How To Start a Money Exchange Business in Dubai With Meydan Free Zone

Like a harbour for international trade, Dubai anchors global finance, offering investors safe passage and fertile ground for growth. Backed by economic strength, advanced infrastructure, and clear financial regulations, Dubai remains a trusted gateway for international capital.

As this global position grows stronger, so too does the need for money exchange services. Millions of residents, tourists, and businesses depend on fast and reliable currency conversion, making exchange houses a vital part of the city’s financial heartbeat.

Today, the UAE counts over 100 licensed exchange companies with more than 800 branches nationwide, handling billions of Dirhams in remittances and cross-border transactions each year. Oversight by the UAE Central Bank ensures that exchange houses operate under strict compliance, safeguarding both consumers and investors.

Setting up your money exchange business is seamless with Meydan Free Zone. It’s the fastest way to launch with confidence in Dubai’s regulated financial ecosystem.

Money Exchangers (6612.95)

A money exchange, also known as a bureau de change, is a licensed financial service that allows individuals and businesses to convert one currency into another and transfer funds across borders.

This business activity falls under the wider category of Security and Commodity Contracts Brokerage, but specifically focuses on money exchanges, which serve both residents and Dubai’s large international visitor base.

The scope of money exchange services includes:

• Currency exchange services, converting one currency into another for individuals and businesses.
• Remittance and money transfer services, enabling customers to send money securely to family or partners abroad.
• Cash handling and settlement services, providing safe, compliant channels for financial transactions.
• Supporting trade and tourism, offering currency conversion for tourists, business travellers, and import/export businesses.
• Compliance with UAE Central Bank regulations, ensuring transparency, consumer protection, and anti-money laundering standards are met.

This business activity does not cover trading in financial markets on your own account, meaning you cannot buy or sell securities or commodities for personal gain under this license. It also excludes portfolio management services offered on a fee or contract basis, as these activities fall under separate classifications and require different approvals.

​​For example, a company licensed under this activity could operate a money exchange outlet at a shopping mall or provide remittance services for residents sending funds abroad, but it would not be permitted to trade securities or commodities on its own account or offer portfolio management services.

Third-party Approvals: This business activity needs a pre-approval from the Central Bank of the UAE (CB).

Anti-Money Laundering: The business activity is exempt from AML requirements.