Covered by the license
- Building and hosting virtual worlds
- Virtual real estate and spaces
- Gaming and entertainment platforms
- dApps and immersive services
- Limited NFT trade via DMCC's marketplace
Metaverse Services License in Dubai
Get licensed to build and host virtual worlds in Dubai through DMCC. See what the metaverse license covers, what it does not, and how Riz & Mona sets it up.
Excellent
Issued by DMCC free zone
100% ownership, zero income tax
Setup in about 2 to 4 weeks
Excellent
Build in the metaverse
What is the Dubai metaverse services license? metaverse services license
The Metaverse Services Provider License lets you legally build and host virtual environments from Dubai. It is issued by DMCC under its professional services category. Without it, running a metaverse business in the UAE is not permitted.
Dubai wants this sector. Its Metaverse Strategy aims to bring in more than 1,000 metaverse companies and add 40,000 virtual jobs by 2030. The licensing framework, the Crypto Centre, and a live Web3 community are already here, not on the way.
The license has a clear scope, and one clear limit around crypto and tradable tokens. Riz & Mona maps your activity to the right classification first, so your entity is built for what you actually plan to do.
Why Dubai
Why base your metaverse company in Dubai metaverse company
Plenty of cities talk about the metaverse. Dubai built the licensing, the free zone, and the community to actually host it. Here is what that gives you.
- Legal authority to develop and host virtual environments
- 100% foreign ownership, no local partner required
- Zero personal income tax and full profit repatriation
- A place inside the DMCC Crypto Centre and its Web3 community
- Early-mover position in a sector backed by government strategy
- A recognised DMCC license that banks and partners understand
What you can build
What the metaverse license lets you do metaverse license
The license covers the building and hosting side of the metaverse. If your product is a virtual place, experience, or service, it fits here.
Virtual worlds
Develop and host immersive 3D environments and platforms.
Virtual real estate
Build, sell, and manage virtual land and spaces.
Gaming platforms
Create play-to-earn and social gaming experiences.
Decentralised apps
Build dApps and Web3 tools that run inside virtual worlds.
Avatars and identity
Design avatars, wearables, and digital identity systems.
Events and entertainment
Host virtual concerts, expos, and branded experiences.
Know the line
What the license covers, and what needs VARA needs VARA
Needs VARA on top
- Running a crypto exchange
- Issuing tradable tokens or coins
- Crypto trading or mining
- Custody or brokerage of assets
- Operating an NFT marketplace
Cost
How much does a metaverse license cost? metaverse license
The DMCC metaverse package starts from around AED 35,500 and bundles the core setup. Your final number depends on visas, office choice, and whether any activity needs extra approval.
Base package
From AED 35,500
License, registration, Articles, establishment card, stamp, and a flexi-desk.
Typical first year
AED 35,000 – 60,000
The base plus visas, office upgrade, and any activity-specific approvals.
With VARA activity
Quoted per case
A parallel VARA license for regulated virtual-asset activity, priced separately.
What moves your total
Visa quota
More visas mean higher costs and may need a larger office than a flexi-desk.
Office choice
A flexi-desk is the cheapest base; a fitted office raises the total.
Activities
The package covers 3 from one group; extra groups add fees.
VARA path
Regulated crypto activity needs a separate VARA license and capital.
A note on pricing
All figures are indicative and current at the time of writing. DMCC packages and fees change, and costs vary by visa quota, office, and activity. Riz & Mona provides a personalised, itemised quote for your metaverse setup before any payment.
The steps
How to get your metaverse license metaverse license
Most of the work is upfront, in the activity classification which decides whether you need VARA at all.
Step 1
Map your activity
We confirm your business model fits the metaverse license and flag any VARA trigger.
Step 2
Reserve your trade name
A compliant name is submitted through DMCC, following UAE naming rules.
Step 3
Initial approval
DMCC reviews the application and confirms your activity is eligible.
Step 4
License issued
On approval, the metaverse license is granted, usually in 3 to 5 working days.
Step 5
Establishment card and visas
We set up your establishment card, then process investor and staff visas.
Step 6
Bank account and launch
We help open a corporate account so you can operate and build.
Who it suits
Metaverse business models this license fits business models
The license suits any company building experiences rather than trading assets. These are the models we set up most.
Gaming studio
Build immersive or play-to-earn games and social gaming worlds.
- Game and platform development
- In-world experiences and items
- Software development activity
- No token issuance without VARA
Virtual events agency
Host concerts, expos, and branded experiences in virtual venues.
- Virtual event hosting
- Branded immersive spaces
- Content creation activity
- Corporate and retail clients
Virtual real estate
Develop, sell, and manage virtual land and built spaces.
- Virtual land development
- Space design and fit-out
- Platform management
- Sales within permitted scope
Digital fashion and retail
Design wearables, avatars, and virtual storefronts for brands.
- Wearables and avatar design
- Virtual storefronts
- Brand collaborations
- E-commerce services activity
Training and simulation
Build immersive training, education, and simulation environments.
- Corporate training worlds
- Simulation and modelling
- IT consulting activity
- Enterprise and government clients
Web3 dev studio
Build dApps and blockchain tools that power virtual platforms.
- dApp and tool development
- Blockchain technology services
- Infrastructure for other builders
- VARA only if handling assets
Metaverse license Dubai
Ready to build your metaverse company in Dubai?
Tell Riz & Mona what you want to build. We confirm the right activity, whether you need VARA, and your real cost, then set up the whole license so you can start building.
Activity mapped correctly•VARA checked upfront•Full setup and visas•Itemised quote first
All costs are indicative and change over time. Riz & Mona provides a personalised quote for your metaverse setup.