VASP LICENSING
& REGULATORY STRUCTURING
VASP LICENSING
& REGULATORY STRUCTURING
Launch your regulated crypto business in the UAE with confidence.
We secure VASP licenses and design compliant frameworks across VARA, ADGM, DIFC, SCA, and CBUAE.
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Legal Entity Structuring for VASP Operations
VASP License Application Preparation
Legal Entity Structuring for VASP Operations
VASP License Application Preparation
Crypto exchanges, custodians, broker-dealers, OTC desks, and launchpad platforms operate in one of the most advanced yet complex regulatory environments in the world. NeosLegal secures VASP licenses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other UAE jurisdictions, structuring operations to meet both local and international compliance standards.
We drive the entire process: jurisdiction selection, licensing strategy, documentation preparation, and regulator engagement, from initial planning to post-approval operations. With deep regional expertise and a proven track record in crypto regulatory approvals, we eliminate licensing bottlenecks and accelerate market entry.
Our clients build on solid legal foundations, tailored to their business model, risk profile, and token strategy, enabling compliant, confident scaling in regulated digital asset markets.
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Regulatory Assessment & Jurisdiction Selection
Legal Entity Structuring for VASP Operations
VASP License Application Preparation
Regulatory Liaison & Ongoing Engagement
Compliance Framework Development
Post-Licensing Advisory & Expansion Support
Brief Descriptions of Our VASP Licensing & Regulatory Structuring Services
Regulatory Assessment & Jurisdiction Selection
Choosing the right UAE jurisdiction for your VASP license is critical to speed, cost, and long-term compliance. We assess your business model, services, and target markets against the frameworks of VARA, ADGM, DIFC, SCA, and CBUAE. This ensures you begin the licensing process with the most strategic, regulator-aligned path.
Legal Entity Structuring for VASP Operations
Your licensing success depends on having the right legal structure in place. We set up regulated entities in the UAE or offshore jurisdictions that meet capital requirements, governance standards, and operational needs. The result is an entity designed to pass regulatory scrutiny while supporting your commercial objectives and investor expectations.
VASP License Application Preparation
A complete and regulator-ready application is key to avoiding delays. We support the preparation of every component – business plans, compliance policies, risk assessments, team profiles, customized to your VASP category. Each submission is tailored to reflect both your operational model and the licensing authority’s unique requirements.
Regulatory Liaison & Ongoing Engagement
Maintaining a smooth dialogue with regulators can make or break your application timeline. We act as your legal representative throughout the process, managing all communications, addressing feedback, and preparing you for interviews. This approach helps secure approvals faster while avoiding common pitfalls.
Compliance Framework Development
Your compliance framework must meet UAE regulations and international standards. We assist with the design of AML and compliance programs, KYC workflows, governance structures, and internal reporting systems aligned with your technology stack. This ensures you launch with operational readiness and maintain long-term regulatory standing.
Post-Licensing Advisory & Expansion Support
Licensing is only the beginning, your VASP will evolve. We provide ongoing legal support for service expansions, cross-border operations, and regulatory audits. Whether upgrading your license, adding new asset classes, or restructuring your group, we keep your legal foundation strong and growth-ready.
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Client Case Studies
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Representative Cases
Guided a leading global payment network through compliance requirements under all five UAE VASP regimes, enabling jurisdiction selection and regulatory alignment for a multi-entity licensing strategy.
Designed UAE legal structure and advised on VASP license for an EU-licensed crypto bank, ensuring seamless cross-border compliance and integration with existing European operations.
under VARA
Advised on VARA VASP license for a Dubai-based real-world asset tokenization platform, aligning token offering model with UAE regulations and global standards for institutional investor readiness.
Advised an institutional crypto custodian on ADGM licensing, capital adequacy rules, and operational manuals, enabling compliant onboarding of high-value clients and cross-border asset custody in the UAE.
a Stablecoin Issuer
Advised a banking and technology consortium on CBUAE stablecoin licensing, designing issuance, redemption, and risk management frameworks for AED-backed payment tokens.
- UAE Entry Strategy
Developed a UAE market entry and VASP licensing plan for an Asian crypto exchange, ensuring VARA compliance while maintaining operational alignment with the existing operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Considering a crypto venture in the UAE? This FAQ provides a concise overview of VASP licensing: what it is, which regulator fits your business model, application timelines, documentation requirements, and the eligibility of foreign-owned entities.
Book a call with a crypto lawyer today to map your best path forward.
What is a VASP license in the UAE and why do I need one?
A Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license is required for businesses offering crypto exchange, custody, broker-dealer, or other regulated virtual asset services in the UAE. It ensures compliance with local laws and gives you legal authority to operate. Without a regulatory license, operating in the UAE will result in enforcement actions such as financial penalties, and even criminal investigations.
Which UAE regulator should I choose for my VASP license?
The right regulator depends on your business model, target clients, and growth strategy. VARA, ADGM, DIFC, SCA, and CBUAE each have different licensing categories, capital requirements, and operational rules. We assess your business type, service scope, and jurisdictional benefits to determine the most strategic and cost-effective licensing pathway.
How long does it take to get a VASP license in the UAE?
Timelines vary by regulator and license type. Generally, approval can take anywhere from 9 months upwards depending on application readiness, business model complexity, and regulatory feedback. This process can be accelerated by preparing full documentation, aligning your operations with regulator expectations, and managing ongoing engagement until approval is secured.
What documents are required for a UAE VASP license application?
Requirements typically include a business plan, AML policies, compliance manuals, corporate governance documents, financial projections, and details of key personnel. Regulators may also request proof of technical infrastructure, risk frameworks, and security measures. We support preparation, review, and submit all documentation to ensure it meets regulator standards on the first submission.
Can foreign-owned crypto businesses get a UAE VASP license?
Yes. The UAE allows 100% foreign ownership of virtual asset businesses. However, each regulator has specific requirements for corporate structure, local presence, and senior management roles. We design UAE-based legal entities and operational frameworks that meet these requirements while maintaining global scalability for your crypto business.
What’s the difference between a business license and a regulatory license for crypto companies in the UAE?
In the UAE, a business (or trade) license is issued by a free zone or mainland authority to legally register your company and allow you to operate a general business. However, a regulatory license, such as a VASP license from VARA, ADGM, DIFC, SCA, or CBUAE, is specifically required for conducting regulated virtual asset activities like exchange operations, custody, or broker-dealer services. If you are a regulated crypto business, you will need both: a trade license for corporate registration and a regulatory license for legal authorization to offer crypto-related services.
Why Crypto Founders Choose Us
The UAE’s first crypto-native law firm, we deliver results across VARA, ADGM, and SCA frameworks.
Plain language answers, weekly check-ins, fast turnarounds, and messenger updates.
We’ve drafted crypto laws, advised regulators, and operated on the builder side, so our advice is practical, not theoretical.
Transparent scopes with clear deliverables. No billable-hour anxiety, no surprises.
Structures mapped to your business model, unit economics, and global scale plan. No templates, only fit-for-purpose design.
From entity + licensing to token opinions, investor docs, governance, and ongoing compliance - one accountable team.
- Proven UAE track record: The UAE’s first crypto-native law firm, we deliver results across VARA, ADGM, and SCA frameworks.
- Crypto-native lawyers: We’ve drafted crypto laws, advised regulators, and operated on the builder side, so our advice is practical, not theoretical.
- End-to-end legal execution: From entity + licensing to token opinions, investor docs, governance, and ongoing compliance - one accountable team.
- Fixed fees. No surprises: Transparent scopes with clear deliverables. No billable-hour anxiety, no surprises.
- Founder-friendly process: Plain language answers, weekly check-ins, fast turnarounds, and messenger updates. No templates, only fit-for-purpose design
Feedback & Endorsements
Founding Partner
NewTribe Capital
“This partnership is about making sure founders aren’t left in the dark when it comes to legal questions. With NeosLegal’s support, we can offer more than funding. We can offer confidence.”
Superteam UAE, Solana
“Having NeosLegal by our side means our founders building exciting Web3 projects with confidence and a solid legal foundation. We’re grateful for NeosLegal’s expertise, professionalism and commitment to helping the ecosystem grow.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Considering a crypto venture in the UAE? This FAQ provides a concise overview of VASP licensing: what it is, which regulator fits your business model, application timelines, documentation requirements, and the eligibility of foreign-owned entities.
Book a call with a crypto lawyer today to map your best path forward.
What is a VASP license in the UAE and why do I need one?
A Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license is required for businesses offering crypto exchange, custody, broker-dealer, or other regulated virtual asset services in the UAE. It ensures compliance with local laws and gives you legal authority to operate. Without a regulatory license, operating in the UAE will result in enforcement actions such as financial penalties, and even criminal investigations.
Which UAE regulator should I choose for my VASP license?
The right regulator depends on your business model, target clients, and growth strategy. VARA, ADGM, DIFC, SCA, and CBUAE each have different licensing categories, capital requirements, and operational rules. We assess your business type, service scope, and jurisdictional benefits to determine the most strategic and cost-effective licensing pathway.
How long does it take to get a VASP license in the UAE?
Timelines vary by regulator and license type. Generally, approval can take anywhere from 9 months upwards depending on application readiness, business model complexity, and regulatory feedback. This process can be accelerated by preparing full documentation, aligning your operations with regulator expectations, and managing ongoing engagement until approval is secured.
What documents are required for a UAE VASP license application?
Requirements typically include a business plan, AML policies, compliance manuals, corporate governance documents, financial projections, and details of key personnel. Regulators may also request proof of technical infrastructure, risk frameworks, and security measures. We support preparation, review, and submit all documentation to ensure it meets regulator standards on the first submission.
Can foreign-owned crypto businesses get a UAE VASP license?
Yes. The UAE allows 100% foreign ownership of virtual asset businesses. However, each regulator has specific requirements for corporate structure, local presence, and senior management roles. We design UAE-based legal entities and operational frameworks that meet these requirements while maintaining global scalability for your crypto business.
What’s the difference between a business license and a regulatory license for crypto companies in the UAE?
In the UAE, a business (or trade) license is issued by a free zone or mainland authority to legally register your company and allow you to operate a general business. However, a regulatory license, such as a VASP license from VARA, ADGM, DIFC, SCA, or CBUAE, is specifically required for conducting regulated virtual asset activities like exchange operations, custody, or broker-dealer services. If you are a regulated crypto business, you will need both: a trade license for corporate registration and a regulatory license for legal authorization to offer crypto-related services.
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