Trade License
Trade License
How to Start a Financial Services Business in Dubai
How to Start a Financial Services Business in Dubai
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How to Start a Financial Services Business in Dubai
How to Start a Financial Services Business in Dubai
Dubai has established itself as the financial capital of the Middle East and one of the top ten global financial centres by most rankings. The combination of a deep institutional banking ecosystem, a growing fintech sector, and a regulatory environment that clearly distinguishes regulated from non-regulated financial activities makes it a practical and commercially attractive base for financial services businesses. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers 70 financial services activities with 100% foreign ownership and no personal income tax.
Dubai has established itself as the financial capital of the Middle East and one of the top ten global financial centres by most rankings. The combination of a deep institutional banking ecosystem, a growing fintech sector, and a regulatory environment that clearly distinguishes regulated from non-regulated financial activities makes it a practical and commercially attractive base for financial services businesses. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers 70 financial services activities with 100% foreign ownership and no personal income tax.
Dubai has established itself as the financial capital of the Middle East and one of the top ten global financial centres by most rankings. The combination of a deep institutional banking ecosystem, a growing fintech sector, and a regulatory environment that clearly distinguishes regulated from non-regulated financial activities makes it a practical and commercially attractive base for financial services businesses. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers 70 financial services activities with 100% foreign ownership and no personal income tax.
What Does a Financial Services License Cover?
What Does a Financial Services License Cover?
What Does a Financial Services License Cover?
The financial services license at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone covers holding companies, digital wallet and e-payments, financial advisory, investment management, insurance brokerage, financial leasing, e-finance platforms, virtual assets advisory, transaction processing, and Islamic financial services. The category spans both regulated and non-regulated financial activities. Non-regulated activities including advisory, holding, and technology-facing fintech can be licensed and operational within one business day.
The financial services license at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone covers holding companies, digital wallet and e-payments, financial advisory, investment management, insurance brokerage, financial leasing, e-finance platforms, virtual assets advisory, transaction processing, and Islamic financial services. The category spans both regulated and non-regulated financial activities. Non-regulated activities including advisory, holding, and technology-facing fintech can be licensed and operational within one business day.
Documents Required
Passport copy for all shareholders
Documents Required
Passport copy for all shareholders
Eligibility
Any nationality, 100% foreign ownership
No prior UAE residency required
No minimum capital deposit
Eligibility
Any nationality, 100% foreign ownership
No prior UAE residency required
No minimum capital deposit
Office Requirements
Flexi-desk included in base package
Business address provided at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone
No physical office required to register
Office Requirements
Flexi-desk included in base package
Business address provided at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone
No physical office required to register
Third-Party Approvals
Third-Party Approvals
Non-regulated financial advisory and holding activities carry no pre-approval requirement. Regulated activities involving client funds, payment processing, and banking require CBUAE approval. Virtual asset services require VARA licensing. Insurance activities require UAE Insurance Authority approval. Confirm your specific activity classification before applying.
Non-regulated financial advisory and holding activities carry no pre-approval requirement. Regulated activities involving client funds, payment processing, and banking require CBUAE approval. Virtual asset services require VARA licensing. Insurance activities require UAE Insurance Authority approval. Confirm your specific activity classification before applying.
Popular Activities
Popular Activities
01
Holding Companies
6420
02
Digital Wallet for Electronic Payments
6419.97
03
Financial Advisory and Financial Analysis
6619.13
04
E-Finance
6492.98
05
Financial Leasing
6491
06
Virtual Assets Advisory Services
6619.82
01
Holding Companies
6420
02
Digital Wallet for Electronic Payments
6419.97
03
Financial Advisory and Financial Analysis
6619.13
04
E-Finance
6492.98
05
Financial Leasing
6491
06
Virtual Assets Advisory Services
6619.82