finpeel Answers · UAE · updated 2026-08-14

Do I need a licence for merchant acquiring in the UAE?

Yes, if your company itself provides Merchant Acquiring as defined under the CBUAE retail-payments framework. Merchant Acquiring is one of the regulated Retail Payment Services and must sit within the appropriate CBUAE licence structure unless an exemption applies.

The acquiring perimeter is about the contractual and settlement role with merchants, not merely supplying checkout software or terminals. A technology vendor supporting an authorised acquirer can have a different regulatory position.

Map merchant onboarding, transaction acceptance, settlement responsibility and fund flows before deciding whether the business is the acquirer or a service provider to one.

Regulator: Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE)

Primary sources: CBUAE — Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes Regulation

Directional — not legal advice. Verify with the regulator before committing.

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