Regulatory Licensing

Financial Services Licence Application & Advisory

FXBX provides end-to-end licence application management and advisory across 15 regulatory licence categories — covering FX, payments, crypto/VASP, and UAE-regulated frameworks including SCA, ADGM, VARA, and Freezone structures.

Licence Categories

UAE FZ — UAE Regulated

UAE Freezone Company & Financial Licence

Regulatory Authority: Multiple Freezone Authorities (DIFC, DMCC, IFZA, JAFZA, RAKEZ, SHAMS)  |  Region: UAE (Freezones)

What the Licence Permits

  • 100% foreign ownership of UAE-based entities
  • Financial services, fintech, and consulting activities (non-regulated)
  • Holding company and investment vehicle structures
  • Technology, trading, and professional services operations
  • Crypto asset trading and advisory (non-regulated, subject to freezone rules)
  • Facilitation and introduction of financial services clients

Target Client Profile

  • Foreign investors seeking 100% ownership of a UAE-based entity
  • FinTech and technology companies seeking a UAE operational base
  • Holding company structures for UAE and regional operations
  • Entities requiring a UAE address and presence without full onshore licensing
  • Businesses seeking a cost-effective UAE setup prior to full regulatory licensing

Key Regulatory Requirements

  • Selection of appropriate freezone based on activity and commercial objectives
  • Minimum share capital — varies by freezone (AED 0–AED 1,000,000)
  • Registered office or flexi-desk within the chosen freezone
  • Fit and proper shareholders and directors
  • UAE residence visa eligibility for shareholders and employees
  • No UAE national shareholding requirement (100% foreign ownership permitted)

FXBX Scope of Work

  • Freezone selection advisory (DIFC, DMCC, IFZA, JAFZA, RAKEZ, SHAMS)
  • Freezone company incorporation and licence application
  • Registered office and flexi-desk arrangement
  • UAE residence visa applications for shareholders and key personnel
  • UAE banking access advisory for freezone entities
  • Corporate structure advisory for UAE holding and operating structures
  • Pathway advisory from freezone to full SCA/ADGM/VARA regulatory licensing

Typical Timeline

1–4 weeks for freezone company incorporation; banking 4–12 weeks

Timelines are indicative only and subject to regulatory authority processing times, completeness of application, and other factors outside FXBX's control.

Value Proposition

UAE Freezones offer the most accessible and cost-effective entry point into the UAE's financial and commercial ecosystem. With 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax (subject to conditions), and streamlined incorporation, freezones such as DIFC, DMCC, IFZA, and RAKEZ provide an ideal base for financial services, fintech, and technology operations — either as a standalone structure or as a stepping stone to full SCA, ADGM, or VARA regulatory licensing.

Regulatory Disclaimer: All information regarding licensing requirements, timelines, and regulatory frameworks is provided for general informational purposes only and is subject to change. FXBX does not guarantee any particular regulatory outcome. Regulatory authority decisions are made at the authority's sole discretion. Prospective applicants should seek independent legal advice regarding their specific circumstances before commencing any licence application.