What documents does a Canadian national need to start a financial consultancy business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Canada passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Canada, attested documents via Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication, and a business plan for your financial consultancy venture.

How long does it take for a Canadian citizen to set up a financial consultancy company in JAFZA Offshore?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 5–8 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 15–25 business days.

How long does it take to get a Financial Consultancy licence in JAFZA Offshore?

The typical processing time for a financial consultancy licence at JAFZA Offshore is 5 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. As a regulated activity requiring SCA approval, additional time of 1-3 weeks may be required.

What documents do I need to set up a Financial Consultancy business in JAFZA Offshore?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. As a regulated activity, you will also need to provide professional qualifications or certifications required by SCA. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

What are the tax implications for a Financial Consultancy business in JAFZA Offshore?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Offshore entities are generally exempt from UAE corporate tax on income earned outside the UAE. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

Can I get a residence visa with my Financial Consultancy licence from JAFZA Offshore?

Offshore companies in JAFZA Offshore do not include residence visa allocation. If you require a UAE residence visa, consider a free zone or mainland licence instead.

Is JAFZA Offshore good for financial consultancy start-ups?

JAFZA Offshore is well-suited for both start-ups and established businesses, offering zero tax on all income and full capital repatriation.

OffshoreProfessionalRegulated Activity

Financial Consultancy in JAFZA Offshore

Starting From

AED 18,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Financial Consultancy

Setting up a Financial Consultancy business in JAFZA Offshore as a Canadian citizen is a straightforward process when you understand the specific requirements that apply to Canada-based entrepreneurs. IBA International has helped hundreds of Canadian business owners navigate the licensing, visa, and banking procedures unique to their nationality.

The licensing process at JAFZA Offshore has been streamlined significantly, with most professional licences processed within 5 business days. As an offshore entity, you benefit from maximum privacy and asset protection. The base licence fee is approximately AED 18,000, making it competitively priced for the services included.

At IBA International, we simplify the process of establishing your financial consultancy business in JAFZA Offshore. From selecting the right licence type to securing your visa and opening a corporate bank account, our experienced team ensures every detail is handled professionally and efficiently.

Why JAFZA Offshore for Financial Consultancy?

JAFZA Offshore is widely regarded as one of the UAE's premier destinations for professional businesses, and for good reason.

The jurisdiction offers zero tax on all income, which is particularly valuable for financial consultancy operations. Additionally, full capital repatriation ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. The offshore structure provides maximum confidentiality and is ideal for holding assets, intellectual property, and international trade operations. Many international businesses choose the offshore route for its streamlined compliance requirements and ability to open multi-currency bank accounts with leading UAE banks. Corporate bank account access further enhances the appeal of JAFZA Offshore for financial consultancy professionals. Furthermore, no physical office required positions your financial consultancy business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, JAFZA Offshore remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established professional enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Canadian nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Canadian business community.

Zero tax on all income

Full capital repatriation

Corporate bank account access

No physical office required

Asset protection

Visa Requirements for Canadian Nationals

Canadian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. Once your financial consultancy licence is issued by JAFZA Offshore, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 10–17 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Canadian Business Owners

Canadian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. Strong Canadian-UAE relations facilitate banking processes. For your financial consultancy business in JAFZA Offshore, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Canadian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Canada-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Canadian Nationals

Canadian nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for financial consultancy), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to JAFZA Offshore.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Canada passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport-sized photographs with white background

5Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

6Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

7Detailed business plan or activity description

8Relevant industry experience documentation

Regulatory Note: Financial Consultancy is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from SCA is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	18,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 18,000

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your financial consultancy business plan and the best JAFZA Offshore licence options for Canadian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Canada through Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the financial consultancy licence application to JAFZA Offshore. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official JAFZA Offshore trade licence within 5–8 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Canadian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Canadian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening.

Start Operations

Your financial consultancy business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 5 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. JAFZA Offshore allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Canadian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Financial Consultancy in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750