Free zone companies selling products or services online need a UAE merchant account and payment gateway to accept customer payments. Here is a complete guide to UAE payment processing for free zone businesses.
UAE Payment Gateway Options
Stripe UAE
Stripe launched UAE accounts in 2023, accepting companies from major UAE free zones (DMCC, IFZA, Meydan, DIFC, DIC). Stripe UAE processes payments in AED and major international currencies. Fees: 2.9% + AED 1.20 per transaction. Stripe requires a UAE business bank account for settlement. Best for: e-commerce companies, SaaS subscription businesses, and marketplace platforms.
Checkout.com (formerly PayFort)
Checkout.com is one of the largest payment processors in the UAE and MENA region, trusted by Careem, Namshi, and noon.com. Fees: negotiated (typically 2.5–3.5% for SMEs). Checkout.com accepts a wider range of UAE free zones than Stripe. Best for: mid-to-large e-commerce companies needing advanced payment routing and fraud protection.
Telr
Telr is a UAE-founded payment gateway popular with SMEs and startups. Accepts most UAE free zones. Monthly fee: AED 249–599 + per-transaction fees. Best for: smaller e-commerce businesses and service companies wanting a straightforward UAE-friendly gateway.
PayTabs
PayTabs is the MENA-focused payment gateway preferred by GCC e-commerce companies. Accepts Arabic language websites and local payment methods. Transaction fees: 2.85–3.99%. Best for: companies selling to Arabic-speaking GCC audiences.
Getting Approved for a UAE Merchant Account
Payment gateways conduct their own KYC (Know Your Customer) review separate from your bank account KYC. Required documents: UAE trade licence, valid passport of company owner, UAE bank account details for settlement, website with visible terms of service, privacy policy, and refund policy, and product/service descriptions. Businesses with high-risk activities (gambling, pharmaceuticals, firearms) face additional scrutiny or outright rejection — confirm your activity is acceptable before applying.