Dubai virtual asset licence: VARA, ADGM and the other routes
The United Arab Emirates have two virtual asset regimes that are often confused: VARA in Dubai and ADGM in Abu Dhabi. The choice depends on the activity, the clients and where the company is set up.
Published on 3 November 2026 · Jason Pivron, director
Dubai: VARA
The VARA virtual asset service provider licence covers a scope defined with the authority; our file includes the company, governance and the policy pack. Capital and guarantees depend on the activity.
According to our review, the licence is renewed every year with VARA's supervision fee — a second-hand source, to be checked with the authority.
Abu Dhabi: ADGM and the FSRA
In Abu Dhabi, the ADGM virtual assets licence comes under the FSRA: a market, anti-money-laundering and technology file. Capital follows the activity and its risks; the period of validity is not established by our review and is checked before the quote.
Elsewhere: VASP registration
Outside the European Union and the UAE, we also build a VASP registration or licence in a selected jurisdiction: choice of country and local regulatory file, with renewal following the regime chosen.
To serve clients in the European Union, MiCA applies: see MiCA and CASP.
The company that holds the licence
The licence attaches to a company. In the UAE, our pages record corporate tax of 0% up to AED 375,000 of profit, then 9%, with registration mandatory even at the nil rate — to be checked with the tax authority. The zone determines the cost and the substance: choosing wrongly forces a full rebuild.
The UAE page details the free zones and our prices; the free zones compared help you choose.
Why prices are on request
Virtual asset licences are on request: the cost depends on the activity, the authority and the structure. The quote is firm before signature, government fees included; the capital remains the company's own.
Everything starts with a free 20-minute call. The decision belongs to the authority. Nothing here is legal or tax advice: every model is qualified case by case.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between VARA and ADGM?
VARA regulates virtual assets in Dubai; ADGM, through its FSRA, in Abu Dhabi. The choice depends on the activity, the clients and the location.
How much does a VARA licence cost?
It is on request: the cost depends on the activity and the structure. The quote is firm before signature, government fees included.
Does a VARA licence need renewing?
According to our review, every year with the supervision fee — a second-hand source, to be checked with VARA.
Can a VARA licence serve clients in Europe?
Serving clients in the European Union falls under MiCA, which has its own authorisations.