Is Revolut Licensed in the UAE?
Yes. Revolut has received licensing approval from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) for Stored Value Facilities (SVF) and Retail Payment Services Category II. This makes Revolut a regulated financial services provider in the UAE under CBUAE oversight.
Last reviewed: June 2026 · Verify on CBUAE official register →
Revolut UAE License Details
| Provider | Revolut |
| Regulator | Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) |
| License Type 1 | Stored Value Facility (SVF) |
| License Type 2 | Retail Payment Services Category II |
| Coverage | United Arab Emirates |
| Status | Licensed — approved |
| Verify at | centralbank.ae — Licensed Entities register |
Source: CBUAE. Always verify current status on the official CBUAE website. Information may change. Last checked June 2026.
What These Licenses Mean for UAE Users
Stored Value Facility (SVF)
The SVF license allows Revolut to operate a regulated digital wallet in the UAE. UAE residents can hold AED and foreign currencies in the Revolut app. Funds in the wallet are covered by CBUAE regulatory oversight — meaning there are requirements around how Revolut safeguards your stored money. This is the same license category held by e& money and Careem Pay.
Retail Payment Services Category II
This license permits Revolut to offer retail payment services including money transfers in the UAE. Category II is a higher-tier license than Category I under CBUAE's Payment Systems Regulation. It covers a broader range of payment operations. This means Revolut can legally process outgoing money transfers for UAE users under CBUAE oversight.
Important: CBUAE licensing means regulatory oversight and consumer protection — it does not indicate that Revolut offers the most competitive exchange rates or lowest fees. Always compare your total transfer cost across providers before sending.
UAE Fintech Licensing Context
The CBUAE regulates all money transfer and payment services providers operating in the UAE under the Payment Systems Regulation and the Stored Value Facilities Framework. All providers must be licensed to legally accept money from UAE residents for transfer or storage.
Revolut's SVF + Retail Payment Services Category II approval places it in the same regulatory tier as other licensed digital wallet and payment service providers in the UAE. This is separate from a full banking license — Revolut operates as a regulated payment institution, not a UAE bank.
Other CBUAE-licensed providers in the UAE include Al Ansari Exchange, LuLu Exchange, GCC Exchange, Wise, Remitly, Western Union, Wio, e& money, Careem Pay, and 15+ exchange houses. All must maintain CBUAE compliance including AML/CFT requirements.
Compare Revolut vs Other CBUAE-Licensed Providers
All providers below are CBUAE-licensed. Licensing status is a minimum requirement — compare rates, fees, and delivery times for your specific transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Revolut licensed in the UAE?
Yes. Revolut has received licensing approval from the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) for Stored Value Facilities (SVF) and Retail Payment Services Category II. This regulatory approval allows Revolut to legally offer digital wallet and retail payment services to UAE residents. Always verify current licensing status on the official CBUAE website at centralbank.ae.
What CBUAE licenses does Revolut hold in the UAE?
Revolut has received CBUAE approval for: (1) Stored Value Facility (SVF) — allows Revolut to operate a digital wallet where UAE users can hold and spend electronic money in AED and other currencies; (2) Retail Payment Services Category II — allows Revolut to provide retail payment services including money transfers. These are regulated categories under the CBUAE's Payment Systems Regulation framework. Verify current status at centralbank.ae.
What is a CBUAE SVF license?
SVF stands for Stored Value Facility. Under CBUAE regulations, an SVF license is required to operate a digital wallet where users can store electronic money. Providers with SVF licenses in UAE include e& money, Careem Pay, and now Revolut. The SVF license means Revolut can legally accept and hold UAE resident funds in a digital wallet regulated by the CBUAE.
What is CBUAE Retail Payment Services Category II?
Retail Payment Services Category II (RPSCS Cat II) is a CBUAE license that allows a provider to offer retail payment services including money transfers and payment processing. This is a higher-tier license than Category I and permits broader payment operations. Revolut's approval for this category means it can legally process retail payments for UAE users. Source: CBUAE Payment Systems Regulation.
Can I use Revolut to send money from UAE with the CBUAE license?
Revolut's CBUAE Retail Payment Services Category II license enables it to provide money transfer services to UAE users. Revolut supports international transfers to 150+ countries from UAE. Transfer limits, fees, and available corridors depend on your Revolut plan. Always verify the final transfer cost in the Revolut app before confirming. For rate comparisons, check remit.ae for your specific corridor.
Is Revolut safer to use now that it is CBUAE licensed?
CBUAE licensing means Revolut is subject to UAE regulatory oversight, which provides consumer protection measures including complaint handling through the CBUAE. Licensed providers must meet capital adequacy and operational requirements. However, licensing does not guarantee the quality or competitiveness of exchange rates or fees. Always compare provider rates and verify final transfer costs before sending money.
How do I verify Revolut's CBUAE license?
You can verify any UAE financial services provider's license on the official CBUAE website at centralbank.ae. Navigate to the "Licensed Entities" or "Financial Consumer Protection" section and search for Revolut. If you cannot find the listing, contact the CBUAE directly at +971 2 691 5555.
Related Pages
remit.ae is an independent comparison platform. This page is for informational purposes only. Licensing status may change — always verify with the official CBUAE register. remit.ae is not affiliated with Revolut or the CBUAE. This is not legal or financial advice. See our methodology →