UAE VARA Licensing for VASPs: Full 2026 Compliance Roadmap

Frequently Asked Questions

01.How long does UAE VARA licensing take in 2026?

The VARA licensing process typically takes four to seven months from initial application submission to receiving the Full VASP License. Timeline depends on the completeness of your Initial Disclosure Questionnaire, responsiveness during the review period, and the complexity of the licensed activity category applied for.

02.What are the eight VARA licensed activity categories?

VARA recognizes eight virtual asset activity categories: Advisory Services, Broker-Dealer Services, Custody Services, Exchange Services, Lending and Borrowing Services, Management and Investment Services, Transfer and Settlement Services, and VA Issuance Category 1 (covering Fiat-Referenced Virtual Assets). Each category carries its own capital requirements, rulebook obligations, and compliance standards.

03.What is the minimum capital requirement for a VARA VASP license?

Capital requirements vary by activity. Broker-Dealer applicants typically need AED 400,000 to AED 600,000 or more in minimum capital. Other categories such as advisory or transfer services carry lower thresholds. Year 1 total costs including VARA application fees (AED 40,000), first-year supervision fees (AED 80,000), and operational setup typically range from AED 500,000 to AED 1,000,000 depending on activity scope.