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.

Let's Get You Started

Full Name*

Email Address*

Phone Number*

Business Activity*

I confirm that I have read and understood Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone's Terms and

Let's Get You Started

Full Name*

Email Address*

Phone Number*

Business Activity*

I confirm that I have read and understood Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone's Terms and

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full List of 70 Financial Activities

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… 

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Setup Process

Choose Your Business Activity

Check your company name

Submit your application online

Pay and receive your license

Apply for visas and banking

Choose Your Business Activity

Browse the 70 financial activity codes at dubaisouthbh.com/business-activities. First five codes included at no extra cost.

Choose Your Business Activity

Check your company name

Submit your application online

Pay and receive your license

Apply for visas and banking

FAQs - Financial Services License Dubai

Do All Financial Businesses in Dubai Need Central Bank Approval?

Can I Set up a Holding Company in a Dubai Free Zone?

Can a Dubai Free Zone Company Hold Investments and Collect Dividends?

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?

Can a Dubai Financial Company Repatriate Profits Internationally?

What is the UAE Corporate Tax Rate for Financial Free Zone Companies?

Can a Financial Advisory Company at Dubai South Serve GCC Clients?

How Much Does a Financial Services License Cost in Dubai?

What is a Virtual Assets Advisory License in Dubai?