Dubai is one of the leading financial centres globally, offering access to regional and international capital markets, a sophisticated investor base, and a robust regulatory framework.  

The DFM General Index rose by 17.2% across last year, total market capitalisation reached AED 992 billion, and 97,394 new investors joined the market, of which 84% were foreign. For financial brokerage businesses, that trajectory matters. A growing, internationally oriented investor base means more demand for intermediary services, advisory brokerage, and the kind of specialist support that sits between a client and a market. If you are building a brokerage business and evaluating where to base it, Dubai's combination of market depth, regulatory clarity, and zero personal income tax makes it a serious candidate. 

Whether you are establishing a commodities brokerage, securities advisory, or business brokerage operation, the UAE provides highly competitive environment for financial brokerage businesses. This guide covers the license cost, activity codes, and setup process for a financial brokerage company at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. 

The Scope of a Financial Brokerage License in Dubai 

A financial brokerage license allows your business to act as an intermediary in the buying and selling of financial instruments, securities, commodities, or businesses. For related advisory business examples, see the consultancy license page.  

It is important to note that activities requiring a full securities brokerage license, such as trading on regulated exchanges, require separate regulatory approval from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). A standard free zone trade license covers advisory and intermediary brokerage, not regulated market execution. 

Key Activity Codes for a Financial Brokerage Business 

The following activity codes are applicable to financial brokerage businesses: 

• 6612.92 — Brokerage in Commodities Listed in Local Markets 

• 6612.98 — Brokerage in Securities Listed in Foreign Markets 

• 6612.99 — Brokerage in Local Securities 

• 6619.03 — Mortgage Advisers and Brokers 

• 7490.02 — Business Brokerage Activities, Arranging for the Purchase and Sale of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses 

• 7490.03 — Patent Brokerage Activities 

For the full list of financial service activity codes at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, visit the business activities page. 

What Does It Cost to Set Up a Financial Brokerage Company in Dubai? 

Base licensing at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone starts at AED 12,500, covering your company registration, flexi-desk, and up to five business activities. Financial brokerage businesses with a broader service scope, covering commodities, securities, and business brokerage under one entity for example, can add further activity codes at AED 2,000 each beyond the first five.  

Use the cost calculator to build a personalised, itemised estimate of setting up a financial brokerage company in Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. 

Setting Up Your Financial Brokerage Business at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone Explained 

The setup process is fully digital. Complete the online application and select your financial brokerage activity codes, choose your workspace arrangement and visa requirements, receive your cost estimate and complete payment, then receive your license documentation. 

In financial services, your company name carries weight. Before you submit your application, use the name check tool at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone to confirm your preferred name is available and compliant with UAE naming regulations. It takes minutes and removes a variable that could otherwise delay your registration. 

Regulatory Requirements for Financial Brokerage in Dubai 

It is critical to distinguish between advisory brokerage, which can operate under a standard free zone trade license, and regulated brokerage activities requiring SCA (Securities and Commodities Authority) or DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority)  approval.  

For context on how UAE corporate tax applies to financial businesses, read our guide on UAE corporate tax. Once your license is issued, our guide on UAE bank accounts will help you set up your corporate banking. 

Why Dubai for Financial Brokerage? 

The numbers from 2025 make a coherent case. Foreign investors accounted for 51% of total trading value on the DFM, and the total investor base reached 1.25 million investors. Beyond equities, Dubai hosts the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange, Nasdaq Dubai, and a DIFC ecosystem that connects the Emirate to major financial centres across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.  

Dubai's financial market infrastructure, regulatory maturity, and geographic position between East and West make it one of the most compelling locations globally for brokerage businesses. Brokerage businesses targeting international mobile capital, few locations offer this combination of market infrastructure, regulatory maturity, and commercial accessibility. 

 With zero personal income tax, 100% foreign ownership in free zones, and direct access to regional capital markets, Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers a cost-effective and strategically positioned base for financial brokerage firms. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the difference between a financial brokerage license and a full SCA license? 

A free zone trade license covers advisory and intermediary brokerage activities. A full SCA license is required for firms that execute trades on regulated markets, hold client funds, or manage investment portfolios. 

Do I need SCA approval to operate a financial brokerage in Dubai? 

For regulated activities such as executing trades on UAE financial markets or managing client investments, SCA approval is mandatory. For advisory and intermediary brokerage, a standard free zone license is typically sufficient. 

What is the minimum cost to set up a financial brokerage company in Dubai? 

License costs start from AED 12,500 at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. 

Can a foreigner own 100% of a financial brokerage company in Dubai? 

Yes. Dubai free zones allow full foreign ownership with no UAE national sponsor required. 

Can a business brokerage operate from a Dubai free zone? 

Yes. Business brokerage activities, such as arranging the sale and purchase of SMEs, can operate under a standard free zone trade license. 

Do financial brokerage companies need a physical office in Dubai? 

For advisory brokerage activities, a flexi-desk arrangement is generally sufficient. For regulated brokerage requiring SCA licensing, a physical presence requirement may apply. 

What documents are required to set up a financial brokerage company in Dubai? 

Typically, passport copies for all shareholders and directors, proof of address, your selected business activities, and a proposed company name. 

Can a financial brokerage company serve clients internationally from Dubai? 

Yes. Free zone companies can serve clients internationally from Dubai, subject to the applicable regulations in the jurisdictions where clients are based. 

How long does it take to get a financial brokerage license in Dubai? 

For standard advisory and intermediary brokerage, the free zone license process is fully digital and can be completed within a few working days. 

Is a financial brokerage business subject to UAE VAT? 

Financial services in the UAE are generally exempt from VAT. However, certain fee-based brokerage activities may be subject to VAT. Confirm your specific VAT obligations with a qualified UAE tax adviser.