What Are the Setup Costs for a Stock Trading Business in Dubai?

Setting up a stock trading or investment business in Dubai depends on the scope of activities and the level of regulatory approval required. A basic investment holding and management structure at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone starts with AED 12,500.  

Activities such as managing third-party funds, executing trades on behalf of clients, or providing regulated financial advice require Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) pre-approval, along with additional compliance and capital requirements above the base license fee. 

The UAE operates under a clearly defined financial regulatory framework, where the distinction between permitted free zone activities and regulated financial services is strictly enforced. Understanding these distinctions before selecting activity codes helps avoid unnecessary delays and compliance risks. Selecting the wrong activity codes adds cost and time that is easily avoided with proper guidance at the outset. 

For context on what sets Dubai South apart for business founders, see Dubai South Business Hub for modern entrepreneurs. 

Get Your Investment Business License 

Business licenses start from AED 12,500, with total setup costs varying based on activity type, regulatory requirements, and business structure. Before applying, use the name check tool to confirm your company name is available and compliant with UAE regulations. You can utilise the cost calculator for a clear, transparent pricing estimate, or contact our team. 

Key Business Activity Codes at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone

• 6499.99   General Investments Management and Operation 

• 6619.11   Investments Consultancy 

• 6619.13   Financial Advisory and Financial Analysis (SCA pre-approval required) 

• 6619.14   Financial Consultancy (SCA pre-approval required) 

• 6612.99   Brokerage in Local Securities (SCA pre-approval required) 

• 6612.92   Brokerage in Commodities Listed in Local Markets (SCA pre-approval required) 

• 6612.98   Brokerage in Securities Listed in Foreign Markets (QDFSA pre-approval required) 

• 7310.97   Foreign Securities Promotion (SCA pre-approval required) 

• 7310.98   Securities and Financial Products Promotion (SCA pre-approval required) 

General Investments Management License - 6499.99 

General Investments Management and Operation (6499.99) covers businesses that manage their own capital for investment purposes. Trading your company's own funds in securities, equities, or other assets falls under this code. Because you are not managing external client money, this activity does not require SCA pre-approval, making it one of the fastest ways to establish a professional trading entity in Dubai. This is the most critical distinction in the investment business regulatory framework. 

A proprietary trading firm can use this license to hold and manage a diverse portfolio of international and local stocks. The returns generated are strictly for the company's shareholders, allowing for a lean corporate structure without the heavy compliance burden of third-party fund management. 

Third-Party Approval: None for 6499.99.  |  AML / DNFBP: Investment companies may be subject to DNFBP requirements depending on the nature and scale of activities. Seek specific compliance advice. 

Investment Consultancy License - 6619.11 

Investments Consultancy (6619.11) covers the production of market research and independent analysis. This activity allows you to provide general insights into market trends and equity performance to institutional or professional investors. This code is distinct from regulated financial advice as it focuses on research, analysis and advisory on investment opportunities rather than personalized recommendations for specific clients. 

This activity applies to an investment research firm producing independent equity research on UAE and GCC listed companies, sold to institutional and professional investors on a subscription basis. You provide analysis that clients use to make their own decisions, not personalised recommendations constituting regulated financial advice. 

Third-Party Approval: None for 6619.11.  |  AML / DNFBP: Advisory businesses are generally exempt. Confirm with a compliance advisor for your specific model. 

SCA-Regulated Activities 

Financial Advisory and Financial Analysis (6619.13), Financial Consultancy (6619.14), Brokerage in Local Securities (6612.99), Brokerage in Commodities (6612.92), Brokerage in Foreign Securities (6612.98), Foreign Securities Promotion (7310.97), and Securities and Financial Products Promotion (7310.98) all require SCA or QDFSA pre-approval before your Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone license can be issued. These activities involve handling client funds, executing transactions, or providing personalised financial advice, which places them under formal regulatory oversight. 

The SCA licensing process involves demonstrating minimum capital adequacy, qualified management, compliance frameworks, risk management, and governance organisational structures. The SCA approval process runs in parallel with your Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone license application. 

 Third-Party Approval: SCA - PRE for most regulated codes. QDFSA - PRE for 6612.98.  |  AML / DNFBP: SCA-regulated businesses are subject to full AML/CFT compliance requirements. 

Setting Up at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone 

We suggest all founders first consult the list of business activities to confirm which codes align with their specific trading model. While proprietary trading and consultancy are issued within 24 hours, SCA-regulated codes are subject to the authority's specific review timelines. 

Our licensing process is optimized for professional investors who require a sophisticated corporate base. Once your license is active, the Beyond Hub platform assists with all operational transitions, including UAE residence visas, corporate bank account introductions, and regulatory advisory connections.  

Dubai's position as a global financial gateway provides direct links to markets across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, making it a powerful headquarters for your investment activities. 

With 100% foreign ownership, zero paid-up capital, and zero personal income tax on personal income, Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone license qualifies certain companies to benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, subject to compliance with qualifying free zone person conditions.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

 Q1. How much does a stock trading business license cost in Dubai? 

Licenses for own-account investment management and consultancy start from AED 12,500. Regulated activities require additional SCA licensing, infrastructure. and compliance costs. You can utilise the cost calculator for clear breakdown of setup pricing. 

Q2. Do I need SCA approval to trade stocks using my own money? 

No. If you are trading and managing your own company's capital under code 6499.99, no SCA approval is required. SCA approval is triggered when you manage client funds, execute trades on behalf of others, or provide personalised financial advisory to specific clients on specific securities. 

Q3. What is the difference between investment consultancy and financial advisory? 

Investment Consultancy (6619.11) covers general market research and analysis that clients use to make their own decisions. Whereas, Financial Advisory (6619.13) involves providing personalised investment recommendations on specific securities to specific clients, a regulated activity requiring SCA approval. 

Q4. Can I provide market research without SCA approval? 

Yes. General market analysis, investment research publications, and educational financial content can be produced under Investment Consultancy (6619.11) without SCA approval, provided no personalised advice is given.  

Q5. What does SCA pre-approval involve? 

The SCA process involves demonstrating minimum paid-up capital, qualified management with relevant professional experience, an approved compliance framework, and appropriate organisational governance. Applications are reviewed in detail and may require additional documentation before pre-approval is granted. 

Q6. Can a foreigner own a financial services business in Dubai? 

Yes. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone allows 100% foreign ownership of investment and financial advisory businesses. No local sponsor or UAE national partner is required. For own-account investment management (6499.99) and investment consultancy (6619.11) activities, no additional qualifications are required for ownership. For SCA-regulated activities such as brokerage and financial advisory, foreign ownership is generally permitted subject to the SCA's specific requirements on management qualifications, professional credentials, and governance structure. 

Q7. Can I combine own-account investment with consultancy on one license? 

Yes. General Investments Management (6499.99) and Investment Consultancy (6619.11) can be combined on a single Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone license, covering both proprietary portfolio management and research and advisory services under one UAE entity. 

Q8. Are investment businesses subject to AML requirements? 

Certain investment and financial businesses may fall under UAE AML regulations and require registration with the Financial Intelligence Unit and implementation of compliance procedures. Seek specialist compliance advice for your specific business model. 

Q9. How long does a stock trading license take? 

Own-account investment management and consultancy codes carry no pre-approval requirements and can be licensed within one business day for eligible applications. SCA-regulated activities depend on the SCA's processing timeline, typically several weeks to months depending on application complexity. 

Q10. How do I start a stock trading or investment business at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone? 

Browse the business activities list to select your activity codes, then use the name check tool to confirm your company name is available and compliant. Submit your application digitally with a passport copy. 

For regulated activities, the SCA approval process runs alongside your license application, with guidance provided throughout the setup process.