finpeel Answers · UAE · updated 2026-08-14

Do I need a licence for money transfer or remittance in the UAE?

Yes, if your company itself provides a regulated domestic or cross-border funds-transfer service onshore. Funds transfer is within the CBUAE retail-payments perimeter, while traditional exchange-house/remittance models can also engage the CBUAE exchange-business framework.

The exact route depends on who receives the customer instruction, who handles the money and how the transfer is executed. A software or distribution partner is not automatically the regulated remittance provider.

Cross-border products should also map foreign-exchange, correspondent and partner roles rather than assuming one payment licence covers every remittance function.

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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