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Crypto Licensing & Regulatory Setup

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Crypto Licensing &
Regulatory Setup

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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

800

+

+

We have established over 240 companies across trusted jurisdictions.

We have established over 880 companies across trusted jurisdictions.

Clients

1100

+

+

More than 150 visionary entrepreneurs and investors rely on our expertise.

More than 1150 visionary entrepreneurs and investors rely on our expertise.

Happy Clients

70
60

%

%

Our unwavering focus on excellence delivers 100% client satisfaction.

Our unwavering focus on excellence delivers 100% client satisfaction.

Commitment

95
50

%

%

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

E-Mail

setup@ancova-associates.com

E-Mail

setup@ancova-associates.com

Website

www.ancova-associates.com

Website

www.ancova-associates.com