UAE expats have access to a wide range of international and locally regulated brokers for investing in stocks, ETFs, and other assets. Choosing a broker depends on factors including regulation, available markets, deposit methods, and fee structures. This page compares seven brokers commonly used by expats living in the UAE.
Our top picks at a glance
Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers is a US-regulated broker (FINRA/SEC) with a global client base, offering access to stocks, ETFs, options, bonds, and futures across more than 150 markets. It accepts clients residing in the UAE.
Saxo Bank
Saxo Bank is a Danish-regulated broker offering access to stocks, ETFs, forex, CFDs, options, and bonds through its proprietary trading platforms. It operates internationally and accepts UAE-resident clients.
eToro
eToro is a multi-asset platform offering stocks, ETFs, and CFDs, known for its social trading and copy-trading features. It holds multiple regulatory licences across jurisdictions and accepts clients residing in the UAE.
How we built this list
When comparing brokers, consider the regulator overseeing the platform (DFSA for DIFC-based firms, or an equivalent home-country regulator), the markets and instruments available, the minimum deposit required, how you can fund your account from a UAE bank, and whether the platform supports the currencies you hold. Read the fee schedule on each provider's official website before opening an account, as fees change and may differ by account type.
Options available to expats in United Arab Emirates - full breakdown
1. Interactive Brokers
Interactive Brokers is a US-regulated broker (FINRA/SEC) with a global client base, offering access to stocks, ETFs, options, bonds, and futures across more than 150 markets. It accepts clients residing in the UAE.
Pros
- +Access to a large range of global markets and asset classes
- +Supports fractional share trading on eligible US securities
- +Multi-currency account functionality
- +SIPC protection up to applicable limits for US accounts
Things to know
- -The platform interface has a steeper learning curve than some consumer-focused apps
- -Customer support is primarily handled through online ticketing rather than local branches
- -Inactivity fees may apply depending on account balance - check the official website for current thresholds
2. Saxo Bank
Saxo Bank is a Danish-regulated broker offering access to stocks, ETFs, forex, CFDs, options, and bonds through its proprietary trading platforms. It operates internationally and accepts UAE-resident clients.
Pros
- +Wide range of tradable instruments across multiple asset classes
- +Platforms available for desktop, web, and mobile
- +Multi-currency account support
- +Regulated by the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finanstilsynet)
Things to know
- -Minimum deposit requirements and tiered pricing mean costs vary significantly by account level - verify on the official website
- -Some instruments may not be available to retail clients depending on jurisdiction
- -Higher account tiers require larger minimum balances to access lower commission rates
3. eToro
eToro is a multi-asset platform offering stocks, ETFs, and CFDs, known for its social trading and copy-trading features. It holds multiple regulatory licences across jurisdictions and accepts clients residing in the UAE.
Pros
- +Copy-trading feature allows users to mirror the trades of other investors on the platform
- +Commission-free stock and ETF trading available on certain account types - verify current offer on official website
- +User-friendly mobile and web interface
- +Regulated by the FCA (UK), CySEC (Cyprus), and ASIC (Australia) depending on the entity serving the client
Things to know
- -Withdrawals and deposits are processed in USD, which may result in currency conversion costs for AED account holders
- -CFD products carry risk of loss and are not suitable for all investors
- -The entity and regulatory protections that apply to UAE-resident accounts should be confirmed directly with eToro before opening an account
4. Swissquote
Swissquote is a Swiss-regulated bank and broker offering access to stocks, ETFs, bonds, forex, and crypto. It has a Middle East presence and accepts UAE-resident clients through its international entity.
Pros
- +Regulated by FINMA (Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority)
- +Operates as a licensed bank, meaning client assets are held under banking regulation
- +Access to a broad range of ETFs listed on international exchanges
- +Multi-currency accounts available
Things to know
- -Fee structure includes custody and trading commissions that can be relatively higher for small portfolios - verify on the official website
- -The specific entity and regulatory framework applicable to UAE-resident accounts should be confirmed before opening
- -Platform may have more features than a new investor requires, with an associated learning period
5. Emirates NBD Securities
Emirates NBD Securities is the brokerage arm of Emirates NBD, one of the UAE's largest banks. It provides access to UAE equity markets (DFM and ADX) and selected international markets, and is regulated within the UAE.
Pros
- +Regulated in the UAE, with accounts linked to Emirates NBD banking relationships
- +Direct access to DFM and ADX-listed securities
- +AED-denominated accounts with local bank transfers
- +Branch and relationship manager support available for account queries
Things to know
- -International market access may be more limited compared to global-only brokers - confirm available markets on the official website
- -Commission rates on international trades should be checked against those of international brokers before deciding
- -Primarily suited to investors focused on UAE and regional equity markets
6. Degiro
Degiro is a European broker, originally founded in the Netherlands, offering access to stocks and ETFs across a range of international exchanges. It accepts clients from many countries including UAE residents, subject to eligibility.
Pros
- +Access to a broad selection of ETFs across European and global exchanges
- +Transparent published fee schedule for most markets
- +Web and mobile platforms with a straightforward interface
- +Regulated by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) and the Dutch Central Bank (DNB)
Things to know
- -Not all account features or markets may be available to UAE-resident clients - confirm eligibility on the official website before applying
- -Degiro does not offer CFDs, forex trading, or options, so it suits investors focused on equities and ETFs
- -Customer support is not available in-person locally
7. Charles Schwab International
Charles Schwab offers international accounts for non-US residents, providing access to US-listed stocks and ETFs. UAE-based expats who are not US persons may be eligible to open an international account, subject to Schwab's residency acceptance criteria.
Pros
- +Access to US-listed stocks and ETFs including a broad range of low-cost index ETFs
- +Regulated by FINRA and SEC in the United States
- +SIPC protection applies up to applicable limits
- +No commission on online US stock and ETF trades as of the last published schedule - verify on official website
Things to know
- -Account eligibility for UAE residents should be confirmed directly with Charles Schwab International before applying, as acceptance criteria can change
- -Account is US-dollar denominated, so AED-to-USD conversion costs apply when funding
- -The account is primarily suited to investing in US markets rather than global or regional equities
Comparison table
| Name | Verdict | Fees | Regulator | Min deposit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | Interactive Brokers is a US-regulated broker (FINRA/SEC) with a global client base, offering access to stocks, ETFs, options, bonds, and futures across more than 150 markets. It accepts clients residing in the UAE. | Commission structure varies by market and account type - see official website | FINRA and SEC (US); also regulated in other jurisdictions depending on account entity | See official website for current minimum | |
| Saxo Bank | Saxo Bank is a Danish-regulated broker offering access to stocks, ETFs, forex, CFDs, options, and bonds through its proprietary trading platforms. It operates internationally and accepts UAE-resident clients. | Tiered commission structure based on account level and monthly trading volume - see official website | Danish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finanstilsynet); other entities regulated locally in applicable jurisdictions | See official website for current tier minimums | |
| eToro | eToro is a multi-asset platform offering stocks, ETFs, and CFDs, known for its social trading and copy-trading features. It holds multiple regulatory licences across jurisdictions and accepts clients residing in the UAE. | Spread-based fees on CFDs; see official website for stock and ETF trading fee schedule | FCA, CySEC, or ASIC depending on client entity - confirm which applies to UAE residents on the official website | See official website for current minimum by region | |
| Swissquote | Swissquote is a Swiss-regulated bank and broker offering access to stocks, ETFs, bonds, forex, and crypto. It has a Middle East presence and accepts UAE-resident clients through its international entity. | Trading commissions and custody fees apply - see official website for current schedule | FINMA (Switzerland) for the main entity; confirm applicable entity for UAE residents on the official website | See official website for current minimum | |
| Emirates NBD Securities | Emirates NBD Securities is the brokerage arm of Emirates NBD, one of the UAE's largest banks. It provides access to UAE equity markets (DFM and ADX) and selected international markets, and is regulated within the UAE. | Commission rates vary by market - see official website for current schedule | Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA), UAE | See official website for current minimum | |
| Degiro | Degiro is a European broker, originally founded in the Netherlands, offering access to stocks and ETFs across a range of international exchanges. It accepts clients from many countries including UAE residents, subject to eligibility. | Per-trade commissions apply; a selection of ETFs is available with reduced transaction fees - see official website for current list | AFM and DNB (Netherlands); now part of flatexDEGIRO AG, also supervised by BaFin (Germany) | See official website - Degiro does not publish a formal minimum deposit | |
| Charles Schwab International | Charles Schwab offers international accounts for non-US residents, providing access to US-listed stocks and ETFs. UAE-based expats who are not US persons may be eligible to open an international account, subject to Schwab's residency acceptance criteria. | See official website for current commission schedule for international accounts | FINRA and SEC (US) | See official website for international account minimum |
What to check yourself before signing up
- 1.Regulator and licence. Look the provider up on the public register of the relevant regulator before depositing money.
- 2.Current fees. Pricing pages on provider sites are usually the most current source. Read the schedule of charges, not just the marketing copy.
- 3.Eligibility for United Arab Emirates residents. Confirm with the provider that your residency, nationality, and tax status are accepted.
- 4.Onboarding requirements. Check the list of documents and any minimum deposit before starting.
- 5.Customer support. Find the support contact channels and hours; an issue raised at 2am is easier to resolve when you already know who to message.
Frequently asked questions
- Can UAE expats legally open an overseas brokerage account?
- UAE residents are generally permitted to open brokerage accounts with overseas brokers, subject to the broker's own eligibility criteria and the regulations of the broker's home jurisdiction. There is no UAE law that prohibits residents from investing internationally. However, you should confirm with the specific broker that they accept UAE-resident clients before applying.
- Which regulator oversees brokers operating in the UAE?
- Brokers regulated within the UAE mainland typically fall under the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). Firms operating within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) are regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) firms are regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). International brokers based outside the UAE are regulated by their home-country regulators.
- Are investment gains taxable for expats in the UAE?
- The UAE does not levy personal income tax or capital gains tax on individuals. However, your tax obligations depend on your nationality and tax residency status in other countries. For example, US citizens are subject to US tax on worldwide income regardless of where they reside. You should consult a qualified tax adviser familiar with your specific nationality and circumstances.
- What deposit methods can UAE-based expats use to fund a brokerage account?
- Common funding methods include international bank wire transfers from a UAE bank account, debit or credit card payments where accepted, and in some cases digital payment services. Wire transfers from UAE banks to international brokers are generally straightforward for amounts that do not trigger enhanced due diligence requirements. Check the broker's official website for accepted funding methods and any associated transfer fees.
- What is a PFIC and why does it matter for US expats investing in ETFs?
- A Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) is a classification under US tax law that applies to many non-US domiciled funds and ETFs. US citizens who invest in PFIC-classified funds may face complex tax reporting requirements and potentially unfavourable tax treatment. US nationals should seek advice from a US-qualified tax professional before purchasing non-US domiciled ETFs or funds.
- Do brokers available to UAE expats offer access to UAE-listed stocks?
- Some international brokers provide access to UAE-listed stocks on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), but this varies by provider. UAE-regulated brokers such as those linked to local banks are more likely to offer direct DFM and ADX access. Check the specific broker's market list on their official website.
- What should I check before opening a brokerage account as a UAE expat?
- Key things to verify include: whether the broker accepts UAE-resident clients, which regulatory body oversees the account, how client funds are held and protected, the fee schedule for the markets you intend to use, available deposit and withdrawal methods compatible with UAE banks, and whether the platform offers the instruments you need such as ETFs, individual stocks, or bonds.
Official sources
Verify regulatory status and licences: DFSA Public Register.