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Dubai Crypto Trading License

Consulting24 experts will guide you in acquiring a Dubai crypto trading license, help you navigate the expanding range of available activities, from crypto exchange operations to custodial services. We ensure that our clients meet all the regulatory requirements. 

Our Clients 

Clients
Testimonials

Dubai Crypto Trading License Cost

  • Business Formation;

  • Guidance in Cryptocurrency Licensing;

  • Help with AML/CTF Document Compliance;

  • Crypto Application Process;

    Charges: 10,000-30,000USD

    Please note, that this is in addition to government fees which fall between 30,000-80,000€ or more. Sign up for the consultation and one of our expert will contact with you.

Dubai Crypto Trading License Cost

2024 Overview: Activities Allowed Under Dubai Crypto Trading License

Advisory Services 

  • Cryptocurrency Market Evaluation Service

  • Strategic Investment Advisory Service

Broker-Dealer Services

  • Virtual Asset Exchange Platform

  • Digital Currency Brokerage Solutions

Custody Services 

  • Virtual Asset Secure Storage

  • Cryptocurrency Audit Services

  • Digital Asset Protection Insurance

Exchange Services

  • Operation of Cryptocurrency Trading Platforms

  • Digital Asset Liquidity Management"

  • Secure Transaction Systems for Crypto Exchanges

Lending and Borrowing Services​

  • Digital Currency Collateral Loan Services

  • Cryptocurrency Leverage Trading Solutions

  • Asset-to-Loan Value Tracking System

VA Management and Investment Services

  • Crypto Asset Portfolio Management

  • Digital Asset Portfolio Performance Analysis

  • Cryptocurrency Investment Regulatory Compliance Solutions

VA Transfer and Settlement Services

  • Digital Asset Transaction Management

  • International Cryptocurrency Transfer Solutions

License Activities

Obtaining a Crypto Trading License in the UAE

To legally engage in crypto trading in Dubai, companies need to secure a crypto trading license in the UAE through the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). The process includes:

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  • Application Process: Submission of a detailed application by businesses, outlining operational plans, security protocols, and compliance strategies.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Demonstrating compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT) regulations is essential.

  • Audit Requirements: VARA may conduct financial and operational audits to evaluate the applicant's business readiness and financial stability.

  • Ongoing Oversight: Post-licensing, VARA monitors the licensee's activities to ensure continuous adherence to its regulatory framework and standards.

Image by Thomas Drouault

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Crypto Trading License in the UAE

Complete Step 1

  1. Starting Company Registration Initiate by submitting required documents and details for your company's legal registration, setting the foundation for future procedures.

  2. Complete Initial Disclosure Questionnaire After initiating registration, complete the Initial Disclosure Questionnaire to provide crucial information about your business, ensuring you meet regulatory standards.

  3. Prepare a Comprehensive Business Plan Develop an in-depth business plan detailing your company's objectives, financial projections, and strategies for integrating cryptocurrency into your business model, enhancing your application's authenticity.

  4. Submit Ownership and Management Information Offer detailed and accurate data about your company's beneficial owners and top management, a key step for regulatory transparency and assessment.

  5. Remit Initial Registration Fees Pay the first 50% of the total registration fees to move forward, covering administrative costs and showing your dedication to the process.

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After these steps are completed, your company will be on its way to securing approvals, setting up operations, and adhering to legal requirements. Keep in mind that offering services is not allowed during this initial phase.

Step 2 

  1. Document Preparation Post-Initial Approval Following initial approval, prepare and submit all required documentation for the FMP license as per VARA's guidelines. Be prepared for additional requests or meetings from VARA as part of their evaluation.

  2. Address VARA’s Feedback and Complete Payments Act on any feedback provided by VARA, fulfill any extra requirements they may have, and then pay the remaining part of the license application fee along with the first year's supervision fees.

  3. Finalizing the Licensing Process Once you've met all financial and operational requirements, VARA will grant your company the FMP license, allowing you to start your Virtual Asset operations.

​

Important Reminder: Be aware that VARA might impose specific operational conditions when issuing the FMP license.

Step-by-Step Registration

Government Fees for the Licenses

VA Activity
Licence Application Fee
Licence Extension Fee
Annual Supervision Fee
Share Capital
VA Transfer and Settlement Services
AED 40,000 10,900$
AED 20,000 5,450$
AED 80,000 21,800$
The higher of [i] AED 500,000; or [ii] 25% of fixed annual overheads.
Advisory Services
AED 40,000 10,900$
AED 20,000 5,450$
AED 80,000 21,800$
AED 100,000.
Broker-Dealer Services
AED 100,000 27,250$
AED 50,000 13,125$
AED 200,000 54,500$
Broker-Dealer Services using a VASP Licensed by VARA to provide Custody Services or otherwise approved during the licensing process: the higher of [i] AED 400,000; or [ii] 15% of fixed annual overheads. In all other instances, the higher of [i] AED 600,000; or [ii] 25% of fixed annual overheads.
Custody Services
AED 100,000 27,250$
AED 50,000 13,125$
AED 200,000 54,500$
The higher of [i] AED 600,000; or [ii] 25% of fixed annual overheads.
Exchange Services
AED 100,000 27,250$
AED 50,000 13,125$
AED 200,000 54,500$
Exchange Services using a VASP Licensed by VARA to provide Custody Services or otherwise approved during the licensing process: the higher of [i] AED 800,000; or [ii] 15% of fixed annual overheads. In all other instances, the higher of [i] AED 1,500,000; or [ii] 25% of fixed annual overheads.
Lending and Borrowing Services
AED 100,000 27,250$
AED 50,000 13,125$
AED 200,000 54,500$
The higher of [i] AED 500,000; or [ii] 25% of fixed annual overheads.
VA Management and Investment Services
AED 100,000 27,250$
AED 50,000 13,125$
AED 200,000 54,500$
VA Management and Investment Services using a VASP Licensed by VARA to provide Custody Services or otherwise approved during the licensing process: the higher of [i] AED 280,000; or [ii] 15% of fixed annual overheads. In all other instances, the higher of [i] AED 500,000; or [ii] 25% of fixed annual overheads.
License Fees

Crypto Trading License Dubai: Powered by VARA

The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), found at www.vara.ae, is the overseeing institution responsible for the regulation of the creation, application, and transaction of digital assets either sourced from or distributed within the Emirate of Dubai.

Image of VARA Dubai logo representing crypto trading license uae  essential for obtaining a Dubai crypto trading license and managing cryptocurrency investments.

Dubai, Lithuania, Estonia: Comparison

Feature
Dubai
Lithuania
Estonia
Cost
20 000€
20 000€
25 000€
License Type & Government fee
1. 9,700€ - Advisory Services & VA Transfer and Settlement Services
1. Cryptocurrency exchange license 2. Crypto wallet and custodian services license
1. Cryptocurrency exchange license 2. Crypto wallet and custodian services license
2. 24,250€ - Broker-Dealer, Custody, Exchange, Lending and Borrowing & VA Management and Investment Services
No additional fee
10 000€
Audit
May be required by VARA
Not required
Monthly and yearly are needed
Office
Required
Can be virtual
Required
AML (Anti-Money Laundry Officer)
Can be any nationality
Local needed
Local needed
AML monthly salary
5000€
Starting from 1200€
Starting from 2000€
Local director
Can be any nationality
Can be any nationality
Can be of any nationality, but have to live in Estonia
Share capital terms
Immidiately
25% now, 75% within a year.
Immediately
Required share capital
24,250€ (Advisory Services) - 194,000€ (Exchange Services)
125 000€
100 000€ - Crypto wallet and custodian services license. 250000€ - Cryptocurrency exchange license
Dubai, Lithuania, Estonia Comparison

Our Team 

Lena Elvbakken, Founder  of Consulting24, is leading the way with the registration of Dubai crypto trading license

Lena Elvbakken

Co-Founder

  • LinkedIn

"Benefit from our custom-built services, designed especially for businesses entering the digital currency arena. We uncomplicate the procedure of attaining a cryptocurrency license in Dubai, leveraging our extensive regulatory understanding for a hassle-free licensing experience. Rely on our wisdom to steer you through Dubai's complex regulatory maze, fostering the growth of your cryptocurrency initiatives."

Mardo Soo, Consulting24's CEO, is leading the way with the registration of the Dubai crypto trading license

Mardo Soo

Founder

  • LinkedIn

"As the founder of Consulting24, my chief goal is to help entrepreneurs traverse the intricate maze of Dubai's crypto licensing process effortlessly. We clarify this complex undertaking, while judiciously maintaining cost efficiency. Our pledge is to facilitate your seamless integration into the bustling crypto market of Dubai, while keeping licensing costs within a manageable range. Count on our experience for an economically viable journey towards obtaining your Dubai crypto license."

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