A Legal Guide to Run a Photography Business in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates is known for its oil and gas giants, iconic skyscrapers, advanced infrastructure, luxury cars, and cutting-edge technology. But beyond all of this, the country is buzzing with events, parties, creative projects, and people who appreciate the power of a good photograph. This growing demand has opened doors for freelance photographers and photography businesses.

However, photography in the UAE is not just a creative pursuit. It is a regulated profession with clear licensing requirements and legal rules that must be followed.

Whether you are an aspiring freelancer or planning to establish a full-scale photography studio, understanding the legal framework of setting up a photography business in the UAE is essential to avoid fines and license suspensions. In this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about setting up a photography business in the UAE.

Why the UAE is the Land of Opportunities for Photographers  

As mentioned before, the UAE, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is home to a thriving events industry, global tourism, and a luxury-driven lifestyle. Additionally, weddings, corporate events, architectural shoots, fashion shows, and real estate photography all generate consistent demand. Moreover, there are free zones, such as Dubai Media City, Sharjah Media City, and Fujairah Creative City, that support photographers, videographers, and other creative media professionals in setting up their businesses in the UAE. These free zones offer 100% foreign ownership, simplified licensing, and tax advantages, making them an ideal choice for freelance photographers and videographers.

How to Start a Photography Business in the UAE 

Here’s a comprehensive guide for photography businesses in the UAE:

1. Licensing and Business Setup 

The first step to starting a photography business in the UAE is obtaining the correct trade license. Here’s how licensing and business setup differ between the mainland and the free zone:

• Mainland Setup:
  

  To set up a photography business in the mainland UAE, you need a trade license from the Department of Economic Development (DED). This license helps you operate from anywhere in the UAE. Getting a mainland trade license is perfect for individuals planning to open a physical photography studio or deal directly with customers.

• Free Zone Setup:
  

  To establish a photography business in a free zone, you require a trade license from the relevant free zone authority. With a trade license, you also get 100% foreign ownership, corporate tax benefits, and full repatriation of profits. A free zone trade license is ideal for freelancers and digital content creators seeking a cost-effective business setup in the UAE. 

Here are some key points to keep in mind when applying for trade licenses:  

• Clearly specify your business activities (e.g., event, commercial, portrait, aerial photography) on the application. Remember that unlisted business activities may result in penalties.
• Avoid the use of offensive or religious terms in your photography business.

Note: Trade licenses don’t cover outdoor and commercial shoots in public spaces. Therefore, if you take up a project that requires you to shoot in public space, you will need a permit from the National Media Council (NMC) or the relevant municipality.

2. Choose a Legal Structure  

Depending on your business model, you can choose one of the following structures:

• A sole proprietorship, which is a simple setup, is often used by freelancers.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC), which is suitable for larger studios with employees.
• A Free Zone Establishment (FZE) or Free Zone LLC is a common structure within Free Zones.

The choice impacts ownership, visa quotas, and compliance obligations. Free Zones usually provide cost-effective packages for startups, while mainland setups offer broader local market access.

3. Permits and Approvals for Photography Work 

The UAE has strict rules on shooting in public places and the commercialization of photos without a proper license. Therefore, whenever you plan to regenerate a photo or shoot in a public space, you will need to obtain the necessary permits and approvals. Here are some legal bodies that you would need additional permits from:

• National Media Council (NMC): Oversees professional photography permits for commercial use, documentaries, or media-related work.
• Dubai Municipality: Issues approvals for public shoots, especially if large equipment, crews, or public spaces are involved.
• Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC): Required for commercial shoots, filming, or drone operations within Dubai.
• General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA): Mandatory for drone photography. Registration of drones and operator permits is required.

Here are some restricted or permit-only areas in the UAE:

• Airports, military bases, government offices, and critical infrastructure.
• Mosques and religious sites often restrict or control photography.
• Public beaches and residential areas — only with prior consent.

Note: Operating without these permits can lead to immediate fines or confiscation of equipment.

4. Privacy and Consent Laws 

The UAE has strict privacy rules that all photographers must respect.

• Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 (Cybercrime Law):

  Article 44 of the Cybercrime Law prohibits photographing anyone without consent, even in public places. Failing to adhere to this might lead to penalties, including jail time (minimum of 6 months) and fines ranging from AED 150,000 to AED 500,000. This section includes photos of cars, houses, license plates, or any other detail that identifies an individual.

• Federal Copyright Law No. 38 of 2021:

  Using, sharing, or publishing someone’s photo without their permission is an infringement. Additionally, editing photos to harm reputation carries fines ranging from AED 250,000 to one year in prison.

5. Drone Photography Rules 

Drone-based photography is heavily regulated in the UAE.

• Drones must be registered with the GCAA.
• Operators require permits for both recreational and commercial use.
• Drones’ flying range shall be within line-of-sight and not more than 122 meters (400 feet) above ground level.
• Drones shall fly only during daytime and in good weather conditions.
• Drones shall not be flown near public and/or private property.
• Drones shall now be flown within 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) of the outer fence of UAE airports, heliports, helicopter landing sites, and airfields, or in controlled zones.

Unauthorized drone use can result in equipment confiscation, heavy fines, and potential criminal liability.

6. Studio Setup and Facilities 

Depending on your business scale:

• Freelancers may operate under a flexi-desk license issued by Free Zones.
• Studios require rented commercial space. For mainland setups, physical office space is often mandatory.

Studios must comply with DED or Free Zone guidelines, including health, safety, and insurance requirements.

7. Contracts and Commercial Obligations 

Professional photographers in the UAE are expected to operate with clear contracts. These should include:

• Scope of services (events, commercial shoots, post-production).
• Payment terms, deposits, and cancellation policies.
• Client consent for use of images.
• Confidentiality and data protection clauses.

For corporate clients, VAT registration may also be necessary. Ensure invoices are VAT-compliant to avoid penalties.

8. Financial and Tax Considerations 

• VAT applies to most photography services, unless exempt.
• Corporate tax applies to mainland companies exceeding the profit threshold, but most Free Zone businesses enjoy exemptions if they comply with substance regulations.
• Maintain separate business and personal accounts for financial transparency.

Failure to register or file VAT/corporate tax can result in significant fines.

What is a Freelancer License?   

A freelancer license is a legal permit that allows an individual to operate as an independent entity without being tied to a company. When starting a photography business in the UAE, the easiest option is to obtain a freelancer license to run your freelance photographic activities in the UAE. Shams offers freelancer licenses to media professionals, such as photographers, to allow them to work independently as freelance media professionals.

Shams Media License for Freelancers: 

1. Shams offers media licenses to freelancers engaged in various activities, including e-commerce, advertising, media production, and photography. You can choose from a wide range of 1 Year Freelance Packages, such as Zero Visa Package, Zero Visa (Shared Desk), and One Visa Package.
2. Only one shareholder is permissible in a freelance package. Each package is for one activity only. For additional activities, you will pay an extra fee per activity.
3. The packages include only the fee for company formation (issuance of the License, Certificate of Formation, MOA, and AOA). Additional fees for immigration cards, investor visas, medical fees, employee visa fees, and change-of-status fees are payable. External approvals are also not included in the package. The fee for external approvals, if required, will be subject to the relevant authority.

Photographic Activities Permitted in Shams Free Zone: 

Which photography license is most appropriate for you will depend on which photographic activities you plan to perform. At Shams Free Zone, you can undertake the following photographic activities:

1. Commercial And Consumer Photograph Production:

• Portrait photography for use in passports, schools, weddings, etc.
• Photography for commercials, fashion, real estate, tourism, or publishers
• Aerial photography
• Video recording of events like weddings, meetings, etc.

2. Film Processing: 

• Developing, printing, and enlarging from negatives sourced through clients or cine films
• Film developing and photo printing laboratories
• One-hour photoshops
• Mounting of slides
• Copying and restoring or transparency retouching of photographs

Permissions Required for Photography/Videography in Public Place 

1. Taking photos of people is a sensitive issue in the UAE’s local culture. Furthermore, taking photos of women and families in public places in the UAE is forbidden.
2. If you are working on a commercial campaign, you must obtain the required permissions that will allow you to conduct a photo shoot in a public place.
3. Tourist attractions such as malls also require you to obtain permission before the visit.
4. You will also require prior approval to click images with professional cameras around most hotels.
5. As per UAE law, taking photos or videos of people without their consent is punishable. If your photo or video violates the privacy of another individual, you may face serious consequences.
6. A photographer or videographer who keeps, shows, shares, exhibits, distributes, or publishes photos or video footage of an individual without their permission is deemed illegal in the UAE.
7. You cannot post another individual’s work (photo or video) online without consent from the individual. Also, you cannot tag someone online without their prior consent.
8. For security reasons, it is illegal to capture the footage of restricted areas, including government organizations, critical installations, political buildings, and military locations.

Conclusion:

In the end, you need to know the laws before you plan to start your photography business in the UAE.

For most photography businesses in the UAE, a free setup is the most practical choice. They provide 100% foreign ownership, fast-track approvals and permits, tax incentives and cost-effective setup packages.

When you decide to start your photography business, consider incorporating your business in Shams Free Zone.

Shams Free Zone is one of the most cost-effective and business-friendly hubs in the UAE for all photographic activities. Visit www.shams.ae or call Shams authorities at 800 (Shams) 74267 to learn more about setting up your photography business.