Industry · Virtual Assets
Crypto & Virtual Asset License in Dubai (VARA)
Set up a compliant virtual-asset business under Dubai's VARA regime.
Dubai regulates virtual assets through VARA (the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority), with ADGM offering an alternative framework in Abu Dhabi. Exchanges, brokers, custodians and advisory firms need the right licence category and serious compliance — this is a specialist, high-scrutiny setup.
A specialist, premium setup — indicative from ~AED 40,000+ and materially higher for regulated exchange/custody activities.
What's involved
VARA licence categories
Advisory, broker-dealer, exchange, custody, lending and management each have distinct requirements and capital.
ADGM alternative
ADGM's FSRA offers a mature virtual-asset framework in Abu Dhabi for certain activities.
Compliance-first
AML/CFT, governance, risk and technology controls are central — expect substance and audited reporting.
Banking
Virtual-asset businesses face heavy banking scrutiny; we prepare a clean application and match you to the right partners.
Recommended free zones
Frequently asked
01Who regulates crypto in Dubai?＋
VARA (the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority) regulates virtual-asset activities in Dubai, with ADGM's FSRA providing an alternative framework in Abu Dhabi.
02Is a VARA licence expensive?＋
Yes — it's a specialist, high-scrutiny setup with capital, compliance and substance requirements. Costs vary widely by activity category; we scope it precisely for you.
Start here
Ready to incorporate in Dubai?
Book a free 30-minute consultation. We'll map the right structure, zone and budget for your business — with a written, all-in quote and no obligation.