

Crypto Licensing & Regulatory Setup
Discover


Crypto Licensing &
Regulatory Setup
Discover
United Arab Emirates
Crypto Licensing Overview
The UAE is one of the most advanced crypto-friendly jurisdictions in the world, offering diverse pathways to operate virtual asset services. Regulation is handled across three distinct authorities:
The UAE is one of the most advanced crypto-friendly jurisdictions in the world, offering diverse pathways to operate virtual asset services. Regulation is handled across three distinct authorities:
Worldwide
Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation
01
Worldwide
Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation
UAE
Securities and Commodities Authority
02
UAE
Securities and Commodities Authority
Abu Dhabi
Financial Services Regulatory Authority
03
Abu Dhabi
Financial Services Regulatory Authority
Dubai
Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority
04
Dubai
Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority
INCORPORATIONS
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We have established over 240 companies across trusted jurisdictions.
We have established over 880 companies across trusted jurisdictions.
Clients
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More than 150 visionary entrepreneurs and investors rely on our expertise.
More than 1150 visionary entrepreneurs and investors rely on our expertise.
Happy Clients
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Our unwavering focus on excellence delivers 100% client satisfaction.
Our unwavering focus on excellence delivers 100% client satisfaction.
Commitment
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We are fully committed to empowering your path to sovereignty.
We are fully committed to empowering your path to sovereignty.
Strategic Tax Compliance
Label Name
Strategic Tax Compliance
Dubai Virtual Assets
Regulatory Authority
Dubai Virtual Assets
Regulatory Authority
Regulated under:
Dubai Law No. 4 of 2022
Regulated under:
Dubai Law No. 4 of 2022
Regulated under:
Dubai Law No. 4 of 2022
Tools Title
Get your business fully registered and compliant with UAE tax authorities—quickly and efficiently.
Tools Title
Get your business fully registered and compliant with UAE tax authorities—quickly and efficiently.
Tools Title
Get your business fully registered and compliant with UAE tax authorities—quickly and efficiently.
Tools Title
Ensure accurate VAT filing, timely submissions, and expert guidance on all VAT matters.
Tools Title
Ensure accurate VAT filing, timely submissions, and expert guidance on all VAT matters.
Tools Title
Ensure accurate VAT filing, timely submissions, and expert guidance on all VAT matters.
Tools Title
Maintain compliant records with streamlined bookkeeping solutions for every business size.
Tools Title
Maintain compliant records with streamlined bookkeeping solutions for every business size.
Tools Title
Maintain compliant records with streamlined bookkeeping solutions for every business size.
Advisory Services
Lending and Borrowing Services
Transfer and Settlement Services
Management and Investment Services
Crypto Compliance
Token Launch
Ongoing Compliance Monitoring
Tax Advisory
Ongoing Monitoring
Transfer and Settlement Services
Management and Investment Services
Crypto Compliance
Token Launch
Ongoing Compliance Monitoring
Overview
Overview
Overview
VARA provides a robust regulatory framework tailored for virtual asset businesses operating in Dubai’s premier free zone. It ensures compliance, security, and global credibility, empowering your crypto venture to thrive with confidence.
VARA ensures compliance, security, and
global credibility, empowering your crypto
venture to thrive with confidence.
VARA provides a robust regulatory framework tailored for virtual asset businesses operating in Dubai’s premier free zone. It ensures compliance, security, and global credibility, empowering your crypto venture to thrive with confidence.
Benefits of VARA
Benefits of VARA
Worldwide focused regulation
Strict compliance aligned with local laws ensures your business operates securely and legally.
Tiered VASP framework
Tailored licensing options fit diverse virtual asset services and business models.
Specialized Freezones
Benefit from Dubai’s premier free zones with streamlined setup and world-class infrastructure.
Global recognition
Gain international credibility and access through a respected regulatory framework.
Get in touch
Strategic Tax Compliance
Label Name
Strategic Tax Compliance
Crypto Licensing
on the UAE Mainland
Crypto Licensing
on the UAE Mainland
Regulated under:
Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA)
Regulated under:
Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA)
Regulated under:
Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA)
Tools Title
Get your business fully registered and compliant with UAE tax authorities—quickly and efficiently.
Tools Title
Get your business fully registered and compliant with UAE tax authorities—quickly and efficiently.
Tools Title
Get your business fully registered and compliant with UAE tax authorities—quickly and efficiently.
Tools Title
Ensure accurate VAT filing, timely submissions, and expert guidance on all VAT matters.
Tools Title
Ensure accurate VAT filing, timely submissions, and expert guidance on all VAT matters.
Tools Title
Ensure accurate VAT filing, timely submissions, and expert guidance on all VAT matters.
Tools Title
Maintain compliant records with streamlined bookkeeping solutions for every business size.
Tools Title
Maintain compliant records with streamlined bookkeeping solutions for every business size.
Tools Title
Maintain compliant records with streamlined bookkeeping solutions for every business size.
Advisory Services
Lending and Borrowing Services
Transfer and Settlement Services
Management and Investment Services
Crypto Compliance
Token Launch
Ongoing Compliance Monitoring
Tax Advisory
Ongoing Monitoring
Transfer and Settlement Services
Management and Investment Services
Crypto Compliance
Token Launch
Ongoing Compliance Monitoring
Overview
Overview
Overview
The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) regulates onshore crypto activities across the UAE mainland, providing robust licensing options for exchanges, brokerages, and ICOs.
Designed for businesses seeking full compliance within the Emirates, SCA licenses enable access to the retail market with strong investor protections and regulatory oversight.
VARA ensures compliance, security, and
global credibility, empowering your crypto
venture to thrive with confidence.
Benefits of a SCA License
Benefits of a SCA License
Access to the UAE retail market
Strict compliance aligned with local laws ensures your business operates securely and legally.
Eligible for local bank accounts
Tailored licensing options fit diverse virtual asset services and business models.
Regulatory Passporting
Benefit from Dubai’s premier free zones with streamlined setup and world-class infrastructure.
Global recognition
Gain international credibility and access through a respected regulatory framework.
Get in touch
Abu Dhabi
Label Name
Strategic Tax Compliance
ADGM Digital
Asset Licensing
ADGM Digital
Asset Licensing
Regulated under:
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
Regulated under:
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
Regulated under:
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
Tools Title
Get your business fully registered and compliant with UAE tax authorities—quickly and efficiently.
Tools Title
Get your business fully registered and compliant with UAE tax authorities—quickly and efficiently.
Tools Title
Get your business fully registered and compliant with UAE tax authorities—quickly and efficiently.
Tools Title
Ensure accurate VAT filing, timely submissions, and expert guidance on all VAT matters.
Tools Title
Ensure accurate VAT filing, timely submissions, and expert guidance on all VAT matters.
Tools Title
Ensure accurate VAT filing, timely submissions, and expert guidance on all VAT matters.
Tools Title
Maintain compliant records with streamlined bookkeeping solutions for every business size.
Tools Title
Maintain compliant records with streamlined bookkeeping solutions for every business size.
Tools Title
Maintain compliant records with streamlined bookkeeping solutions for every business size.
Advisory Services
Lending and Borrowing Services
Transfer and Settlement Services
Management and Investment Services
Crypto Compliance
Token Launch
Ongoing Compliance Monitoring
Tax Advisory
Ongoing Monitoring
Transfer and Settlement Services
Management and Investment Services
Crypto Compliance
Token Launch
Ongoing Compliance Monitoring
Overview
Overview
Overview
The Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) regulates onshore crypto activities across the UAE mainland, providing robust licensing options for exchanges, brokerages, and ICOs.
Designed for businesses seeking full compliance within the Emirates, SCA licenses enable access to the retail market with strong investor protections and regulatory oversight.
VARA ensures compliance, security, and
global credibility, empowering your crypto
venture to thrive with confidence.
Benefits of a ADGM License
Benefits of a ADGM License
Onshore regulatory scope
Covers crypto activities within UAE mainland for full local compliance.
High capital requirements
Robust paid-up capital ensures strong operational foundation.
Experienced leadership needed
Management with proven financial and regulatory expertise is mandatory.
Comprehensive oversight
Strict ongoing supervision and audits safeguard investor interests.
Get in touch
Why Clients Trust Ancova
Why Clients Trust Ancova
Clients trust Ancova for our precision, transparency, and deep expertise in business setup, taxation, and compliance. We deliver fast, reliable results—no shortcuts, no surprises.
Clients trust Ancova for our precision, transparency, and deep expertise in business setup, taxation, and compliance. We deliver fast, reliable results—no shortcuts, no surprises.

2000+ Trusted Clients
2000+ Trusted Clients
Direct partnership
Direct partnership
Experience
Trusted
Discreet & Confidential
UAE Fund Licensing
UAE Fund Licensing
Frequently asked questions.
Frequently asked questions.
What is the difference between VARA, ADGM, and SCA for crypto?
VARA is Dubai’s virtual assets authority, ideal for firms based in DWTC. ADGM offers a global-facing regulatory framework. SCA is for mainland UAE firms serving local customers.
Can I hold crypto in a licensed custody setup in the UAE?
A Trust is a legal arrangement where a trustee holds assets for beneficiaries. It’s often used for asset protection, inheritance planning, and tax optimization. · A Foundation is a legal entity with its own legal personality—making it suitable for family governance, holding companies, and long-term succession. It combines the control of a company with the privacy of a trust.
Can foreign shareholders own 100% of a crypto firm in the UAE?
A Trust is a legal arrangement where a trustee holds assets for beneficiaries. It’s often used for asset protection, inheritance planning, and tax optimization. · A Foundation is a legal entity with its own legal personality—making it suitable for family governance, holding companies, and long-term succession. It combines the control of a company with the privacy of a trust.
What is the cost to set up a licensed crypto company in the UAE?
License setup costs vary widely but typically range from AED 200,000 to AED 1M+ depending on scope, regulatory classification, and office space.
What are the banking options for crypto companies?
You may face fines starting from AED 1,000 for late filing, increasing with time and repeated offenses. Ancova ensures timely submissions and zero penalties.
The Difference We Make.
The Difference We Make.
Start Your Business in Dubai Today
Start Your Business in Dubai Today
Don’t waste weeks figuring it out alone. Let our team fast-track your success with strategic company formation in the UAE.
Call Us Now
+971-543991333
Call Us Now
+971-543991333
setup@ancova-associates.com
setup@ancova-associates.com
Website
www.ancova-associates.com
Website
www.ancova-associates.com