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LEAD THE FUTURE OF VIRTUAL ASSETS IN DUBAI

In the fast-evolving world of virtual assets, Dubai stands at the forefront of innovation, and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) is your key to unlocking this thriving market. Whether you’re launching a crypto exchange, NFT platform, or blockchain solution, SecureVisa provides tailored expertise to guide you through every regulatory requirement.

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YOUR GATEWAY TO DUBAI'S VIRTUAL ASSETS MARKET

6 Key Steps to Establish
Your VARA-Regulated Company

Setting up a company under VARA requires in-depth knowledge of Dubai's rapidly evolving virtual assets regulations. At SecureVisa, we simplify the complexities with an expert-led, step-by-step roadmap. From selecting your business category and securing the right license, to ensuring robust regulatory compliance, we provide the guidance you need to confidently enter the virtual assets market. Whether you're building a crypto exchange, blockchain platform, or digital wallet service, our hands-on support will help you navigate this regulatory landscape. With these seven essential steps, SecureVisa ensures a smooth, compliant, and strategic business launch in the UAE's growing virtual assets sector.

01

Business Activity & Licensing Category Selection

Identify and select the most appropriate virtual asset business activity, such as crypto exchange, NFT platform, or digital wallet service. SecureVisa helps you navigate the licensing categories set by VARA, ensuring your venture aligns with the regulatory framework.

02

Trade Name Registration & Initial Approval

Choose a trade name that reflects your virtual assets business. We assist in registering your name with VARA and obtaining the initial approval, ensuring it adheres to Dubai’s regulatory standards and aligns with your brand.

03

Compliance & Risk
Assessment

Ensure your business complies with VARA’s stringent anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. We guide you through the necessary risk assessments and compliance measures, which are essential for receiving further approvals.

04

External Approvals & Technical Readiness

Collaborate with relevant authorities and service providers to meet VARA’s technical and operational requirements. This includes cybersecurity measures, data protection, and ensuring your platform meets security standards set by Dubai's digital and financial regulators.

05

License Issuance

Once all compliance and technical standards are met, SecureVisa will help you secure your VARA operating license. This officially allows your virtual assets business to commence operations in Dubai's regulated market.

06

Visa & Corporate Bank Account Setup

Complete the visa application process for your team and secure a corporate bank account to support your business operations. We streamline this step, ensuring you have the essential infrastructure to run your VARA-licensed company smoothly.

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third step

Initial Approvals

Obtain the necessary preliminary approvals from VARA and other relevant authorities,
ensuring a smooth pathway to launching your virtual assets business in Dubai.

Securing Initial Approvals
with VARA

Successfully navigate the first regulatory step by securing initial approvals from VARA. This critical phase ensures that your business model aligns with Dubai's stringent virtual asset regulations and lays the groundwork for full licensing.
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Regulatory Compliance Review
Ensure your business activity complies with VARA’s framework. Submit your application for an in-depth review, focusing on operational, legal, and financial compliance. This initial approval confirms that your virtual asset business is structured to meet Dubai's digital finance and asset management standards.
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Business Plan & Risk Assessment Submission
Prepare and submit a comprehensive business plan that outlines your operational goals, revenue model, and risk management strategies. VARA will assess this plan to verify that your venture is compliant and sustainable in the virtual asset space.
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Financial Compliance Verification
Undergo a thorough financial compliance check as required by VARA. This step ensures your business meets the necessary financial integrity and anti-money laundering (AML) standards, allowing your operations to function within Dubai’s secure financial ecosystem.
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Pre-License Approval
Once your business plan and compliance documentation have been reviewed and accepted, apply for a pre-license approval. This temporary approval allows you to proceed with the rest of your company setup, including technical and operational preparations, while awaiting full license issuance from VARA.

fourth step

Office Space

Secure a strategic office location in Dubai to establish your virtual assets business presence and ensure compliance with local regulations.

VARA office
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Determine Office Requirements

Evaluate your business's size, operational needs, and future growth projections to choose the right type of office space—whether it's a flexi-desk, coworking space, serviced office, or full-scale commercial setup. This decision ensures your virtual asset business is positioned for success from the start.
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Submit a Lease Application

Apply for your chosen office space through Dubai’s real estate channels or authorized property agents. Ensure that the lease application aligns with your business activity and complies with VARA’s requirements for operating a virtual assets business.
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Obtain VARA Approvals

Complete the necessary approvals from VARA and other relevant Dubai authorities to finalize your office registration. This includes ensuring your office meets regulatory standards for businesses in the virtual assets sector, such as IT infrastructure and data security.
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Sign Lease Agreement

Once the required approvals are secured, finalize your lease agreement and prepare to set up operations. Your office location will serve as the foundation for your business activities, ensuring compliance with Dubai's regulations for virtual assets companies.

sixth step

Visa Processing

Efficiently manage the visa application process, including medical tests and obtaining Emirates IDs for your team, ensuring full compliance with Dubai's residency and work regulations.

Streamlining Your Team’s Transition to Dubai

With your VARA license secured, the next step is ensuring that you and your employees are legally eligible to live and work in Dubai. The visa processing phase—covering everything from medical tests to obtaining Emirates IDs—is crucial for setting up your operations smoothly and efficiently in Dubai’s virtual assets sector.

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¤ Employee Visa Quota Allocation

Start by determining how many visas your company will require. VARA, in coordination with other relevant Dubai authorities, will allocate a visa quota based on your business type and office space, ensuring your team can grow in line with your operational needs.

¤ Medical Fitness Tests

All visa applicants are required to undergo medical fitness tests as part of the process. Schedule your appointments at an authorized medical center in Dubai. Passing these tests is mandatory to meet UAE residency and health requirements.

¤ Emirates ID Application

Once medical tests are completed, apply for Emirates IDs for you and your employees. This is a vital step as the Emirates ID acts as both an identification card and a gateway to government services, while also serving as proof of legal residency.

¤ Visa Stamping and Residency Permit

After receiving the Emirates IDs, proceed with visa stamping, which officially endorses each employee's passport with a residency permit. This final step gives your team full authorization to live and work in Dubai, allowing your business to operate under VARA's regulatory framework without any delays.

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