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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.

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Your Gateway to the UAE’s Financial Market

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. From selecting your business activity to obtaining the proper licenses, to ensuring compliance with SCA’s regulatory requirements, we guide you through the entire setup. Whether you’re launching a securities firm, financial advisory company, or an asset management business, our hands-on approach ensures a seamless and compliant business launch in UAE's financial market.

01

Business Activity & Licensing Category Selection

Identify and select the most appropriate financial business activity, such as securities dealing, asset management, or investment advisory services. SecureVisa helps you navigate the licensing categories set by SCA, ensuring your business aligns with the regulatory framework and your operational goals​

02

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 the initial approval, ensuring it adheres to the regulatory standards and aligns with your brand identity.

03

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. SecureVisa guides you through the necessary compliance assessments, which are critical for receiving further approvals​

04

External Approvals & Technical Readiness

Collaborate with relevant authorities and service providers to meet SCA's operational requirements. This includes ensuring robust financial systems, cybersecurity measures, and corporate governance that adhere to UAE’s financial market standards

05

License Issuance

Once all compliance and technical standards are met, SecureVisa will assist you in securing your SCA operating license. This officially allows your financial services business to commence operations in the UAE’s regulated financial market

06

Visa & Corporate Bank Account Setup

Complete the visa application process for your team and secure a corporate bank account to support your business operations. We streamline this step, ensuring that your company meets all UAE financial and regulatory requirements to function smoothly

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first step

Business Activity & Licensing Category Selection

Identify the most suitable business activity within the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) framework. Whether it's dealing in securities, financial advisory, or asset management, SecureVisa will guide you in selecting the correct business activity category. We ensure your business aligns with the specific regulatory requirements set by SCA

third step

Initial Approvals

Obtain the necessary preliminary approvals from SCA by submitting a comprehensive business plan and financial projections.
SCA will evaluate your business based on financial capacity, compliance standards, and operational integrity

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. By meeting SCA’s regulatory standards, your business will be positioned to operate within the UAE's highly regulated financial ecosystem
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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
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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
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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 the initial approval
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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​

fourth step

Office Space

Secure a strategic office location in Dubai to meet SCA’s operational standards and comply with UAE regulations.

VARA office
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Sign Lease Agreement

After receiving approval, finalize your lease agreement and begin setting up your business operations.

sixth step

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 and efficiently in Dubai’s highly regulated financial sector. This process ensures full compliance with UAE labor laws, allowing your team to operate under your SCA-regulated business in the UAE’s financial market​.

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¤ 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 and 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

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