Nikolai Timofejev
15 years in FinTech and payments. Maps your business model to the right licence scope and leads the file all the way to the DMCC registration and, where needed, the VARA decision, including banking and payment rails.
Set up your crypto business in DMCC, Dubai.
The DMCC Crypto Centre hosts the largest web3 cluster in the Middle East. We set up the free-zone company, and where your model serves clients, we add the VARA licence on top. Both from our own Dubai office.
27 yrs
on the international marketon the market
60+
in-house specialistsspecialists
400+
Crypto licenses obtainedlicenses obtained
Updated
DMCC in brief
The Middle East's largest web3 cluster.
DMCC - Dubai Multi Commodities Centre - is the emirate's flagship free zone, and its Crypto Centre hosts the region's densest web3 community: exchanges' regional arms, market makers, funds, infrastructure and development studios, six hundred strong. A DMCC licence gets you a company in two to four weeks, flexi-desk to full office, residence visas included - the fastest respectable base in the Gulf.
The distinction matters: DMCC is a commercial free zone, not a financial regulator. Proprietary trading, development, consulting and Web3 services run on the DMCC licence alone; the moment you hold client assets or trade for others, Dubai law routes you to VARA. We do both sides - the DMCC base and, where the model needs it, the VARA licence on top - from our own Dubai office.
The Middle East's largest web3 cluster: a DMCC company stands in 2-4 weeks - prop trading, development and web3 run on it directly.
Client-facing services route to VARA - we run both layers from our own Dubai office, with 0% qualifying free-zone tax around it.
The structure
A DMCC base - plus VARA where clients appear.
Think of it as two layers. The DMCC company covers everything you do with your own money and your own code. Client-facing virtual-asset services. Custody, exchange, brokerage, management. Need VARA authorisation regardless of which free zone hosts you.
Two layers: the DMCC base for your own money and code; VARA on top where clients appear.
01 - DMCC LICENCE
Proprietary & web3 activities
The base layer: a DMCC free-zone company for everything that does not touch client assets - from proprietary trading to protocol development. Set up in weeks, not months.
The base layer: a DMCC free-zone company for everything that does not touch client assets - from proprietary trading to protocol development. Set up in weeks, not months.
- ✓Proprietary trading in crypto-assets
- ✓Blockchain development and web3 studios
- ✓Consulting, marketing and community services
- ✓Mining, nodes and infrastructure operations
- ✓Flexi-desk to full office · residence visas
- ✓0% on qualifying free-zone income
02 - + VARA LICENCE
When you serve clientsClient-facing VA services
Custody, exchange, broker-dealer, lending or management for clients is regulated activity in Dubai. The VARA layer on top of your DMCC base, licensed per activity.
Custody, exchange or brokerage for clients. VARA classes with AED 300k-2M+ capital.
- ✓Seven VARA activity classes, licensed separately
- ✓Capital AED 300,000 - 2,000,000+ by class
- ✓In-principle approval, then the operating permit
- ✓Resident executives and a pre-approved MLRO
- ✓3-9 months depending on the class mix
- ✓We run the whole stack - base plus licence
Costs and timelines are confirmed for your case before any work begins. The DMCC layer prices as a free-zone setup; the VARA layer adds activity-class capital - AED 300,000 to 2,000,000+. With regulator fees itemised in your quote.
Why DMCC
Speed, cluster and the cleanest tax base in Dubai.
DMCC's pitch is operational: the fastest respectable company setup in the Gulf, a ready-made crypto community, and the Qualifying Free Zone Person regime that keeps qualifying income at 0%.
✓
Two to four weeks to exist
Name, licence, flexi-desk, bank introduction and residence visas. A DMCC company stands in weeks. For teams relocating from hostile jurisdictions, speed is the feature.Licence, desk, visas. The fastest respectable Gulf base.
✓
600+ crypto neighbours
The Crypto Centre concentrates exchanges' regional offices, funds, OTC desks and studios in one district. Hiring, partnerships and deal flow live next door.Hiring and deal flow live next door in the Crypto Centre.
✓
A clear regulatory perimeter
DMCC itself is commercial: proprietary and build-side activity only. Client-facing services route to VARA, and pretending otherwise is how firms get shut. We structure it right the first time.Prop and build on DMCC; client services route to VARA.
✓
0% qualifying income
A DMCC entity meeting the Qualifying Free Zone Person tests pays 0% on qualifying income; the federal 9% applies only above AED 375,000 on the rest.QFZP regime with substance and audited accounts.
✓
Visas and hiring built in
The free zone processes residence visas against your office tier. Founders and staff get status in days, with no personal income tax on what you pay them.Status in days; no income tax on pay.
✓
One office for both layers
Our Dubai team sets up the DMCC company and, where your model needs it, carries the VARA file. One project, one accountable team.DMCC company and VARA file. One accountable team.
How it compares
DMCC against Dubai's other bases.
Inside the UAE the choice is between bases, not rulebooks. Client-facing VA services end at VARA from any of them. What differs is speed, cost, cluster and courts.
DMCC vs other setups
| Feature |  DMCC | Other setups |
|---|---|---|
| Setup speed | 2-4 weeks | 6 weeks - 4 months |
| Crypto cluster | 600+ firms in the Crypto Centre | Dispersed |
| Client-facing services | VARA licence on top | Same - VARA or FSRA |
| Qualifying tax | 0% QFZP regime | 0% in free zones · 9% mainland |
Setup speed
DMCC2-4 weeks
Other setups6 weeks - 4 months
Crypto cluster
DMCC600+ firms in the Crypto Centre
Other setupsDispersed
Client-facing services
DMCCVARA licence on top
Other setupsSame - VARA or FSRA
Qualifying tax
DMCC0% QFZP regime
Other setups0% in free zones · 9% mainland
Base by base
| Base | What it is | Taxation | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DMCC | Commercial free zone + Crypto Centre | 0% qualifying · 9% federal | Prop trading, web3, regional HQs |
| ADGM | Financial free zone (FSRA) | 0% qualifying free zone | Institutions, funds, venues |
| DIFC | Financial free zone (DFSA) | 0% qualifying free zone | Token issuers, asset managers |
| Dubai mainland | Onshore + VARA | 9% CIT | Retail-facing VASPs |
DMCCWhat it isCommercial free zone + Crypto Centre
Taxation0% qualifying · 9% federal
Best forProp trading, web3, regional HQs
ADGMWhat it isFinancial free zone (FSRA)
Taxation0% qualifying free zone
Best forInstitutions, funds, venues
DIFCWhat it isFinancial free zone (DFSA)
Taxation0% qualifying free zone
Best forToken issuers, asset managers
Dubai mainlandWhat it isOnshore + VARA
Taxation9% CIT
Best forRetail-facing VASPs
Before you start
What a DMCC crypto setup requires.What a DMCC setup requires.
The DMCC layer is administrative; the discipline arrives with the VARA layer if your model serves clients. The checklist covers both, in the order they hit you.
01
Activity selection. DMCC licence activities matched to what you will actually do; crypto activities flagged to the Crypto Centre.
02
Shareholder KYC. Passports, source of wealth and corporate documents for founders and parent entities.
03
Office tier. Flexi-desk, serviced or full office; the tier drives visa quota and QFZP substance.
04
Share capital. A practical AED 50,000 standard for the free-zone company itself.
05
Residence visas. Establishment card, medicals and Emirates ID for founders and staff.
06
Banking file. Business plan and flows description banks accept; crypto-friendly options shortlisted.
07
Qualifying-income analysis. QFZP tests, audited accounts and substance to hold the 0% rate.
08
Perimeter check. A written opinion on whether any activity crosses into VARA-regulated territory.
09
If VARA applies: activity classes, capital floors (AED 300k-2M+), resident executives and MLRO.
10
If VARA applies: the two-stage file. In-principle approval, conditions, operating permit.
11
Ongoing: licence renewals, audits, ESR and AML registrations kept current.
01
Activity selection flagged to the Crypto Centre.
02
Shareholder KYC and source of wealth.
03
Office tier. Drives visas and substance.
04
AED 50,000 practical share capital.
05
Residence visas and Emirates IDs.
06
Banking file crypto banks accept.
07
QFZP analysis to hold the 0% rate.
08
Written perimeter check against VARA.
09
If VARA: classes, capital, resident MLRO.
10
If VARA: IPA → operating permit.
Reflects DMCC and VARA practice as of 2026. The expensive mistake is running client-facing services on a bare DMCC licence. We structure the perimeter before the regulator asks.DMCC and VARA practice, 2026. Client-facing services on a bare DMCC licence is the expensive mistake.
How it works
From first call to a working Dubai base.
01
Model and perimeter
We map what you will do, split it into DMCC-only and VARA-regulated activities, and fix the structure in writing.DMCC-only vs VARA-regulated. Fixed in writing.
02
DMCC company
Application, licence and office tier; establishment card and visa processing start immediately.Licence, office tier, visas - underway immediately.
03
Banking and operations
Accounts with banks that accept crypto-linked free-zone companies; accounting and QFZP substance set up.Crypto-tolerant banks, accounting, QFZP substance.
04
VARA layer (if your model needs it)
Activity classes, capital and MLRO. In-principle approval, then the operating permit, run in parallel with your build.Classes, capital, MLRO. IPA to permit, in parallel.
05
Launch and ongoing compliance
Renewals, audits, ESR and AML registrations - plus rulebook compliance where the VARA layer applies.Renewals, audits, ESR, AML, and rulebooks if licensed.
Quick facts
Free zoneDMCC Crypto Centre
Company setup2-4 weeks
Company capitalAED 50,000 practical
VisasBy office tier
Client-facing servicesVARA on top
VARA capitalAED 300k - 2M+
Qualifying tax0% (QFZP)
Personal taxNone
The DMCC layer is fast; the VARA layer, where needed, sets the real timeline - 3-9 months by activity class.
On the ground in Dubai
Local expertise, not a faceless agency.
Prifinance - UAE
Dubai · Al Saqr Business Tower
33 Level, Al Saqr Business Tower
01
DMCC setup end to end
Name, activities, licence, office tier and visas. A standing company in two to four weeks, banking file included.Company in 2-4 weeks, banking file included.
02
The perimeter opinion
A written answer to the only dangerous question: does your model cross into VARA territory. Before you launch, not after.Does your model cross into VARA? Answered in writing.
03
The VARA layer when needed
Activity classes, capital, MLRO and the two-stage file. The same team that runs our other VARA mandates.Classes, capital, MLRO. Same team as our VARA mandates.
04
Tax and substance
QFZP structuring, audited accounts and the substance that keeps qualifying income at 0%.QFZP structuring that keeps qualifying income at 0%.
We also have offices in
Tallinn
Estonia
Roseni 13
Vilnius
Lithuania
Gedimino pr. 2
Prague
Czech Republic
Vlkova 532/8, Žižkov
London
United Kingdom
7 Bell Yard
Madeira
Portugal
Rua da Alegria 31, 1F
Budapest
Hungary
Korányi Sándor u. 4
Istanbul
Turkey
Perpa Ticaret Merkezi, A Blok
Good to know
Taxation of crypto companies in the UAE.
The UAE wrapper is the simplest of any major hub: 9% federal corporate tax with a 0% band, no personal income tax at all, and free-zone regimes that can bring qualifying income to zero.
Corporate tax 9%
Federal corporate tax applies at 9% above AED 375,000 of profit (Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022); below that band the rate is 0%.Above AED 375k; 0% below the band.
Free zones: 0% on qualifying income
A Qualifying Free Zone Person pays 0% on qualifying income. The regime that keeps DMCC and ADGM structures competitive; substance and audited accounts are the price.Qualifying income of a QFZP - substance required.
No personal income tax
Salaries, dividends and personal crypto gains bear no UAE income tax. The founders' side of the equation is unmatched among serious jurisdictions.Salaries, dividends and crypto gains untaxed.
No withholding taxes
The UAE levies no withholding on dividends, interest or royalties. Profits move to holding structures without leakage.Profits move to holdings without leakage.
VAT at 5%
The standard VAT rate is 5%; transfers and conversions of virtual assets are exempt (with retrospective effect to 2018), so token trades stay clean.VA transfers exempt, retrospective to 2018.
140+ tax treaties
One of the world's densest treaty networks. With real substance in Dubai or Abu Dhabi behind it, treaty access is genuine.Real substance makes access genuine.
Tax summary
Corporate tax9% over AED 375k
Qualifying free zone0%
Personal income taxNone
Withholding taxesNone
VAT on VA transfersExempt
Standard VAT5%
Tax treaties140+
*Figures as of 2026. Qualifying Free Zone Person status depends on substance, audited accounts and income mix. We model it before you commit.
Turnkey professional support
Experienced lawyers and international consultants.
We provide end-to-end support, from company registration and the application file to regulatory interaction and compliance oversight - with an individualized approach to each client.
Oleksii Kindratenko
Builds the application itself: DMCC free-zone company, AML/KYC policy pack, capital structure and tax registrations. His document sets are the reason reviews finish in months, not years.
Eugeniu Bevziuc
First point of contact for international founders. Runs the whole setup remotely, across time zones and languages - from the first call to a live Dubai operation.
Follow Prifinance
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Dubai · DMCC Crypto Centre
Set up your crypto base in Dubai with expert support.
Full-service assistance - company, visas, banking, and the VARA licence where your model needs it.
Get a consultation →Free legal opinion
Is DMCC the right base for your project?
Our legal team will analyze your case at no cost and provide a written legal opinion: which base, structure, or licence stack fits your business.
Written assessment within 2-5 business days
Request a free conclusion →FAQ
The DMCC crypto setup: the practical answers.
Is a DMCC licence a crypto licence?+
No, and that distinction protects you. DMCC is a commercial free zone: its licence covers proprietary trading, development, consulting and web3 services. Client-facing virtual-asset services in Dubai are regulated by VARA, whatever free zone hosts the company.
What can I run on a DMCC licence alone?+
Trading with your own funds, protocol and product development, mining and infrastructure, consulting, marketing and community operations - everything that never touches client assets or orders.
When exactly does VARA kick in?+
The moment you hold, exchange, transfer or manage virtual assets for someone else, or advise on them commercially. We issue a written perimeter opinion before launch so the answer is never a surprise.
How fast is the setup?+
A DMCC company stands in two to four weeks including the licence and establishment card; visas follow in days. The VARA layer, where needed, runs 3-9 months in two stages.
What does the company cost to capitalise?+
AED 50,000 share capital is the practical standard for the free-zone company. VARA activities add their own floors - from AED 300,000 for advisory to AED 2,000,000+ for custody or exchange.
How is a DMCC company taxed?+
As a Qualifying Free Zone Person - 0% on qualifying income, with substance and audited accounts; the federal 9% applies above AED 375,000 on non-qualifying income. No personal income tax on salaries or dividends.
Can I get visas for the team?+
Yes - the visa quota follows your office tier, from flexi-desk upwards. Founders and staff receive residence visas and Emirates IDs; there is no personal income tax on their pay.
Will banks open accounts?+
For clean structures, yes - UAE and international banks serve DMCC crypto companies, and licensed VASPs more readily still. We shortlist banks that match your flows before incorporation.
DMCC or ADGM or DIFC?+
DMCC for speed, cluster and cost; ADGM for institutional finance under common law; DIFC for issuers and asset managers under the DFSA. The client-facing layer routes to VARA or the FSRA either way - we compare bases in writing.
Can Prifinance run the whole stack?+
Yes - that is the point. One team, our own Dubai office: DMCC company, visas, banking, QFZP tax structure and, where your model needs it, the VARA licence on top.
Is DMCC a crypto licence?+
No - commercial free zone. Client-facing services need VARA.
What runs on DMCC alone?+
Prop trading, development, mining, consulting - no client assets.
When does VARA kick in?+
Holding, exchanging or managing assets for others - checked in writing.
How fast?+
Company in 2-4 weeks; VARA layer 3-9 months if needed.
Capital?+
AED 50k for the company; VARA classes add AED 300k-2M+.
Taxes?+
0% qualifying income; 9% federal above AED 375k; 0% personal.
Visas?+
By office tier - status in days, untaxed pay.
Banking?+
Yes for clean structures - shortlisted before incorporation.
DMCC vs ADGM vs DIFC?+
Speed vs institutions vs issuers - compared in writing.
Who runs the stack?+
One team, our Dubai office - base plus VARA where needed.
Client notes
Google4.7★★★★★
Founders who wanted it done right.
Google4.7★★★★★
“As a software development crew at FewMoreTaps OÜ, we've had the pleasure of working with Prifinance on some key financial moves.First of all, navigating the world of corporate banking and finance can be a maze, but Prifinance made it feel like a walk in the park. They helped us set up a corporate bank account without the hassle of jumping on a plane or drowning in paperwork. Everything was done remotely, smoothly…”
Google
“I had their assistance in company registration and I would recommend them. They were answering all my clarification during the process and offering all their supportThank you Daniel and Irinia”
Google
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Google
“I'm thrilled with my experience with PriFinance! They helped me obtain a crypto license in Estonia without any hassle. The team was super understanding and always available to answer my questions and assist. It was great to see how they put effort into preparing the documents to ensure everything went smoothly. I'm delighted with the outcome and highly recommend PriFinance to anyone looking to get a license…”
Google
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Google
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Google
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Get a free legal opinion on your project - our legal team will analyze your case at no cost and provide a written legal opinion: which jurisdiction, licence scope, or route fits your business.Free legal opinion: which Dubai base and licence stack fit your project and what it will cost.
✓Written legal opinion within 2-5 business days - free of charge✓A clear recommendation on the right licence scope, not a sales pitch✓Transparent fixed fees, confirmed up front✓EN · RU · ES speaking team
Prifinance is an independent law and advisory firm. We are not a regulator and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of DMCC or VARA or any other public authority. Authorisations are granted by, and obtained directly from, the competent authorities.