Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a money exchange business in Dubai?
A money exchange business, also known as a bureau de change, is a licensed financial service that converts currency and transfers funds across borders, operating under activity code 6612.95 at Meydan Free Zone.
Who regulates money exchange businesses in Dubai?
The Central Bank of the UAE regulates money exchange businesses. Activity 6612.95 requires pre-approval from the Central Bank before the Meydan Free Zone trade license can be issued, ensuring consumer protection and compliance.
What services can I offer under a money exchange license?
You can offer currency conversion, remittance and cross-border transfers, cash handling and settlement, and currency support for tourism and import/export businesses, all under UAE Central Bank regulatory oversight.
What is excluded from a money exchange license under 6612.95?
You cannot trade securities or commodities on your own account, buy or sell financial instruments for personal gain, or offer portfolio management services. These activities require separate license classifications.
Is a money exchange business subject to AML requirements?
Activity 6612.95 is exempt from AML requirements at the activity level, though all licensed exchange operators remain subject to the UAE Central Bank’s broader compliance framework, including consumer protection rules.
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, according to the Central Bank of the UAE1, the country 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.
The scale of activity is significant. According to Gulf News, citing UAE Central Bank statistics2, outward personal remittances from the UAE reached AED 183 billion in 2024, placing the country among the top remittance corridors globally and underlining the steady, recurring demand for licensed exchange operators.
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.
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Dubai’s Money Exchange Sector at a Glance
The combination of regulated supply, large expatriate population, and steady tourism flow makes Dubai one of the most active money exchange markets in the world. The numbers underline how much currency activity flows through the city each year.
It tells you the operating room is wide. The UAE processed AED 183 billion in outward remittances in 2024 alone, sustained by 100+ licensed exchange companies and 800+ branches under direct UAE Central Bank oversight, a regulated, high-volume market that rewards operational discipline over scale alone.
Source: UAE Central Bank: Licensed Financial Institutions Register (2025); Gulf News: UAE Outward Remittances 2024 (Oct 2025).
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.
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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.
Here’s what this activity covers and what it doesn’t cover:
Third-party Approvals: This business activity needs approval from the Central Bank of the UAE (CB) before your trade license is issued.
Anti-Money Laundering: The business activity is exempt from AML requirements.
In Conclusion
Dubai’s position as a global financial hub makes money exchange businesses both essential and highly rewarding. With strong demand driven by international trade, tourism, and remittances, the right setup can place your business at the centre of constant financial activity.
To move forward with confidence, you can check your company name to secure your brand and opt for a Fawri License to issue your license in under 60 minutes. Enhancing your operations with Meydan Plus also gives you access to added support and business advantages from day one.
With the right structure in place and regulatory approvals secured, your exchange business can become a trusted part of Dubai’s financial ecosystem. Contact us to get expert guidance on launching and scaling your venture smoothly.
Looking to start a money exchange business in Dubai? Calculate your business license cost now!
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Citations
1 Central Bank of the UAE. Licensed Financial Institutions Register. UAE Central Bank, 2025.
2 Gulf News, citing UAE Central Bank statistics. From Queues to Clicks: Why Expats in UAE Are Turning to Digital Remittances. Gulf News, October 2025.
