UAE Cryptocurrency Licenses: Your Gateway to the World's Most Progressive Digital Asset Market
Navigate the UAE's comprehensive crypto regulatory framework with expert guidance. Multiple licensing pathways across 5 jurisdictions - we'll find the perfect fit for your business.
- 5 Regulatory Jurisdictions1
- 2025 Updated Frameworks2
- Zero Personal Income Tax3
- 96 Firms in DIFC Sandbox4
Understanding UAE's Multi-Layered Crypto Regulation
- Federal Level
- Central Bank UAE (CBUAE)
- Securities & Commodities Authority (SCA)
- Payment Token Services Regulation 2024
- New Security Token Framework 2025
- Dubai Mainland
- Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)
- Updated Rulebooks 2.0 (May 2025)
- Comprehensive licensing for all VA activities
- Enhanced margin trading controls
- Dubai Free Zone
- Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)
- Tokenisation Regulatory Sandbox
- Institutional-grade services focus
- 96 expressions of interest received
- Abu Dhabi
- Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA)
- Digital Asset Framework amendments 2025
- Virtual Asset approval processes
- Product intervention powers
Choose Your Licensing Pathway
- Dirham Payment Token Issuer (AED 15M capital)
- Payment Token Custodian (AED 1.5-3M capital)
- Payment Token Conversion Services
- Foreign Payment Token Registration
- Key Requirement: UAE incorporation outside Financial Free Zones
- Virtual Asset Exchanges & Trading
- Custody & Wallet Services
- Broker-Dealer Services
- Lending & Borrowing Platforms
- Token Issuance & NFT Platforms
- 2025 Update: Enhanced margin trading controls
- DIFC: Min. USD 250K capital, recognized tokens only
- ADGM: Accepted Virtual Assets framework
- Prohibition of privacy tokens
- Streamlined institutional processes
AML/CFT Compliance Requirements
UAE enforces FATF-aligned standards across all virtual asset service providers
- Enhanced Customer Due Diligence (CDD)
- Real-time transaction monitoring systems
- Blockchain analytics capabilities
- Dedicated MLRO (2+ years experience)
- Annual business risk assessments
- FATF Travel Rule compliance
- 5-8 year record retention
Unmatched Tax Benefits for Crypto Investors
-
Individual Investors✓ Zero personal income tax on crypto gains
✓ No capital gains tax on trading/staking/mining
✓ VAT exemption on crypto transfers (retroactive to 2018)
✓ Tax residency with 183+ days presence -
Corporate Entities✓ Only 9% corporate tax on profits >AED 375,000
✓ 5% VAT on goods/services (not crypto-to-crypto)
✓ Free zone reduced tax rates available
✓ Mining for personal use VAT-exempt
What's New in 2025
Q2 2025
Q2 2025
VARA Rulebooks 2.0 launched with enhanced market integrity
Q2 2025
Q2 2025
SCA Security Token Regulations - first federal framework
Q4 2025
Q4 2025
Digital Dirham CBDC launch planned
2025
2025
DIFC Tokenisation Sandbox receiving 96+ applications
Why Choose UAE for Crypto Business
- Regulatory ClarityWell-defined pathways, coordinated authorities
- Business InfrastructureCrypto-friendly banks, professional services
- Innovation SupportRegulatory sandboxes, government backing
- Investor ProtectionRobust AML/CFT, capital requirements
Start Your UAE Crypto License Journey
Free Consultation - Assess your business model
License Strategy - Choose optimal jurisdiction & license type
Full Support - From application to compliance setup
License Strategy - Choose optimal jurisdiction & license type
Full Support - From application to compliance setup
You agree to our Terms and Conditions