How to Get an Own-Account Investment Activities Business License in Dubai
Dubai has firmly established itself as one of the world's premier financial hubs, attracting venture capital firms, investment clubs, private equity vehicles, and other own-account investment entities from across the globe. With a transparent regulatory framework, zero corporate tax on qualifying income, and a strategic gateway position between East and West, the emirate offers conditions that few jurisdictions can match. If you are looking to set up own-account investment activities under activity code 6499.02 at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, this guide walks you through everything you need to know, from license scope and costs to compliance requirements and setup steps.
What Are Own-Account Investment Activities?
Own-account investment activities refer to the deployment of capital by entities that invest on their own behalf rather than on behalf of third-party clients. This category, classified under ISIC activity code 6499.02 and the Financial license category, covers a broad range of investment structures, including:
Venture capital companies funding early-stage and growth businesses
Investment clubs pooling member capital into diversified portfolios
Angel investor networks making direct equity placements
Private holding companies managing proprietary investment portfolios
Special purpose vehicles (SPVs) created for single-deal investments
The license does not cover fund management on behalf of external investors or discretionary portfolio management for clients, which require separate regulatory authorisations from the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) or the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).
Why Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone?
Dubai South is a master-planned economic zone built around Al Maktoum International Airport, the world's largest airport development project. The free zone offers 100% foreign ownership, full repatriation of profits and capital, no personal income tax, and a simplified single-window licensing process. For investment entities, proximity to logistics infrastructure, a growing fintech ecosystem, and direct connectivity to global markets make Dubai South an increasingly attractive base for own-account investment operations.
Key Stats at a Glance
Infographic: Own-Account Investment Activities in Dubai South
Activity Code: 6499.02
License Type: Business License
Category: Financial
Foreign Ownership Allowed: 100%
Corporate Tax Rate on Qualifying Free Zone Income: 0%
UAE Venture Capital Deals (2023): Over USD 1.5 billion deployed across the MENA region
Dubai South Free Zone Companies: 7,000+ registered businesses
Typical License Approval Timeline: 3 to 7 working days
Who Is This License Suited For?
This license is ideal for entrepreneurs, family offices, high-net-worth individuals, and corporate groups that wish to formalise their investment activities within a regulated yet business-friendly environment. It is particularly well suited to:
Regional and international venture capital firms seeking a UAE base
Investment clubs wanting a compliant legal structure
Holding companies managing cross-border equity stakes
Startup accelerators with a co-investment mandate
Setup Costs and Steps
Estimated Costs
Cost Component | Approximate Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
License Registration Fee | From 10,000 to 15,000 |
Establishment Card | 1,000 to 2,000 |
Virtual Office / Flexi Desk | 5,000 to 12,000 per year |
Visa Allocation (per visa) | 3,000 to 5,000 |
Bank Account Opening Support | Variable |
Costs vary depending on the package chosen and the number of visas required. It is advisable to request a detailed quote directly from Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone.
Step-by-Step Setup Process
Choose your legal structure: Free zone limited liability company (FZ-LLC) is the most common choice for investment entities.
Reserve your trade name: Submit two to three name options for approval in line with UAE naming conventions.
Submit your application: Provide passport copies, a business plan, proof of address, and any relevant financial background documentation.
Receive initial approval: Dubai South typically issues initial approval within three to seven working days.
Sign the Memorandum of Association (MoA): Formalise the company structure and shareholder agreement.
Pay license fees and receive your license: Once fees are settled, the Business License is issued.
Open a corporate bank account: Work with a UAE-registered bank to establish a corporate account for investment transactions.
Apply for residency visas: Obtain investor or employee visas as required.
Licensing and Compliance Requirements
Own-account investment companies operating under activity code 6499.02 must adhere to several compliance obligations:
Annual license renewal with updated documentation
Compliance with UAE Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) regulations
Registration with the UAE's goAML platform if applicable thresholds are met
Maintenance of accurate financial records in line with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
Corporate tax registration with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) under the UAE Corporate Tax Law effective from June 2023
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) registration as required by UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 58 of 2020
It is important to note that if the entity intends to solicit external investors or manage third-party funds, additional licensing from the SCA or DFSA will be required beyond the Dubai South Business License.
Why Dubai Is Well-Positioned for Own-Account Investment Activities
Dubai's investment ecosystem has matured significantly over the past decade. The city ranked among the top ten global financial centres in the 2024 Global Financial Centres Index, reflecting its robust infrastructure, skilled talent pool, and progressive regulatory environment. The UAE's extensive network of double taxation treaties, covering over 130 countries, reduces withholding tax burdens on cross-border returns. Furthermore, the introduction of the UAE Corporate Tax regime at a headline rate of 9% (with qualifying free zone income remaining at 0%) provides clarity and competitive advantage for investment structures.
The government's ongoing investment in digital infrastructureecosystem, and initiatives such as the Dubai Future Fund further reinforce the emirate's commitment to becoming the region's leading investment destination.
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