(DFM App / iVestor App + documents, non-residents, timelines, FAQs)

If you want to buy shares on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) (for example Salik, DEWA, and other listed companies), the first thing you typically need is your DFM Investor Number, also known as NIN. DFM indicates you can obtain it online using official channels like the DFM App or iVestor App.

Table of contents

  1. What is a DFM Investor Number (NIN)?

  2. Can I apply online (without visiting)?

  3. Documents to prepare (UAE residents vs non-residents)

  4. Step-by-step: Apply using the DFM App

  5. Step-by-step: Apply using iVestor

  6. How long does it take?

  7. What to do after you get your NIN

  8. iVestor Card (what it is)

  9. FAQs / troubleshooting

1) What is a DFM Investor Number (NIN) and why you need it

A NIN is your investor identification number with the Dubai CSD (Dubai Central Securities Depository). It’s used to register you as an investor and is commonly required before you can trade/hold DFM securities through participating channels.

TIP– I strongly suggest that you learn how to invest & trade stocks before putting your hard earned money in the markets. Click here to learn Technical Analysis. And if you want step by step guide to invest in Abu Dhabi Stock Market click here. Please be informed both the markets are different and have different process to get a NIN. 

2) Can you apply online (without visiting)?

Yes. DFM states personal presence is not required and you can use official digital channels such as the DFM App and iVestor App.

3) Documents to prepare (UAE residents vs non-residents)

Exact requirements can vary depending on your investor type, but you should generally prepare:

UAE residents

  • Emirates ID

  • Basic personal details

  • A mobile number you can receive SMS on (important for updates/verification)

Non-UAE residents

  • Passport

  • Basic personal details

  • A mobile number you can receive SMS on

Official NIN request materials indicate the request is processed after submission and the investor number is sent once processed (often by SMS).

4) Step-by-step: Apply for NIN using the DFM App

DFM indicates you can apply via the DFM App. The general flow is:

  1. Install and open the DFM App

  2. Start the Investor Number (NIN) application

  3. Complete identity verification and upload the requested document(s)

  4. Submit the request

  5. Receive your NIN after processing (timing can vary by channel)

5) Step-by-step: Apply for NIN using iVestor

DFM describes iVestor as an official investor platform for DFM that supports investor services (including onboarding flows).

Typical flow:

  1. Install iVestor

  2. Start registration / onboarding

  3. Provide the required identity details and documents

  4. Submit and follow the in-app instructions for investor services

6) How long does it take to get a DFM Investor Number?

Processing time can vary depending on the channel you use, your investor type, and verification requirements. DFM’s FAQ-style guidance indicates some channels can be very fast, while others may take longer.

A safe expectation:

  • Sometimes quick, sometimes up to a working day or more, depending on channel and verification.

✅ Next: read my view for Dubai Financial Market, how will it perform in  2026.

7) After you get your NIN: how to start buying shares

Your NIN is step one. Next, you need a trading route (broker/app) to place orders.

Typical sequence:

  1. Get NIN

  2. Open or link a trading account (broker/app route)

  3. Fund your account

  4. Place a buy order

✅ Next: read my guide on How to Invest in Salik on DFM

8) What is the iVestor Card?

DFM/iVestor materials describe the iVestor card as part of the investor ecosystem for handling certain investor-related needs (and some documentation references dividends/payment workflows). Availability and usage can depend on your setup and eligibility.

9) FAQs / troubleshooting

Can non-UAE residents open a DFM Investor Number (NIN)?

Yes—DFM’s published FAQs indicate non-UAE residents can open a NIN.

I forgot my NIN—how can I retrieve it?

DFM provides official recovery options such as contacting customer service from your registered number, visiting the Dubai CSD desk, or checking with your broker.

Do I need to visit DFM in person?

DFM indicates personal presence is not required to obtain a NIN.

How do I know my NIN request is completed?

Official request materials state the NIN is provided once processed (often via SMS/notification).

What should I do after I receive my NIN?

Open/link a trading route (broker/app), fund it, and then you can start investing in DFM-listed shares.

Can I get daily buy & sell signals for Dubai Stock market?

Yes! you can get them on daily basis here is the link.

Quick checklist

  • ✅ Prepare Emirates ID / Passport

  • ✅ Apply via DFM App or iVestor

  • ✅ Get your NIN after processing

  • ✅ Link a broker/trading route

  • ✅ Buy your first stock (DFM Market Watch)

Once you are ready to invest in Dubai Financial Market, you can keep yourself updated with FREE daily technical analysis of stocks, here is the dedicated & biggest YouTube Channel for Dubai Stock Market.