Crypto License in Dubai, UAE
Unlock the potential of Dubai’s crypto ecosystem with a cryptocurrency license from VARA, enabling you to run exchanges, trading platforms, custody services, advisory, and blockchain operations. Ensure full legal compliance, access global digital asset markets, and establish a trusted, credible presence in the rapidly growing crypto landscape.
What is a Cryptocurrency License?
A cryptocurrency license is an official permit issued by Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), established in 2022, to regulate virtual asset businesses in the emirate. It allows companies to legally offer services such as crypto exchanges, trading platforms, custody solutions, advisory services, lending, token issuance, and blockchain-based financial or technological solutions. This ensures businesses operate under a regulated and secure framework.
VARA currently defines eight types of virtual asset activities, each with specific licensing requirements, compliance standards, and minimum capital obligations. To qualify, businesses must establish a Dubai headquarters, follow strict anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) procedures, and maintain the required paid-up capital. Compliance with these rules guarantees credibility, protects customers, and aligns with global financial standards.
This license is ideal for crypto exchanges, trading platforms, custody services, blockchain developers, crypto advisors, lending platforms, token issuers, and fintech entrepreneurs. It enables them to operate fully regulated digital asset businesses in Dubai’s rapidly growing crypto ecosystem while gaining investor confidence and legal protection.
Benefits of Crypto License in Dubai, UAE
Regulatory Clarity & Legal Authority
Official VARA license provides legal authorization, investor protection, compliance framework, and regulatory security.
Global Market Access & Credibility
VARA license builds international credibility, enables institutional partnerships, attracts global investors worldwide.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
Robust AML/KYC frameworks protect against financial crime, sanctions violations, and terrorism financing threats globally.
Cryptocurrency Trading Authority
Licensed exchanges facilitate crypto-to-fiat conversions, crypto-to-crypto trading, market making, and OTC operations.
Virtual Asset Custody & Safekeeping
Licensed custodians securely safeguard client crypto assets with segregated wallets, cold storage, and asset management.
Dubai Business Ecosystem Support
Access to UAE banking infrastructure, fintech partnerships, government recognition, resources, and support networks.
Documents Required for Cryptocurrency License
| Personal Documents | Business & Legal | Compliance & Governance | Technical & Financial |
|---|---|---|---|
Passport copies (all owners/RIs) | Business plan & model | AML/KYC policies | Technology architecture |
Police clearance (all RIs) | Memorandum of Association | Compliance framework | Cybersecurity assessment |
Personal financial statements | Office lease agreement | Risk management plan | Financial projections |
Background verification | VARA initial approval | Governance structure | Bank reference letters |
Requirements for Cryptocurrency License
- Incorporate legal entity in Dubai (LLC format); sole proprietorships excluded from VARA licensing requirements entirely.
- Choose crypto activity: advisory, broker-dealer, custody, exchange, lending, management, transfer/settlement, or issuance.
- Appoint two UAE-resident Responsible Individuals with fit-and-proper credentials, background checks, and VARA approval.
- Secure mandatory physical office in Dubai; virtual offices prohibited; register with Ejari; arrange high-speed internet.
- Develop comprehensive compliance framework including AML/KYC policies, risk management, governance, and technology specs.
- Hold minimum paid-up capital (AED 100k–1.5M) in trust account with VARA-approved bank with VARA as beneficiary trustee.
- Prepare detailed business plan including financial projections, revenue model, operational procedures, client acquisition.
- Assemble founder/director documentation: passports, police clearances, CVs, financial statements, background verification.
- Submit initial VARA application with preliminary documentation; pay application fees (AED 40k–100k); await approval.
- Complete full VARA licensing application with finalized compliance framework, technology assessment, and governance docs.
Specialized Requirements by VA Activity
01.Advisory Services
AED 100,000 capital. Provide investment recommendations on virtual assets with written advice. Compliance officer required. Annual supervision AED 40,000.
02.Broker-Dealer Services
AED 400,000–600,000 capital (varies by custody). Arrange crypto transactions, match orders, operate trading desks. Insurance for client asset protection.
03.Custody Services
AED 600,000 capital minimum. Segregate client assets in wallets. Independent audit every 6 months. Cybersecurity certification and cold storage protocols.
04.Exchange Services
AED 800,000–1,500,000 capital (varies by custody). Operate platforms with order matching, fiat conversion, settlement. Robust cybersecurity and fraud monitoring.
05.Lending & Borrowing
AED 500,000 capital. Facilitate crypto loans and borrowing services. Maintain loan agreements and collateral management. Risk assessment for defaults.
06.VA Management & Investment
AED 280,000–500,000 capital. Manage portfolios with virtual assets. Diversification and risk controls. Portfolio reporting and performance disclosure.
07.Transfer & Settlement
AED 500,000 capital. Operate wallets and facilitate transfers. Transaction monitoring and fraud prevention mandatory. Settlement confirmation protocols.
08.VA Issuance (Category 1)
Capital per VA Issuance Rulebook. Issue stablecoins, security tokens. Tokenomics review, whitepaper approval, ongoing token standards compliance.
Cryptocurrency License Renewal Process
Step 1: Prepare
Review annual compliance reports, update AML/KYC policies, verify RIs remain fit-and-proper, confirm office and infrastructure.
Step 2: Submit
Upload renewal application via VARA portal 2-3 months before license expiry with updated compliance documentation and financials.
Step 3: Review
VARA verifies compliance history, AML effectiveness, operational security, updated risk frameworks within 4-6 weeks.
Step 4: Pay Fees
Upon approval, pay annual VARA supervision fees (AED 80,000–200,000) depending on VA activity category and operational scale.
Step 5: Reactivate
Receive renewed VASP license valid for one more year. Continue regulated virtual asset operations with updated compliance certifications.
Is Cryptocurrency License in Dubai Costly?
Cryptocurrency licensing in Dubai requires substantial investment, from AED 100,000 for advisory services up to AED 1,500,000+ for exchanges. First-year expenses can range AED 500,000–3,500,000+, covering VARA fees (AED 40,000–100,000), paid-up capital, office setup (AED 50,000–150,000), compliance systems (AED 75,000–150,000), and RI staffing. High costs reflect strict regulatory standards for investor protection and market integrity.
Rizmona helps entrepreneurs manage these costs efficiently. Through strategic planning, cost-effective office solutions, streamlined VARA submissions, and transparent fee structures, we ensure a smooth licensing process while keeping your setup within budget, maximizing both compliance and operational readiness.
Cryptocurrency License Cost Calculator
Calculate your total cryptocurrency license setup costs in Dubai.
Cryptocurrency License in Dubai
Rizmona provides comprehensive crypto licensing services for exchanges, brokers, custodians, and fintech platforms in Dubai. We handle VARA applications, compliance setup, RI placement, and regulatory coordination seamlessly. Our consultants manage VA activity selection, documentation preparation, VARA liaisons, and operational compliance from incorporation to licensing. We deliver accurate guidance on crypto regulations. Our team comprises licensed professionals skilled in VARA licensing and digital asset compliance requirements.
Cryptocurrency License in Dubai
Rizmona provides comprehensive crypto licensing services for exchanges, brokers, custodians, and fintech platforms in Dubai. We handle VARA applications, compliance setup, RI placement, and regulatory coordination seamlessly. Our consultants manage VA activity selection, documentation preparation, VARA liaisons, and operational compliance from incorporation to licensing. We deliver accurate guidance on crypto regulations. Our team comprises licensed professionals skilled in VARA licensing and digital asset compliance requirements.
Get Your Crypto License Fast
Get expert VARA guidance for streamlined 12-16 week approval, with complete support from entity setup to operations.