Banking Licence in United Arab Emirates
Middle East gateway, multiple free zones. CBUAE / DFSA / ADGM regulated. Capital from AED 10M+. Typical timeline 12 to 24 months.
Speak to a licensing expert
Tell us the business, the markets and your timing. Every enquiry is answered the same business day, with a written proposal: the licence, the requirements, the cost and the timeline.
Your enquiry
Why United Arab Emirates for Your Banking Licence?
The UAE provides access to the Middle East's largest financial market and serves as a hub for regional and international banking.
The UAE offers banking authorisation through the CBUAE for mainland operations, the DFSA in DIFC, and the FSRA in ADGM. Each framework offers different advantages.
Licence requirements
Detailed requirements
Capital requirements start at AED 10 million and vary by jurisdiction and licence type. Comprehensive governance, risk management, and AML requirements.
Application process
Regulatory Strategy
We assess your business model and regulatory position to develop a clear licensing strategy.
Business Plan
We prepare a comprehensive business plan meeting the regulator's expectations.
Programme of Operations
Detailed programme of operations covering governance, compliance, and operational arrangements.
Compliance Framework
Full AML/CFT framework, compliance monitoring programme, and risk management policies.
Application Submission
We compile and submit the complete application package to the regulator.
Regulator Review
We manage all regulator communications and information requests during the review period.
Authorisation
Upon approval, we support your transition to live operations.
Process detail
12 to 24 months depending on the regulatory authority and licence type.
United Arab Emirates vs United Kingdom
| Criteria | United Arab Emirates | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | AED 10M+ | £1M+ |
| Timeline | 12 to 24 months | 12 to 36 months |
| Regulator | CBUAE / DFSA / ADGM | PRA + FCA |
| Key Feature | Middle East gateway, multiple free zones | Dual regulation, mobilisation stage available |
Related services
Licensing & Authorisation
Full-service licensing advisory from strategy to authorisation.
Compliance Support
Ongoing compliance frameworks tailored to your regulatory obligations.
Financial Crime
AML, KYC and financial crime prevention programmes.
Ready to get started?
Every enquiry is answered the same business day, with a written proposal.
Speak to a licensing expertFrequently asked questions
The capital requirement for a banking licence in United Arab Emirates is AED 10M+. Capital requirements start at AED 10 million and vary by jurisdiction and licence type. Comprehensive governance, risk management, and AML requirements.
The typical timeline for a banking licence in United Arab Emirates is 12 to 24 months. 12 to 24 months depending on the regulatory authority and licence type.
The UAE provides access to the Middle East's largest financial market and serves as a hub for regional and international banking.
After receiving your banking licence in United Arab Emirates, you must maintain ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements including safeguarding of customer funds, regular regulatory reporting, maintaining adequate capital, updating AML and compliance frameworks, and cooperating with supervisory reviews and inspections.
Most jurisdictions require local substance for a banking licence. In United Arab Emirates, you will typically need a registered office, at least one locally resident director, and potentially additional operational staff. We can advise on the exact requirements and help you establish the minimum viable local presence.
A banking licence in United Arab Emirates provides access to the domestic market. Middle East gateway, multiple free zones. Separate authorisation may be required for other jurisdictions.