Cryptocurrency Software Development License UAE

ISIC classification: Computer programming activities (6201)

Typically requires Designated Zone status for VAT purposes

About this activity

Builds trading engines, wallet software, and back-office systems used by cryptocurrency exchanges, brokers, and custodians.

Regulatory requirements

Requires external approval — Dept. of Economic Development / TDRA

100% foreign ownershipYes

Facility requirementStandard Office Premises (Non-Custodial Technology Provider)

Market Analysis

Software development for cryptocurrency-related products (wallets, trading tools, exchange back-ends built for a client rather than operated by the developer) is a standard Professional/tech license — the critical distinction from VARA-regulated activities is whether the developer is *providing the licensed service* versus *building software for someone else who holds the license*.

Sharjah's cheaper base costs (roughly AED 9,000 here versus Dubai's higher professional-license fees) make it the practical default for a pure dev shop with no plans to operate a licensed platform itself.

If the same company later decides to launch and operate its own exchange, wallet, or custody product rather than build for clients, that's the point where VARA licensing (see the exchange, custody, and wallet clusters elsewhere in this dataset) becomes relevant — worth flagging as a natural growth-path decision point.

100% foreign ownership applies.

Available in: . A detailed per-emirate fee breakdown isn't published for this activity yet — check back soon, or get a scored recommendation for your specific business below.

Mainland or free zone for this activity?

Scout compares your total cost across both routes, not just the licence fee.

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