Dubai has become a magnet for global businesses, investors, and high-net-worth individuals and with that growth comes a rising need for expert financial guidance. From multinational corporations to fast-growing startups, companies in Dubai rely heavily on professional financial consultants to help them navigate tax regulations, manage investments, and plan their long-term financial strategies. This has made financial consultancy one of the most in-demand professional services in the UAE.
Starting a financial consultancy company in Dubai allows you to tap into a market that values expertise, compliance, and strategic planning. With corporate tax now in place, stricter reporting standards, and increased cross-border transactions, businesses are actively looking for advisors who can simplify complex financial matters. In 2026, as more companies expand into the UAE and global markets, the demand for financial advisory, tax planning, and business consulting services is only expected to grow, making it an ideal time to establish your consultancy in Dubai.
Why Start a Financial Consultancy Business in Dubai?
A financial consultancy business thrives where businesses need guidance – and in Dubai, that need is both strong and continuously growing.
1. The Corporate Tax Boom
For a long time, the UAE was famous for being tax-free. However, with the recent implementation of Corporate Tax and evolving VAT regulations, every business in the city now needs professional help. They need experts to handle tax registration, filing, and compliance to avoid heavy penalties. This has created a massive, non-negotiable demand for tax advisory services.
2. The D33 Economic Engine
The Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) aims to double the size of the economy by 2033 and make Dubai one of the top 3 global cities for business. It means the government is actively pouring resources into the financial sector, streamlining licensing, and improving digital infrastructure.
3. Free Zone Advantages
Dubai offers over 40 free zones, each providing 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation, and streamlined setup processes. For a financial consultancy, zones like DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) and DMCC offer specific licenses for financial services with access to international financial markets. You can establish your business in weeks rather than months, with minimal bureaucratic hurdles.
4. Growing Wealth Management Market
The Middle East’s wealth management sector is expanding rapidly, with the UAE attracting family offices, ultra-high-net-worth individuals, and institutional investors. Wealth reports consistently show Dubai as a top destination for millionaire migration. These individuals need comprehensive financial advice, which creates a deep pool of potential clients.
5. Strong Presence of International Companies
Dubai is home to thousands of international firms operating across sectors like real estate, trade, technology, logistics, and finance. Cross-border transactions and international operations often involve complex financial planning, transfer pricing, and global tax considerations, areas where experienced financial consultants are highly sought after.
What are the Types of Financial Consultancy Services You Can Offer in Dubai?
One of the biggest advantages of starting a financial consultancy company in Dubai is the flexibility it offers. You can specialise in one niche or provide a combination of services depending on your expertise, target market, and license approvals.
Here are some of the most in-demand financial consultancy services you can offer:
1. Corporate Tax Advisory
With the introduction of corporate tax in the UAE, businesses require expert guidance on tax planning, compliance, return filing, and structuring. Providing corporate tax advisory services can position your firm as a valuable long-term partner for companies.
2. Business Valuation and Financial Due Diligence
Whether someone is buying a business, selling one, raising investment, or planning succession, they need accurate valuations. You can offer business valuation services using recognised methodologies, conduct financial due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, assess the financial health of potential investments, and provide fairness opinions.
3. VAT Consultancy
Although VAT has been in place for a few years, many businesses still need support with VAT registration, return filing, audits, and compliance checks. VAT consultancy remains a steady and reliable service area.
4. Real Estate Investment Consulting
Given Dubai’s prominent property market, specialised real estate advisory is lucrative. Analyse investment opportunities, calculate ROI and cash flow projections, advise on financing structures, and provide portfolio diversification strategies. Both individual and institutional investors need this expertise.
5. Accounting & Bookkeeping Services
Many SMEs and startups outsource their accounting functions to reduce costs and ensure accuracy. Offering bookkeeping, financial reporting, and management accounts can create recurring revenue for your consultancy.
6. Retirement and Pension Planning
Expats in the UAE lack mandatory pension schemes, creating retirement anxiety. Design retirement savings strategies, advise on international pension transfers, recommend suitable investment vehicles, and create retirement income plans.
7. Risk Management and Insurance Advisory
Businesses and individuals often underestimate financial risks. Conduct risk assessments, recommend appropriate insurance coverage, advise on hedging strategies for currency or commodity exposure, and develop business continuity plans.
Legal Requirements to Start a Financial Consultancy Company in Dubai
Starting a financial consultancy firm in Dubai involves several regulatory and legal steps. Below is a clear breakdown of what you need to know:
Dubai Financial Consultancy License:
To start a financial consultancy firm in Dubai, you need a Professional License. This allows you to provide services based on your expertise. You have two main choices for where to register:
- Mainland (DET): Regulated by the Department of Economy and Tourism. This is best if you want to work directly with government entities or local businesses across all the Emirates.
- Free Zones: Highly popular for 2026 because they offer 100% foreign ownership and easier tax optimisation.
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- DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre): The Gold Standard for financial firms. It has its own legal system based on English Common Law.
- DMCC or IFZA: Great for general financial consulting that doesn’t involve managing people’s money directly.
Regulatory Approvals (If Offering Specialised Services):
Some financial consultancy activities involve regulated sectors – particularly investment advisory and financial market services. In such cases, you may need additional approvals from the UAE financial regulators:
- Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA): This is the main regulator for mainland and most free zone financial activities (like investment advisory and market analysis).
- Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA): If you are based in the DIFC, this is your regulator. They have very strict requirements for capital and “fit and proper” checks for your directors.
- UAE Central Bank: Required if you are offering services related to banking, credit, or insurance.
- VARA (Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority): If your consultancy involves Crypto or Web3 finances, you must get a license from VARA.
Other Additional Approvals and Compliance:
Even if you’re not offering investment advisory services, there are other approvals and compliance requirements to consider:
- AML & KYC Registration: Every financial firm must register with the goAML portal to report any suspicious transactions.
- Qualified Directors: They must prove they have the right degrees (like CFA or ACCA) and years of experience in the industry.
- Data Protection: Since you’ll be handling sensitive financial data, you must comply with UAE Data Protection laws, which may require a dedicated Data Protection Officer.
- Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO): Essential for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance.
How to Start a Financial Consultancy Company in Dubai? 10-Step Process
Like any regulated professional service, setting up a financial consultancy firm in Dubai follows a defined process and understanding each stage can save you time and effort.
Step 1: Define Your Specific Activities
Before you apply, you must be clear about your services. In 2026, financial consultancy is a broad term. Are you doing:
- Pure Consulting: Giving advice on budgeting or tax (usually requires a standard Professional License).
- Regulated Advisory: Giving advice on stocks, assets, or insurance (requires SCA or DFSA approval).
- Crypto/Virtual Assets: Consulting on digital tokens (requires a VARA license).
Step 2: Choose Your Jurisdiction (Mainland vs. Free Zone)
This is the most critical business decision you will make.
- Mainland (DET): Best if you want to work with government departments or local UAE companies without any restrictions.
- Free Zone (DIFC, DMCC, IFZA): Best if you want 100% foreign ownership and are targeting international clients. DIFC is the top choice for high-end financial firms but has higher setup costs.
Step 3: Reserve a Trade Name
Select a unique business name that complies with UAE naming regulations. The name must not violate public morals, religious sentiments, or duplicate an existing company name. Once approved, your trade name will be reserved.
Step 4: Apply for Initial Approval
Submit an application to the relevant authority (DET for Mainland or the respective Free Zone authority) to receive initial approval. This confirms that the government has no objection to you starting the business.
Step 5: Secure Office Space
A physical office space is typically required for Mainland companies. Some Free Zones allow flexi-desk or shared office options. You will need a tenancy contract (Ejari for Mainland) to proceed with license issuance.
Step 6: Obtain Regulatory Approvals (If Required)
If your services include investment advisory or financial market-related activities, you may need additional approvals from regulatory authorities such as the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) or DFSA (if operating in DIFC).
Step 7: Apply for Your Financial Consultancy License
With approvals in hand and office space secured, submit your complete license application. This includes your initial approval documents, tenancy contract, MOA, shareholder and director documents, and payment of licensing fees.
Fees vary considerably. A basic consultancy license in a free zone might cost between AED 15,000 to AED 30,000 annually depending on the zone and number of permitted activities.
Processing time ranges from a few days in efficient free zones to several weeks for mainland or DIFC applications. Once approved, you’ll receive your financial consultancy license, which is your legal authorization to operate.
Step 8: Register for Corporate Tax
Since June 2023, UAE businesses must register for corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). Visit the FTA’s online portal and register your company, providing your trade license details, business information, and financial details. You’ll receive a Tax Registration Number (TRN).
Even if your profits fall below the AED 375,000 threshold where the 9% tax applies, you must still register and file annual returns
Step 9: Open a Corporate Bank Account
Choose your bank carefully. Consider banks that work well with consultancy businesses and have experience with your jurisdiction. Options include Emirates NBD, Mashreq Bank, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, and others. Some international banks like HSBC and Standard Chartered also operate in the UAE.
Step 10: Hire Employees and Obtain Visas
If you’re hiring staff, you’ll need to register as an employer with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). For each employee, you’ll need to process employment visas, which involves medical testing, Emirates ID registration, and residence visa stamping. Budget around AED 5,000 to AED 8,000 per employee for the complete visa process.
Note: With AE Setup expert support, you can handle licensing, approvals, and documentation seamlessly, making your financial consultancy setup quick and hassle-free.
What are the Documents Required to Start a Financial Consultancy Firm in Dubai?
The core documents generally include the following:
- Passport copies of all shareholders and partners
- Visa copy (for UAE residents)
- Emirates ID copy (if applicable)
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Trade name reservation certificate
- Initial approval certificate
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)/Incorporation documents
- Tenancy contract/Ejari (for Mainland) or lease agreement (Free Zone)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current sponsor (if applicable)
- Business plan (if required for regulated activities)
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Financial Consultancy Company in Dubai?
The core license fee forms your primary expense. The financial consultancy license cost in popular free zones like DMCC, IFZA, JAFZA, or Dubai Silicon Oasis is typically between AED 15,000 to AED 30,000 annually. This covers your trade license and the right to operate within that free zone. Mainland Dubai licenses through the Department of Economy and Tourism fall within a similar range, typically AED 20,000 to AED 35,000.
If you’re setting up in the Dubai International Financial Centre to offer regulated financial services, costs increase substantially. A DIFC license starts around AED 40,000 to AED 75,000 for the basic registration.
Additional Costs to Consider:
Beyond the license itself, there are several mandatory expenses. An Investor Visa typically costs between AED 3,500 and AED 5,000, which includes your medical tests and Emirates ID. Office space is another variable; while a Flexi-desk in a Free Zone might cost AED 5,000 to AED 10,000 annually, a physical mainland office will require a higher investment and a verified Ejari contract.
Since you are in the financial sector, you must also account for regulatory approvals and professional requirements. If your services require SCA or DFSA authorization, application fees can range from AED 20,000 to over AED 70,000, depending on the complexity of your activities.
Ready to Start Your Financial Consultancy in Dubai?
There’s no better time than now to explore the opportunity of starting a financial consultancy company in Dubai. As businesses adapt to corporate tax, tighter compliance standards, and global financial shifts, professional advisory services are becoming essential rather than optional. Entrepreneurs who act early can position themselves strongly in this growing market.
To make the journey smoother, working with an experienced partner can make all the difference. AE Setup assists with everything from company formation and licensing to regulatory approvals, visa processing, and ongoing compliance support. With expert guidance, you can start your consultancy the right way and focus on serving your clients from day one.
