Remittance Services in the UAE
Available in 17 free zones — compare costs and requirements below.
Free Zones Offering Remittance Services
| Free Zone | Emirate | Specialty | From (Year 1) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFZ — Ajman Free Zone | Ajman | General trading, manufacturing | AED 10,300 | View Details |
| Meydan — Meydan Free Zone | Dubai | General business, startups | AED 12,500 | View Details |
| IFZA — International Free Zone Authority | Dubai | General business, services | AED 12,900 | View Details |
| UAQFTZ — UAQ Free Trade Zone | Umm Al Quwain | Trading, manufacturing, services | AED 15,000 | View Details |
| FFZA — Fujairah Free Zone | Fujairah | Trading, oil storage, shipping | AED 15,500 | View Details |
| RAKEZ — Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone | Ras Al Khaimah | General business, manufacturing | AED 15,500 | View Details |
| HFZ — Hamriyah Free Zone | Sharjah | Industrial, manufacturing, oil & gas | AED 17,500 | View Details |
| SAIF — Sharjah Airport International Free Zone | Sharjah | Aviation, logistics, trading | AED 17,500 | View Details |
| JAFZA — Jebel Ali Free Zone | Dubai | Logistics, manufacturing, trading | AED 18,500 | View Details |
| KIZAD — Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi | Industrial, manufacturing | AED 22,000 | View Details |
| RDAO — RAK Digital Assets Oasis | Ras Al Khaimah | Crypto, blockchain, Web3 | AED 22,500 | View Details |
| DWTC — Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone | Dubai | Events, exhibitions, trading | AED 23,500 | View Details |
| ADGM — Abu Dhabi Global Market | Abu Dhabi | Financial services, fintech | AED 27,000 | View Details |
| DAFZA — Dubai Airport Free Zone | Dubai | General trading, logistics | AED 28,500 | View Details |
| DMCC — Dubai Multi Commodities Centre | Dubai | Commodities, finance, tech, blockchain | AED 33,600 | View Details |
| ICAD — Industrial City of Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi | Heavy industry, manufacturing | AED 115,000 | View Details |
| DIFC — Dubai International Financial Centre | Dubai | Financial services, fintech | AED 127,000 | View Details |
About Remittance Services License
Remittance Services operates within the UAE's regulated financial ecosystem, one of the most developed in the MENA region. Licensed across 17 free zones, this activity serves individuals and businesses. A professional license is required, typically suited for service-based and specialist activities.
A Professional license is required for remittance services in the UAE. This activity falls under the Finance category.
You can obtain this license in 17 free zones across the UAE. The cheapest option starts from AED 10,300 for the first year, including license fee and basic setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a remittance services license cost in the UAE?
The cheapest option starts from AED 10,300 for Year 1 at AFZ. Costs vary by free zone, office type, and visa allocation.
Which free zone is best for remittance services?
It depends on your budget, location preference, and visa needs. AFZ offers the lowest starting cost. Consider factors like emirate, office facilities, and industry specialization.
What license type do I need for remittance services?
A Professional license is required. This falls under the Finance category. The license type determines which activities you can conduct and which free zones can issue it.
Can I do remittance services as a freelancer in the UAE?
Some free zones offer freelance permits that cover finance activities. Check individual free zones for freelance options, which typically have lower costs but limited visa quotas.
How many free zones offer remittance services?
Remittance Services is available in 17 free zones across the UAE, spanning multiple emirates. This gives you flexibility to choose based on cost, location, and business needs.
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