VARA Broker-Dealer License in Dubai- An Overview

A VARA broker-dealer license in Dubai is a permit that helps legal entities act as intermediaries for virtual asset transactions. With this regulatory license, you can match transactions, use client assets to support liquidity, issue assets, and act as a dealer.

Bridge the gap between clients seeking liquidity and platforms matching traders with Enterslice’s expert guidance- complete documentation, capital requirement checks, and compliance support. Get a VARA Broker-dealer License in Dubai effortlessly from anywhere.

AML/CFT Aligned FATF-Compliance

Physical Presence Required- Get Shared Space in Dubai

Application filing with Dubai Economy & Tourism/FZ

Enter the Crypto Market Worth USD 680 Billion

World’s Largest Licensed Virtual Asset Market

VA Sector Contributes 0.5% to the Emirates GDP

Dubai VARA Broker-Dealer Registration with Enterslice

Let our experts at Enterslice help you with Dubai VARA broker-dealer registration- error and stress-free documentation, compliance assistance, and end-to-end regulatory support.

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What are the Benefits of Getting a Virtual Asset Broker and Dealer License in Dubai?

You can enjoy various advantages by holding a virtual asset broker and dealer license in Dubai, as explained below:

Enhances Credibility

Enhances Credibility

Clients and investors will be more interested in working with you compared to those without a license, due to your registration with the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority. It is one of the merits of a VARA Broker-dealer License in Dubai.

Large Market Access

Large Market Access

You can tap into the global hotspot for crypto, blockchain, and Web3 ventures. Dubai VARA broker-dealer license will enable you to act as the heart of the system, facilitating operations between local and global clients.

Banking Support

Banking Support

You can obtain easier access to banking services with the help of your strict adherence to VARA compliance. It is one of the benefits of virtual asset broker and dealer license in Dubai.

Seamless Integration

Seamless Integration

Once you obtain the VARA broker-dealer license in Dubai, you can easily integrate with related services, such as virtual assets regulatory authority-regulated custody.

Competitive Edge

Competitive Edge

You can stand out as a regulated entity in the market against the unregistered ones, establishing yourself as a trustworthy business with a higher market share.

Increased Investor Trust

Increased Investor Trust

With a VARA broker-dealer license in Dubai, you can demonstrate investor protection and security, creating a sense of trust amongst stakeholders in the market.

Wide-Range of Activities

Wide-Range of Activities

Once you’ve obtained the regulatory permit, you can engage in diverse business activities, such as buying/selling, margin trading, and derivatives.

Global Popularity

Global Popularity

You can enhance your international recognition ratings by showing your compliance with one of the world’s leading digital assets regulations/standards.

How to Get a Virtual Asset Broker and Dealer License in Dubai?

Checkout how Enterslice will assist you throughout the step-by-step process to obtain the virtual asset broker and dealer license in Dubai:

Initial Disclosure Questionnaire (IDQ)

We'll assist you in preparing and submitting the IDQ to the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority to demonstrate and outline your proposal to operate as a broker-dealer in Dubai.

Payment of the Initial Fees

You should make a payment equivalent to at least 50 percent of your application before the review process.

Obtain the Initial Approval

If the VARA authority is satisfied with your plan, then they’ll confirm the payment and issue the “initial approval to incorporate”.

Select a Business Structure

The next step is to set up a company either in Dubai’s mainland or free zone with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or any free zone authority. Most businesses prefer the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) for digital IT infrastructure.

Register a Business Address

Choose an office arrangement with your office staff in Dubai’s mainland or free zone. As per the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority, you must have a physical address in the UAE. Get the best spaces in famous hotspots.

Appoint UAE Residents in Managerial Positions

To obtain the Dubai VARA broker-dealer license, you must appoint at least one UAE resident to managerial positions in your company. We'll assist you with the appointment and background verification

Sign Your Incorporation Documents

Our associates assist you in submitting and signing your memorandum of association, articles of association, business plan, capital deposit proof, and related incorporation documents with the incorporating authority.

Submit Detailed VARA Application

We'll submit the application with the business plan, capital deposit proof, compliance policies, financial statements, and information on key personnel to the VARA.

Payment of Remaining Fees

You should pay the remainder of the application fee for the Dubai VARA dealer-broker license.

Examination by the Regulator

The VARA will review your application for VARA broker-dealer license in Dubai. In the meantime, we’ll be in constant touch with them to ensure we reply to every query to streamline the process.

Final Approval

The regulatory authority will verify your payment status and grant you the final approval to operate as an authorized Dubai VARA broker-dealer.


Become a Regulated Virtual Asset Broker in Dubai - Start Trading with Confidence Today.

What is the Timeline for the Dubai VARA Broker-Dealer License?

Scroll down and find out the schedule to obtain the Dubai VARA broker-dealer license. The detailed timeline is as follows:

Initial Company Setup & Subsequent Submission: 2 to 3 weeks

Register your company and submit the IDQ questionnaire, showing your intent for a virtual broker-dealer business to the authority.

AML/CFT Document Preparation: 4 to 8 weeks

Prepare the mandatory documents like capital adequacy proof, compliance with AML/KYC, CFT, and tech-cybersecurity framework, along with the appointment of key management.

Evaluation by the VARA regulatory agency: 2 to 4 weeks

The authority will examine your documents and compliance with paperwork, and if you meet the requirements, then they’ll issue approval for operations in Dubai.

Application Filing: 3 to 6 weeks

Apply with a business plan and related IT infrastructure documentation for the Dubai VARA broker-dealer license registration.

Clarification by the VARA (if any): 3 to 8 weeks

The authority will send queries, if any, in case they have concerns or questions relating to your documents for VARA broker-dealer license in Dubai.

Final Examination & Grant of License: 1 to 2 weeks

The authority will grant you the final authorization if they’re satisfied with your application for VARA broker-dealer license in Dubai.

What are the Documents Required for a VARA Broker-Dealer License in Dubai?

The documents needed for a VARA broker-dealer license in Dubai include the following:

Completed Form

A detailed business plan with financial projections

Target consumer market predictions

A copy of your Dubai company registration certificate

Memorandum of Association (MOA)

Articles of association (AOA)

Articles of Association

KYC-AML/CFT and risk-mitigation policies

A copy of the operational framework

Information on IT infrastructure

Capital adequacy statement as proof of evidence

Audited financial statements of the last six months

Local office business address proof- physical presence

Identification of two local UAE residents

Fit and proper declaration of resident individuals

Compliances After Securing a Virtual Asset Broker Dealer License in Dubai

As a registered dealer, you’re required to fulfil certain obligations with the regulatory authority. Find out how Enterslice is going to assist you with compliance after the virtual asset broker dealer license in Dubai:

  • Conducting KYC of client profiles
  • Reporting suspicious transactions to the VARA.
  • Updating AML processes and policies as per UAE laws.
  • Establishing a secure cybersecurity infrastructure.
  • Deploying security defenses to counter hacking and phishing.
  • Submitting periodic financial statements and tax returns.
  • Filing capital adequacy confirmations to the VARA.
  • Providing staff training to your employees on regulatory changes.
  • Helping you maintain registers and records to comply with inspections.
  • Adhering to the company, compliance, and IT rulebook.
  • Establishing a strong IT infrastructure to prevent security breaches.
  • Complying with the market conduct rulebook to prohibit unfair trade.
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List of Activities Covered Under Dubai VARA Broker-Dealer License

The wide range of activities covered under the Dubai VARA broker-dealer license is as follows:

Facilitating Orders

You can transmit and solicit orders for purchasing and selling virtual assets in exchange for either fiat currency or related crypto assets from customers.

Matching Transactions

Arranging transaction matching between purchasers and sellers, facilitating secure trading.

Acting as a Dealer

You can serve as a market participant through our own account in specific situations after obtaining the VARA broker-dealer license in Dubai.

Market Making

As a broker-dealer, you can actively buy and sell assets to support liquidity within reason and safeguards.

Issuance Services

You can also engage in distributing and placing new virtual assets on behalf of your clients.

What are the Requirements for VARA Broker-dealer License in Dubai?

The key requirements for a VARA broker-dealer license in Dubai include:

  • A business plan detailing the proposed activities.
  • Full disclosure on organizational structure and management.
  • The company must be incorporated with DET/FZA.
  • A physical office must be registered- mandatory.
  • Application fees of USD 27,300 per activity.
  • Annual supervision charge of USD 54,500.
  • At least 2 UAE residents as senior executives in the entity.
  • Declaration of fit and proper assessments of key members.

What are the Capital Requirements for Dubai VARA Broker-dealer Registration?

The capital requirements for Dubai VARA Broker-dealer registration are as follows:

  • USD 108,950 or 15% of the fixed overhead costs for VARA custodians.
  • USD 163,400 or 25% fixed annual overheads, capital without a VARA custodian.
  • Companies must maintain extra liquidity of at least 1.2 times the monthly expenses as operational capital.
  • The VARA mandates all firms to maintain liquid assets.

Why Trust Enterslice for Obtaining a VARA Broker-Dealer License in Dubai?

Given the complex process for obtaining the license and the subsequent compliance requirements, you should join hands with Enterslice. With our network of 10,000+ professionals, we’ll assist you in acquiring the VARA broker-dealer license in Dubai.

  • Full KYC/AML framework and internal governance setup
  • End-to-end support- application to final approval
  • Expert legal knowledge of VARA regulations and guidelines
  • Dedicated team of 100+ VARA specialists
  • Get your own relationship manager- unified point of contact
  • Tailor-made strategies as per your business model
  • 100% transparent pricing structure- no hidden charges
  • Full coordination via local agents- faster approval
  • Compliance support for one year- fulfil your obligations
  • Full assistance with VARA third-party assessments
  • Real-time updates via live tracking- don't miss an update
  • EMI available- now access our services for the VARA broker license

Frequently Asked Questions on Dubai VARA Broker-dealer License

Have a look at the answers to the most asked questions:

From consultation to end compliance solutions, we provide the following services:

  • Preparing and reviewing your business model and financial predictions.
  • Formulating the regulatory business plan.
  • Assistance with drafting of company policies as per the company, compliance, technology, and market conduct rulebook.
  • Helping you appoint UAE-residents as compliance, company secretaries, and financial managers.
  • Register your corporation and physical office address.
  • Reserve your company name.
  • Prepare MOA and AOA
  • Prepare your annual returns.

  • Submit an Initial disclosure questionnaire with business plan and financial projections.
  • Pay the initial application fees.
  • Obtain approval for incorporation.
  • Prepare documents and AML policies.
  • Make a payment for the remaining fees.
  • Review and due diligence by the VARA.
  • Once approved, pay the annual supervision fees.

Yes, a physical office address is mandatory as per the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority, meaning you cannot go with a virtual address for this licensing permit. Some common types of spaces in Dubai include:

  1. Lease offices
  2. Fully furnished business centers
  3. Co-working spaces
  4. Executive suits

Yes, if you’re a foreigner seeking the permit, then you must appoint at least full-time UAE nationals for managerial and compliance oversight in the entity. They should be held responsible for the regulatory governance of the company.

The fees in USD:

  • 27,000 as application cost
  • 54,500 annual supervision fees.

  • If you’re using a custodian licensed by the authority, then USD 108,950 or 15% fixed annual costs.
  • In case you’re opting through a non-custodian, then USD 163,400 or 25% of the total cost.

  • Buying and selling assets by transmitting orders.
  • Accepting and soliciting orders.
  • Transaction matching between market players.
  • Matching market activities by using client assets.
  • Transacting as a dealer on behalf of the client.

Retail investors: individuals and legal entities with a limited understanding of cryptocurrency investments. They are classified as high-tier categories.

Qualified: Under this category, entrepreneurs and companies with USD 137,000.

Institutional:This includes banks, investment firms, and related high-capital corporations, often supervised by another financial authority.

The average timeline is around 16 to 36 weeks for obtaining the license. This includes the initial application for final approval by the VARA agency.

You can register your company in the Dubai World Central Free Zone for a VARA dealer-broker license. For more information, contact Enterslice and find out reasonable packages as per your business requirements.

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