Learn the budget requirements for selling on Amazon in the Middle East & Saudi Arabia and follow our step-by-step guide on How to Create Your Amazon Seller Account to start your e-commerce business today.

Budget Requirements for Selling on Amazon in the Middle East & Saudi Arabia || How to Create Your Amazon Seller Account

The Middle East’s e-commerce industry is growing at an unprecedented rate, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading the way. Amazon has become a major player in this expansion, making it easier than ever for entrepreneurs to enter the online marketplace. But before you start, you need to understand budget requirements and the process of how to create your Amazon seller account.

This guide will walk you through both: the costs you’ll likely face and the exact steps to open your seller account for Amazon in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Middle Eastern markets.

Why Selling on Amazon in the Middle East is a Profitable Opportunity

E-commerce adoption in the Middle East has surged in the last few years, driven by increased smartphone penetration, digital payments, and consumer trust in online shopping. Platforms like Amazon.sa and Amazon.ae have gained millions of active users.

Some key reasons to consider this market:

• High purchasing power in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia
• Fewer competitors compared to saturated Western markets
• Amazon FBA services are available for fulfillment and logistics
• A growing culture of online-first shopping

If you understand the budget requirements and master how to create your Amazon seller account, you’ll have a much smoother entry into this market.

Part 1: Budget Requirements for Selling on Amazon in the Middle East & Saudi Arabia

Starting an Amazon business doesn’t have to cost a fortune, but you do need to prepare for the main expenses.

1. Amazon Seller Subscription Fee

To sell on Amazon.sa or Amazon.ae, you need an Amazon Seller Central account. The Professional selling plan in the Middle East typically costs around $39/month (or equivalent in local currency).
This gives you access to all selling tools, reports, and advertising features.

2. Product Sourcing Costs

This is often the largest expense. Depending on your niche, sourcing products from suppliers (such as through Alibaba for Amazon UAE) will require an initial investment.

• Small product categories:$300–$1,000 initial inventory
• Medium-demand products: $1,000–$3,000
• High-demand or bulk orders: $3,000+

Tip: Prior to making a significant purchase, always order product samples.

3. Shipping & Customs Fees

If you’re importing products into Saudi Arabia or the UAE, you must factor in shipping charges and customs duties. Shipping by sea is more economical for bulk orders, whereas air freight offers faster delivery at a higher cost

Estimated shipping costs:

• Small packages: $50–$200 per shipment
• Large bulk orders: $500–$2,000+

Customs duties in the Middle East generally range from 5% to 15%, depending on the product category.

4. Amazon FBA Fees

If you use Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), you’ll pay fees for storage, handling, and shipping your products to customers. These vary by product size and weight.

Example:

• Standard-size item: $3–$5 per unit
• Oversized item: $6–$15 per unit

5. Marketing & PPC Budget

Amazon advertising (PPC) is crucial for gaining visibility in a competitive marketplace. In the Middle East, you should budget at least $300–$500/month for initial campaigns.

6. Miscellaneous Expenses

• Product photography: $50–$200 per product
• Branding & packaging: $100–$500
• Business licenses (in the UAE or Saudi Arabia if required): $200–$1,000

Example Startup Budget for Amazon in the Middle East

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (USD)
Amazon seller subscription	$39/month
Initial inventory	$1,000–$3,000
Shipping & customs	$300–$1,000
FBA fees	$200–$800
Marketing/PPC	$300–$500
Product photography	$100–$300
Branding & packaging	$200–$500
Total Estimated Startup	$2,139–$6,139

Part 2: How to Create Your Amazon Seller Account

Now that you know the budget requirements, let’s dive into how to create your Amazon seller account for the Middle East.

Step 1: Choose Your Marketplace

Decide whether you want to sell on:

• Amazon.sa (Saudi Arabia)
• Amazon.ae (UAE)
  You can also sell on both with a unified account.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Amazon requests specific paperwork to authenticate both your personal identity and business credentials.

• Valid passport or national ID
• Bank account statement
• Credit card
• Business license (if registering as a business entity)

Step 3: Register on Amazon Seller Central

After accessing Amazon Seller Central Middle East, click on 'Sign Up.'

Choose the Professional Selling Plan to unlock all features.

Step 4: Fill in Your Details

You’ll be asked to provide:

• Amazon requests specific paperwork to authenticate both your personal identity and business credentials.
• Address and contact number
• Bank account for payouts
• Tax information

Step 5: Verify Your Identity

To verify your identification, Amazon can ask for a quick video call or the provision of scanned papers.

Step 6: Set Up Your Product Listings

Once your account is approved, you can start adding products. Ensure your listings include:

• SEO-optimized titles and descriptions
• High-quality images
• Competitive pricing

Step 7: Plan for Fulfillment

Choose between using Amazon FBA or fulfilling orders yourself. For most beginners in the Middle East, FBA is recommended because it handles storage, shipping, and customer service.

Tips for Success After Creating Your Amazon Seller Account

1. Start Small and Scale: Begin with 1–3 products and expand as you understand market demand.
2. Monitor Your PPC campaigns: Optimize regularly to reduce costs.
3. Focus on Reviews: Positive reviews boost ranking and trust.
4. Stay Compliant: Follow all Amazon guidelines and local laws.

Final Thoughts

Selling on Amazon in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia offers enormous opportunities for entrepreneurs, but success requires careful planning. Understanding budget requirements ensures you’re financially prepared, and following the steps for how to create your Amazon seller account sets the foundation for your business.

With the right strategy, you can establish a profitable e-commerce presence in this fast-growing region.

 

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