Table of Contents
Topic Summary
Tap Into UAE's Strategic Financial Services Sector
The UAE has designated financial services as a strategic pillar under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and We the UAE 2031, creating sustained demand for licensed forfaiting businesses. Regional capital flows and government investment make this an ideal time to enter the market.
Enjoy 100% Foreign Ownership and Tax Benefits
Setting up through Meydan Free Zone grants full foreign ownership, zero corporate tax on qualifying income, and complete profit repatriation. These advantages make it one of the most cost-effective routes into Dubai's financial services market.
Operate Under a Clear Regulatory Framework
Forfaiting services in Dubai benefit from oversight by the Central Bank of the UAE and the Securities and Commodities Authority. This mature regulatory structure provides operators with confidence and credibility in regional markets.
No Third-Party Approval Required to Launch
A Meydan Free Zone trade licence is sufficient to begin operations under the forfaiting services activity code, with no additional third-party approvals needed. This streamlines your setup process and reduces time to market.
Serve a Broad Range of Client Segments
Licensed forfaiting businesses can onboard retail, corporate, and institutional clients across Dubai, the wider UAE, and regional MENA markets. The activity code also supports international financial groups, investment structures, and global banks entering the region.
Understand Exactly What the Activity Covers
The forfaiting services activity code covers core service delivery, regulated compliance, client engagement, and operational back-office functions. Related but distinct services such as financial leasing or bill collection fall under separate activity codes and are not included.
Benefit From an AML-Exempt, Digitally Licensed Process
This business activity is exempt from AML compliance requirements, simplifying your operational obligations from day one. Meydan Free Zone's fully digital licensing process further accelerates your path to operating legally in Dubai.
How to Start a Forfaiting Services Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
A licensed forfaiting services business serves the UAE's financial services market.¹
Regional demand, government investment in the sector, and strong enterprise and consumer need drive sustained demand for licensed forfaiting services businesses.²
For operators, this activity benefits from Central Bank of the UAE and SCA regulatory oversight, a clear regulatory framework, and strong regional distribution reach.³
That combination of financial-centre status, mature regulation, and strong regional capital flows is exactly where the opportunity lies.
The UAE has positioned financial services as a strategic pillar under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and We the UAE 2031, with explicit support for licensed financial activities.
Who is this for?
| Audience Segment | Profile |
|---|---|
| Financial services firms | Businesses providing licensed financial services to retail, corporate, or institutional clients under the applicable UAE regulatory framework. |
| Investment, holding, and trust structures | Groups using UAE-licensed vehicles for investment, holding, and fund structuring. |
| International financial groups entering MENA | Global banks, asset managers, and fintech firms establishing a Dubai entity for MENA operations. |
Setting up through Meydan Free Zone means 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax on qualifying income, full profit repatriation, and a fully digital licensing process, giving you a fast and cost-effective route into the Dubai financial-services market.
6499.96 - Forfaiting Services
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed forfaiting services business.
Services are delivered under the relevant regulatory oversight with appropriate facilities, systems, and qualified personnel.¹
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Core Operations | Primary delivery. Forfaiting Services core services provided to clients under the activity code. |
| Regulated Delivery | Compliance-led. Services delivered under the relevant regulatory framework, standards, and reporting obligations. |
| Client Engagement | Commercial scope. Onboarding, contracting, and ongoing service delivery to retail, corporate, or institutional clients as applicable. |
| Support and Operations | Operational back-office. Systems, staffing, documentation, and operational support needed to run the licensed activity. |
| Regional Reach | Market coverage. Delivery to clients across Dubai, the wider UAE, and regional markets within the scope of this activity. |
There are some things this activity does not cover. Activities such as financial leasing dealing on behalf of others, leasing and renting of real estate property, see division 68bill collection without debt buying up; giving activities by membership organizations fall under separate codes.
Other related but distinct services are classified under their own activity codes and not under this one.
In short: if you are operating a licensed forfaiting services business, you are in. If you are delivering a related but distinct service that falls under another activity, you are not.
Third-Party Approval
No third-party approval is required for this business activity. Your Meydan Free Zone trade licence is sufficient to begin operations under this activity code.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
This business activity is exempt from AML compliance requirements.
