What documents does an Iranian national need to start a fintech business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Iran passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Iran, attested documents via Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a business plan for your fintech venture.

How long does it take for an Iranian citizen to set up a fintech company in Abu Dhabi DED?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 3–6 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 13–23 business days.

How long does it take to get a Fintech licence in Abu Dhabi DED?

The typical processing time for a fintech licence at Abu Dhabi DED is 3 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. As a regulated activity requiring DFSA/VARA approval, additional time of 1-3 weeks may be required.

What are the tax implications for a Fintech business in Abu Dhabi Mainland?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Mainland companies are subject to the standard 9% corporate tax rate on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

What are the annual renewal costs for a Fintech business in Abu Dhabi Mainland?

The annual licence renewal for a Fintech Abu Dhabi DED company costs approximately AED 10,000, which covers the trade licence fee. Additional annual costs may include office space rental, visa renewal, and establishment card fees. IBA provides renewal services to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Fintech company in Abu Dhabi Mainland?

Yes, following the recent amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, 100% foreign ownership is now permitted for most mainland activities, including fintech. Previously, a local sponsor holding 51% was required, but this is no longer the case.

Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to set up a Fintech company in Abu Dhabi DED?

Most of the setup process for a fintech business in Abu Dhabi DED can be completed remotely, with documents submitted online or via courier. However, you may need to visit the UAE for Emirates ID biometrics and bank account opening. IBA can coordinate to minimise your required visits.

Fintech in Abu Dhabi Mainland for Iranian nationals

MainlandFinancialRegulated Activity

Fintech in Abu Dhabi DED

Starting From

AED 10,000

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Abu Dhabi

About Fintech

Setting up a Fintech business in Abu Dhabi Mainland as an Iranian citizen is a straightforward process when you understand the specific requirements that apply to Iran-based entrepreneurs. IBA International has helped hundreds of Iranian business owners navigate the licensing, visa, and banking procedures unique to their nationality.

The licensing process at Abu Dhabi DED has been streamlined significantly, with most financial licences processed within 3 business days. With the recent changes to UAE commercial law, 100% foreign ownership is now available for most mainland activities. The base licence fee is approximately AED 10,000, making it competitively priced for the services included.

At IBA International, we simplify the process of establishing your fintech business in Abu Dhabi Mainland. 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 Abu Dhabi DED for Fintech?

Abu Dhabi Mainland is widely regarded as one of the UAE's premier destinations for financial businesses, and for good reason.

The jurisdiction offers capital city strategic advantage, which is particularly valuable for fintech operations. Additionally, government project access ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. Operating on the mainland allows you to trade directly with the local UAE market without restrictions, and you can bid on government contracts — a significant advantage over free zone entities. Office solutions start from AED 6,000 per year for a co-working, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. Trade anywhere in UAE further enhances the appeal of Abu Dhabi DED for fintech professionals. Furthermore, growing economic diversification positions your fintech business for long-term success in the region. With Abu Dhabi continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, Abu Dhabi DED remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established financial enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

Capital city strategic advantage

Government project access

Trade anywhere in UAE

Growing economic diversification

100% foreign ownership

Visa Requirements for Iranian Nationals

Iranian nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. Once your fintech licence is issued by Abu Dhabi DED, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 8–15 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Iranian Business Owners

Iranian entrepreneurs may face additional due diligence requirements. IBA assists with navigating compliance procedures for successful account opening. For your fintech business in Abu Dhabi DED, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Iranian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Iran-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Iranian Nationals

Iranian nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for fintech), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to Abu Dhabi DED.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Iran passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport-sized photographs with white background

5Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

6Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

7Completed application form for trade licence

8Office tenancy contract (Ejari) for the registered business address

Regulatory Note: Fintech is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from DFSA/VARA is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	10,000
Visa Package (per visa)	4,000
Ejari Office	12,000
Co-Working	6,000
Private Office	25,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 26,000

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

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your fintech business plan and the best Abu Dhabi DED licence options for Iranian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Iran through Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the fintech licence application to Abu Dhabi DED. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official Abu Dhabi DED trade licence within 3–6 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Iranian nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Iranian entrepreneurs may face additional due diligence requirements.

Start Operations

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

Total estimated time: 3 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Since the UAE's 2020 Commercial Companies Law amendment, Iranian nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including fintech.

Fintech 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