UAE Crypto License
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A UAE crypto license is a VASP authorisation to run a virtual-asset business — exchange, broker-dealer, custody, advisory, or management — issued by VARA in Dubai, ADGM in Abu Dhabi, or a free zone. Legarithm runs it end to end: the right regulator for your model, company setup, the licence application, an AML framework with an MLRO, and Fit-and-Proper filings — so you clear compliance, not just apply. Building the business around it too? Set it up through DMCC company formation or ADGM company formation, and add corporate tax and accounting support once you go live.
Why set up your crypto licence with Legarithm
The expensive mistake in a UAE crypto license is choosing the wrong regulator or under-building compliance — and it surfaces late, when the AML file fails review, a bank declines the account, or a Fit-and-Proper check stalls the whole application for months.
We start from your actual model — exchange, brokerage, custody, token issuance, or fund — and match it to the regulator that will approve it and the bank that will hold it: VARA for a Dubai-facing operation, ADGM for a common-law institutional setup, or a free zone for a leaner start. You get a licensed team that writes the AML/KYC framework, provides or places the MLRO, prepares the Fit-and-Proper files, and stays your single point of contact from the first call to a live licence.
Key benefits of a UAE crypto license
These are the outcomes founders actually set one up for.
Who a UAE crypto license is for
A UAE crypto license is for teams running a regulated virtual-asset business from the Emirates.
Exchanges & trading venues
Spot or derivatives platforms that need a full VASP exchange licence.
Brokers & OTC desks
Broker-dealers matching or facilitating virtual-asset trades.
Custodians & wallets
Providers safeguarding client virtual assets under a custody licence.
Token issuers & Web3
Projects issuing tokens or running on-chain products with a UAE base.
Funds & asset managers
Managers running virtual-asset strategies for clients.
Payments & fintech
Firms adding virtual-asset rails to a regulated product.
What a UAE crypto license setup includes
Every UAE crypto license we handle is delivered as a complete, regulator-ready package, not just a form.
Regulator selection
VARA, ADGM, or a free zone, matched to your model and budget.
Company setup
Incorporation of the licensed entity and registered office.
Licence application
Preparation and filing of the VASP application and business plan.
AML/KYC framework
Policies, procedures, and risk assessment built to standard.
MLRO & compliance
We provide or place the mandatory compliance officer.
Fit-and-Proper filings
Shareholder and director due diligence and source-of-wealth.
Banking & capital
Support with the corporate account and share-capital arrangements.
Ongoing compliance
Reporting, renewals, and audit support after go-live.
Not sure which regulator fits your model?
Get a consultation — a 30-minute call maps your route, cost, and timeline.
VARA vs ADGM vs free zone: compare the regulators
The right UAE crypto license depends on your regulator — here is how VARA, ADGM, and a free zone compare on scope, cost, and speed.
| Feature | VARA (Dubai) | ADGM (Abu Dhabi) | Free zone (DMCC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Dubai-facing VASPs (most popular) | Institutional, common-law setups | Leaner / early-stage start |
| Framework | Dedicated virtual-asset regime | English common law (FSRA) | Free-zone + proprietary rules |
| Typical licence timeline | 6–12 months | 6–12 months | 3–9 months |
| Activities | Exchange, broker, custody, advisory, management | Full VASP suite | Selected activities |
| Min share capital | From ~USD 100,000 (activity-based) | From ~USD 100,000+ | From ~USD 100,000 |
| 100% foreign ownership | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Capital and scope vary by activity and regulator. Building the corporate side too? See DMCC company formation or the wider company formation in the UAE.
Get your UAE crypto license the right way
One consultation tells you the regulator, the total cost, and the timeline for your licence.
What we need from you
Setup starts once we have your corporate, compliance, and business-plan documents.
- Passport copies for all shareholders and directors
- Proof of address issued within the last 3 months
- CVs showing blockchain or finance experience
- Corporate documents for any corporate shareholder
- Ownership and group structure chart
How UAE crypto license setup works
Getting a UAE crypto license with Legarithm is a five-step process, with the licence itself typically taking several months.
How much a UAE crypto license costs
A UAE crypto license has two cost layers — official regulator and government fees, which depend on your route, and Legarithm’s own fee, which we quote after a free consultation rather than as a fixed package price.
| Cost item | Typical range (2026) |
|---|---|
| Free-zone / entity setup | USD 4,000–10,000 |
| Licence / regulator fee | USD 30,000–150,000+ |
| Minimum share capital | From USD 100,000 (up to several million) |
| Annual compliance / admin | From ~USD 50,000/yr |
| Legarithm service fee | Individual · after a free consultation |
Ranges are approximate 2026 figures and depend heavily on the regulator and activity; capital may be locked, not spent. Legarithm’s own fee is quoted after a free consultation. Compare other jurisdictions on our crypto licenses hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions?
Which regulator should I choose — VARA, ADGM, or a free zone?
It depends on the activity and regulator — from around USD 100,000 for lighter categories to several million for an exchange. We confirm the exact figure for your licence.
How long does a crypto licence take?
Company setup takes 1–3 weeks, but the specialised licence itself usually takes about 6–12 months, depending on the regulator, AML review, and banking.
Does a crypto company pay UAE corporate tax?
It is within the scope of UAE corporate tax, but foreign-source income is generally taxed at 0%; you still register with the FTA, which our UAE tax services team handles.
Do I need a physical office and an MLRO?
Yes. A licensed virtual-asset business needs a physical office and a mandatory MLRO / compliance officer, both of which we arrange.
Can foreigners own 100% of the company?
Yes. VARA, ADGM, and free-zone structures all allow 100% foreign ownership with no local partner.
What activities can the licence cover?
Depending on the category: exchange, broker-dealer, custody, advisory, and management or investment services — issued as one or several VASP permissions.
Will I get a bank account?
Banking is the hardest step for virtual-asset firms, so we build a compliant file and introduce you to banks that work with the sector — though approval always rests with the bank.
We Are Always Available
Our team ensures your business setup is smooth, efficient, and compliant with local laws. Contact us today to discuss your project.
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