You’re building on-chain in the United Arab Emirates. Whether what you issue counts as a financial product decides most of what follows.
Information, not advice
This page is information, not legal advice about your matter. A retainer begins only when a lawyer confirms it.
Start here
Work out what your asset legally is, first
Which rulebook you are reading depends on it, and so does the licence you need. Settling it late is what forces a rebuild.
What to work through, in order
Characterising the asset
Whether the asset is a virtual asset under VARA, a security under the SCA, or a token regulated inside DIFC or ADGM. The entity’s location decides which rulebook you are reading.
Custody and who holds the keys
VARA treats custody as a separately licensed activity with its own capital and controls requirements, as do the DFSA and ADGM FSRA within their zones.
Tax treatment
Corporate tax now applies to qualifying business income, with free zone regimes offering relief where substance conditions are met. VAT treatment depends on the nature of the activity.
Next steps
What happens if you go ahead
Scoping call
Written scope and fixed-fee quote
Engagement, once a lawyer confirms
Who would handle it
Offices
Dubai
DMCC Crypto Centre, 12th Floor, Uptown Tower, Dubai