Virtual Asset Custody Services License UAE

ISIC classification: Other financial service activities, except insurance and pension funding activities, n.e.c. (6499)

Typically requires Designated Zone status for VAT purposes

About this activity

Safeguards client virtual-asset holdings through segregated wallet infrastructure, key-management protocols, and insurance coverage.

Regulatory requirements

Requires external approval — Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) (Dubai) / Securities & Commodities Authority (SCA) (other Emirates)

100% foreign ownershipYes

Facility requirementLicensed Custody Facility with Cold/Hot Wallet Security Infrastructure

Market Analysis

The third of three DED codes in this dataset (with Cryptocurrency Custody and Digital Asset Custody) that all map to VARA's Custody Services category — AED 100,000 application, AED 200,000/year supervision, and capital requirements toward VARA's upper range given custody's direct asset-loss risk profile.

Worth noting for anyone evaluating this activity: VARA's custody framework is closely watched by the exchanges and fund managers it's meant to serve, since a credible independent custodian is genuinely useful infrastructure in a market where many international custodians remain cautious about UAE virtual-asset exposure. That's a real gap, not just a licensing box to check.

Dubai-only in practice; 100% foreign ownership applies. Institutional insurance and audited security architecture are the practical entry barrier here, not the AED 25,000 DED fee figure quoted in this dataset.

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.

Get your ranked shortlist