Activity Permissions / Crypto & Virtual Assets
Verified permission status across 8 UAE zones and jurisdictions, including additional licence requirements where a sector regulator sits on top of the zone's own registration.
DFSA virtual asset framework; separate DFSA licence required in addition to DIFC entity registration
Additional licence: DFSA — DFSA Virtual Asset Licence
Suitable for institutional-grade crypto firms. DFSA framework covers limited VA activity types; not all VARA categories.
FSRA virtual asset framework; separate FSRA licence required
Additional licence: FSRA — FSRA Virtual Asset Licence
Preferred for institutional asset managers with crypto exposure. Higher capital requirements than VARA.
DMCC permits crypto-related activities but does NOT exempt from VARA licensing if conducting regulated VA activities
Additional licence: VARA — VARA VASP Licence
DMCC is the corporate vehicle; VARA licence is the regulatory overlay. DMCC does not equal VARA exemption.
VARA licence mandatory for any regulated VA activity in Dubai mainland
Additional licence: VARA — VARA VASP Licence
VARA is the sole licensor for VA activity in Dubai including mainland.
RAK DAO DARe for non-custodial protocols and DAOs only. Not for exchanges, custodians or brokers.
Additional licence: RAK DAO — DARe Registration
Non-custodial protocols, DAOs, and infrastructure companies that do not need a VARA licence. Members get limited liability.
IFZA allows crypto consulting and advisory but not regulated VA activities without VARA overlay
Additional licence: VARA — VARA VASP Licence
Cost-effective corporate vehicle for crypto consultancies and non-regulated blockchain businesses.
VARA jurisdiction is Dubai only. Abu Dhabi mainland entities cannot hold a VARA licence.
Abu Dhabi mainland crypto firms must use FSRA/ADGM route or VARA with a Dubai entity.
RAKEZ permits blockchain and tech activities; VARA licence still required for regulated VA activities
Additional licence: VARA — VARA VASP Licence
RAK is outside VARA jurisdiction for most activity types. RAK DAO is the dedicated crypto vehicle in RAK.