Applies across all seven emirates
Dubai shown; other emirates differ
Holding layers — no UAE trading
Virtual-asset activities across the Emirate of Dubai, with the DIFC carved out.
Payment tokens, payment services, stored value and AML supervision of licensed financial institutions.
Securities, commodities and virtual assets outside the VARA, ADGM and DIFC perimeters.
The AML/CFT reporting portal every VASP and DNFBP must register with.
Exchanges, custody, funds and DLT foundations under an English common-law system.
Crypto tokens, investment tokens and funds inside the DIFC.
Mainland commercial licences. A virtual-asset business on the mainland needs this and VARA.
Brokers, developers, escrow and tokenised title.
Free-zone incorporation in Dubai. A VARA licence is still required to operate.
Free-zone incorporation in Dubai. A VARA licence is still required to operate.
Incorporation in Ras Al Khaimah. A virtual-asset licence is a separate question.
Free-zone incorporation in Dubai. A VARA licence is still required to operate.
Free-zone incorporation in Dubai. A VARA licence is still required to operate.
Incorporation in Ras Al Khaimah. A virtual-asset licence is a separate question.
Holding vehicles. No UAE trading, no residence visas, no operating licence.
Holding vehicles. No UAE trading, no residence visas, no operating licence.
Holding vehicles. No UAE trading, no residence visas, no operating licence.