Every groundbreaking blockchain venture begins with innovation, but in Dubai's rapidly evolving virtual asset landscape, transforming that innovation into a VARA-compliant business requires more than technical expertise. It demands specialized VARA knowledge, strategic regulatory planning, and a partner who understands Dubai's unique regulatory framework.
Understanding VARA: Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority
The Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) stands as the world’s first independent and specialist regulator exclusively dedicated to virtual assets, established in 2022 under Dubai Law No. 4 to regulate all virtual asset activities across the Emirate of Dubai (excluding DIFC). VARA represents a comprehensive virtual assets framework built on principles of economic sustainability and cross-border financial security, specifically designed to cater for the provision of permissible virtual asset activities and services to customers and investors from Dubai.
Why VARA Compliance is Essential
VARA’s Critical Role in Dubai’s Digital Economy
Legal Mandate
No entity may carry out, promote, or offer any virtual asset activity in Dubai without obtaining approval and licensing from VARA
Global Recognition
VARA positioning Dubai as a regional and international hub for virtual assets with world-class regulatory standards
Market Access
VARA licensing is the gateway to Dubai's thriving virtual asset ecosystem and regional market opportunities
Regulatory Certainty
Comprehensive rules eliminate uncertainty and provide clear operational guidelines for virtual asset businesses
Investor Protection
VARA's framework fosters consumer protection and prevents illicit finance in the virtual asset space
Competitive Advantage
VARA-licensed entities gain enhanced credibility and preferential access to banking services and institutional partnerships
Our VARA Service Offerings
VARA Advisory Services
We guide you through every aspect of VARA compliance and licensing, from initial regulatory assessment to full operational compliance, with unmatched expertise in Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority requirements.
VARA Licensing Expertise
Deep specialization in Dubai's virtual asset regulatory framework with comprehensive knowledge of VARA's evolving requirements and compliance standards across all eight regulated activities.
Advisory Services
Expert advice on virtual asset investments and strategies
Broker-Dealer Services
Facilitating buying and selling of virtual assets on behalf of clients
Custody Services
Secure storage and safekeeping of virtual assets for clients
Exchange Services
Operating virtual asset trading platforms and exchanges
Lending and Borrowing Services
Virtual asset lending, borrowing, and related financial services
Management and Investment Services
Virtual asset portfolio management and investment advisory
Transfer and Settlement Services
Virtual asset payment processing and remittance services
VA Issuance (Category 1)
Initial virtual asset offerings and token issuance programs
Additional VARA Services
- VA Issuance Category 2 approval & compliance
- Proprietary Trading No Objection Certificates (NOC)
- Legacy Program transitions for existing operators
- VARA registration for DLT service providers
Specialized VARA Compliance Solutions
Our targeted approach combines regulatory expertise with practical implementation strategies, ensuring your virtual asset business meets all VARA requirements efficiently across all regulated activities.
Comprehensive Compliance Coverage
Full-spectrum regulatory compliance services covering all VARA rulebooks, reporting requirements, and ongoing operational standards.
- VARA rulebook compliance audits (all four compulsory rulebooks)
- Activity-specific rulebook implementation and compliance
- AML/CFT compliance frameworks for virtual assets
- Consumer protection and market conduct standards
- Technology and information security compliance
- Company rulebook governance requirements
- VARA reporting, monitoring, and examination preparation
Direct VARA Regulatory Access
Established relationships and proven communication channels with VARA officials, enabling streamlined application processes.
- Direct VARA liaison and communication
- Priority application processing support
- Real-time VARA regulatory updates
- Expedited clarification requests
- Strategic regulatory positioning
Ongoing Regulatory Management
Continuous VARA compliance support ensuring sustained licensing and operational excellence throughout your business lifecycle.
- Annual license renewal and supervision fee management
- Post-licensing compliance monitoring and reporting
- VARA examination preparation and response
- Regulatory change adaptation and implementation
- Legacy Program transitions and compliance updates
Multi-Activity License Strategy
Strategic licensing approach optimizing multiple VARA activities under single licenses while ensuring compliance with segregation requirements.
- Single overarching license for multiple activities (where permitted)
- Segregated licensing for Custody Services (mandatory separation)
- Strategic activity selection and regulatory positioning
- Cross-activity compliance coordination
● Why TheBlock. Advisory?
Why Choose Our VARA Advisory Services?
Proven VARA Track Record
Successfully guided numerous clients through VARA licensing processes with industry-leading approval rates and timeline efficiency.
VARA-Specific Expertise
Dedicated team specializing exclusively in VARA regulations, ensuring deep knowledge of Dubai's virtual asset compliance requirements.
Regulatory Innovation
Combining traditional regulatory expertise with innovative compliance technologies designed specifically for VARA requirements.
Strategic Partnership Approach
Long-term advisory relationships that evolve with your business growth and changing VARA regulatory landscape.
VARA License Costs & Fee Structure
The costs outlined in the table below are official VARA regulatory fees payable directly to the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority.
| Activity Type | Minimum Paid-Up Capital | VARA Application Fee | VARA Annual Supervision Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advisory Services | AED 100,000 | AED 40,000 | AED 80,000 |
| Broker-Dealer Services | AED 400,000* | AED 100,000 | AED 200,000 |
| Custody Services | AED 600,000 | AED 100,000 | AED 200,000 |
| Exchange Services | AED 800,000** | AED 100,000 | AED 200,000 |
| Lending/Borrowing Services | AED 500,000 | AED 100,000 | AED 200,000 |
| Management/Investment Services | AED 280,000 | AED 100,000 | AED 200,000 |
| Transfer/Settlement Services | AED 500,000 | AED 40,000 | AED 80,000 |
| VA Issuance Category 1 | Variable requirements | AED 100,000 | AED 200,000 |
*Variable based on custody arrangements and operational structure
**Based on whether using VARA-licensed custodian or alternative arrangements
Payment Timlene: VARA follows a structured payment schedule where 50% of the application fee is required upfront to initiate the review process, with the remaining 50% due upon license approval. Annual supervision fees are payable before commencing operations and annually thereafter. For businesses applying for multiple activities, extension fees apply at 50% of the lower application fee for each additional activity.
Get Started – Book Your VARA Consultation
For detailed information about our advisory service fees, customized compliance solutions, and comprehensive timeline planning for your VARA license application, please book a consultation meeting with our VARA specialists to discuss your specific requirements and receive a tailored service proposal.