RAK DAO — RAK Digital Assets Oasis
- Company setup from
6,250 AED
Registration in 10 day
Offices,dedicated desks
In RAK DAO, you can establish any type of business related to the production and management of digital and virtual assets, from a…
Crypto license in Dubai
The UAE offers a legal and well-structured environment for operating a crypto business. To stay compliant, you must set up a company, obtain the correct type of license, and choose the right activity based on your goals, budget, and available resources — all in line with regulatory requirements.
Crypto activities in the UAE typically fall into three main categories:
- Proprietary crypto trading (with your or your company’s own funds)
- Crypto exchange services (third-party transactions)
- Digital asset development (blockchain, NFTs, Web3)
A well-planned business setup in Dubai, supported by experienced consultants, is the key to running a legal and licensed crypto operation in the UAE.
Where to get crypto license in UAE
Crypto trading business in Dubai can be operated through specific free zones. The right jurisdiction for your cryptocurrency license will depend on the type of activity you intend to pursue. The optimal choice depends on whether your business model involves regulated financial services with client funds or technology-focused activities using proprietary funds.
Jurisdictions for crypto activities in the UAE
| Type of activity | Jurisdiction | What you can set up |
|---|---|---|
| Proprietary crypto trading | RAK DAO, DMCC, DIFC, ADGM, Meydan Free Zone | Set up a company to trade with your own funds on crypto exchanges. No third-party funds allowed. |
| Crypto exchange | Dubai mainland and free zones (VARA-regulated), DIFC (DFSA-regulated), ADGM (FSRA) | Fully licensed crypto exchange platform (CEX, OTC, P2P). |
| Digital asset development | DMCC, RAK DAO, IFZA, DWTC | Blockchain, Web3, NFT platforms, virtual asset tools. |
Let’s dive deeper into the specifics of each jurisdiction.
ADGM crypto license
Abu Dhabi Global Markets is a regulated financial free zone of the UAE capital Abu Dhabi. At the moment is offers a whole range of business activities related to crypto assets:
- Crypto exchange license
- Crypto asset custodian
- Buying, selling and exercising any right in accepted crypto assets
- Managing other person’s crypto assets
- Providing custody of crypto assets and making arrangements with a view to another person
- Marketing of crypto asset
DIFC crypto license
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a leading regulated financial free zone located in Dubai. It operates under a common law framework and is home to the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), which oversees crypto-related activities within the Emirate
Currently, DIFC offers licensing for a range of virtual asset activities, including:
- Crypto exchange license in Dubai (crypto-to-crypto, crypto-to-fiat, OTC, P2P)
- Custody and safekeeping of virtual assets
- Facilitating the buying, selling, or transfer of virtual assets
- Managing client crypto portfolios
- Operating as a broker, dealer, or market maker in virtual assets
- Marketing and promoting virtual asset services
DMCC crypto license
DMCC is not a regulated financial free zone, but it is still a pioneer in providing cryptocurrency licenses in Dubai. Currently, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre offers the following types of crypto-related business setups:
- Distributed ledger technology services
- Proprietary trading in crypto commodities
- NFTs E-marketplace provider
- Metaverse services provider
It is important to note that while pure proprietary trading is licensed under DMCC activities, any project evolving into VASP roles (like custody or exchange) will require an additional VARA license for Dubai-facing operations.
RAK DAO crypto license
RAK Digital Assets Oasis (RAK DAO) is a specialized free zone in Ras Al Khaimah, created to support businesses in the virtual and digital assets sector. Unlike financial free zones such as DIFC or ADGM, RAK DAO is designed for non-regulated crypto activities. It applies its own registration rules and ensures alignment with UAE AML/CFT requirements.
Currently, RAK DAO supports a variety of crypto-friendly business activities, including:
- Proprietary crypto trading (with own funds only)
- Blockchain and DLT development
- Web3 and metaverse platforms
- NFT creation and marketplaces
- Crypto mining and DeFi projects (subject to UAE policy)
- Software and gaming development related to digital assets
How to get a UAE crypto license
The choice of licensing authority, the process of registration and the costs will totally depend on the exact business activity you are planning to undertake.
Generally, the process of registering a crypto business in the UAE will look as follows:
- Identify your business activity. Decide what type of work you plan to do: proprietary trading, crypto exchange and trading on behalf of third parties, crypto asset management, or digital asset development. Each activity comes with its own set of requirements, licensing process, permits, and setup costs.
- Prepare a business plan. This is a crucial step that deserves close attention. A clear and well-structured white paper and business plan will significantly increase your chances of a smooth and successful company setup. You’ll also need to define internal AML and KYC policies in detail, as they are essential for regulatory approval. All applicants must now consider the 2025 Federal Decree Law on AML/CFT/CPF, which may require a mandatory GAP assessment.
- Apply to the registering authority where you want to be licensed. If your business activity is proprietary crypto trading, you can choose between DIFC, ADGM, RAK DAO, and DMCC. For companies involved in crypto exchange and trading on behalf of third parties, you can apply to VARA (for Dubai mainland and most free zones), or the financial free zones DIFC and ADGM. For digital asset development, including blockchain solutions, RAK DAO is a suitable option, as it was specifically established to support such activities.
- Meet regulatory requirements. Each business activity comes with its own set of requirements. RAK DAO and DMCC are unregulated free zones, meaning there are no direct requirements from a financial regulator. However, the free zone authorities may still request a minimum share capital (in DMCC), a flexi-desk lease (in both zones), and internal AML/KYC policies.
- In regulated jurisdictions such as DIFC and ADGM, the requirements are stricter. You’ll need approvals from financial regulators, a minimum share capital, a physical office, independent governance, audited financials, and well-defined AML/KYC policies to comply with licensing conditions.
- Get your license. The timeline for obtaining a license will vary depending on the type of activity you choose.
This is a general licensing procedure. The exact steps may vary depending on the specific type of crypto activity. For a tailored step-by-step process, consult your business advisor.
AFZA company formation process
Ajman company formation can be completed in 1-3 working days after all required documentation has been compiled and submitted.
It is crucial to approach this question carefully, as choosing the wrong activity, registration authority, or location can lead to errors during company registration, creating problems with opening a bank account or getting a residence visa. Ajman Free Zone company formation can be completed within 1-3 working days, making it one of the quickest and most efficient options for new business setups in the UAE.
In AFZA, you can choose from different legal entities and license types. Decide on the business activity and prepare a business plan. The legal entities you can form include:
- Free Zone Establishment (FZE) - One shareholder
- Free Zone Company (FZC) - Multiple shareholders
- Branch of a local company
- Branch of a foreign company
AFZA requires a minimal documentation package:
- Passport copy
- Passport-size photo
- Residential address, phone number, and email
- Company name
- Business activity
You also need to pay all the registration and processing fees at this step.
They are:
- License
- Chamber of Commerce registration certificate
- Lease agreement
- Memorandum of Association (for companies with multiple partners)
These documents will enable you to apply for a corporate bank account in Dubai. At least one of the company shareholders is required to be a resident of the UAE to be able to open a corporate bank account in the Emirates.
It contains information about your company and makes it eligible to sponsor residence visas.
If you apply from inside the UAE, after the entry permit is issued you have to change your visa status from the previous visa to a residence visa. If you are outside the UAE, then arrive in the country, get your entry permit stamped and then proceed with the rest of the residence visa process, submitting the necessary documents.
Undergo a medical checkup and submit documents for a residence visa. Different registration packages may provide for a varying number of visas available for owners and employees of the company.
Once your visa is issued, secure your Emirates ID card. The processing and issuance of a visa and Emirates ID usually take 5-7 working days after the visa approval.
Apply to a UAE bank to open a corporate bank account in one of local or international banks in the UAE. After receiving the account details, you can start running your business in the UAE.
With us you can navigate this process quickly and effortlessly. You don`t even have to arrive in Dubai — the registration procedure can be completed remotely. However, you will need to visit the UAE for medical checkups, visa formalities, and account opening.
AFZA license cost
Ajman Free Zone offers a wide range of licenses suitable for various types of activities, whether it’s trading, services, consulting, or industrial production.
| TYPE OF LICENSE | COST |
|---|---|
| 0 visa license (starter/kickstarter package) | from 5,555 AED |
| 1 visa freelance permit | 12,121 AED |
| 1 visa package with trading or service license | 13,131 AED |
| 2 visa package with trading or service license | 21,212 AED |
Other packages’ fees depend on visa allocations and business activities.
If you plan to open resident visas under the company, additional fees for immigration may apply (amounts and items depend on the package and current immigration requirements):
- E-channel deposit: 1,025 AED
- E-channel registration fee: 2,300 AED
- Visa, medical checkup, and Emirates ID: 3,600 AED
- Renewal fee of E-channel: 1,200 AED
You can also add shareholders to your company for 600 AED each.
Multiple payments plan
AFZA is one of the free zones that can offer a multiple installment payment option. You can pay for the company in 2, 3, or 6 installments.
There are certain conditions set by Ajman Free Zone Authority to be met. The most important one is that the payment should be provided by post-dated checks from a UAE bank. So, if you go for 3 installments for Ajman Free Zone license, you can pay the initial one by cash and provide the remaining payments by 2 checks on the day of application for the company.
If you come from abroad, installment eligibility may be limited, because post-dated cheques are typically issued from a UAE bank account and must meet the authority’s compliance requirements. Apart from that, you need to provide past 3 months bank statements as proof of funds.
Elena O.
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AFZA Company Formation
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