RAK DAO
Ras Al Khaimah
- Price
- fromAED 15,450Estimated price
- Setup time
- ~10 days
- Visa quota
- Up to 6 visas
Best for: Web3 and blockchain startups, DAOs, NFT and metaverse projects
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Crypto & Virtual Assets Licence in the UAE
Blockchain, Web3 and virtual asset services. 5 free zones issue it, from AED 15,450.
What is a crypto & virtual assets licence?
Crypto and Web3 businesses can set up in specialised zones like DMCC Crypto Centre, RAK DAO, DWTC, ADGM and DIFC.
Activities that handle client funds or virtual assets usually also need a regulator licence (VARA in Dubai, FSRA in ADGM, DFSA in DIFC). We help you choose the right route.
Who it's for
- Blockchain developers
- Web3 startups
- NFT and metaverse projects
- Crypto brokers (with regulator approval)
Example activities
How to get one
- Confirm your exact activities with our advisor.
- Choose a free zone and package below (or let us recommend one).
- Pay online and upload your passport copy and photo.
- Receive your licence, then visas and bank account support.
Free zones offering a crypto & virtual assets licence
DWTC
Dubai
- Price
- fromAED 19,055Estimated price
- Setup time
- ~10 days
- Visa quota
- Up to 6 visas
Best for: Events and exhibition companies, Virtual asset businesses
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DMCC
Dubai
- Price
- fromAED 26,780Estimated price
- Setup time
- ~14 days
- Visa quota
- Up to 6 visas
Best for: Commodity traders, Crypto and Web3 businesses
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ADGM
Abu Dhabi
- Price
- fromAED 28,840Estimated price
- Setup time
- ~21 days
- Visa quota
- Up to 10 visas
Best for: Holding companies and SPVs, Financial services and fintech
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DIFC
Dubai
- Price
- fromAED 46,350Estimated price
- Setup time
- ~21 days
- Visa quota
- Up to 10 visas
Best for: Financial services firms, Family offices and holding SPVs
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Prices are “from” estimates and subject to free zone fees. Confirm the final quote with our advisor before you pay.
Crypto & Virtual Assets Licence FAQs
How much does a crypto & virtual assets licence cost in the UAE?
In free zones it starts from around AED 15,450 (RAK DAO) for a licence without visas. Dubai zones and premium addresses cost more. Use our calculator for a full first-year estimate.
Which free zones offer a crypto & virtual assets licence?
5 free zones on our list, including RAK DAO, DWTC, DMCC, ADGM, DIFC.
Can I combine it with other licence types?
Many free zones let you combine activities from different groups — for example trading with consultancy — on one licence, sometimes for an extra fee.
How long does it take?
Usually 2–7 working days for the licence once documents are complete, then 1–3 weeks for residence visas.
Get your free, no-obligation quote
Tell us about your business. An advisor will recommend the best free zone and send you a full cost breakdown — usually within one working hour.
- Honest advice across all free zones
- Full cost breakdown — no hidden fees
- Licence, visa, bank account and tax in one place