UAE · DFSA / CMA / FSRA · Tier-1 onshore
Dubai and UAE forex licence (DFSA, CMA, FSRA)
The Gulf’s financial hub, with three regulators and a major 2026 reform: the federal SCA was replaced by the Capital Market Authority. Strong reputation, high cost. Available on request.
Updated
Forex brokers in the UAE are licensed by the DFSA in the DIFC (typically Category 3A), the FSRA in ADGM, or onshore by the federal Capital Market Authority, which replaced the SCA on 1 January 2026. All three require full local presence with approved individuals; timelines range from about 3 to 14 months depending on the licence.
Key facts
| Regulator | DFSA (DIFC), Capital Market Authority (federal, formerly SCA), FSRA (ADGM) |
|---|---|
| Licence | DFSA Category 3A (or 2); CMA dealing licence or Category 5 introducer; FSRA Category 3A |
| Legal basis | DIFC Regulatory Law 2004 and Markets Law 2012; Federal Decree-Laws No. 32 and 33 of 2025; ADGM FSMR 2015 |
| Entity | DIFC or ADGM company or branch; mainland LLC for CMA |
| Typical timeline | About 3–14 months depending on the regulator and category |
| Capital | Yes, set by the regulator by licence category |
| Tax | 9% UAE corporate tax above a threshold; free-zone firms may qualify for 0% on qualifying income |
| Recognition | Highest in the region: DFSA and FSRA are internationally respected |
| Client markets | UAE and regional clients; onshore retail marketing needs the right licence; no EU/UK passport |
| EU passport | No |
| Our service | On request via partners |
Indicative information for comparison only, reviewed on the date shown. Requirements change and depend on your structure; confirm with the regulator and local counsel before deciding.
Overview
The UAE has three securities regulators. The DFSA supervises the Dubai International Financial Centre, the FSRA supervises Abu Dhabi Global Market, and the federal Capital Market Authority (successor to the SCA from 2026) supervises onshore activity.
Choosing between them depends on whether you target UAE retail clients, regional institutions or international business. All require a real local team.
Substance and people
- Local office
- Senior executive officer, finance officer, compliance officer and MLRO (approved individuals)
- UAE-resident staff as required
- DIFC/ADGM commercial licence where applicable
Ongoing obligations
- Annual audited accounts and client-money auditor reports
- Prudential returns
- AML reporting to the UAE FIU (goAML)
- Annual fees
Advantages
- Strong reputation and banking access
- Access to the Gulf market
- Low tax in free zones
Drawbacks
- High cost, capital and staffing
- Long timelines
- Complex three-regulator landscape in transition
Recent changes
On 1 January 2026 the Capital Market Authority replaced the Securities and Commodities Authority under Federal Decree-Laws No. 32 and 33 of 2025, with a one-year regularisation window for existing licensees. DFSA prudential reforms took effect in July 2025 and July 2026. The UAE left the FATF grey list in February 2024 and the EU AML high-risk list in 2025.
Frequently asked questions
What replaced the SCA?
The federal Capital Market Authority (CMA), from 1 January 2026.
Which DFSA category do forex brokers need?
Typically Category 3A (dealing as agent), with a retail endorsement for retail clients; matched-principal models move to Category 2 under the DFSA reforms.
Official sources
Primary sources we rely on. Rules change; always confirm current requirements with the authority.
- Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) dfsa.ae
- UAE Capital Market Authority uaecma.gov.ae
- Abu Dhabi Global Market (FSRA) adgm.com
Similar jurisdictions
Cyprus
Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC)
Cyprus Investment Firm (CIF)
View profileSouth Africa
Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA)
FSP Category I/II; ODP authorisation for principal CFD providers
View profileMauritius
Financial Services Commission (FSC)
Investment Dealer (Full Service Dealer excluding Underwriting)
View profileNot sure which licence is right for you?
Tell us your business model and target markets. We will shortlist jurisdictions and send a fixed, itemised proposal.