Nikolai Timofejev
15 years in FinTech and payments. Maps your business model to the right licence scope and leads the file all the way to the DFSA decision, including banking and payment rails.
Get a forex license in Dubai.
The Gulf's institutional route: DFSA authorisation in DIFC - Category 3A matched-principal at US$500,000, Category 2 dealing at US$2 million - on English common law, with ADGM alongside and 9% tax underneath. We file from our own Dubai office.
27 yrs
on the international marketon the market
60+
in-house specialistsspecialists
400+
Licenses obtainedlicenses obtained
Updated
Dubai in brief
Common-law brokerage at the centre of new money.
Dubai's serious forex route runs through DIFC: the DFSA authorises brokerage on a category architecture with base capital set in its prudential rulebook - Category 3A for dealing as matched principal or agent at US$500,000, Category 2 for dealing as principal at US$2 million - inside a financial centre operating English common law through its own courts. Client-money rules, conduct standards and prudential reporting run at institutional grade; the neighbouring ADGM's FSRA offers a parallel framework in Abu Dhabi with the same legal DNA. The full map has a third lane: onshore UAE retail brokerage answers to the SCA under its own rulebook - a different regime with different economics that we scope when the client base is genuinely domestic.
The commercial logic is where Dubai sits: the Gulf's wealth, South Asian and African flows, a trading population that migrated here with its capital, and time zones bridging Asia and Europe's sessions. A DFSA permission reads institutionally with banks and liquidity desks, the 9% corporate tax (0% for qualifying free-zone income) keeps the economics sharp, there is no personal income tax for the team, and our own office in Al Saqr Business Tower runs the programme from inside the city. Realistic end-to-end: 8-14 months for Category 3A; Category 2 runs deeper.
DFSA authorisation in DIFC: Cat 3A matched-principal at US$500k, Cat 2 principal dealing at US$2M - English common law, institutional review, ADGM parallel and the SCA onshore lane mapped precisely.
The frame: 9% / 0% qualifying, no personal tax, the Gulf's flows - filed from our own Dubai office.
The two routes
Category 3A - or Category 2 dealing.
One DFSA architecture, two brokerage tiers: matched-principal/agency at US$500,000, or full principal dealing at US$2 million. With ADGM as the parallel option. We fix the tier first, then build once.
Cat 3A at US$500k for agency. Cat 2 at US$2M for dealing.
01 - CATEGORY 3A · MATCHED PRINCIPAL
The agency tier
Dealing in investments as matched principal or agent at US$500,000 base capital. The STP broker's DFSA home: client flow hedged back-to-back, common-law documentation, institutional standing.
Dealing in investments as matched principal or agent at US$500,000 base capital. The STP broker's DFSA home: client flow hedged back-to-back, common-law documentation, institutional standing.
- ✓Dealing as matched principal / agent
- ✓US$500,000 base capital
- ✓STP / A-book architectures
- ✓DFSA client-money rules
- ✓English common-law contracts
- ✓8-14 months realistic
02 - CATEGORY 2 · PRINCIPAL DEALING
US$2M - the dealing tierThe principal tier
Dealing in investments as principal at US$2 million base capital. Market-making and B-book economics under DFSA prudential supervision, with the capital and governance that tier demands.
Principal dealing/B-book; expenditure-based capital above; deeper reporting; upgrade from 3A.
- ✓Dealing as principal - market making
- ✓US$2 million base capital
- ✓B-book / hybrid economics
- ✓Expenditure-based capital above
- ✓Deeper prudential reporting
- ✓Upgrade path from 3A
Costs and timelines are confirmed for your case before any work begins. DFSA fees follow its schedule; base capital, expenditure requirements and substance costs are itemised in your quote.
Why Dubai
Where the flows and the founders both moved.
Common law, institutional supervision and the Gulf's fiscal offer. In the city the industry itself relocated to.
✓
English common law, natively
DIFC and ADGM run English common law through their own courts. Brokerage agreements, netting and security read exactly as global counterparties expect.DIFC courts, global documentation.
✓
A category for each model
3A at US$500k for agency, Category 2 at US$2M for dealing. The architecture prices the model, not a flat institutional floor.US$500k agency; US$2M dealing.
✓
The Gulf's client base
Regional wealth, South Asian and African corridors and a relocated trading community. The client geography arrived before you did.The geography arrived first.
✓
9% - and 0% qualifying
Corporate tax at 9% with qualifying free-zone income at 0%, no personal income tax. The fiscal frame the rest of the industry envies.Plus nothing personal.
✓
Two centres, one standard
DFSA in Dubai, FSRA in Abu Dhabi. Parallel common-law frameworks that let structure follow strategy, mapped before you commit.DFSA and FSRA - mapped.
✓
Our own Dubai office
Prifinance runs UAE mandates from Al Saqr Business Tower. The desk that files your application lives in the market.We live in this market.
How it compares
How Dubai differs from other routes.
Dubai trades passports for common-law standing and the Gulf's economics. The comparison is below.
Dubai vs other jurisdictions
| Feature |  Dubai · DIFC | Other jurisdictions |
|---|---|---|
| Regime | DFSA categories - common law | MiFID or offshore |
| Base capital | US$500k · US$2M | €75k-£750k |
| Tax | 9% · 0% qualifying | 12.5-30% |
| Passport | None - standing travels | EU/EEA where MiFID |
Regime
Dubai · DIFCDFSA categories - common law
Other jurisdictionsMiFID or offshore
Base capital
Dubai · DIFCUS$500k · US$2M
Other jurisdictions€75k-£750k
Tax
Dubai · DIFC9% · 0% qualifying
Other jurisdictions12.5-30%
Passport
Dubai · DIFCNone - standing travels
Other jurisdictionsEU/EEA where MiFID
Country by country
| Country | License type | Taxation | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE · DIFC | DFSA Cat 3A/2 | 9% · 0% qualifying | US$500k-2M, common law |
 United Kingdom | FCA investment firm | 25% CIT · 19% small | MIFIDPRU, CASS, PS19/18 |
 Cyprus | CySEC CIF | 15% CIT (2026) | IFD tiers, EU passport |
 Australia | ASIC AFSL | 30% · 25% base | NTA A$1M, CFD order |
UAE · DIFCLicense typeDFSA Cat 3A/2
Taxation9% · 0% qualifying
RequirementsUS$500k-2M, common law
United KingdomLicense typeFCA investment firm
Taxation25% CIT · 19% small
RequirementsMIFIDPRU, CASS, PS19/18
CyprusLicense typeCySEC CIF
Taxation15% CIT (2026)
RequirementsIFD tiers, EU passport
AustraliaLicense typeASIC AFSL
Taxation30% · 25% base
RequirementsNTA A$1M, CFD order
Before you apply
Requirements for the DFSA licence.Requirements for the licence.
The DFSA frames expectations in engagement and reviews at institutional depth. The craft is a file that delivers exactly that. The checklist below is what a passing application contains.
01
DIFC entity. Incorporated in the centre with real presence in the district.
02
Base capital. US$500,000 (Cat 3A) or US$2 million (Cat 2), with expenditure-based requirements layered above.
03
Authorised individuals. SEO, finance officer, compliance officer and MLRO approved individually, resident as required.
04
Transparent ownership. Controllers disclosed and assessed to UBO level.
05
Regulatory business plan. The dealing model, flow economics and three-year financials the DFSA can interrogate.
06
Client-money architecture. Segregation and reconciliation per the DFSA's client-asset regime.
07
Conduct framework. Client classification, best execution and disclosure at DIFC standard.
08
Risk and prudential reporting. The returns calendar and capital monitoring, live from day one.
09
AML/CFT framework. KYC, monitoring and goAML reporting with a resident MLRO.
10
Substance. Offices in the district, resident officers and operations the DFSA can visit.
01
DIFC company, district presence.
02
US$500k / US$2M base capital.
03
Approved individuals. SEO to MLRO.
04
Controllers to UBO level.
05
Interrogable business plan.
06
Client-money architecture.
07
DIFC-grade conduct framework.
08
Prudential returns, live.
09
AML with goAML MLRO.
10
Substance the DFSA can visit.
Reflects the DFSA rulebook (GEN, PIB, COB) and authorisation practice as of 2026.DFSA GEN/PIB/COB + practice, as of 2026.
How it works
From first call to the DFSA register.
01
Lane and category
DFSA, ADGM or SCA; Cat 3A or 2. The map and tier fixed in writing with capital and timeline.The map fixed in writing.
02
DIFC company and people
Incorporation, capital evidence and the authorised individuals the DFSA approves.Incorporation, capital, approvals.
03
The application file
Business plan, prudential models, client-money and conduct frameworks. Complete before filing.Delivers what was framed.
04
DFSA review
Institutional rounds answered - 8-14 months realistic for Cat 3A; Cat 2 deeper.8-14 months (3A) realistic.
05
Authorisation and launch
The register entry, banking and liquidity live, the Gulf's flows in reach - from your DIFC address.Register, banking, flows.
Quick facts
RegulatorDFSA - DIFC
Cat 3AUS$500,000 · matched principal
Cat 2US$2M · principal dealing
AlternativeADGM FSRA - parallel
Onshore retailSCA - separate regime
Realistic timeline8-14 months (3A)
Tax9% · 0% qualifying
Our presenceOwn Dubai office
The DFSA reviews at institutional depth after framing expectations in person. Delivering exactly what was framed is the entire game, and our job.
On the ground in Dubai
Run from our own Dubai office.
Prifinance - UAE
Dubai · Al Saqr Business Tower
33 Level, Al Saqr Business Tower, Dubai
01
DIFC company formation
Incorporation in the centre, the base-capital plan and the corporate layer the DFSA expects. Structured for the category from day one.Category-built from day one.
02
The DFSA file
Regulatory business plan, prudential models, client-money architecture and conduct framework. Drafted at institutional grade and defended through the rounds.Institutional grade, defended.
03
Authorised-individual assembly
SEO, compliance, finance and MLRO candidates the DFSA approves. Recruited and prepared as their own workstream.People the DFSA approves.
04
The three-lane map
DFSA, ADGM or SCA onshore. The real comparison for your client base, decided before a dirham is spent.DFSA / ADGM / SCA - mapped.
We also have offices in
Tallinn
Estonia
Roseni 13
Vilnius
Lithuania
Gedimino pr. 2
Prague
Czech Republic
Vlkova 532/8, Žižkov
London
United Kingdom
7 Bell Yard
Madeira
Portugal
Rua da Alegria 31, 1F
Budapest
Hungary
Korányi Sándor u. 4
Istanbul
Turkey
Perpa Ticaret Merkezi, A Blok
Good to know
Taxation of forex brokers in the UAE.
The Gulf's fiscal frame on an institutional platform: 9% above the threshold, 0% qualifying free-zone routes, and nothing personal.
Corporate tax 9%
The federal rate above the small-profit threshold. Among the lowest serious rates anywhere, on a broker's full net revenue.Above AED 375k.
0% qualifying free-zone income
Qualifying free-zone persons keep 0% on qualifying income. The structuring question we answer before incorporation, because it decides the entity map.Structure decides - first memo.
No personal income tax
Dealers, quants and founders keep gross salaries. The hiring and relocation advantage no onshore centre matches.Gross salaries kept.
No withholding
Dividends, interest and royalties leave the UAE without withholding. Distributions model cleanly.Clean distributions.
VAT 5% - scoped
Margin-based financial services sit largely exempt from the 5% VAT. Mapped per revenue line.Margin services exempt.
Treaty network 140+
One of the world's largest treaty networks. Group structures above the UAE entity model cleanly.World-largest network.
Tax summary
Corporate tax9% · over AED 375k
Qualifying free zone0%
Personal income taxNone
Withholding taxesNone
VAT5% · finance largely exempt
Tax treaties140+
*Figures as of 2026 per the FTA. Qualifying-income status is modelled before incorporation.
Turnkey professional support
Experienced lawyers and international consultants.
We provide end-to-end support, from company registration and the application file to regulatory interaction and compliance oversight - with an individualized approach to each client.
Oleksii Kindratenko
Builds the application itself: DIFC company, AML/KYC policy pack, capital structure and tax registrations. His document sets are the reason reviews finish in months, not years.
Eugeniu Bevziuc
First point of contact for international founders. Runs the whole setup remotely, across time zones and languages - from the first call to a live, authorised firm.
Follow Prifinance
Active across our channels.
Dubai · DFSA
Launch your forex project in Dubai with expert support.
Full-service assistance - from DIFC incorporation to DFSA authorisation and ongoing compliance - from our own Dubai office.
Get a consultation →Free legal opinion
Is Dubai the right fit for your project?
Our legal team will analyze your case at no cost and provide a written legal opinion: which jurisdiction, licence scope, or route fits your business.
Written assessment within 2-5 business days
Request a free conclusion →FAQ
The Dubai forex licences - what clients ask.
What licence does a forex broker need in Dubai?+
In DIFC: DFSA authorisation - Category 3A for dealing as matched principal or agent at US$500,000 base capital, Category 2 for dealing as principal at US$2 million - with ADGM's FSRA offering a parallel framework and the SCA governing onshore UAE retail separately.
Which category fits which model?+
STP and agency brokers take 3A; market-makers running a B-book take Category 2 with its US$2 million base and deeper prudential load. Expenditure-based requirements layer above both - we model the true capital before drafting.
What is the DIFC's legal advantage?+
English common law through the centre's own courts - client agreements, netting and security documentation read natively to global banks and liquidity providers, which converts directly into onboarding speed.
How long does authorisation take?+
Realistically 8-14 months for Category 3A, longer for Category 2 - the DFSA frames expectations in early engagement and reviews at institutional depth. Delivering what was framed is the speed lever.
What substance is expected?+
A real DIFC presence: approved SEO, compliance officer, finance officer and MLRO (resident as required), offices in the district, client-money architecture and reporting that runs from day one.
How are brokers taxed?+
9% federal corporate tax above the threshold - 0% on qualifying free-zone income for the right structures - no personal income tax, no withholding, and VAT largely exempt on margin-based services.
What about onshore UAE clients?+
Onshore retail brokerage answers to the SCA under its own rulebook - a separate regime with its own capital and Emiratisation logic. If your client base is genuinely domestic, we scope that lane first before you commit to a free zone.
DFSA or ADGM - how do we choose?+
Same legal DNA, different centres: DIFC anchors Dubai's ecosystem and talent pool; ADGM pairs with Abu Dhabi's capital base and its digital-bank framework. The choice is model- and investor-specific - we map it in the first memo.
Does a DFSA licence passport anywhere?+
No formal passporting - the Gulf works on standing. A DFSA permission reads institutionally with banks and counterparties across the region and beyond; groups pair it with EU or offshore licences for other flows.
Why Dubai rather than Cyprus or offshore?+
Cyprus sells the EU passport; offshore sells speed. Dubai sells the Gulf's client base, common-law standing and a 9%/0% fiscal frame - in the city the industry's own founders moved to. Groups building for MENA and South Asia anchor here.
What licence?+
DFSA Cat 3A ($500k) or Cat 2 ($2M).
Which category?+
Agency → 3A; B-book → Cat 2.
Why DIFC?+
Common law - banks read it natively.
How long?+
8-14 months (3A); Cat 2 deeper.
Substance?+
Approved residents, district office.
Taxes?+
9% / 0% qualifying; nothing personal.
Onshore clients?+
SCA lane - scoped up front.
ADGM?+
Parallel framework - mapped first.
Passport?+
Standing travels; licences pair.
Vs Cyprus?+
Their passport; your Gulf.
Client notes
Google4.7★★★★★
Founders who wanted it done right.
Google4.7★★★★★
“As a software development crew at FewMoreTaps OÜ, we've had the pleasure of working with Prifinance on some key financial moves.First of all, navigating the world of corporate banking and finance can be a maze, but Prifinance made it feel like a walk in the park. They helped us set up a corporate bank account without the hassle of jumping on a plane or drowning in paperwork. Everything was done remotely, smoothly…”
Google
“I had their assistance in company registration and I would recommend them. They were answering all my clarification during the process and offering all their supportThank you Daniel and Irinia”
Google
“We found PRIFINANCE COMPANYvia the Internet and asked for help in organizing the opening of their company in Estonia. PRIFINANCE COMPANY specialists helped us a lot with this. Their professional, competent approach and knowledge of their business left us with only the best impressions.”
Google
“I'm thrilled with my experience with PriFinance! They helped me obtain a crypto license in Estonia without any hassle. The team was super understanding and always available to answer my questions and assist. It was great to see how they put effort into preparing the documents to ensure everything went smoothly. I'm delighted with the outcome and highly recommend PriFinance to anyone looking to get a license…”
Google
“Opening an account with Prifinance in a Swiss bank was such an easy and quick process that I was shocked. It all started with the first call, where I received detailed guidance on the required documents and the entire procedure.One of the key highlights was their attention to detail. As someone who usually gets tangled up in paperwork, I was pleasantly surprised when they sent me all the documents and…”
Google
“I recently had the pleasure of working with Boris.. and I must say, it was a fantastic experience. Boris went above and beyond to assist me with my residency needs. His professionalism, knowledge, and dedication truly stood out. I highly recommend working with Boris and the team!”
Google
Start today
One message away from your Dubai licence.
Get a free legal opinion on your project - our legal team will analyze your case at no cost and provide a written legal opinion: which jurisdiction, licence scope, or route fits your business.Free legal opinion: which Dubai route fits your project and what it will cost.
✓Written legal opinion within 2-5 business days - free of charge✓A clear recommendation on the right licence scope, not a sales pitch✓Transparent fixed fees, confirmed up front✓EN · RU · ES speaking team
Prifinance is an independent law and advisory firm. We are not a regulator and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) or any other public authority. Authorisations are granted by, and obtained directly from, the competent authorities.