship, especially influencer marketing. From TikTok creators and lifestyle bloggers to full-time YouTubers and brand ambassadors, influencers are creating consumer behavior and developing profitable personal brands.  

But as this industry expands, so does the government's focus on taxing and regulating it. If you're a content creator or influencer working within the UAE as of 2025, your tax compliance matters now more than ever. This guide is intended to show you through important legislation, such as the highly touted UAE influencer tax, UAE social media tax, UAE content creator VAT, and UAE NMC license influencer requirement.

What is an Influencer in the UAE?

According to UAE laws, an influencer is anyone who promotes products, services, or brands, directly or indirectly, using social media platforms or online content. Macro-influencers with millions of fans, micro- and nano-influencers with specialized followings, vloggers, podcasters, fitness coaches, and even gamers making money from their content all fall under this umbrella.

In essence, if you're making money from some kind of content creation or online promotion, you're in this group. The UAE's definition of influencers is not limited to people with big followings.  

You may have a few thousand people following you and be making money from collaborations or affiliate marketing, yet still be required to adhere to rules. The dividing line is not the size of your audience but whether your online activities are making money.

Do Influencers Pay Tax in the UAE?

‍There's a popular belief that the UAE is tax-free. Although it is correct that there is no personal income tax, it does not mean influencers are exempt from paying all taxes. In 2023, the UAE began to introduce a federal Corporate Tax regime, and by 2025, it is being enforced actively.

So yes, influencers do have to pay tax in the UAE, but not on their personal income rather, on business income. If you make profits above AED 375,000 per year, you are liable for a 9% corporate tax on profits.  

This is whether you're licensed as a freelancer, running under a trade license, or working as a sole proprietor. Even if your income is from foreign clients, it is taxable if you're a UAE resident.  

Corporate Tax: What Influencers Should Understand

‍In the UAE Corporate Tax regime, all income arising from business-like activity, content creation, sponsored posts, YouTube advertising, product promotions, paid reviews, affiliate links, etc., fall under business income. Influencers are required to file with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and submit yearly tax returns if they cross the threshold of income.

Some influencers may believe that little side money does not matter, but the law is unequivocal: any income derived from commercial activity is taxable. Even if you get gifts or non-monetary payments (such as hotel stays or devices), their value could be viewed as taxable income as part of a brand agreement.

It is important to keep proper records of all revenues and expenses to calculate your net taxable profit. You can claim allowable business expenditure (such as equipment, internet, and travel expenditure for work on your content) before applying the 9% tax.

What is the Social Media Tax in the UAE?

‍There is no "social media tax UAE" in law, but the term is often used to describe the corporate tax and VAT regime applicable to influencers and content creators. It is caused by sensationalist headlines of viral news, but in reality, social media earnings are taxed under current laws.

If you're making money off your social media channels, this implies you have to adhere to corporate tax laws and, in most instances, VAT legislation as well. The takeaway is this: if you're earning money using digital content, even on the side, the UAE regards it as a business activity.

VAT for Content Creators

‍Apart from corporate tax, influencers have to account for the content creator's UAE VAT obligations. If your turnover is more than AED 375,000 per year, you are obligated by law to file with the FTA as a Value Added Tax (VAT) trader. Any business with a turnover between AED 187,500 and AED 375,000 may file voluntarily.

After filing, you'll be required to charge 5% VAT on all relevant services and raise VAT-compliant invoices to clients whether local in the UAE or international. This covers paid posts, brand endorsements, appearance fees, and selling digital products such as eBooks or courses.

You will also have to file quarterly VAT returns and keep your business transactions properly documented. Non-compliance will result in penalties, fines, and even suspension of your business license.

NMC License for Influencers in the UAE

‍Among the most neglected but important of all laws is the mandate for an NMC license for influencers in the UAE. Provided by the UAE National Media Council (currently under the Ministry of Culture and Youth), the e-media license is obligatory for influencers with paid promotional engagements.

If you're endorsing brands, giving shoutouts, or getting any kind of payment for endorsements on the internet, you are legally bound to own this license. Influencers may do either:

• Obtain the NMC license independently (as a sole trader), or

• Work through a licensed talent agency that has the license in their name

Fees for the license usually start from AED 5,000 per year, based on the organization. Failure to have the license can lead to fines up to AED 5,000 and prohibition from future media operations.

Freelancers vs. Influencers with Company Structures

‍Most of the influencers work as freelancers in free zones across the seven emirates such as Fujairah Creative City, TwoFour54, or Dubai Media City. These free zones provide influencer licenses with corporate tax compliance assistance.

If you choose a company structure, e.g., an LLC or sole establishment, you can gain improved access to banking services, visa eligibility, and a more professional image for brand collaborations. However, it also includes more stringent tax filing obligations.

Freelancers might think they are tax-exempt, but when their yearly income is over the threshold, they still must file for VAT and corporate tax. The structure of your business just changes the way you keep up with compliance, not whether or not you have to.

Record-Keeping and Filing Requirements

‍You are required to keep detailed financial accounts as content creators. This includes:

• All income received (contracts, invoices, affiliate reports)

• Business-related costs (equipment, subscriptions, travel)

• VAT-collected and paid

• NMC license renewal and trade license renewal

You can stay compliant by using accounting software or outsourcing to a professional accountant. The UAE has annual filings of corporate tax and quarterly VAT returns (applicable). Failure to meet deadlines can attract penalties of AED 1,000 to AED 10,000, depending on the severity.  

Mistakes Made by Influencers

‍Many influencers continue to fall into pitfalls despite increased awareness. Common mistakes are:

• Failure to secure an NMC license prior to monetizing content

• Failure to recognize that gifts, barters, or foreign income are taxable

• Failure to file for VAT when the business is obliged to do so

• Failing to believe a small following or part-time status grants immunity from tax

• Failure to maintain financial records, resulting in audit issues

Ignorance is not an acceptable defense to tax authorities, making information awareness imperative.

International Influencers Residing in the UAE

‍Since Dubai is an international hub, most international influencers move to the UAE for tax advantages. Nevertheless, residency carries tax obligations. You are treated as a UAE tax resident if you are in the UAE for over 183 days annually or possess a UAE residency visa.

Even though your earnings are from overseas clients, it is taxable once you're considered a UAE-based business. Permanent establishment norms apply, and you should obtain the necessary licenses and pay VAT/corporate tax appropriately.

Remaining Compliant in 2025 and Beyond

‍If becoming a full-time or part-time content creator is serious business for you, the best way is to go about your work as an honest-to-goodness business. The following are things you can do to remain compliant:

• Apply for a trade license (influencer or media license in a free zone)

• Secure an NMC e-media license

• Monitor your expenses and income

• File for VAT if necessary

• Submit corporate tax returns yearly

• Renew your licenses timely

• Use the services of a business consultant or PRO if necessary

Digital earnings are no longer in the gray area. As the UAE continues to regulate the digital economy, compliance is inevitable.

Final Thoughts
Influencer culture in the UAE is booming, but with expansion comes accountability. If you're earning cash through brand collaborations, YouTube ad revenue, or paid gigs, the government considers you a business, and they expect you to play by the rules.

Being familiar with the UAE influencer tax, applying for content creator UAE VAT, obtaining the appropriate NMC license influencer UAE, and informing yourself about the "UAE social media tax" myth will protect you from penalties and enable your brand to expand lawfully.

In 2025, becoming a successful influencer is not necessarily about reach or creativity, it is about money and regulatory savvy too. So be serious about your career as an influencer, stay knowledgeable, and get in front of compliance issues.

Seek our professional on-the-ground guidance, contact us via mail at info@radiantbiz.com or WhatsApp & call us at +971521322895!