This guide summarises what is publicly known about iShares Core S&P 500 UCITS (CSPX) and lists brokers in our reference data that accept residents of United Arab Emirates. Always verify the latest details on the issuer's fund page and on the broker's own website.
CSPX at a glance
| Full name | iShares Core S&P 500 UCITS |
| Ticker | CSPX |
| ISIN | IE00B5BMR087 |
| Issuer | BlackRock |
| TER | 0.07% |
| Domicile | IE |
| Exchange | LSE |
| Distribution | Accumulating |
About CSPX
CSPX (iShares Core S&P 500 UCITS ETF) is an Ireland-domiciled, London Stock Exchange-listed ETF that tracks the S&P 500 index, giving investors exposure to approximately 500 large-cap US equities. It accumulates dividends rather than distributing them, meaning gains are reinvested within the fund.
The general process
- Choose a broker that accepts residents of United Arab Emirates and lists CSPX on LSE. The reference table below lists candidates from our dataset.
- Open and verify an account. Brokers typically ask for a government-issued ID, proof of address, and sometimes a bank statement. Exact document requirements and timelines vary - follow the broker's own instructions.
- Fund the account using a method the broker supports. Available currencies and methods vary - check the broker's funding page.
- Find CSPX on the broker's platform and confirm the correct exchange listing before trading.
- Place your order. Order types and behaviour vary by venue. Read the broker's order-entry help before placing real trades.
This is general information, not investment advice. Investing involves risk including loss of capital.
Brokers in our reference data that list residents of United Arab Emirates
Listed alphabetically. Confirm current eligibility, supported products, and fees on each broker's own website.
| Broker | Regulator | Min. deposit | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive Brokers | SEC FINRA FCA | None published | Low commissions tiered or fixed | Visit |
| Saxo Bank | DFSA FCA | None published | Mid-range with strong platform | Visit |
| Sarwa | DFSA | 5 USD | 0.50 to 0.85 percent AUM | Visit |
| StashAway | DFSA | None published | 0.20 to 0.80 percent AUM | Visit |
| Trading 212 | FCA CySEC FSC | 1 USD | Zero commission stocks and ETFs | Visit |
| eToro | FCA CySEC ASIC | 50 USD | Spreads no commission | Visit |
| Wio Invest | SCA | None published | Free trades on UAE stocks | Visit |
| IG | FCA | None published | Spread based CFDs and shares | Visit |
| Swissquote | FINMA DFSA | 1000 USD | Premium pricing global access | Visit |
| Lightyear | FCA EFSA | 1 USD | Low commission EU domiciled ETFs | Visit |
| Pepperstone | FCA ASIC CySEC | None published | Tight forex and CFD spreads | Visit |
| Tickmill | FCA CySEC | 100 USD | Low spreads with commissions | Visit |
Tax notes for United Arab Emirates residents
The UAE does not levy personal income tax or capital gains tax on individuals. Residents trading CSPX therefore have no UAE-level tax liability on gains or income from the fund. Because CSPX is domiciled in Ireland, it benefits from the Ireland-US tax treaty, which reduces US withholding tax on dividends received by the fund to 15 percent at fund level. UAE-resident individuals do not receive distributions from CSPX directly, as it is an accumulating fund, so no further withholding event occurs at the investor level. Individuals should verify their own tax position with a qualified adviser, particularly if they hold tax residency in another country.
General information only. Tax rules change. Consult a qualified tax adviser licensed in your jurisdiction.
Frequently asked questions
- Can UAE residents legally buy CSPX?
- Yes. UAE residents can access CSPX through internationally regulated brokers that accept UAE-based clients and provide access to the London Stock Exchange. There are no UAE restrictions preventing individuals from holding foreign-listed ETFs.
- Where is CSPX listed and in what currency does it trade?
- CSPX is primarily listed on the London Stock Exchange and trades in US dollars. It is also listed on other exchanges including Euronext Amsterdam and the Swiss Exchange. UAE residents typically access the LSE-listed version through international online brokers.
- What type of brokers do UAE residents typically use to buy CSPX?
- UAE residents commonly use internationally regulated online brokers that are authorised in jurisdictions such as the UK (FCA), Ireland (CBI), or other recognised regulators, and that accept clients residing in the UAE. Some brokers are also regulated by the DFSA within the Dubai International Financial Centre. Check each broker's terms to confirm UAE residency is accepted.
- Is CSPX accumulating or distributing?
- CSPX is an accumulating ETF. Dividends collected from the underlying S&P 500 companies are reinvested within the fund rather than paid out to investors. There is a distributing share class of the same fund, traded under a different ticker, for investors who prefer income payments.
- What currency do I need to buy CSPX on the LSE?
- The LSE-listed CSPX trades in US dollars. If your brokerage account is held in a different currency, your broker will apply a foreign exchange conversion. Check with your broker for the applicable conversion process and any associated fees.
- Are there any UAE taxes on gains when I sell CSPX?
- The UAE does not currently impose personal income tax or capital gains tax on individuals. As a result, a UAE tax resident selling CSPX does not incur a UAE-level tax charge on any capital gain. If you hold tax residency in another country simultaneously, that country's rules may apply. Seek advice from a qualified tax professional for your specific circumstances.
- Does the DFSA regulate the purchase of CSPX by UAE residents?
- The DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority) regulates financial services conducted within the Dubai International Financial Centre. If you use a DFSA-authorised broker, that broker operates under DFSA oversight. Brokers operating outside the DIFC and onshore UAE are regulated by the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA). Purchases made through internationally regulated brokers outside the UAE fall under those brokers' home regulators.
- What is the ISIN for CSPX?
- The ISIN for CSPX (iShares Core S&P 500 UCITS ETF USD Acc) is IE00B5BMR087. Confirm this on the iShares official website before placing any order, as share classes and listings can vary by broker platform.
- How do I open a brokerage account to buy CSPX from the UAE?
- The process varies by broker but generally involves completing an online application, providing proof of identity (passport), proof of UAE residence (Emirates ID or utility bill), and funding the account. Some brokers may require additional documentation. Check the requirements on each broker's official website.
- Is there a minimum investment amount for CSPX?
- There is no fund-level minimum investment set by iShares for retail investors purchasing on-exchange. The practical minimum is the price of one share plus any brokerage commission or platform fee. The share price fluctuates daily. Check the current price on your chosen broker's platform or on the London Stock Exchange website.
Official sources
For regulatory information and official ETF documentation, see: Central Bank of Ireland - UCITS regulation.