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DMCC Crypto & Web3 License in Dubai

One of the few established routes to license blockchain and digital-asset activities in Dubai — via the DMCC Crypto Centre.

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DMCC’s Crypto Centre in Uptown Tower, JLT, is home to more than 750 crypto firms, according to DMCC. A DMCC licence covers non-regulated crypto work such as blockchain software, consultancy and trading. Anything VARA classes as a virtual-asset service (an exchange, brokerage, custody, lending or advice on virtual assets) needs a separate VARA licence as well. Getting that split right before you apply is the most important decision in a crypto setup.

DMCC licence or VARA licence: which activities need what

What your business doesDMCC licenceVARA licence as well?
Blockchain, Web3 or smart-contract software developmentYesNo
Technology or business consultancy to crypto companiesYesNo, unless you advise clients on buying or selling virtual assets
Trading crypto with the company’s own fundsYes (DMCC lists trading among non-regulated crypto activities)Confirm your exact model before applying
Running an exchange or order book for clientsCompany licenceYes: Exchange Services
Buying and selling virtual assets for or with clientsCompany licenceYes: Broker-Dealer Services
Holding client crypto or private keysCompany licenceYes: Custody Services
Crypto lending, borrowing or yield productsCompany licenceYes: Lending and Borrowing Services
Managing crypto portfolios or funds for othersCompany licenceYes: Management and Investment Services
Moving or settling virtual assets for clientsCompany licenceYes: Transfer and Settlement Services
Issuing a token to the publicCompany licenceYes: Issuance (Category 1)

VARA is the sole regulator of virtual assets across Dubai’s mainland and free zones, including DMCC, except inside DIFC. Its eight licensed activities are Advisory, Broker-Dealer, Custody, Exchange, Lending and Borrowing, Management and Investment, Transfer and Settlement, and Issuance (Category 1). DMCC has a formal partnership with VARA and supports members through the VARA application.

DMCC Crypto Centre package: what it costs

ItemOfficial detail
Crypto licence (DMCC estimate)About AED 31,000, varying by business
Crypto Centre package includesDMCC company licence, a co-working desk in the Crypto Centre, utilities and 24-hour security, industry events
Package discounts70% off first-year licence fees; 50% off second-year renewal
Residence visaAbout AED 3,500 – 6,000 per person
VARA licenceSeparate VARA fees and capital rules, quoted per activity
DMCC timelineAbout 4 weeks for the licence, per DMCC; VARA runs its own process

For DMCC’s other packages, see DMCC setup cost.

What we see on real crypto applications

  • The activity wording decides everything. “Crypto consultancy” is non-regulated; “advice on which tokens to buy” is VARA Advisory. We map each revenue line to an activity before the name is reserved.
  • Banks ask more questions. Expect source-of-funds evidence, a business plan with transaction flows, and proof that you are not offering a VARA-regulated service without a VARA licence. See DMCC bank account opening.
  • Corporate shareholders need legalised documents; individual shareholders need passport-based KYC, as for any DMCC foreign-owned company.

Step by step

  1. Classify your model against the table above: DMCC-only or DMCC plus VARA.
  2. Reserve a name that follows the DMCC naming rules.
  3. Apply to DMCC for the licence, using the Crypto Centre package where it fits.
  4. Apply to VARA if any activity is regulated, before you offer that service.
  5. Visas and bank account for the founding team.
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What will your DMCC company cost?

Answer four questions. You will see the official DMCC package that fits, then get a written quote from us on WhatsApp.

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Prices are DMCC’s official packages and Schedule of Charges (checked October 2026). Your final quote confirms the live fee. Pro24 is based in Platinum Tower, JLT.

Find out if you need VARA before you apply

Send us a short description of your product and revenue model. We will tell you which activities DMCC alone covers and which need VARA.

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DMCC crypto licence: FAQs

How much is a DMCC crypto licence?
DMCC’s Crypto Centre page puts it at about AED 31,000, varying by business. The Crypto Centre package includes the licence and a co-working desk, with 70% off first-year licence fees and 50% off the second-year renewal. Visas and any VARA licence are extra.
Is a DMCC licence enough to run a crypto exchange?
No. An exchange is a VARA-regulated activity (Exchange Services). You need a VARA licence on top of your DMCC company licence before you operate.
Which crypto activities can I do with only a DMCC licence?
Non-regulated activities such as blockchain software development, technology or business consultancy, and trading with the company’s own funds. Anything VARA lists (advisory, broker-dealer, custody, exchange, lending and borrowing, management and investment, transfer and settlement, issuance) needs VARA.
Does VARA regulate DMCC companies?
Yes. VARA regulates virtual assets across Dubai’s mainland and free zones, including DMCC. The exception is DIFC, which has its own regime.
How long does a DMCC crypto licence take?
About 4 weeks for the DMCC licence, according to DMCC. A VARA licence, if needed, has its own timeline.

Related DMCC guides

Sources & review. DMCC Crypto Centre page (dmcc.ae/cryptocentre) for the 750+ firms, the AED 31,000 estimate, package inclusions and the 4-week timeline; VARA’s Licensed Activities page (vara.ae) for the eight regulated activities and VARA’s jurisdiction. Checked 29 October 2026 and reviewed by the Pro24 Advisory Team, who file DMCC applications from our office in JLT. This page is general guidance, not legal advice; VARA’s rulebooks are the final authority.