Crypto & Fintech Legal Specialists

Your Crypto License in the UAE, Handled Start to Finish

We secure ADGM, DIFC and VARA crypto licenses for exchanges, brokerages, custodians and Web3 ventures — managing the legal structuring, regulatory application, and compliance so you can focus on building.

  • Full-service: structuring, application, and post-license compliance
  • Direct experience across ADGM, DIFC and VARA
  • Transparent costs — no hidden fees
  • 15+ years of regulatory practice in the UAE

Book a Free Consultation

Tell us about your project and we'll get back to you within 24 hours to discuss the right licensing path.

Regulators We Work With

UAE Crypto Licensing

Your Crypto License, Handled by Specialists — Not Generalists

Getting licensed is only half the job. We help you pick the right license for what you're actually building, manage the application from first submission to Financial Service Permissions, and stay on as your ongoing compliance partner — so the license that took months to get doesn't become a liability a year in.

Our Service

What's Included When You Work With Us

Getting licensed is only half the job — here's what we handle for you, start to finish.

Popular

Licensing Strategy

We assess your business model and recommend the specific license and jurisdiction it actually needs, not the one that's easiest to sell.

Get Started

Regulatory Business Plan & Financials

We build the financial model and business plan the regulator requires, including capital calculations specific to your activity.

Get Started
Popular

Full Application Management

We prepare and file the complete application package: policies, KYC, structuring documents, and every regulator interaction.

Get Started

Compliance Infrastructure

AML/CFT frameworks, reporting processes, and the staffing/outsourcing structure regulators expect, set up before you need them.

Get Started

Ongoing Regulatory Support

Once licensed, we stay on for reporting obligations, audits, and any regulator communication — so compliance doesn't fall on you.

Get Started

Dispute & Risk Mitigation

If something does go wrong — an AML flag, a compliance gap, a dispute — we're already your legal team, not a stranger hired under pressure.

Get Started
Why Clients Trust Us

Licensing, Handled With Complete Peace of Mind

We manage the regulatory relationship, the paperwork, and the compliance — so you can focus on running your business.

15+ Years

Advising founders and institutions on ADGM, DIFC and VARA licensing across the UAE.

90-120

Days — typical FSRA review, from submission to approval.

Fully Confidential

Every engagement is protected by NDA — your matter stays confidential from the first call.

Learn more

Compliance Built In, Not Bolted On

AML/CFT frameworks and reporting processes structured before you need them, not after the regulator asks.

Reporting

Regulator filings on schedule, not a scramble.

Monitoring

Ongoing AML/CFT oversight built into your license.

500+

Founders & institutions advised on UAE licensing and compliance.

License Categories

Licenses We Help You Obtain

We open each license with what it actually lets you do, then flag the regulatory boundary upfront — so you know exactly what you're applying for before you commit.

Not Sure Which License Fits?

Crypto Exchange License

For businesses running a centralized exchange, custodian, or full crypto asset platform — buying, selling, managing, marketing and custody of accepted crypto assets. The broadest license category.

Proprietary Trading License

For firms trading crypto-commodities for their own account. Doesn't cover exchange, brokerage, or custody services — we'll tell you upfront if this isn't the right fit.

NFT Marketplace License

For platforms facilitating third-party NFT sales for commission.

DLT Services License

For blockchain infrastructure and database-management businesses that aren't trading assets themselves.

Metaverse Services License

For virtual-environment and simulated-interaction platforms.

UAE Crypto Jurisdictions

Where We License Your Crypto Business

The UAE offers multiple regulatory routes for crypto and Web3 businesses. The right jurisdiction depends on your business model, target clients, proposed activities and long-term growth plans. We advise and manage licensing across ADGM, DIFC and VARA, helping you choose the jurisdiction that aligns with what your business actually intends to do.

Financial Free Zone

ADGM

ADGM logo
Abu Dhabi Global Market

For internationally focused crypto and financial services businesses.

ADGM

ADGM

Abu Dhabi Global Market

Often suitable for businesses seeking a regulated financial-services environment with a dedicated framework for virtual asset activities. We help structure and manage licensing for exchanges, brokerages, custodians and other regulated virtual asset businesses.

Financial Centre

DIFC

DIFC logo
Dubai International Financial Centre

For crypto and digital asset businesses operating within Dubai's international financial centre.

DIFC

DIFC

Dubai International Financial Centre

Can be suitable for businesses looking to operate within an established financial ecosystem while accessing Dubai's international business environment. We assess whether your activities fit the applicable framework and manage licensing and compliance accordingly.

Virtual Assets Regulator

VARA

VARA logo
Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority

For virtual asset businesses looking to operate in Dubai.

VARA

VARA

Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority

Provides a dedicated regulatory regime for virtual asset activities in Dubai — may be suitable for exchanges, brokers, custodians and other specialised VASPs. We determine the right pathway and manage licensing through to ongoing compliance.

Not sure whether ADGM, DIFC or VARA is right for your business?

Talk to Our Crypto Licensing Team
How We Work

From First Call to Fully Licensed

We manage every stage of the process for you, start to finish.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Discovery Call
Business Plan
Application
Submission
Approval
Setup
Licensed
1

Discovery Call

We learn your business model and confirm the right license and jurisdiction.

2

Business Plan & Financials

We build your Regulatory Business Plan and capital model.

3

Application Build

We prepare your full application: policies, KYC, structuring, documentation.

4

Submission & Regulator Liaison

We file and manage all regulator communication and interviews.

5

In-Principle Approval

Your application is approved in principle.

6

Setup & Conditions

We help you form the entity, open the bank account, and satisfy every condition.

7

You're Licensed

Financial Service Permissions issued. You're open for business — and we stay on for compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions clients
often ask.

Have a question not covered here? Tell us about your matter and we'll discuss the relevant considerations.

Tell us about your matter

It depends on the activity. ADGM regulates virtual assets through the FSRA with a dedicated crypto-asset framework; DIFC operates its own regime; and VARA licenses crypto activity in mainland Dubai. We review your business model first and recommend the jurisdiction and license category that fits.

The detailed FSRA review typically takes 90–120 days after the formal application is accepted, following an initial 7–10 business day review. Preparing the Regulatory Business Plan and supporting documentation beforehand takes additional time.

Base capital for operating an MTF (Category 4) is US$140,000, but your actual requirement is the higher of base, risk-based, and expense-based capital — calculated from your specific business plan. We build this financial model with you during the application process.

It depends on how the stablecoin is structured and classified — as a Fiat Token, a Digital Security, or something else — and which license category you hold. This is exactly the kind of question that needs legal scrutiny before you apply, not after.

AML/CFT breaches carry regulatory penalties ranging from fines to license suspension or revocation, and can expose directors and officers personally. Ongoing compliance — not just the initial license — is where most enforcement action originates.

Yes — ongoing AML/CFT compliance, reporting, and regulator liaison are part of our service, not a one-time filing. We stay on as your compliance partner after the license is issued.

As Featured In

Free Initial Consultation · No Obligation

Ready to License Your Crypto Business?

Whether you're choosing between ADGM, DIFC and VARA, structuring a token, or need ongoing compliance support, Finjuris Counsel can help you identify and execute the next step.

Confidential · NDA on request In-house legal & compliance team ADGM, DIFC & VARA licensing 15+ years regulatory practice