How to Start a Financial Services Business in Dubai
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 …
Let's Get You Started
Let's Get You Started
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.
Who Can Apply for a Financial Services License in Dubai?
Who Can Apply for a Financial Services License in Dubai?
Documents Required
Passport copy for all shareholders
Proof of residential address
Proposed company name, up to 3 options
Completed online application form
Eligibility
Any nationality, 100% foreign ownership
Minimum age 21 years
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
Documents Required
Passport copy for all shareholders
Proof of residential address
Proposed company name, up to 3 options
Completed online application form
Eligibility
Any nationality, 100% foreign ownership
Minimum age 21 years
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
Documents Required
Passport copy for all shareholders
Proof of residential address
Proposed company name, up to 3 options
Completed online application form
Eligibility
Any nationality, 100% foreign ownership
Minimum age 21 years
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
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
Popular Activities
Holding Companies
6420.00
Holding Companies
6420.00
Holding Companies
6420.00
Digital Wallet for Electronic Payments
6419.97
Digital Wallet for Electronic Payments
6419.97
Digital Wallet for Electronic Payments
6419.97
Financial Advisory
6619.13
Financial Advisory
6619.13
Financial Advisory
6619.13
E-Finance
6499.98
E-Finance
6499.98
E-Finance
6499.98
Financial Leasing
6491.00
Financial Leasing
6491.00
Virtual Assets Advisory Services
6619.82
Virtual Assets Advisory Services
6619.82
Holding Companies
6420.00
Financial Advisory
6619.13
Financial Leasing
6491.00
Digital Wallet for Electronic Payments
6419.97
E-Finance
6499.98
Virtual Assets Advisory Services
6619.82
Why Dubai South for Trading
Why Dubai South Free Zone for Trading
Why Dubai South for Trading
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is the only UAE free zone with Al Maktoum International Airport directly on-site, Jebel Ali Port 20 minutes away, and Etihad Rail as a designated freight hub. For trading businesses that depend on efficient air, sea, and rail freight connections, no other UAE free zone offers the same logistics combination. The proximity alone reduces operational costs and transit times for businesses moving high volumes of goods.
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is the only UAE free zone with Al Maktoum International Airport directly on-site, Jebel Ali Port 20 minutes away, and Etihad Rail as a designated freight hub. For tr…
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is the only UAE free zone with Al Maktoum International Airport directly on-site, Jebel Ali Port 20 minutes away, and Etihad Rail as a designated freight hub. For tr…
Setup Process
Setup Process
01
Choose Your Business Activity
02
Check your company name
03
Submit your application online
04
Pay and receive your license
05
Apply for visas and banking
01
02
03
04
05
Choose Your Business Activity
Browse the 70 financial activity codes at dubaisouthbh.com/business-activities. First five codes included at no extra cost.
01
Choose Your Business Activity
02
Check your company name
03
Submit your application online
04
Pay and receive your license
05
Apply for visas and banking
FAQs - Financial Services License Dubai
FAQs - Financial Services License Dubai
FAQs - Financial Services License Dubai
FAQs - Financial Services License Dubai
Do All Financial Businesses in Dubai Need Central Bank Approval?
Do All Financial Businesses in Dubai Need Central Bank Approval?
Can I Set up a Holding Company in a Dubai Free Zone?
Can I Set up a Holding Company in a Dubai Free Zone?
Can a Dubai Free Zone Company Hold Investments and Collect Dividends?
Can a Dubai Free Zone Company Hold Investments and Collect Dividends?
What is the Difference Between Fintech and a Regulated Payment Service in Dubai?
What is the Difference Between Fintech and a Regulated Payment Service in Dubai?
Is There Personal Income Tax on Financial Business Income in the UAE?
Is There Personal Income Tax on Financial Business Income in the UAE?
Can a Dubai Financial Company Repatriate Profits Internationally?
Can a Dubai Financial Company Repatriate Profits Internationally?
What is the UAE Corporate Tax Rate for Financial Free Zone Companies?
What is the UAE Corporate Tax Rate for Financial Free Zone Companies?
Can a Financial Advisory Company at Dubai South Serve GCC Clients?
Can a Financial Advisory Company at Dubai South Serve GCC Clients?
How Much Does a Financial Services License Cost in Dubai?
How Much Does a Financial Services License Cost in Dubai?
What is a Virtual Assets Advisory License in Dubai?
What is a Virtual Assets Advisory License in Dubai?
