Apply for a Financial Consultation & Financial Analysis Business License in Dubai

Dubai's position as a global financial hub makes it one of the most strategic locations to establish a Financial Consultation & Financial Analysis business, attracting professionals and firms seeking access to regional and international markets. Whether you are an independent financial analyst, a boutique advisory firm, or a corporate finance professional, Dubai offers a well-regulated, internationally connected environment to grow your practice.

This guide covers everything you need to know about activity code 6619.89 — what it includes, who qualifies, licensing pathways, regulatory considerations, and how Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone can support your setup.

📊 Key Facts: Financial Consultation & Financial Analysis License in Dubai

• Activity Code: 6619.89 — Financial Consultation & Financial Analysis

• License Type: Professional / Financial Services

• Jurisdictions Available: Dubai Mainland (DET) and Free Zones

• Foreign Ownership: 100% permitted in free zones

• External Approval: SCA registration required for investment-related services

• Corporate Tax: 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000 (free zone qualifying income conditions apply)

• Key Regulator: Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) for capital markets activities

What Is Financial Consultation & Financial Analysis (Activity Code 6619.89)?

Activity code 6619.89 covers a broad range of advisory and analytical services related to financial planning, investment strategy, and market analysis. It is designed for professionals and firms that provide expert guidance and research-driven insights to businesses, investors, and institutions — without necessarily executing trades or managing funds directly.

This activity is relevant to independent financial consultants, boutique advisory practices, corporate finance departments, and economic research firms. It is important to note that regulated activities such as fund management, brokerage, or securities trading require separate approvals beyond this activity code.

Scope of Permitted Activities Under 6619.89

• Financial advisory and planning consultation: Advising clients on financial structuring, capital allocation, and long-term financial planning strategies.

• Quantitative and qualitative financial analysis: Conducting in-depth analysis of financial statements, market trends, valuations, and investment opportunities for businesses or investors.

• Risk evaluation and forecasting: Assessing financial risk profiles, performing scenario modelling, and producing forward-looking financial projections. For more detail, see our guide on project development and financial consultancy in Dubai. For more detail, see our guide on cost control and financial consultancy in Dubai.

• Economic and sector-level research reporting: Producing research reports, market intelligence documents, and economic commentary for corporate or institutional clients.

You can explore the full list of business activities in Dubai available through Dubai South Business Hub to identify complementary or related activity codes for your business.

Licensing Pathways: Mainland vs. Free Zone

When setting up a financial consultation business in Dubai, you will need to choose between a mainland license and a free zone license. Each pathway has distinct advantages depending on your target market, operational structure, and long-term business goals.

A financial services business license in Dubai can be structured through either route, and your choice will directly affect your regulatory obligations, ownership structure, and client engagement capabilities. For more detail, see our guide on commercial brokerage and financial services in Dubai. For more detail, see our guide on credit and financial lending services in Dubai. For more detail, see our guide on equipment leasing and financial services in Dubai. For more detail, see our guide on foreign securities promotion and financial services in Dubai.

Free Zone Setup at Dubai South Business Hub

Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is a practical option for financial consultants and analysts seeking a streamlined, ownership-friendly setup. Key advantages include:

• 100% foreign ownership for financial consultation activities — no local sponsor required.

• Flexible office and flexi-desk options suited to boutique advisory firms and solo practitioners looking to minimise overheads.

• Strategic location near Al Maktoum International Airport and the Dubai South logistics corridor, offering strong connectivity for regional and international client engagement.

• Simplified company formation process with support for documentation and licensing.

To understand the business setup cost in Dubai for a financial consultation license, use the Dubai South Business Hub cost calculator for an indicative estimate.

Mainland Licensing via DET

A mainland license issued through Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) allows unrestricted client engagement across the UAE, including direct contracts with government entities and UAE-based corporates. Key requirements include:

• A registered physical office address in Dubai.

• Activity code 6619.89 explicitly listed on the trade license application.

• A local service agent may be required depending on your chosen legal structure.

Refer to the UAE Ministry of Economy for updated mainland licensing guidelines and business structure requirements.

Regulatory Requirements & External Approvals

Financial consultation and analysis in Dubai operates within a well-defined regulatory framework. Understanding which approvals apply to your specific service scope is critical before submitting your license application.

SCA Considerations for Financial Analysts

The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) regulates investment-related financial analysis under Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2000 and its amendments. If your services extend to investment advice, securities analysis, or capital markets consultation, SCA registration is mandatory. Specifically:

• Firms advising on securities, derivatives, listed instruments, or structured investment products must obtain the relevant SCA licence category.

• Firms offering purely general financial planning, business advisory, or economic research — without referencing specific securities — may not require SCA registration, but you should confirm your exact scope with your licensing authority before proceeding.

• UAE Central Bank oversight applies if your activities touch on banking services, credit products, or monetary instruments. Visit the UAE Central Bank for current regulatory guidance.

• Anti-money laundering (AML) compliance obligations apply to all financial service providers under UAE Federal AML legislation. Ensure your firm has appropriate internal controls, a compliance officer, and reporting procedures in place.

For a comprehensive overview of applicable regulations and government services, consult the UAE government portal.

Typical Requirements to Obtain Your License

While exact documentation requirements vary by jurisdiction and legal structure, the following are commonly requested when applying for a financial consultation license under activity code 6619.89:

• Completed trade license application with activity code 6619.89 specified.

• Passport copies and valid visa documentation for all shareholders and directors.

• Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Articles of Association, depending on the chosen legal structure.

• Proof of registered office address — physical office or approved flexi-desk arrangement.

• Educational or professional credentials demonstrating financial advisory competency (may be requested by the licensing authority).

• No-objection certificate (NOC) if any applicant is currently employed under a UAE residence visa.

Before you begin, check your business name availability to ensure your proposed trade name complies with UAE naming conventions and is not already registered.

Visa & Residency Considerations

• Your business license enables eligibility for an investor or partner UAE residency visa, allowing you to legally reside in the UAE under your company.

• Employee visas are allocated based on office space and the rules of your chosen free zone or mainland authority.

• Emirates ID registration is mandatory for all UAE residents — refer to the ICP portal for procedures and application requirements.

Key Considerations Before Setting Up

Before submitting your license application, take time to evaluate the following strategic and compliance factors:

• Define your service scope precisely. The distinction between general financial advisory and regulated investment advice determines whether SCA or other approvals are needed. Misclassification can cause delays or compliance issues.

• Understand your tax position. UAE corporate tax of 9% applies to taxable income above AED 375,000. Free zone businesses may be eligible for a 0% rate on qualifying income, subject to conditions — verify your eligibility at the UAE Federal Tax Authority.

• Leverage Dubai's financial ecosystem. Dubai's proximity to major financial centres and its established professional services community provides strong networking, client access, and talent acquisition opportunities.

• Consider professional indemnity insurance. Financial consultants operating in the UAE market are strongly advised to carry appropriate professional indemnity cover to protect against claims arising from advisory services.

• Work with a business setup specialist. Engaging a knowledgeable setup partner reduces the risk of errors in activity classification, documentation preparation, and regulatory liaison — particularly where SCA or Central Bank approvals may be involved.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Financial Consultation & Financial Analysis license (activity code 6619.89) in Dubai involves selecting the right jurisdiction, understanding SCA and regulatory boundaries, and preparing accurate documentation. Free zone options like Dubai South Business Hub offer a practical, 100% foreign-ownership-friendly route to market, with flexible office solutions and a strategic location that supports regional and international client engagement.

Whether you are launching a new advisory practice or expanding an existing financial services operation into the UAE, getting your licensing structure right from the outset is essential. Contact Dubai South Business Hub today to explore how to start your business in Dubai and establish your financial consultation company in one of Dubai's most strategically located free zones. For more detail, see our guide on investment advisory and financial consultation in Dubai.

References

• UAE Ministry of Economy (moet.gov.ae)

• the UAE Central Bank (centralbank.ae)

• UAE government portal (u.ae)

• the ICP portal (icp.gov.ae)

• the UAE Federal Tax Authority (tax.gov.ae)