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The crypto company setup service includes selecting the appropriate economic zone (e.g., DIFC, ADGM, or RAK DAO), developing the ownership structure, and preparing corporate documents for business registration. At the same time, basic AML/KYC procedures and a list of internal regulations are created to ensure the company's compliance for future crypto license application with regulators such as DFSA, FSRA, VARA, or SCA.
UAE free zones offer a favorable tax regime, including a 0% tax rate on dividends and, in most cases, capital gains, provided qualified business activities are carried out.
The UAE is one of the leading jurisdictions for digital asset operations, with DFSA, FSRA, and VARA being the top virtual asset regulators in the MENA region, which includes over 20 countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
Registering a crypto company in the UAE facilitates access to local banks and payment systems, which, with proper compliance structures, can service digital asset projects.
Free economic zones like DIFC, ADGM, DMCC Crypto Centre, and RAK DAO create environments tailored for crypto and Web3 projects, where tokenomics and blockchain models are already considered by regulators' requirements.
The UAE allows the formation of company groups with separate operational, holding, and licensing activities across different free zones, in line with the goals of the crypto business.
The UAE has developed specialized regulatory regimes for virtual assets through VARA, DFSA, FSRA, and SCA, providing crypto companies with predictable operational rules and clear licensing requirements.
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Based on your model, participants’ jurisdictions and planned operations with digital assets, we prepare several working scenarios:
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The requirements for founders and business structure in the UAE's crypto sector are higher than for regular company registrations. However, with proper document preparation and transparency of funding sources, the process proceeds smoothly without any obstacles.
A comprehensive business evaluation is conducted: core activities are identified, the company’s specifics (exchange, broker, infrastructure provider, Web3 platform, or asset management) are determined, target markets and required regulatory levels are analyzed. Based on this data, the optimal free zone is chosen: DIFC, ADGM, or RAK DAO.
The ownership structure is developed: shareholder and ultimate beneficiary composition, confirmation of capital origin, and KYC procedure completion for all applicants. At the same time, specific requirements of the chosen zone are analyzed, including physical presence parameters (office space, resident director, compliance officer) and minimum capital requirements.
Founding and identification documents are submitted to the chosen free zone authority for legal review and compliance verification. Following the review, a registration certificate, corporate license, and full set of registration documents are issued.
Alongside or immediately after registration, internal regulations are finalized: AML/KYC procedures, risk management system, and information security protocols. Physical infrastructure is organized — office lease or co-working/flexi-desk arrangement. If necessary, Emirates ID and visas for key personnel are initiated.
A comprehensive dossier is created for banks and payment operators: detailed business model description, corporate structure, source of funds documents, and existing compliance procedures. Applications for corporate account opening and, if needed, payment infrastructure integration are submitted.
Virtual asset service providers prepare and submit a detailed package of documents to DFSA, FSRA, VARA, or SCA: business plan with financial forecasts, technical IT architecture documents, and detailed AML/KYC and risk management procedures. The project proceeds through the preliminary approval (in-principle approval) stage and receives the final license.
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Learn moreIn the UAE, several types of licenses are available for crypto companies, depending on the chosen jurisdiction. In Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), licenses for virtual asset operations are available, including activities for crypto exchanges, brokerage services, custody, and consulting services. The Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) issues licenses for operations in mainland Dubai.
The minimum share capital depends on the chosen free zone and license type. For a basic license in DMCC, the required capital is around AED 50,000 (approximately USD 13,600), while for a full license for virtual asset operations in ADGM, the minimum capital can range from USD 500,000 to several million dollars. VARA also sets significant capital requirements to ensure the financial stability of companies.
The registration process for a crypto company in the UAE takes from 3 to 6 months, depending on the complexity of the business model and the chosen jurisdiction. While formal registration can be completed in 2 to 4 weeks, obtaining a license for virtual asset operations requires additional time. Documents such as a business plan, AML/CFT policies, risk management procedures, and key personnel qualifications must be prepared. Regulators conduct a thorough review, which can take from 2 to 4 months.
The UAE requires a physical office for crypto companies, and the requirements vary by zone. In free economic zones like DMCC or ADGM, a minimum office space of 10–15 m² is required for smaller operations. The office must meet regulatory standards and be used for real activities, not just as a nominal address. Local staff or representatives in the UAE are also required. VARA has particularly strict physical presence requirements, expecting key operations and risk management to be conducted directly from the UAE.
The UAE offers one of the most attractive tax systems for crypto companies in the world. Most free economic zones have a zero tax rate on corporate profits for periods ranging from 15 to 50 years, with no tax on dividends, capital gains, or profit repatriation. Since June 2023, a federal corporate tax of 9% has been introduced for companies with profits exceeding AED 375,000 (approximately USD 102,000), but companies in free zones that meet certain criteria can maintain a zero rate. Additionally, there is no VAT on crypto transactions, making the UAE a highly competitive jurisdiction. It’s essential to structure your business properly to maximize tax benefits while fully complying with the requirements.
UAE regulators impose strict anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-financing of terrorism (CFT) requirements. Crypto companies must implement comprehensive AML/CFT programs, including client identification and verification (KYC), real-time transaction monitoring, source of funds verification, and appointing a responsible compliance officer (MLRO). Screening systems for sanction lists, client risk assessments, and monitoring suspicious transactions must be used. Companies must retain transaction records for at least 5 years and submit reports on suspicious activities to UAE financial intelligence. Failure to comply with these requirements results in significant fines and license revocation.
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 like DMCC, ADGM, DIFC, and other specialized zones allow full foreign ownership. Owners do not need to be UAE residents, although holding a residency visa simplifies business operations and banking activities.
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