VARA Licensing Process
Key Points
Outlines the full regulatory licensing journey for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) under Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).
Provides a structured roadmap from pre-application readiness to post-licence compliance, ensuring regulatory alignment and operational preparedness.
Who is this for
Firms planning to offer virtual asset services (exchange, custody, advisory, issuance, etc.) in Dubai (outside the DIFC).
Fintechs, crypto platforms, and institutional investors seeking a VARA licence or expanding into the UAE market.
Boards, compliance leaders, and founders needing guidance on regulatory expectations, timelines, and documentation.
What will you get
Step-by-step breakdown of the four licensing stages: Initial Disclosure (IDQ), Approval to Incorporate (ATI), In-Principle Approval (IPA), and Licence Issuance.
Key insights on timelines (12–20 weeks average), capital thresholds, governance, and readiness expectations.
Detailed documentation checklist covering AML/CFT, risk, governance, and technology frameworks.
Clear action plan, client–advisor responsibility matrix, and post-licence compliance roadmap.
