Interactive Tool

NMC / MRO licence
eligibility checker.

Four-question check to determine whether you need a UAE Media Regulatory Office (formerly NMC) influencer licence and what the application pathway looks like. Indicative only.

Quick eligibility check

Do you do paid promotional content?

Any sponsored posts, brand deals, paid product placement, paid endorsements?

A
Yes — sponsored content or brand deals
B
No — organic only
Question 2

Do you operate in or from the UAE?

A
Yes — UAE resident or operating from UAE
B
No — outside UAE
Question 3

Do you have a UAE commercial licence?

A
Yes — free-zone licence or trade licence already
B
No
Question 4

Annual promotional revenue (AED)?

A
Under AED 50,000
B
AED 50,000 - 200,000
C
AED 200,000+
Indicative position

What to do next

    About the NMC/MRO influencer framework.

    The UAE\'s National Media Council (now succeeded by the Media Regulatory Office, MRO) requires influencers with paid promotional activity in the UAE to hold an influencer permit. The requirement is triggered by monetisation, not follower count.

    Non-compliance risks: enforcement action, content removal, platform-level restrictions, and brand-side reputational risk for the brands you partner with.

    Cybercrime Law Decree-Law 34/2021 overlays additional content prohibitions, defamation provisions and platform-cooperation obligations on all content (paid or organic).

    Speak to Neo Legal\'s Creator & Influencer team for full licensing setup.

    Need specialist counsel?

    Senior counsel only. Direct engagement with the partner who will run your matter.

    Creator & Influencer Practice →