Dubai VARA license

Dubai VARA License (Virtual Asset Service Provider License，VASP) is an official qualification specially issued by the Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority.，Where to offer crypto asset trading in Dubai (excluding DIFC)、hosting、Broker、consult、loan、asset Management、Companies providing transfer and settlement services，This license must be obtained in advance。

VARA license in Dubai, UAE

UAE Cryptocurrency Regulation and Licensing Guidelines (2025 Edition)

The UAE has become a global leader in virtual asset applications，With high levels of user engagement and a supportive legal environment，Steady at the forefront of the world。

Cryptocurrency adoption leads the world：about 27.67% of UAE population hold virtual assets，Per capita adoption rate ranks first in the world。
Market is growing rapidly：2024 Installed more than 1500 Thousands of crypto-related applications，year-on-year growth 41%。
attract large investments：2024 attracts over 300 USD 100 million in crypto investments；2025 Beginning of the year，Abu Dhabi fund MGX invests in Binance 20 billion US dollars，Set one of the largest investment records in the industry。
High regulatory friendliness：According to Sumsub report，The UAE is one of the most crypto-friendly countries in the world。

one、Overview of the regulatory framework

United Arab Emirates is made up of 7 emirates，implement federation + local dual regulatory system。Regulatory powers vary from place to place，Crypto license application depends on the company’s registration place and scope of operations。

regulatory agency	jurisdiction	Brief description of responsibilities
CBUAE (Central Bank)	federal	Published VASP Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Guide
SCA (Securities and Commodities Authority)	Commonwealth (outside DIFC)	Regulate licensing applications and compliance outside the free zone
VARA (Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority)	Dubai Mainland and Free Zones (excluding DIFC)	Regulating crypto asset trading、Serve、NFT and other activities
DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority)	Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC)	Approval of regulated crypto tokens and platforms
FSRA (Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi)	Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)	Comprehensive supervision of virtual asset-related institutions

two、Detailed explanation of the responsibilities of regulatory agencies

1. VARA (Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority)

Founded in 2022 Year，Responsible for supervising Dubai’s virtual asset business except DIFC。
Applicable to：exchange、Broker、Wallet service provider、Payment platform、Lending/Pledge Platform、NFT issuers, etc.。
Publish full set of Rulebooks and licensing guides，Set capital requirements、network security、AML/KYC、Market conduct and other standards。

2. DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority)

Manage all financial and crypto businesses within the DIFC zone。
Applicable to：Advisors using recognized crypto tokens、Asset manager、Distribution platform、Trading platform, etc.。

3. FSRA (Abu Dhabi Global Markets Regulatory Authority)

It is one of the first institutions in the Middle East to establish an encryption regulatory framework.。
Emphasis on AML/KYC standards that are in line with international standards，regulated exchanges、asset Management、OTC platform、Token issuance, etc.。

4. SCA (Securities and Commodities Authority)

federal level regulatory agencies。
Outside jurisdictional free zone、Enterprises providing virtual asset services in the UAE mainland。

three、Who needs to apply for a crypto license?

According to the following regulations，All provided、Individuals or institutions that promote or participate in virtual asset services，Prior approval from the relevant regulatory authorities must be obtained：

federal cabinet 2022 year 111 resolution
emirate of dubai 2022 year 4 Law No.
Abu Dhabi Global Market Financial Services and Markets Regulations 2015

Four、Main regulatory areas and applicable enterprise types

regulatory agency	Applicable area	Type of business requiring license application
SCA	UAE Mainland	Virtual asset exchange Crypto Brokerage and Trading Services Wallet/Custody Service Funds and Asset Management Companies Token issuance platform Clearing and Settlement Platform Crypto financial product promotion agency
BE	Dubai (excluding DIFC)	Exchange/Custody/Wallet Services Payment transfer platform Market Maker/Liquidity Provider Virtual asset lending/pledge platform NFT/virtual asset issuance platform Advisory and asset management services
DFSA	Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC)	Consultancy/Fund/Asset Management Cryptocurrency token custody/issuance/trading platform Pledge/income services under fund structure
FSRA	Abu Dhabi ADGM Free Zone	OTC virtual asset trading Derivatives/ICO Token Issuance Custody/exchange/payment platform Virtual asset fund management and consulting

five、Conclusion

The UAE is known for its efficient、Clear regulatory framework and strong international presence，It is attracting more and more crypto companies to settle in。If you plan to be in Dubai、Establishing a virtual asset-related business in Abu Dhabi or other emirates，Obtaining legal licenses is not only the basis for operational compliance，It is also the key to winning the trust of investors and the market.。

To learn more about the application requirements for each region、Required materials and fees，Welcome to contact us，We can help you plan and apply for the most appropriate licensing path。