Payment Services: which UAE zones permit it

Verified permission status across 2 UAE zones and jurisdictions, including additional licence requirements where a sector regulator sits on top of the zone's own registration.

DED-DXB

requires additional licence

CBUAE PSP licence mandatory; Tier 1 above AED 100M transaction volume or Tier 2 below

Additional licence: CBUAE — PSP Licence

CBUAE is the sole PSP licensor. Entity can be mainland or free zone but CBUAE licence is federal.

DIFC

requires additional licence

DFSA money services licence for DIFC-domiciled PSPs

Additional licence: DFSA — DFSA Money Services Licence

Alternative to CBUAE route for PSPs wanting DIFC legal wrapper.

Confirm the right structure for payment services

Scout's Structure & Jurisdiction Recommendation applies this same permission data to your specific ownership, capital, and client profile.

Get your ranked shortlist