How to Get a Securities & Financial Products Promotion Business License in Dubai

Dubai's position as the Middle East's leading financial hub makes it one of the most strategically valuable locations in the world for businesses promoting securities and financial products. This guide explains exactly how to obtain a Securities and Financial Products Promotion Business Licence (Activity Code 7310.98) at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, covering costs, steps, compliance requirements, and why Dubai is the right base for this activity.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Activity Code: 7310.98

• Licence Type: Business Licence

• Category: Professional

• Issued by: Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone

• Foreign Ownership: 100% permitted

• UAE Financial Services Sector: Approximately 10% of GDP

• Market Reach: Over 2 billion consumers across MENA, South Asia, and Africa

• Corporate Tax on Qualifying Free Zone Income: 0%

What the Securities and Financial Products Promotion Licence Covers

Activity Code 7310.98 falls under the Professional category and permits the promotion and marketing of securities, investment products, and financial instruments within the UAE and to international audiences. Issued as a Business Licence through Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, this licence grants holders the authority to plan and execute promotional activities including advertising campaigns, digital outreach, and targeted communications directed at both institutional and retail audiences.

It is important to understand the scope of this licence clearly. The Securities and Financial Products Promotion Licence covers promotional and marketing functions only. It does not extend to trade execution, brokerage services, or fund management. Businesses wishing to conduct those activities must obtain separate regulatory approvals from the relevant UAE financial authorities. This distinction ensures that licence holders operate within a well-defined and compliant framework.

Who This Licence Is Suited To

This licence is well suited to a broad range of businesses operating at the intersection of finance and marketing. The following types of organisations are particularly well positioned to benefit:

• Marketing agencies and consultancies specialising in financial services promotion

• International financial institutions seeking a UAE base to promote products across the GCC and wider MENA region

• Fintech firms and digital investment platforms looking to run compliant promotional campaigns

• Independent financial marketing professionals establishing a UAE presence

One of the most attractive features of setting up in a UAE free zone is that 100% foreign ownership is permitted. Overseas investors and international businesses can establish and fully own their entity without requiring a local partner, making Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone a highly appealing option for global operators.

Setup Costs and Licensing Steps at Dubai South Business Hub

Licence fees at Dubai South Business Hub are competitive relative to mainland Dubai and other free zones. Typical setup costs encompass the business licence fee, company registration fee, and visa allocation charges depending on the package selected. Flexi-desk and virtual office options are available in certain package tiers, meaning a dedicated physical office is not always a mandatory requirement at the outset.

The step-by-step process for obtaining your licence is straightforward:

• Select your business activity (7310.98) and legal structure

• Submit your application along with the required documents

• Receive initial approval from the free zone authority

• Pay the applicable licence and registration fees

• Obtain your Business Licence and commence operations

Key Documents Required

Applicants should prepare the following documentation before submitting their application:

• Passport copies of all shareholders and directors

• Completed application form and a business plan summary

• A no-objection letter if the applicant is currently a UAE resident employed by another organisation

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

All promotional activities for securities and financial products must align with the guidelines set out by the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). The SCA governs the content and conduct of financial promotions, and businesses must ensure their campaigns meet the prescribed standards before publication or distribution.

Anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) obligations apply to all financial promotion businesses operating in the UAE. Licence holders are expected to maintain robust internal procedures to satisfy these requirements. Annual licence renewal is mandatory, and failure to renew on time may result in financial penalties or licence cancellation. The Dubai South Free Zone Authority oversees on-ground compliance, working alongside the SCA to maintain regulatory integrity across the sector.

Why Dubai Is the Right Base for Financial Products Promotion

The UAE's financial services sector has contributed approximately 10% of GDP in recent years, reflecting deep and sustained market demand for financial products and services. Dubai's geographic position makes it a gateway to over 2 billion consumers across the MENA region, South Asia, and Africa, giving businesses an unparalleled reach from a single base of operations.

Under the UAE's corporate tax regime introduced in 2023, qualifying free zone businesses benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on eligible income, providing a significant financial advantage over jurisdictions with higher tax burdens. World-class infrastructure, a stable and transparent regulatory environment, and a strong network of bilateral investment treaties further reinforce Dubai's appeal as the preferred base for financial services businesses seeking regional and global growth.

Conclusion

A Securities and Financial Products Promotion Business Licence at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers a compliant, cost-effective, and strategically positioned platform for marketing financial instruments across one of the world's most dynamic investment regions. With 100% foreign ownership, competitive setup costs, and access to a vast regional market, the opportunity for growth is substantial.

Contact the Dubai South Business Hub team today to begin your licence application and receive a tailored cost breakdown for your business structure.

References

• UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) - Official Website

• Dubai South Business Hub - Official Free Zone Information

• UAE Ministry of Finance - Corporate Tax Overview

• UAE Ministry of Economy - Business and Investment

• Central Bank of the UAE - Regulatory Framework