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Establishing a legal structure for exchanges, brokers, Web3 projects, and trading platforms in UAE free zones
- Jurisdiction selection: DIFC, ADGM, or RAK DAO
- Complete turnkey document package
- Licensing: DFSA, FSRA, VARA, SCA
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About the service
Our comprehensive legal support for crypto sector incorporation includes selecting the appropriate free zone (DIFC, ADGM, or RAK DAO), structuring optimal beneficial ownership, and preparing the full set of corporate documents. At the same time, we establish a basic anti-money laundering (AML) procedure system and client identification process, as well as develop the internal corporate policies required for applying for a virtual asset operating license with DFSA, FSRA, VARA, or SCA.
- Incorporation period: 2–6 weeks
- Foreign ownership share: 100%
Advantages of incorporating in the UAE crypto sector
Preferential tax regime
UAE's special economic zones offer favorable tax treatment, with a 0% tax rate on distributed profits and, when qualifying activity criteria are met, on capital gains.
Authoritative regulatory bodies
The UAE has established itself as a leading jurisdiction in the digital assets space, with DFSA, FSRA, and VARA serving as the key regulatory institutions for the virtual asset market in the MENA region, covering more than 20 countries across the Middle East and North Africa.
Banking infrastructure
Incorporating in the UAE crypto sector provides access to local financial institutions and payment systems, ready to service digital asset companies with proper compliance.
Key sectors for the crypto industry
Free zones such as DIFC, ADGM, DMCC Crypto Centre, and RAK DAO form a specialized ecosystem for cryptocurrency and Web3 initiatives, where tokenization and distributed ledger technologies are integrated into the regulatory framework.
Corporate group architecture
The UAE offers tools to create holding structures, distributing operational, ownership, and licensing functions across special zones according to the needs of managing a crypto business.
Predictable crypto asset regulation
The UAE has established detailed regulatory frameworks for virtual assets through VARA, DFSA, FSRA, and SCA, ensuring clear operational guidelines and transparent authorization conditions for crypto industry participants.
Incorporating in the UAE crypto sector
Access to preferential tax regimes, target clusters for the crypto industry, and flexible mechanisms for structuring corporate groups.
How to successfully incorporate a crypto company:
- Detailed legal criteria and predictable costs
- Comprehensive list of documentation required for corporate registration
- Updated conditions for cryptocurrency activity authorization in 2025
Incorporating in the UAE crypto sector
Who can benefit from incorporating in the UAE?
Jurisdictions for crypto business
DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre)
Dubai’s flagship financial hub, operating under the supervision of the DFSA within the Crypto Token Regime. It specializes in regulated exchanges, brokerage and depository structures, as well as investment entities handling cryptocurrency assets. This free zone is optimal for initiatives where the authority of the regulatory body, compliance with international standards, and the ability to meet high capitalization, compliance, and physical presence requirements are critical.
ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market)
An international financial center in the UAE capital, operating under the FSRA and the Virtual Asset Framework. It focuses on exchanges, brokerages, over-the-counter platforms, staking services, and infrastructure crypto projects that require Financial Services Permission. ADGM is preferred by initiatives that need advanced virtual asset regulators and the use of specialized investment structures and regulatory sandboxes, with a lower capital threshold compared to DIFC.
RAK DAO (Ras Al Khaimah Digital Assets Oasis)
A specialized free zone in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, established in 2023, designed to support initiatives in Web3, NFTs, metaverses, DeFi, DAOs, and blockchain development, with a focus on integrating artificial intelligence. This jurisdiction is ideal for technology startups and product teams, offering lower capitalization requirements, flexible office setups, 100% foreign ownership, and the ability to register virtual asset service providers through federal authorities like SCA or VARA.
Get a comprehensive analysis of your crypto business for DIFC, ADGM, and RAK DAO
Based on your business model, the jurisdictions of participants, and planned crypto asset operations, we develop a set of operational scenarios:
- Recommended free zones (DIFC, ADGM, RAK DAO)
- Regulatory supervision levels
- Fundamental corporate structure requirements
Unlock your options — consult with an expert today
Requirements for founders and structure of crypto projects
- Identity and residency verification
Provision of a valid passport and, if necessary, documentary proof of residence as part of the extended client identification process.
- Legitimacy of capital origin
A documented and economically justified source of funds to be contributed to the company's share capital and used for operational activities.
- Impeccable business history
No confirmed involvement in sanctions lists, money laundering operations, fraudulent schemes, or illegal transactions involving cryptocurrency assets.
- Transparency of ownership structure
Willingness to provide comprehensive information on ultimate beneficial owners and additional details upon request by registration or regulatory authorities.
- Defined business model
An identified line of business: exchange and brokerage operations, digital asset custodial services, capital management, infrastructure services, or Web3 platform development.
- Compliance with regulatory frameworks
Alignment of business activities with the list of permitted operations in the chosen jurisdiction and obtaining necessary approvals from DFSA, FSRA, VARA, or SCA.
- Financial stability
Meeting the primary requirements related to the minimum capital and operational cost structure, in accordance with the type of authorization and business status.
- Internal procedures and protection
Development and implementation of core internal policies for anti-money laundering (AML), client identification, transaction monitoring, access key management, and information security, in line with UAE industry standards.
- Physical presence
Provision of a legal and, if necessary, physical address within the jurisdiction, as well as the appointment of key management personnel and a compliance officer.
Process of incorporating a crypto company in the UAE
Process of incorporating a crypto company in the UAE
A comprehensive business evaluation
A comprehensive business evaluation is conducted: key business activities are identified, the company’s structure is defined (exchange platform, broker, infrastructure provider, Web3 platform, or asset management), target markets are analyzed, and the level of regulatory oversight is determined. Based on this data, the optimal economic zone is selected: DIFC, ADGM, or RAK DAO.
Ownership structure and preliminary compliance
The ownership structure is developed, including shareholders and ultimate beneficiaries, verification of capital origin, and identity verification for all applicants. At the same time, the specific criteria of the selected economic zone are analyzed: physical presence requirements (office space, resident director, compliance officer) and minimum capital thresholds.
Document registration and crypto company establishment
The set of incorporation and identification documents is submitted to the administration of the selected economic zone for legal review and compliance verification. Upon successful review, the following are issued: registration certificate, corporate authorization, and the full set of registration documents.
Internal policies and infrastructure setup
Simultaneously or immediately after registration, the creation of internal regulations is completed: anti-money laundering (AML) and client identification procedures, risk management system, and information security protocols. The physical infrastructure is set up by renting an office or arranging for co-working space. If necessary, the process for obtaining Emirates ID and visas for key personnel is initiated.
Connecting the project to the inancial system
A complete set of documents is prepared for banks and payment system operators: detailed business model, corporate structure, capital origin information, and current compliance procedures. Applications for opening corporate accounts and, if necessary, integrating payment infrastructure are submitted.
Crypto activity license issuance
Virtual asset service providers prepare and submit a comprehensive document package to DFSA, FSRA, VARA, or SCA: business plan with financial forecasts, technical IT architecture documents, detailed anti-money laundering and risk management procedures. The initiative goes through preliminary approval and the crypto licensing process.
Get a personalized cost estimate for incorporating a crypto company in the UAE
Mirsatori specialists will prepare a personalized calculation, including requirements, stages, timelines, procedures, and all specifics of your case.
Estimate the cost
Get a personalized cost estimate for incorporating a crypto company in the UAE
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FAQ
What types of licenses are available for crypto businesses in the UAE?
The UAE offers several types of licenses for crypto businesses, depending on the chosen jurisdiction. In the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), licenses are available for virtual asset operations, including exchange platforms, brokerage services, custodial services, and consulting. The Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) provides licenses for 8 distinct types of virtual asset activities, including exchange and brokerage operations, wallet management, and token issuance.
What is the minimum share capital required for incorporating a crypto company?
The minimum share capital required by VARA is AED 100,000 (approximately USD 27,000) for basic crypto services. For basic authorization in DMCC, around AED 50,000 (approximately USD 13,600) is required, while for full authorization for virtual asset operations in ADGM, the minimum capital can range from USD 500,000 to several million dollars. For DeFi protocols, the requirements are higher, starting from AED 3 million.
How long does the incorporation and licensing process take?
Incorporating a crypto company in the UAE takes between 3 to 6 months, depending on the complexity of the business model and the chosen jurisdiction. While registration can be completed in 2 to 4 weeks, obtaining a license for virtual asset operations takes additional time. VARA approval takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on compliance criteria.
What are the requirements for opening a physical office?
The UAE requires a physical office for crypto companies, with specific criteria varying across zones. In free zones such as DMCC or ADGM, a minimum office space of 10–15 m² is required for smaller operations. RAK DAO offers more flexible options, ranging from virtual offices to co-working spaces. VARA has particularly stringent physical presence criteria, expecting key operations to be conducted directly from the UAE.
Are there tax benefits for crypto businesses in the UAE?
The UAE offers one of the most attractive tax systems for crypto companies globally. Most free zones offer zero corporate tax on profits for periods ranging from 15 to 50 years, with no tax on dividends, capital gains, or repatriation of profits. Since June 2023, a federal corporate tax of 9% has been introduced for companies with profits over AED 375,000 (approximately USD 102,000), but companies in free zones that meet certain criteria can maintain a zero tax rate.
What anti-money laundering and customer identification regulations must crypto companies follow?
UAE regulators impose strict requirements for anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF). Crypto businesses must implement comprehensive programs, including customer identification and verification, real-time transaction monitoring, capital source checks, and appointing a compliance officer. Companies must retain transaction records for at least 5 years and file reports on suspicious activity in a timely manner.
Can non-residents own 100% of a crypto company in the UAE?
Yes, in UAE free zones, foreign investors can own 100% of a crypto company without the need for a local partner or sponsor. This is a significant advantage compared to many other jurisdictions. Zones such as DMCC, ADGM, DIFC, and RAK DAO allow full foreign ownership with no restrictions.
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