Trade License
How to Start a Financial Services Business in Dubai
How to Start a Financial Services Business in Dubai
Trade License
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 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
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
No. CBUAE approval is required for regulated activities involving client funds, payment processing, banking, and licensed insurance. Advisory, holding company, e-finance technology, and non-regulated financial services operate under a standard Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone business license without CBUAE pre-approval.
No. CBUAE approval is required for regulated activities involving client funds, payment processing, banking, and licensed insurance. Advisory, holding company, e-finance technology, and non-regulated financial services operate under a standard Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone business license without CBUAE pre-approval.
No. CBUAE approval is required for regulated activities involving client funds, payment processing, banking, and licensed insurance. Advisory, holding company, e-finance technology, and non-regulated financial services operate under a standard Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone business license without CBUAE pre-approval.
No. CBUAE approval is required for regulated activities involving client funds, payment processing, banking, and licensed insurance. Advisory, holding company, e-finance technology, and non-regulated financial services operate under a standard Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone business license without CBUAE pre-approval.
No. CBUAE approval is required for regulated activities involving client funds, payment processing, banking, and licensed insurance. Advisory, holding company, e-finance technology, and non-regulated financial services operate under a standard Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone business license without CBUAE pre-approval.
Yes. Holding companies are among the most commonly registered financial activities at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. A holding company structure allows you to own assets, equity stakes in other companies, and intellectual property, with 100% foreign ownership and no personal income tax.
Yes. Holding companies are among the most commonly registered financial activities at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. A holding company structure allows you to own assets, equity stakes in other companies, and intellectual property, with 100% foreign ownership and no personal income tax.
Yes. Holding companies are among the most commonly registered financial activities at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. A holding company structure allows you to own assets, equity stakes in other companies, and intellectual property, with 100% foreign ownership and no personal income tax.
Yes. Holding companies are among the most commonly registered financial activities at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. A holding company structure allows you to own assets, equity stakes in other companies, and intellectual property, with 100% foreign ownership and no personal income tax.
Yes. Holding companies are among the most commonly registered financial activities at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. A holding company structure allows you to own assets, equity stakes in other companies, and intellectual property, with 100% foreign ownership and no personal income tax.
Yes. A holding company or investment entity at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone can hold equity stakes in other companies and receive dividends. Dividend income at the entity level may be exempt from UAE corporate tax depending on circumstances. Confirm your specific tax position with a qualified UAE tax adviser.
Yes. A holding company or investment entity at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone can hold equity stakes in other companies and receive dividends. Dividend income at the entity level may be exempt from UAE corporate tax depending on circumstances. Confirm your specific tax position with a qualified UAE tax adviser.
Yes. A holding company or investment entity at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone can hold equity stakes in other companies and receive dividends. Dividend income at the entity level may be exempt from UAE corporate tax depending on circumstances. Confirm your specific tax position with a qualified UAE tax adviser.
Yes. A holding company or investment entity at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone can hold equity stakes in other companies and receive dividends. Dividend income at the entity level may be exempt from UAE corporate tax depending on circumstances. Confirm your specific tax position with a qualified UAE tax adviser.
Yes. A holding company or investment entity at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone can hold equity stakes in other companies and receive dividends. Dividend income at the entity level may be exempt from UAE corporate tax depending on circumstances. Confirm your specific tax position with a qualified UAE tax adviser.
Technology businesses building fintech software, financial APIs, and B2B tools operate under a standard free zone business license. Businesses that process payments, hold client funds, or operate digital wallets require CBUAE approval. The distinction is between building financial technology and operating a regulated financial service.
Technology businesses building fintech software, financial APIs, and B2B tools operate under a standard free zone business license. Businesses that process payments, hold client funds, or operate digital wallets require CBUAE approval. The distinction is between building financial technology and operating a regulated financial service.
Technology businesses building fintech software, financial APIs, and B2B tools operate under a standard free zone business license. Businesses that process payments, hold client funds, or operate digital wallets require CBUAE approval. The distinction is between building financial technology and operating a regulated financial service.
Technology businesses building fintech software, financial APIs, and B2B tools operate under a standard free zone business license. Businesses that process payments, hold client funds, or operate digital wallets require CBUAE approval. The distinction is between building financial technology and operating a regulated financial service.
Technology businesses building fintech software, financial APIs, and B2B tools operate under a standard free zone business license. Businesses that process payments, hold client funds, or operate digital wallets require CBUAE approval. The distinction is between building financial technology and operating a regulated financial service.
No. The UAE has no personal income tax. Financial business owners at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone pay zero personal income tax on earnings from the company, regardless of income volume or nationality.
No. The UAE has no personal income tax. Financial business owners at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone pay zero personal income tax on earnings from the company, regardless of income volume or nationality.
No. The UAE has no personal income tax. Financial business owners at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone pay zero personal income tax on earnings from the company, regardless of income volume or nationality.
No. The UAE has no personal income tax. Financial business owners at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone pay zero personal income tax on earnings from the company, regardless of income volume or nationality.
No. The UAE has no personal income tax. Financial business owners at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone pay zero personal income tax on earnings from the company, regardless of income volume or nationality.
Yes. Free zone companies in the UAE have no restrictions on profit repatriation. You can transfer 100% of your earnings to accounts in any country without restriction or approval required.
Yes. Free zone companies in the UAE have no restrictions on profit repatriation. You can transfer 100% of your earnings to accounts in any country without restriction or approval required.
Yes. Free zone companies in the UAE have no restrictions on profit repatriation. You can transfer 100% of your earnings to accounts in any country without restriction or approval required.
Yes. Free zone companies in the UAE have no restrictions on profit repatriation. You can transfer 100% of your earnings to accounts in any country without restriction or approval required.
Yes. Free zone companies in the UAE have no restrictions on profit repatriation. You can transfer 100% of your earnings to accounts in any country without restriction or approval required.
Qualifying Free Zone Persons meeting the substance, qualifying income, and de minimis conditions may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income. The standard UAE corporate tax rate is 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000. Confirm your specific position with a qualified UAE tax adviser.
Qualifying Free Zone Persons meeting the substance, qualifying income, and de minimis conditions may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income. The standard UAE corporate tax rate is 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000. Confirm your specific position with a qualified UAE tax adviser.
Qualifying Free Zone Persons meeting the substance, qualifying income, and de minimis conditions may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income. The standard UAE corporate tax rate is 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000. Confirm your specific position with a qualified UAE tax adviser.
Qualifying Free Zone Persons meeting the substance, qualifying income, and de minimis conditions may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income. The standard UAE corporate tax rate is 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000. Confirm your specific position with a qualified UAE tax adviser.
Qualifying Free Zone Persons meeting the substance, qualifying income, and de minimis conditions may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income. The standard UAE corporate tax rate is 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000. Confirm your specific position with a qualified UAE tax adviser.
Yes. Financial advisory, investment consultancy, and non-regulated financial services businesses can serve clients across the GCC, Middle East, and internationally from Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. There are no geographic restrictions on providing advisory services.
Yes. Financial advisory, investment consultancy, and non-regulated financial services businesses can serve clients across the GCC, Middle East, and internationally from Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. There are no geographic restrictions on providing advisory services.
Yes. Financial advisory, investment consultancy, and non-regulated financial services businesses can serve clients across the GCC, Middle East, and internationally from Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. There are no geographic restrictions on providing advisory services.
Yes. Financial advisory, investment consultancy, and non-regulated financial services businesses can serve clients across the GCC, Middle East, and internationally from Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. There are no geographic restrictions on providing advisory services.
Yes. Financial advisory, investment consultancy, and non-regulated financial services businesses can serve clients across the GCC, Middle East, and internationally from Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. There are no geographic restrictions on providing advisory services.
Financial services licenses at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone start from AED 12,500 per year. Regulatory approval costs for CBUAE-licensed activities are additional. Use the cost calculator at dubaisouthbh.com/cost-calculator for your personalised estimate.
Financial services licenses at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone start from AED 12,500 per year. Regulatory approval costs for CBUAE-licensed activities are additional. Use the cost calculator at dubaisouthbh.com/cost-calculator for your personalised estimate.
Financial services licenses at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone start from AED 12,500 per year. Regulatory approval costs for CBUAE-licensed activities are additional. Use the cost calculator at dubaisouthbh.com/cost-calculator for your personalised estimate.
Financial services licenses at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone start from AED 12,500 per year. Regulatory approval costs for CBUAE-licensed activities are additional. Use the cost calculator at dubaisouthbh.com/cost-calculator for your personalised estimate.
Financial services licenses at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone start from AED 12,500 per year. Regulatory approval costs for CBUAE-licensed activities are additional. Use the cost calculator at dubaisouthbh.com/cost-calculator for your personalised estimate.
Virtual Assets Advisory Services (6619.82) covers consultancy and advisory on cryptocurrency, blockchain, and digital assets. This activity does not require VARA licensing. VARA licensing is required only if your business exchanges, custodies, or manages client virtual assets directly.
Virtual Assets Advisory Services (6619.82) covers consultancy and advisory on cryptocurrency, blockchain, and digital assets. This activity does not require VARA licensing. VARA licensing is required only if your business exchanges, custodies, or manages client virtual assets directly.
Virtual Assets Advisory Services (6619.82) covers consultancy and advisory on cryptocurrency, blockchain, and digital assets. This activity does not require VARA licensing. VARA licensing is required only if your business exchanges, custodies, or manages client virtual assets directly.
Virtual Assets Advisory Services (6619.82) covers consultancy and advisory on cryptocurrency, blockchain, and digital assets. This activity does not require VARA licensing. VARA licensing is required only if your business exchanges, custodies, or manages client virtual assets directly.
Virtual Assets Advisory Services (6619.82) covers consultancy and advisory on cryptocurrency, blockchain, and digital assets. This activity does not require VARA licensing. VARA licensing is required only if your business exchanges, custodies, or manages client virtual assets directly.