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Crypto License

DMCC Crypto Business Setup and Activity Review

Check permitted crypto activities before you set up in DMCC

ae
Maksim Gasanbekov

Maksim Gasanbekov

Last updated: 16 min read

Fact Checked by: Mark Gofaizen

Overview

Regulatory & Service Snapshot

DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) is an attractive free economic zone in the UAE that offers great opportunities for cryptocurrency business. Obtaining a DMCC crypto license is a promising opportunity for crypto-business development in Dubai. Gofaizen & Sherle provides professional support in setting up a crypto company in DMCC. A DMCC trade licence does not by itself authorise virtual asset services: exchange, brokerage, custody, transfer, lending, advisory and management services require a VARA licence, and proprietary trading with own funds requires a VARA No Objection Certificate.

This is an era where digital technology is permeating every aspect of life. People are becoming more and more dependent on these technologies every year, and this is leading to changes in the workplace and the financial system.

One area that is inevitably transforming is the monetary system. Instead of relying on traditional physical money, more and more people are turning to online payments and digital currencies. For example, payment systems such as PayPal, Apple Pay, Stripe, and others give us convenience and speed when making purchases and transferring money. Among these digital currencies, cryptocurrency holds a special place. More and more people see it as an investment opportunity and seek to take advantage of its benefits.

The UAE, realizing the importance and impact of cryptocurrency, actively supports the development of this industry. The authorities have created a favorable environment for cryptocurrency businesses by providing free economic zones, such as the Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC), where entrepreneurs can set up crypto companies; the virtual asset services themselves require a VARA licence.

In addition, the UAE is an advanced country in innovative technology, and cryptocurrency plays a key role in this progress and actively follows global advances in blockchain and cryptocurrency, with the DMCC as a leader in this area. As part of Blockchain Strategy 2021 and the launch of the Crypto Centre, DMCC is ensuring the development of the crypto business in Dubai and building the UAE’s reputation as a leading crypto hub.

By bringing innovation and state-of-the-art technology to the forefront, the UAE and DMCC are creating a favorable environment for a successful startup and development of cryptocurrency businesses in Dubai. If you are considering this prospect, contact the experts at Gofaizen & Sherle who can help you set up your crypto company in DMCC, identify whether your activities require a VARA licence and provide you with the support you need every step of the way.

The DMCC offers simple and easy online procedures for completing and submitting license documents, making the process of registering your cryptocurrency company quick and efficient. That said, given the relative newness of this area of business, it is important to proceed with caution and have a good understanding of the terms, requirements, and procedures to minimize risks and create a successful business.

Advantages of DMCC Crypto License

  1. Distributed ledger technology services

    DMCC provides enterprises with a favorable environment for the development and implementation of blockchain-based solutions. This enables companies to streamline their business processes, increase the efficiency and reliability of their operations, and improve security and transparency. DMCC acts as a partner and supports enterprises in their pursuit of innovation and the use of advanced blockchain technology.

  2. Proprietary cryptocurrency trading

    The regulated and secure environment provided by DMCC allows companies to trade efficiently and securely with access to a variety of cryptocurrency markets and the ability to engage in digital asset trading. DMCC provides the necessary infrastructure, while proprietary trading with own funds requires a VARA No Objection Certificate.

  3. Tax and trading advantages

    By falling under DMCC jurisdiction, companies can enjoy full repatriation of capital without restrictions. Since financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023, DMCC companies are subject to UAE federal corporate tax: 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that; a Qualifying Free Zone Person can apply the 0% rate only to its qualifying income. In addition, companies with a DMCC crypto license do not have to pay duties on imports or exports of goods and services, which gives companies financial flexibility and a competitive advantage in international business.

  4. 100% foreign ownership

    DMCC crypto license allows companies to own 100% foreign capital without the need for a local shareholder or sponsor. This gives entrepreneurs full control over their businesses and eliminates the restrictions associated with local partner requirements.

  5. Low cost and speed

    DMCC allows companies to start with low costs, starting as low as $20,000, and a low capital requirement of about 50,000 ED. Note that virtual asset services also require a VARA licence, which has its own review timeline. This provides a cost-effective and easy start-up for the company, allowing it to enter the market quickly and take advantage of opportunities in the field.

  6. Blockchain Security

    The DMCC provides companies with access to blockchain expertise and ensures a high level of privacy and security. This enables companies to design and implement blockchain-based solutions with confidence and protect their data and transactions from risk.

Types of DMCC crypto licenses

To start a crypto business in DMCC, you need a DMCC commercial licence for the relevant activity; virtual asset services carried out in or from Dubai also require a VARA licence before operations start. Dubai Multi Commodities Center is the most highly reputable free zone for crypto licenses and is known to be a Crypto Hub of Dubai. There are 12 types of crypto licenses available in this free zone, which are awarded depending on your company's line of business.

DMCC crypto licenses in Dubai can be divided into 2 categories:

Crypto licenses that do not require a VARA (Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority) licence (proprietary trading with own funds still requires a VARA No Objection Certificate)

  • Proprietary trading in Crypto-commodities
  • Distributed Ledger Technology Services
  • NFT's E-Marketplace Provider
  • Metaverse Service Provider
  • Proprietary Crypto Mining

New types of crypto licenses were issued by VARA in February 2023 and are subject to its regulation under the Virtual Assets and Related Activities Regulations

  • Advisory Services
  • Broker-Dealer Services
  • Custody Services
  • Exchange Services
  • Lending and Borrowing Services
  • Payments and Remittances Services
  • VA Management and Investment Services

Premium

Full set up of crypto company with complete infrastructure, connection to KYC providers and accounting services

170 400 AED (46 450 USD)

  • Full turnkey company formation
  • Basic Corporate documents
  • License
  • Co-working desk
  • Visa assistance (Emirates ID, Medical test)
  • Corporate account opening assistance
  • Individual AML/KYC Policy
  • Set of standard docs necessary for website
  • Business Plan*
  • AML Officer
  • Director
  • Audit assistance
  • KYC/KYT integration and provider principle adaptation
  • Accounting software license and development of individual accounting rules

Fully Operational

Registration under the full regulatory requirements. Company is ready for operations.

133 900 AED (36 500 USD)

  • Full turnkey company formation
  • Basic Corporate documents
  • License
  • Co-working desk
  • Visa assistance (Emirates ID, Medical test)
  • Corporate account opening assistance
  • Individual AML/KYC Policy
  • Set of standard docs necessary for website
  • AML Officer
  • Audit assistance

Basic

Registration under the minimum regulatory requirements

56 850 AED (15 500 USD)

  • Full turnkey company formation
  • Basic Corporate documents
  • License

Requirements to obtain a DMCC crypto license

  • Submit the licence application to DMCC; for VARA-regulated activities, the Initial Disclosure Questionnaire is filed through DMCC before the VARA licence application.
  • Provide all certified copies of the founders passports and Utility bills
  • Provide CVs of all shareholders and directors (relevant professional experience required)
  • Provide a clean cryptocurrency wallet record with no suspicious transactions
  • The capital resource of the business must cover all expenses for six months
  • You must register all crypto-assets with the Department of Free Financial Zones and get government approval
  • Provide detailed business model description/business plan
  • Comply with KYC and AML policies
  • Comply with anti-money laundering regulations
  • Ensure the protection of clients financial information
  • Have a share capital of at least 50 000 AED (€12,750 to be submitted within 6 months after registration)
  • Provide data on the structure and projected profits of the company
  • Provide data on the origin of funds at the request of the regulator

Process and timeline for obtaining a DMCC crypto license

1–2 weeks

Documents required:

  • Preferred company name
  • Passport copies from all shareholders and directors
  • Utility bills from all shareholders and directors
  • CVs of shareholders and directors
  • A business model of the company (brief description 1-2 A4 pages)

3–4 weeks

  • Determination of suitable license type
  • Submission of application to DMCC
  • Company registration
  • License approval
  • Preparation of corporate documents

3–6 weeks

  • Analysis of the most suitable Banks/EMIs, comparison of the risk appetite of the Bank in relation to the risk appetite of the Client based on previously prepared AML policies
  • Collection of necessary documents from the Client side to initiate the process (flow of funds, source of wealth, description of the purpose of opening an account, key partners, company website, utility bill, etc.)
  • Initiation of the onboarding procedure simultaneously in 2-3 crypto friendly Payment Institutions
  • Guiding the Client’s company through the entire process of opening an account

DMCC crypto trading Dual License

DMCC free zone companies have the option of obtaining a “dual license” on the mainland, which allows them to hold a Department of Economic Development (DED) license on the mainland in addition to the free zone license.

However, it is important to note that the DMCC dual license is presented as an “affiliate” of the free zone company under the DED (Department of Economic Development) trade license. This means that the company does not represent a separate legal entity and does not need to undergo additional registration with the Department of Economic Development. Nevertheless, this permit allows the company to conduct operations on the mainland to complement its free zone activities.

It is important to note that the DMCC dual license is only an authorization, not an independent subsidiary. Your company will remain the only one that has the right to bill, hire employees and conduct business.

A dual DMCC license will allow companies to expand their operations on the mainland, complementing their operations in the free zone, this has several advantages:

  • Expanding to the mainland: The dual DMCC license allows 100% of foreign companies to expand their operations to the UAE mainland zone. This opens up new business opportunities and allows companies to increase their market reach.
  • Affordable Setup Prices: Obtaining a dual DMCC license usually comes with affordable prices for setting up a business on the mainland. This is a cost-effective way to expand a company’s operations into new territories.
  • Time Savings: The DMCC dual license process is usually expedited by pre-registering with the DMCC Free Zone. This helps reduce bureaucratic processes and speeds up the time it takes to start and operate a business on the mainland.
  • Location Flexibility: A dual DMCC license gives companies the flexibility to choose where to operate. Companies can choose the best locations on the UAE mainland to attract customers and partners.

Opening a cryptocurrency business in the DMCC free zone

The Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC) is the world's leading free zone for business activities. DMCC provides the commercial licence and business ecosystem; regulated virtual asset activities, including token issuance, are authorised by VARA.

DMCC is becoming a leader in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry through technology and innovation, but virtual asset activities carried out in or from DMCC are regulated and licensed by VARA, not by the free zone. At the federal level, the Securities and Commodities Authority has been reconstituted as the Capital Market Authority (CMA).

Opening a company in the DMCC offers a wide range of benefits, including access to developed infrastructure, an attractive business environment, and flexible tax policies. It also gives foreign investors full ownership and control over their business without the requirement to have a local partner.

Gofaizen & Sherle is ready to assist in launching your crypto business in the DMCC-free zone for guaranteed results.

Renewal of DMCC license

To complete the DMCC crypto license renewal process, a cryptocurrency company will need to pay a renewal fee, as well as provide a signed lease agreement for office space. In addition, your company must submit an annual audit report to regulators beginning with the second license renewal.

This process is simple and cost-effective in the DMCC Free Zone. You can complete the license renewal remotely, without the need to be physically present in the UAE.

DMCC Crypto license — frequently asked questions

How do I get a crypto license in DMCC?

To obtain a crypto license in Dubai, DMCC, you need to register a company, develop a business plan, collect the necessary documents, and have a minimum share capital of 50 000 AED. Virtual asset services also require a VARA licence before operations start (proprietary trading with own funds requires a VARA No Objection Certificate), and you must then comply with both DMCC and VARA requirements.

What is the cost of a DMCC cryptocurrency license?

A minimum of 50,000 AED of share capital is required to start a cryptocurrency business. In addition, you may need additional funds to pay the DMCC license fee (20,285 AED), establishment card (1,825 AED), Emirates ID (425 AED), and other expenses, including registration fees and visa fees.

How long does it take to get a DMCC free zone crypto license?

A DMCC trade licence alone does not authorise virtual asset services; the VARA licence required for them has its own review timeline, so the overall timing depends on VARA’s assessment.

Why open your cryptocurrency business in the DMCC free zone?

DMCC is known as Crypto Hub, it has a prestigious status, which helps in establishing trust and attracting partners and customers and offers specialized programs and infrastructure for crypto-entrepreneurs. This support facilitates successful business startups and growth. Regulated virtual asset activities carried out from DMCC are licensed and supervised by VARA.

What are the risks associated with obtaining a DMCC free zone cryptocurrency license?

The UAE government recognizes the risks associated with crypto-assets and requires high standards of transparency and risk mitigation. All crypto businesses in the UAE must develop regulations that comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws, as well as international FATF standards.

What documents are required to obtain a DMCC free zone crypto license?

To obtain a DMCC crypto license, the following documents are required: a completed application form specifying the type of business; copies of passport; a detailed business plan; and a copy of the Emirates ID (if any).

Client Testimonials

Trusted by Industry Leaders

We at Invity and SatoshiLabs as a whole were extremely pleased with the legal support provided by Gofaizen & Sherle in establishing our virtual assets business in Lithuania. Their expertise and thorough understanding of the virtual assets landscape were invaluable, ensuring that every aspect of our setup was compliant and robust. The team's professionalism and dedication made the entire process seamless and stress-free. We highly recommend Gofaizen & Sherle for their legal services in the virtual assets sector.

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Maksim Gasanbekov
Maksim Gasanbekov
Partner, Head of Sales (Crypto and Blockchain)
Mark Gofaizen
Mark Gofaizen
Senior Partner, Head of Consulting
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