Why get a payment/EMI license in UAE?
The UAE does not issue an EMI licence by that name. Onshore, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) licenses Payment Service Providers under the Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes (RPSCS) Regulation (four categories, Category I to IV, across nine retail payment services) and licenses e-wallet and stored-value issuers under a separate Stored Value Facilities (SVF) Regulation, the functional analogue of e-money. The draw is direct access to the fast-growing UAE and GCC payments market, an onshore CBUAE licence with strong reputation, a clear modern framework, and a 0% personal income tax environment. Note this page covers payment services and stored value: for currency exchange and remittance, see our separate route at /services/remittance-license-uae.
Fast-growing payments market. Direct access to the fast-growing UAE and GCC payments market, backed by a national push to position the UAE as a regional payments hub.
Onshore CBUAE licence. An onshore Central Bank of the UAE authorisation with strong reputation and proximity to MENA cross-border flows.
Modern framework. A clear, modern framework (2021 onward) with defined PSP categories and a dedicated SVF regime for wallets and stored value.
PSP and SVF tracks. Two complementary routes: an RPSCS Payment Service Provider licence for retail payment services and an SVF licence for e-money-style stored value.
0% personal income tax. A 0% personal income tax environment for founders and team relocating to the UAE.
Regional gateway. A base positioned for UAE and wider regional coverage, close to MENA cross-border payment corridors.
UAE licence types and activities
We map your model to the correct CBUAE authorisation:
Payment account & instrument issuance
Issuing payment accounts and payment instruments under the RPSCS retail payment services framework.
Merchant acquiring & aggregation
Merchant acquiring and payment aggregation services for businesses accepting payments.
Fund transfers (domestic & cross-border)
Domestic and cross-border fund transfer services within the RPSCS scope.
Payment token services
Payment token services as defined among the nine RPSCS retail payment services.
Payment initiation & account information
Payment initiation and payment account information services for connected payment journeys.
Stored Value Facility (SVF)
Storing monetary value for customers (wallets, and within scope certain reward or virtual-asset value) under the separate SVF Regulation.
Note: Costs are indicative and may change with your requirements and regulations. Contact us for a tailored quote.