Money Orders & Travellers Cheques Exchangers
Mainland License — Compare Across 2 UAE Emirates
Government Fee Comparison
Base AED 8,000 + 5% rent
AED 9,500
30K rent
AED 10,500
50K rent
AED 12,000
80K rent
SEDD — Per-license (quote required)
Approvals: Sharjah Police Headquarters, Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates, Department of Criminal Investigation
Quote required
Fees calculated per-license based on license type, legal form, and activities. C
Want the exact total cost for your setup?
A setup partner can give you a complete breakdown including office, visa, and approval fees.
About This Activity
Includes firms receive and issue money orders and travellers cheques to enable travelers avoid the risk of holding cash during the travel, businesses also accept these cheques for purchases instead of currency.
Our Analysis
Money exchange licensing is heavily regulated in the UAE. Dubai's formula starts at AED 8,000. Sharjah available on application.
The UAE's massive remittance market — expatriates sending money home — makes currency exchange a high-volume business. Al Ansari Exchange, UAE Exchange, and hundreds of smaller operators serve this market.
Central Bank of UAE licensing is mandatory beyond the DED license. Capital requirements, compliance systems, and anti-money laundering protocols are strictly enforced.
The DED fee is the smallest part of the equation. Central Bank requirements include minimum capital of AED 2-10 million depending on license scope.
100% foreign ownership rules vary — Central Bank may have additional ownership restrictions.
Dubai for remittance volume. Contact Central Bank for full licensing requirements.
Prices from official government portals, verified May 2026.
Considering a free zone instead?
Compare free zone packages for similar activities at our sister site.
Related Activities in Financial Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Which UAE emirate is cheapest for a Money Orders & Travellers Cheques Exchangers license?
Fee structures vary by emirate. Abu Dhabi charges per-activity fees, Dubai uses a formula (base + 5% of rent), Ajman charges a flat AED 600, and Sharjah calculates per-license. Contact each emirate's DED for exact quotes.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Money Orders & Travellers Cheques Exchangers business in the UAE?
Yes. Since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reforms, most mainland business activities — including Money Orders & Travellers Cheques Exchangers — allow 100% foreign ownership across all UAE emirates. A local sponsor or service agent is no longer required for most activities.
What approvals are needed for a Money Orders & Travellers Cheques Exchangers license?
Beyond the DED license, you may need approval from: banks, finance & credit group (Dubai), Sharjah Police Headquarters (Sharjah), Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (Sharjah), Department of Criminal Investigation (Sharjah). Requirements vary by emirate and specific business scope.
How much does a Money Orders & Travellers Cheques Exchangers license cost in Dubai?
Dubai uses a formula-based fee: approximately AED 8,000 base fee plus 5% of your annual office rent. For example, with AED 50,000 annual rent, expect roughly AED 10,500 in government fees. Dubai also offers an Instant License at AED 8,000 flat (virtual location) and budget SME/Intelaq licenses at AED 1,070.
Is Money Orders & Travellers Cheques Exchangers available as a mainland license in all UAE emirates?
Money Orders & Travellers Cheques Exchangers is available for mainland licensing in 2 emirates: Dubai, Sharjah. Each emirate has its own DED with independent fee structures and requirements. Use MainlandCompare.com to compare fees across all available emirates.
What type of license is Money Orders & Travellers Cheques Exchangers in the UAE?
Money Orders & Travellers Cheques Exchangers falls under the Commercial license category in the UAE. Commercial licenses cover trading, import/export, and retail activities.
How long does it take to get a Money Orders & Travellers Cheques Exchangers mainland license?
Setup time varies by emirate: Dubai offers same-day approval with the Instant License (AED 8,000), or 1-3 working days for a Normal License. Abu Dhabi takes 2-5 working days. Sharjah and Ajman take 1-5 working days. Additional time may be needed for external approvals.
Ready to get started with Money Orders & Travellers Cheques Exchangers?
Get a free, no-obligation quote from a vetted mainland setup partner.
Reply within 2 hours · No commitment
إصدار الحوالات والشيكات المالية والسياحية