Dubai Financial
Services Authority
(DFSA)
Secure your DFSA (DIFC) authorisation with SecureVisa Group — trusted experts in licensing, compliance, and blockchain business setup in Dubai.
Why DFSA Matters?
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) regulates all financial and token-related services conducted inside the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Securing a DFSA license gives firms global credibility, access to institutional investors, and a clear regulatory framework to operate in one of the world’s top financial hubs.
It’s important to distinguish between a mainland company license from the Dubai Economy Department (DED) and a DFSA (DIFC) license.
It’s important to distinguish between a mainland company license from the Dubai Economy Department (DED) and a DFSA (DIFC) license.
DED
Mainland company license covers general trading and business activities across Dubai.
DFSA
authorisation is mandatory for regulated financial services, asset management, and blockchain/token businesses in DIFC.
Who Needs a DFSA License?
The UAE has zero tolerance for unlicensed FX activity. SecureVisa Group ensures your model—whether brokerage, payments, or liquidity—is aligned with the right regulator (CBUAE, SCA, DFSA, ADGM FSRA) from day one. We Deliver:
SeureVisa Group Advantage for FX Licensing
- Securing a Forex (FX) or CFD license in the UAE requires more than paperwork—it demands a complete ecosystem of regulatory strategy, compliance technology, and operational resilience. SecureVisa Group delivers exactly that, tailored for retail brokers, institutional platforms, liquidity providers, PSPs, and fintechs.
SeureVisa Group Advantage for FX Licensing
- Securing a Forex (FX) or CFD license in the UAE requires more than paperwork—it demands a complete ecosystem of regulatory strategy, compliance technology, and operational resilience. SecureVisa Group delivers exactly that, tailored for retail brokers, institutional platforms, liquidity providers, PSPs, and fintechs.
DFSA (DIFC) requierements vd DED mainland licensing
FinTech and Web3 firms comparisons
Blockchain, crypto, and tokenization projects
needing DFSA permisisons
Blockchain Business Setup in Dubai
Investors and founders consideration
Institutional DIFC Platform
For trading, custody, or asset management.
We're here to Help You!
With SecureVisa Group, you don’t just get licensed—you gain the full regulatory, technological, and operational framework to run a trusted business in the UAE, backed by investor confidence and regulator approval.
Activities Covered by DFSA
The DFSA regulates financial and crypto activities in the DIFC to ensure trust, compliance, and innovation.
DFSA (DIFC) Requirements
To obtain DFSA authorisation, firms must meet strict institutional standards, including:
Governance & Risk Management
board oversight and senior management accountability.
Prudential & Conduct Controls
adequate capital, systems, and resources
AML / CFT Compliance
comprehensive anti-money laundering program with independent testing.
Ongoing Reporting
regulatory notifications and supervisory engagement.
Technology & Cybersecurity
robust infrastructure, access controls, and incident response plans.
SVG’s Execution Model
SecureVisa Group simplifies the process of DFSA licensing in DIFC:
Permissions Mapping
align your business model to the DFSA rulebook.
CompliX Monitoring
continuous compliance and regulatory reporting
Policy Suite & Filings
governance, compliance, and AML documentation.
Risk Assessment & Gap Analysis
identify regulatory gaps and mitigate potential risks before submission.
Technology & Security
ITSEC, ensure resilience & compliance for blockchain / token platforms.
Regulatory Engagement
manage communications and responses with the DFSA throughout the licensing journey.
Process to OBtain DFSA Authorisation
From scoping your business model to full DFSA authorisation and supervision, SVG leads every step.
We don’t just advise — we integrate advisory, compliance tech, and cybersecurity into a seamless licensing journey. Whether you're launching a FinTech, Crypto, or Investment Firm, our process ensures you're strategically positioned for long-term regulatory success in the UAE.
We don’t just advise — we integrate advisory, compliance tech, and cybersecurity into a seamless licensing journey. Whether you're launching a FinTech, Crypto, or Investment Firm, our process ensures you're strategically positioned for long-term regulatory success in the UAE.
Engage
scope business model, permissions, and regulatory fit.
In-Principle Approval
DFSA validates your application.
Implementation
finalize manuals, systems, governance, and capital readiness.
Final Authorisation
firm becomes an Authorised Firm in DIFC.
Ongoing Supervision
reporting, monitoring, and compliance reviews.
Costs & What You Should Prepare
Understanding the financial and regulatory requirements upfront is key to a smooth DFSA licensing process. From application and authorisation fees to token recognition costs, businesses should be prepared for varying expenses depending on activity type and scope. Mainland alternatives offer lower-cost options, though with limitations for financial services.
DFSA (DIFC) License Cost
varies by activity but typically includes application, authorization, and supervision fees.
Crypto - token recognition fee
approx USD 5,000 - 10,000 depending on scope.
Mainland company formation
under the Dubai Economy Department (DED) has different cost structures, usually lower but limited to non-financial activities.
Reach out to our team for personalized assistance.
SecureVisa Group doesn’t just help you get licensed—we give you the operational tools regulators expect to see in action. From compliance registers and AML frameworks to marketing disclosures and incident runbooks, you’re always audit-ready, regulator-trusted, and investor-credible.
Requirements to Prepare
Before applying for DFSA authorisation, firms must align their internal structure with regulatory expectations. This includes mapping permissions accurately, demonstrating governance readiness, ensuring AML compliance, and securing robust tech infrastructure for blockchain and token-related operations.
Permissions Map
A detailed matrix aligning your business model with DFSA-permitted activities to ensure regulatory fit and avoid application delays.
Governance and Capital Adequacy Plan
Outlines leadership structure and financial strength to demonstrate readiness and operational soundness required by DFSA.
Compliance and AML Manual
A documented framework addressing Anti-Money Laundering, KYC, and internal controls to meet regulatory obligations effectively.
Tech/Security for Blockchain and Token Services
Security protocols and technical systems ensuring your digital asset platform is resilient, compliant, and trusted by regulators.
Mainland vs DIFC - Key Differences
Mainland licenses are cost-effective and suitable for non-financial businesses, while DIFC offers a regulated financial hub ideal for fintech, crypto, and investment firms requiring DFSA oversight.
Support
FAQs About DFSA
Have questions about DFSA licensing, regulations, or business setup in DIFC? Our FAQs cover key insights to help you navigate confidently.
What are the DFSA (DIFC) requirements?
Firms must meet DFSA standards for governance, AML, cybersecurity, and prudential resources.
What is the DFSA (DIFC) license cost?
It depends on your permissions. Expect licensing, supervision, and crypto-token recognition fees (USD 5K - 10K).
How does a DIFC License compare to a mainland company in Dubai?
TDED mainland licenses are cheaper and cover general trade, while DIFC licenses provide international credibility for regulated finance, crypto, and blockchain services.
Can I set up blockchain business in Dubai under DFSA?
Yes. DIFC offers a dedicated crypto-token framework for custody, exchanges, and tokenisation projects.
Still have questions?
We’re here to help you with any inquiries.
Ready to Secure Your DFSA License in the UAE
In the UAE, DFSA licensing is essential for regulated financial activities within the DIFC. Whether you're launching a fintech, crypto platform, or investment firm, obtaining the right license ensures compliance, credibility, and access to institutional partners.
