Apply for a Brokerage In Securities Listed In Foreign Markets Business License in Dubai

Dubai's position as a global financial corridor makes it one of the most strategically advantageous locations in the world for firms seeking to broker securities listed on foreign exchanges. Whether you are an established investment house or an emerging financial intermediary, the emirate offers a regulatory environment, tax structure, and geographic reach that few jurisdictions can match.

This guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining a Brokerage in Securities Listed in Foreign Markets licence (Activity Code 6612.98) at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, from regulatory requirements and setup costs to compliance obligations and market opportunity.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Activity Code: 6612.98

• Licence Type: Business Licence

• Category: Financial

• Free Zone: Dubai South Business Hub

• Foreign Ownership: 100% permitted

• Personal Income Tax: 0%

• UAE Double Taxation Treaties: Over 130 countries

• Typical Licence Issuance Timeline: A few days to several weeks

• Legal Structure Options: Free Zone LLC and others

What the Licence Covers and Who It Suits

Activity Code 6612.98, classified under the Financial category, permits the brokerage of securities listed on foreign stock exchanges and international capital markets. Issued as a Business Licence under the Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone framework, this licence specifically authorises firms to act as intermediaries for instruments traded outside the UAE's domestic exchanges.

The licence is well suited to a broad range of financial professionals and organisations, including:

• Investment firms seeking a regulated UAE base to serve regional clients

• Financial intermediaries facilitating cross-border securities transactions

• Asset managers with exposure to international equities, bonds, and derivatives

• International brokerages looking to establish a presence in the Middle East

Critically, the licence enables firms to serve both regional and global clients without being restricted to UAE-listed instruments, making it a highly flexible vehicle for internationally focused financial operations.

UAE and Dubai Market Context

The UAE consistently ranks among the world's leading financial hubs, with Dubai serving as the primary gateway between East and West capital markets. The emirate's financial services sector continues to attract significant foreign investment, driven by a combination of regulatory clarity, tax efficiency, and world-class infrastructure.

Demand for cross-border securities brokerage across the GCC is growing rapidly, fuelled by a large population of high-net-worth individuals and increasingly sophisticated institutional investors seeking access to global markets. Dubai South Free Zone offers a business-friendly regulatory environment with streamlined licensing procedures specifically designed to accommodate financial activities such as foreign securities brokerage.

The UAE's network of over 130 double taxation treaties, combined with the complete absence of personal income tax, creates a compelling proposition for financial services firms. Businesses operating from Dubai South can structure their operations tax-efficiently while benefiting from proximity to a client base that spans the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

Licensing Requirements and Compliance Obligations

Applicants must satisfy the eligibility criteria set by Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone and submit a complete set of corporate documentation at the time of application. Because this falls within the Financial category, additional approvals from relevant UAE regulatory bodies may be required depending on the scope and nature of the proposed brokerage activities.

All licence holders must comply with the UAE's Anti-Money Laundering (AML) framework and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations, which are enforced in line with international Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards. Ongoing obligations include annual licence renewal and submission of required regulatory reports to the relevant authorities.

Key Documents Required

• Passport copies and proof of address for all shareholders and directors

• A detailed business plan outlining proposed brokerage activities, target markets, and operational structure

• No-objection certificates or regulatory approvals from relevant bodies where applicable

• Corporate documents for existing entities, if the applicant is an established company

Setup Costs and Application Steps

Licence fees at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone vary based on the chosen business structure, share capital requirements, and the type of office facility selected. Firms should account for registration fees, visa allocation costs, and charges for flexi-desk or dedicated office space when budgeting for their setup.

Additional costs may arise if external regulatory approvals are required as part of the financial licence application process. It is advisable to engage a licensed business setup adviser to obtain a precise cost breakdown based on your specific operational requirements.

The timeline from application submission to licence issuance generally ranges from a few days to several weeks, depending on the completeness of documentation and the need for any supplementary regulatory approvals.

Step-by-Step Application Process

• Step 1: Select the brokerage in securities listed in foreign markets activity (Code 6612.98) and confirm your preferred legal structure, such as a Free Zone LLC

• Step 2: Reserve your trade name and submit the initial licence application to Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone

• Step 3: Provide all required documentation and pay the applicable registration and licence fees

• Step 4: Receive your Business Licence and complete post-licensing setup, including corporate bank account opening and visa processing

Why Dubai South Is Well-Positioned for Foreign Securities Brokerage

Dubai South is home to Al Maktoum International Airport, one of the world's largest aviation infrastructure projects, positioning the free zone as both a logistics and financial services nexus with unrivalled connectivity. Its location within the broader Dubai South district places businesses at the centre of a planned smart city designed to attract global commerce.

Free zone entities benefit from 100% foreign ownership, entirely removing the need for a local UAE sponsor and giving international investors full control over their operations. This is a significant advantage for financial services firms that require operational independence and transparent corporate governance structures.

The surrounding region offers access to a large and growing expatriate investor base, alongside proximity to emerging markets across Africa, South Asia, and the wider Middle East. Supporting this environment, the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 sets out an ambitious programme to double the emirate's economy by 2033 and cement its status as one of the top four global financial centres.

Conclusion

A Brokerage in Securities Listed in Foreign Markets licence at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers financial firms a regulated, tax-efficient, and strategically located base from which to access global capital markets. Backed by a straightforward licensing process, a pro-business regulatory environment, and the full weight of the UAE's financial infrastructure, this licence represents a strong foundation for internationally focused brokerage operations.

Begin your application today by contacting Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone directly, or speak with a licensed business setup adviser to confirm your eligibility and documentation requirements before proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to obtain a Brokerage in Securities Listed in Foreign Markets licence at Dubai South?

Costs vary depending on your chosen legal structure, office facility type, and visa allocation requirements. Licence fees, registration charges, and any supplementary regulatory approval costs should all be factored into your budget. A licensed business setup adviser can provide a tailored cost estimate based on your specific needs.

Can a foreign national own 100% of a brokerage company in Dubai South?

Yes. Entities established within Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone benefit from 100% foreign ownership, meaning no local UAE sponsor or partner is required.

Are there additional regulatory approvals needed for financial activity licences?

Depending on the scope of your brokerage operations, approvals from relevant UAE financial regulatory authorities may be required in addition to the standard Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone licence application. Your business setup adviser can help identify which approvals apply to your specific activity.

How long does it take to receive a brokerage licence from Dubai South?

The timeline from application submission to licence issuance typically ranges from a few days to several weeks, depending on the completeness of your documentation and whether additional regulatory approvals are required.

What are the ongoing compliance obligations for licence holders?

Licence holders must comply with UAE AML and KYC regulations, renew their licence annually, and meet any regulatory reporting requirements set by the relevant authorities. Maintaining up-to-date compliance documentation is essential to avoid penalties or licence suspension.

Can I operate from a flexi-desk rather than a dedicated office?

Yes. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers flexi-desk options as well as dedicated office facilities. The choice of facility will affect your overall setup costs and may also influence the number of visas available under your licence.

Does the licence permit brokerage of all types of foreign-listed securities?

Activity Code 6612.98 covers brokerage of securities listed on foreign stock exchanges and international capital markets. The specific instruments and markets you may service should be confirmed with Dubai South and any relevant regulatory bodies prior to commencing operations.

Is there a minimum share capital requirement for this licence?

Share capital requirements depend on the legal structure chosen and the nature of the financial activities being conducted. Requirements should be confirmed directly with Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone or through a qualified business setup adviser during the application process.

References and Citations

• Dubai South Official Website

• Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism

• Dubai Economic Agenda D33, UAE Cabinet

• Financial Action Task Force (FATF)

• Central Bank of the UAE

• UAE Ministry of Finance, Double Taxation Agreements