Quick Answer
VARA — the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority — is Dubai's regulator for virtual assets and crypto activities, established in 2022. Companies dealing in crypto exchange, custody, broker-dealer, or virtual-asset services in Dubai (outside the DIFC) need a VARA licence on top of a commercial licence.
VARA was created under Dubai Law No. 4 of 2022 to license and supervise virtual-asset service providers — exchanges, custodians, broker-dealers, lending and advisory firms — across Dubai except the DIFC, which is regulated separately by the DFSA.
A virtual-asset business in Dubai typically needs both a commercial licence (from a free zone or DET) and the relevant VARA authorisation, which comes with capital, compliance, and anti-money-laundering conditions. It is one of the newer activity-specific regimes founders must plan for.
Frequently asked questions
What is VARA?
VARA (Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority) is Dubai's regulator for virtual-asset and crypto activities, established in 2022 under Dubai Law No. 4 of 2022.
Do I need a VARA licence for a crypto business in Dubai?
Yes — crypto exchange, custody, broker-dealer, or virtual-asset services in Dubai (outside the DIFC) need a VARA licence on top of a commercial licence, with capital and anti-money-laundering conditions.
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