Drive Success
Shape the Future of Securities & Commodities
In the UAE's dynamic financial market, the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) ensures market integrity and investor protection. SecureVisa provides expert guidance to help businesses secure SCA licenses and meet regulatory requirements for success in UAE's regulated markets.
6 Key Steps to Establish Your
SCA-Regulated Company
Setting up a company under SCA requires in-depth knowledge of the UAE's evolving financial regulations. At SecureVisa, we simplify this process with expert-led, step-by-step support.
Business Activity & Licensing Category
Identify and select the most appropriate financial business activity, such as securities dealing, asset management, or investment advisory. SecureVisa helps you navigate the licensing categories set by SCA.
Trade Name Registration & Initial Approval
Choose a trade name that reflects your financial services business. We assist in registering your name with SCA and obtaining initial approval, ensuring it adheres to regulatory standards.
Compliance & Risk Assessment
Ensure your business complies with SCA's stringent financial market regulations, including anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements.
External Approvals & Technical Readiness
Collaborate with relevant authorities and service providers to meet SCA's operational requirements including robust financial systems, cybersecurity measures, and corporate governance.
License Issuance
Once all compliance and technical standards are met, SecureVisa will assist you in securing your SCA operating license, officially allowing your financial services business to commence operations.
Visa & Corporate Bank Account Setup
Complete the visa application process for your team and secure a corporate bank account to support your business operations, ensuring your company meets all UAE financial and regulatory requirements.
Business Activity & Licensing Selection
Identify the most suitable business activity within the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) framework.
Identify Financial Business Activity
Understand the financial market and select the appropriate business activity — such as securities trading, investment advisory, asset management, or brokerage services — that aligns with your expertise within Dubai's financial ecosystem.
Choose the Right Legal Structure
Based on your operational needs and SCA's specific requirements, choose the most suitable legal structure. Options may include a Limited Liability Company (LLC), a branch of an existing company, or a sole proprietorship designed for financial services.
Review SCA Licensing Requirements
Evaluate the specific licensing categories offered by SCA for your chosen activity. This includes ensuring compliance with the UAE's financial regulations, which are essential for obtaining the necessary approvals for securities and asset management businesses.
Consult with SCA Compliance Experts
Based on your operational needs and SCA's specific requirements, choose the most suitable legal structure for your business. Our compliance experts validate your choice ensuring alignment with long-term objectives and market conditions.
Trade Name Registration & Initial Approval
Secure your unique trade name by registering it with the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) and relevant UAE authorities.
SCA Trade Name Criteria
Ensure that your trade name meets SCA's specific guidelines, reflecting the financial and professional focus of your business within the UAE's regulated financial market.
Brand Alignment & Compliance
Ensure that your chosen trade name is consistent across all branding platforms and meets SCA's regulatory requirements. This step will help build a cohesive brand identity and long-term compliance.
Registration with SCA Authorities
After receiving initial approval, proceed with registering your trade name with Dubai's government bodies and the SCA registry. This step ensures full compliance with both local and international financial market standards.
Initial Approvals
Obtain the necessary preliminary approvals from SCA by submitting a comprehensive business plan and financial projections.
Securing Initial Approvals
with SCA
Successfully navigate the first regulatory step by securing initial approvals from the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). This crucial phase ensures that your business model aligns with the UAE's stringent financial market regulations and lays the foundation for obtaining full licensing.
Regulatory Approval
Ensure your business activity aligns with SCA's regulatory framework. Submit your application for a thorough review to secure the initial regulatory approvals required to operate within the UAE's financial markets.
Business Plan Submission
Submit a detailed business plan that includes objectives, operational strategies, and financial projections. This will demonstrate the viability and compliance of your business model with SCA's requirements.
Financial Compliance Check
Undergo a financial compliance check to ensure your business meets SCA's regulatory standards, including capital requirements and operational funding. This is critical for gaining initial approval.
Pre-License Approval
Once your business plan and compliance checks are approved, apply for pre-license approval. This allows you to proceed with further registration while completing the remaining setup elements.
Office Space
Secure a strategic office location in Dubai to meet SCA's operational standards and comply with UAE regulations.
Determine Office Requirements
Evaluate your space needs based on the size of your business and operational scope. This could range from a flexible desk to a full-scale commercial office. Ensure the location meets SCA's compliance requirements.
Submit a Lease Application
Submit your lease application for approval with the relevant authorities. Ensure all business details, such as office space usage and operations, are accurate and compliant with UAE laws.
Obtain SCA Approvals
Once your office space is secured, ensure it complies with all SCA regulatory requirements. This includes commercial licensing and fulfilling regulatory standards.
Sign Lease Agreement
After receiving approval, finalize your lease agreement and begin setting up your business operations in a prime Dubai location under SCA compliance.
License Issuance
Submit all necessary documentation to SCA for the final approval and issuance of your financial services license.
Submit Final Documentation
Submit all required documents, including incorporation details, shareholder agreements, and lease agreements, to SCA for the final approval.
Review and Approval
SCA will review your final documentation to ensure everything is in order. During this phase, they may request additional information or clarifications to finalize your license.
Receive Your SCA License
Once approved, you will be issued your SCA license, allowing you to officially start operations in the UAE financial market.
Commence Operations
With your SCA license in hand, your business can fully operate within the UAE's regulated financial market. Begin trading, advising, or managing securities under SCA's framework.
Visa Processing
Efficiently manage the visa application process for you and your employees, ensuring all legal residency requirements are met for working in the UAE.
Streamlining Your Team's Transition to Dubai
With your SCA license secured, the next critical step is ensuring that you and your employees are legally eligible to live and work in Dubai. The visa processing phase — which includes medical tests, Emirates ID applications, and visa stamping — is essential for setting up your financial services business smoothly in Dubai's highly regulated financial sector.
Employee Visa Quota Allocation
Determine the number of visas your company needs based on the size and scope of your operations. SCA will allocate a specific visa quota based on your business type.
Medical Fitness Tests
All visa applicants must undergo medical fitness tests at an approved Dubai medical center. This is a mandatory requirement for securing legal residency.
Emirates ID Application
Once the medical tests are complete, apply for Emirates IDs for all employees. The Emirates ID is essential for residency and government services access.
Visa Stamping & Residency Permit
After receiving the Emirates IDs, proceed with the visa stamping process to complete residency permits for your team. With the stamped visas, your employees will be authorized to work under your SCA license in Dubai.