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Activity Permissions / Crypto & Virtual Assets

Crypto & Virtual Assets: which UAE zones permit it

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.

DIFC
requires additional licence

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.

ADGM
requires additional licence

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
permitted with conditions

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.

DED-DXB
requires additional licence

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
permitted with conditions

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
permitted with conditions

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.

DED-AUH
not permitted

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
permitted with conditions

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.

Confirm the right structure for crypto & virtual assets

Scout's Structure & Jurisdiction Recommendation applies this same permission data to your specific ownership, capital, and client profile.

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11 apps

Comply

Your compliance manager

Govern

Governance and board compliance

Onboard

Client onboarding (KYC/CDD)

Shield

Clients' regulatory compliance

Ledger

Clients' FTA compliance

Scout

Planning your UAE setup

Atlas

UAE setup reference

Verify

Sanctions and PEP screening

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UAE rulebook library

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What applies to you

Business setup by activity

All 2,100+ activities
Trading & ServicesManufacturingReal Estate & Business ServicesPersonal & Social ServicesTransport, Storage & LogisticsConstruction & ContractingFinancial ServicesVirtual AssetsHealth & Social WorkEducationAgriculture & FishingProfessional & Technical ServicesAccommodation & Food ServicesMining & QuarryingUtilities & Energy
Free zone setup costsFree zone price indexSetup cost calculatorMainland vs free zoneWhich zones permit your activity

UAE free zones by emirate

View all
Dubai
DMCCDIFCJAFZADAFZADSODWCDICDubai Media CityDHCCIFZAMeydanDSCDPCDKPDOCDSPD3DIACDCCDubai Maritime CityDWTCGDP
Abu Dhabi
ADGMKEZADMCFZtwofour54ADAFZICADAAIAFZ
Sharjah
SPCSHAMSHFZASAIFSRTIPSHCC
RAK
RAKEZRAK DAO
Ajman
ACMFZAFZAMC
Fujairah
FOIZFCCFFZ
UAQ
UAQIZUAQ FTZ

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