Sector
Establish a Financial Services Business in Dubai
Financial
What decides your price
- 01Your business activity
- 02How many visas you need
- 03Office or desk
- 1,400+companies started
- 19+ yearsin business, since 2007
- 1,000+bank accounts opened
- 10+UAE banks, named officers
- 4licensed freezone partners
- 2 officesDubai and Irvine, California
How to set up a financial business in Dubai
Define the financial activity
A regulated activity such as asset management, brokerage or advice needs a financial regulator; an unregulated activity such as management consultancy or fintech support does not. This choice sets your whole route.
Choose the jurisdiction
Regulated firms are usually authorised by the DFSA in the DIFC.
Prepare the application
A regulated licence needs a business plan, capital, fit-and-proper senior staff and compliance arrangements. An unregulated licence needs the standard company documents. We prepare the file for your route.
Incorporate and get approvals
Register the entity and secure the regulator's authorisation or the free-zone or DET licence, depending on the activity.
Set up visas and banking
Sponsor your team and open a corporate account. Financial firms face closer bank due diligence, so we prepare your bank account application for that scrutiny.
Why start a financial services business in Dubai?
Dubai is a regional hub for asset management, wealth, brokerage and fintech, anchored by the DIFC and its independent regulator and courts.
Financial licence: regulated vs unregulated
A regulated activity, such as managing client money, broking or giving investment advice, needs authorisation from a financial regulator, usually the DFSA in the DIFC, with capital and compliance requirements. An unregulated activity, such as management consultancy, holding or fintech development, is a standard company licence on the mainland or in a free zone. We assess your activity and price the right route rather than quote a single figure. Get your exact quote.
Documents required
Passport copies and CVs of the shareholders and senior managers
A business plan and financial projections for a regulated application
Evidence of the required capital, where the activity is regulated
The standard company documents for an unregulated licence
How OMC helps you establish your financial business
We have handled UAE company formation since 2007, across more than 1,400 companies. This is a Your-Money-Your-Life sector, so we do not guess: we confirm whether your activity is regulated, point you to the right authority, and prepare the application accordingly. We set up the entity, coordinate the approvals, and handle your bank account application.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a DFSA licence to start a financial business in Dubai?
Only if your activity is regulated, such as managing client money, broking or investment advice. OMC confirms which applies to your specific activity before you file.
Can a foreigner own a financial company in Dubai?
Yes. Foreign investors can own financial firms, in the DIFC for regulated activities or on the mainland and in free zones for unregulated ones. We confirm the ownership and capital rules for your route.
What is the difference between DIFC and mainland for finance?
The DIFC is a financial free zone with its own regulator, the DFSA, and is the usual home for regulated activities. The right choice depends on whether your activity is regulated.
How much capital do I need for a financial licence?
Unregulated activities have no special capital requirement beyond the standard setup. Regulated DFSA activities do, and the amount depends on the activity. We give you the requirement for your specific licence at the quote stage.
How long does it take to set up a financial company in Dubai?
An unregulated licence is quick once documents are in. A regulated DFSA authorisation takes longer because of the application review, capital and compliance steps. We give you a realistic timeline for your route.
Not sure which route fits your business?
Tell us what you are planning and we will map the licence, approvals and costs for your exact activity.
OMC is a reliable and professional company in the UAE. Their team is knowledgeable, responsive, and always willing to help. The quality of their service exceeded my expectations, and the entire experience was smooth from start to finish. Highly recommended.
Financial
What decides your price
- 01Your business activity
- 02How many visas you need
- 03Office or desk