Crypto · VARA licensing
VARA Licence in Dubai
Licensing for virtual asset service providers under Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, from first disclosure to full operational licence.
8 licensed activitiesRulebook complianceEnd-to-end application
Overview
The world’s first dedicated virtual asset regulator
Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) regulates virtual asset activities across Dubai, except in DIFC. Its licensed activities are: advisory, broker-dealer, custody, exchange, lending and borrowing, management and investment, transfer and settlement services, and Category 1 virtual asset issuance.
Licensing involves a commercial licence, a detailed application, compliance with VARA’s rulebooks, qualified key personnel and robust AML, technology and risk frameworks. We manage the process with legal and compliance partners, from initial disclosure to operational launch.
What you get
VARA activities
Advisory services
Advice on virtual assets.
Broker-dealer
Buying, selling and arranging trades.
Custody
Safekeeping of client assets.
Exchange
Operating a trading platform.
Lending & borrowing
Virtual asset lending services.
Management & investment, transfer & issuance
Portfolio management, transfers, settlement and Category 1 issuance.
How it works
The VARA licensing journey
01
Readiness
Business plan, activities, capital and team assessed.
02
Application
Disclosure and full application submitted with policies.
03
Provisional approval
Commercial licence and preparation for launch.
04
Full licence
Final conditions met and operations go live.
Checklist
What VARA expects
- Detailed business plan
- Shareholder and UBO information
- Key personnel (such as compliance officer and MLRO)
- AML/CFT and risk policies
- Technology and cybersecurity documentation
- Capital and financial projections
Setup cost estimator
Get a free estimate
Starting estimate in AED. A specialist confirms your exact quote within one working day.
Which activities need a VARA licence?
Advisory, broker-dealer, custody, exchange, lending and borrowing, management and investment, transfer and settlement services, and Category 1 issuance.
How long does VARA licensing take?
Usually several months, depending on your activities and the quality of your application.
Do I need a physical office in Dubai?
Yes, licensed VASPs are expected to have real substance and key staff in Dubai.
Is there a minimum capital?
Capital requirements depend on the activities you apply for and are set out in VARA’s rulebooks.
Services
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