How to get investment and finance business licenses in the UAE
Set up a successful investment and financial business in a stable and attractive country
Comfortable legislation, state support and the purchasing power of the population have resulted in a prosperous financial and investment environment. They have made the United Arab Emirates one of the most protected countries in terms of all kinds of financial risks. Having obtained a license and tax resident status, you can issue loans, manage and advise, receive commissions and rewards while managing securities and finances in the UAE and abroad, without taxes and exchange of tax information.
Types of financial activities available for licensing in the UAE
The selection of a license determines your business development strategy, so approach choosing the appropriate type of activity carefully. SORP Group consultants will help you understand licensing details and issues.
Commercial projects
Attracting and placing funds in commercial business projects/assets, and management.
Operations with securities
Financial instruments, investment and client (intermediary) activities in financial markets.
Financial products
Providing direct and trade financing, issuing credit cards and financial products.
Payment service provider
License of Payment Service Provider (PSP) - activities for receiving and processing payments for third parties.
Investment consulting
Providing a range of services related to optimizing the use of assets, attracting and placing investments.
FinTech licenses
Financial services with the use of innovative technologies and Big Data, artificial intelligence, blockchain.
Insurance and reinsurance
Providing insurance and reinsurance products and services to individuals and companies.
Creating Investment Funds
Pooling funds of private persons and legal entities for the purposes of joint investment.
Asset trust management
Placement of investors' funds in company assets and financial products for a fee.
SORP services that support investment and financial businesses
Prepare your business model
We will find the best solution for what you want to achieve, the most suitable license and type of entity
Incorporate your business
We cooperate closely with the relevant authorities and so we can deliver services quickly
Your local partner or agent
Professional nominee services from SORP Investment LLC with a waiver of rights in the Dubai court
Prestigious business address
SORP Business Center enables our clients to rent an office so as to pass licensing procedures
Opening your bank accounts
We know the compliance processes of UAE banks and we provide help in passing KYC
Outsourced business processes
We provide integrated legal, tax, accounting and administrative services with full business support
Differences and peculiarities of investment and financial licenses in the UAE
Mainland incorporation
- Local (mainland) companies may conduct business in the domestic UAE market while also providing an opportunity to represent interests and operate in foreign markets.
- Due to the company's presence in the local market, this solution gives status and credibility with banks and counterparties, as well as prestige in the international arena. It has a complicated structure.
Financial centers
- Licenses here ensure the right to conduct both financial and investment business transactions on a permanent basis in specialized FTZs and in international markets.
- A license in the DIFC and ADGM - the major financial centers of the UAE – assures both the high status and prestige of the company. 100% foreign ownership allowed, but a complex registration process.
Incorporation in some FTZs
- Companies licensed here are used for conducting activities outside the UAE and carrying out financial and investment operations.
- It does not allow you to operate freely in the domestic market. Cautious attitude on the part of local banks and counterparties. Allows 100% foreign ownership, as well as easy to obtain a license.
UAE jurisdictions for incorporating investment and financial companies
Mainland (The local area)
Economic Development Departments of each of the Emirates act as Registrars. Additional requirements and approvals from local financial regulators may be required for a number of licenses.
Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC)
DIFC has a separate financial regulator (DFSA) in its structure, a registration authority and its own arbitration court. A number of licenses may be subject to additional requirements and approvals from the internal financial regulator.
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
ADGM has a separate financial regulator (FSRA) in its structure, a registration authority and its own arbitration court. A number of licenses may be subject to additional requirements and approvals from the internal financial regulator.
A number of Free Trade Zones of the Northern Emirates
These have minimal licensing requirements and no internal financial regulators. They do not impose additional requirements for most business activities but operating in the local market is prohibited.
Requirements of UAE government regulators
State control
Share capital
Bank guarantee
Qualified personnel
Equipped office
Internal control
SORP Group's comprehensive solutions to support your business in the UAE
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Individual business model definition
We integrate ideal development strategies for you based on the competition and the law. Then we choose the right operating license for doing local or global business.
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Business incorporation
SORP Groups’s own specialists incorporate businesses quickly and with impeccable high quality standards in close cooperation with the registration authorities.
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Legal support
SORP Group’s corporate lawyers, and our strategic partnerships with the best lawyers in the UAE and around the world, provide superb legal support.
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International Tax Planning
We design personalized tax solutions for doing international business using the full scope of UAE legislation, drawing on our wide experience in this field.
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Obtaining tax residency status
Enjoy tax resident (domicile) status shielding you from CRS requirements regarding sharing your tax details, as well as preventing double taxation.
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Confirmation of economic substance
We help fulfil proof of economic substance based on the registered location of your company, its tax compliance, and localized decision making and management.
SORP provides a full range of incorporation, support and management services in the UAE
Entrust your business incorporation in the UAE to professionals
SORP professionals closely follow the latest global trends and are ready to provide comprehensive services for company formation, licensing and business support.
Get the best solution for incorporation in the UAE now!