UAE SCA VASP

VASP Licensing Under the Securities & Commodities Authority (SCA)

Legal Advisory & Licensing Support Services in Abu Dhabi.

At GFSC GLOBAL UAE, we specialize in providing comprehensive legal and regulatory support to businesses seeking to operate in the virtual assets sector under the regulatory framework established by the Securities & Commodities Authority (SCA) of the United Arab Emirates.

The Federal Law No. (4) of 2000 regulates these activities and the Emirates Securities & Commodities Authority and Market governs financial and capital markets activity across the UAE, including the licensing of Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs).

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Expert Guidance on VASP Licensing

The SCA’s regulatory framework mandates that all entities conducting virtual asset-related business in the UAE obtain the appropriate license(s) and comply with stringent operational, compliance, and reporting obligations.
We assist clients throughout the entire licensing and compliance lifecycle, including advisory, preparation, submission, and post-licensing obligations. We support VASP licensing in the following categories:

This license is required for entities that facilitate the buying, selling, and trading of virtual assets on behalf of clients.

Our services include:

  • Legal structuring and eligibility assessment
  • Preparation of application documents and internal policies
  • AML/CFT framework development in line with SCA guidelines
  • Advisory on technology and operational requirements
  • Representation before the SCA throughout the application process

Entities providing custody, safekeeping, or storage of virtual assets must obtain this license to ensure secure and compliant handling of client assets.

We provide legal support in:

  • Designing compliant custody structures and policies
  • Drafting and reviewing required documentation (custody agreements, internal controls, etc.)
  • Advising on cybersecurity and asset segregation requirements
  • Ensuring alignment with both local and international custody standards

Key Features:

  • 100% foreign ownership

  • No physical office required (registered agent only)

  • Cannot issue UAE residency visas

  • Cannot trade within the UAE

  • Can open UAE bank accounts

Best Suited For:

  • Holding companies

  • International consulting and trading

  • Asset protection

  • Property ownership outside the UAE

Our Approach

As a trusted legal advisor, we offer:

End-to-end support

From initial consultation to license issuance and ongoing compliance.

Regulatory expertise

In-depth knowledge of UAE federal laws, SCA circulars, and evolving virtual asset regulations.

Risk mitigation

Ensuring your business model aligns with both current and forthcoming regulatory expectations.

Why Choose Us

✔ Deep understanding of UAE’s regulatory ecosystem
✔ Proven track record in fintech and digital asset licensing
✔ Ongoing compliance support post-licensing
✔ Direct engagement with SCA and related authorities

We serve startups, institutional firms, and global enterprises looking to enter the UAE virtual asset market through a legally sound and regulator-approved path.

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License Details

Feature/Category

Virtual Assets Service Provider (VASP)

Type of company required to be eligible

Mainland Dubai, DIFC, ADGM

Minimum paid-up statutory capital

Starting AED 2 million to AED 4 million depending the category

Corporate Taxation

9%

Main requirements

  • min 2 local directors (fit and proper)
  • local Compliance
  • local office
  • External Audit

Approximate Timeframe

As regards the timeframe for obtaining the license, a completed application is normally decided upon SCA approval within approximately 6 months from the date of the final filing.

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Ready to start your VASP licensing journey in Abu Dhabi?

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