Hawala Brokers Services License Dubai in the UAE Practical Guide (Costs, Pitfalls, Next Steps)
Content reviewed by My Business Setup Team, Business Setup Specialists.
Getting a Hawala Brokers Services License Dubai is a practical route for founders who want a compliant way to start operations in the UAE. You can register on the Mainland or in a Free Zone. Timelines typically range from 6 to 14 working days once documents are ready. Initial visa quotas commonly start from 1 to 4 and scale with office allocation.
Who Should Consider a Hawala Brokers Services License Dubai?
- Lean founders validating demand
- SMEs expanding services or adding a new revenue line
- Operators formalizing existing work under a UAE entity
What You Can & can't Do
Permitted scope depends on the exact wording of the activity and the issuing authority. Some tasks require separate approvals. Confirm fit for Hawala Brokers Services License Dubai before applying.
Cost & Timeline (What Affects the Price)
Expect a base trade license plus immigration add-ons. Mainland vs Free Zone, shareholders, and office type (flexi/shared vs Ejari) affect price. Many packages start from ~AED 10,800 excluding optional immigration.
Good to know
- 100% foreign ownership available
- Flexi/shared office keeps overhead low
- Visa quota scales with office size
Watch out
- Choosing the wrong jurisdiction for your sales model
- Under-budgeting immigration items (establishment card, visas)
- Missing activity-specific technical approvals
How to Get Started
- Define scope and confirm Central Bank requirements
- Trade name reservation and initial approval
- Prepare AML/CFT policies and fit-and-proper documentation
- Obtain sector approvals and issue license
- Open bank account and implement reporting
Documents Checklist
- Passport copy & recent photo of each shareholder
- Current visa/entry status
- 2 to 3 preferred trade names
- Brief scope & staffing plan
Hawala Brokers Services License Dubai FAQs
Is a physical office mandatory for Hawala Brokers Services License Dubai?
Many Free Zones allow flexi/shared packages. Mainland may require Ejari depending on visas and the activity.
How many visas can I start with?
Commonly 1 to 4 at the start, subject to office allocation and immigration rules.
What is included in the base cost?
Trade license and core company docs. Immigration items (establishment card, status change, medical, Emirates ID) may be bundled or itemized.
Last updated: November 2025
*Estimates. Regulations and fees may change. Confirm current requirements before applying.