Regulatory licensing
Choosing the right regulator and preparing applications for financial services, payments and fintech businesses in the DIFC, ADGM and onshore UAE.
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Corporate & Advanced Advisory
Senior-level counsel for founders, investors and family groups who need the right licence, the right structure and the right partner, without the overhead of a large firm.
What we advise on
Six areas, one senior team
We keep this practice focused: a small set of high-value services, led by senior advisers and scoped in writing before work begins.
Digital assets & VARA
Licensing strategy and compliance for virtual-asset businesses in Dubai, from activity mapping to policies and ongoing obligations.
International structuring
Holding companies, free-zone and offshore vehicles, and cross-border structures built around substance, banking and UAE corporate tax.
Family office & private wealth
Family-office set-up, foundations, wills and succession planning for families who live or invest in the UAE.
M&A & investment
Share and asset acquisitions, due diligence, investment rounds and shareholder agreements for UAE companies and inbound investors.
Founder relocation
A single plan for moving to the UAE: company set-up, residency or Golden Visa routes, banking introductions and personal legal documents.
How we engage
Built for decision-makers
Fixed-fee scoping
We agree the scope, deliverables and fee in writing before we start, so there are no open-ended hourly bills.
Senior-led
Your matter is led by a senior adviser from first call to completion, not passed down a chain.
Commercial first
Advice framed around your business goals, timelines and budget, not just the legal theory.
Toolkit
Quick answers before you call
Free, simple tools to help you plan. They are general guidance, so confirm the details with us before you act.
What are you planning? Choose the closest match.
START HERE
Which authority licenses you?
Pick an activity to see the regulator that usually applies and the typical first steps.
Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority
VARA licenses and supervises virtual-asset activities in Dubai, including its free zones but excluding the DIFC.
- Map each activity to VARA’s licensed activity categories
- Set up the company with the relevant licensing authority
- Prepare the VARA application, rulebooks and compliance policies
Dubai Financial Services Authority
The DFSA regulates financial services carried on in or from the Dubai International Financial Centre.
- Confirm the DFSA licence category for your activities
- Incorporate the DIFC entity
- Submit the DFSA application with business plan and key individuals
Financial Services Regulatory Authority (ADGM)
The FSRA regulates financial services and virtual-asset activities in Abu Dhabi Global Market.
- Define the regulated activities and category
- Incorporate the ADGM entity
- Prepare the FSRA application and approved-person filings
Central Bank of the UAE
The Central Bank licenses banks, finance companies, exchange houses, payment service providers and stored-value facilities in the onshore UAE.
- Identify the CBUAE licence type
- Meet capital and governance requirements
- Prepare the application and AML/CFT framework
Federal capital markets regulator
The federal securities regulator oversees securities, investment funds and related services in the onshore UAE outside the financial free zones.
- Confirm whether your offering or fund is regulated
- Choose the right licence or approval route
- Prepare the prospectus or fund documentation
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
DET issues commercial, professional and industrial licences for businesses on the Dubai mainland.
- Choose the business activity and legal form
- Reserve the trade name and obtain initial approval
- Sign the MOA, lease an office and collect the licence
Indicative only. The right regulator depends on your exact activity and location. We confirm it in your first consultation.
| Mainland | Free zone | Offshore | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensing authority | Dubai DET | The free-zone authority (e.g. DMCC, DIFC, ADGM) | Offshore registry (e.g. JAFZA, RAK ICC) |
| Foreign ownership | Up to 100% for most activities | 100% | 100% |
| Trade in the UAE market | Yes, directly | Within the zone and abroad; onshore usually via a distributor | No local trading |
| Office needed | Yes, physical office | Flexi-desk to full office | Registered agent only |
| Residence visas | Yes | Yes, by package | No |
All structures fall within UAE corporate tax; qualifying free-zone persons may benefit from 0% on qualifying income. General guidance only.
Do I need a licence to run a crypto business from Dubai?
Usually yes. Virtual-asset activities in Dubai (outside the DIFC) need a VARA licence, and setting up the company alone is not enough. We map your activities first.
DIFC or ADGM — which is better?
Both are common-law financial centres with strong regulators. The choice depends on your activities, investors, costs and where your team will be based.
Can I own 100% of a mainland company?
For most commercial and professional activities, yes. Some strategic activities still have restrictions, which we check before you apply.
How are your advisory fees set?
We scope the work after a first call and confirm a fixed fee or capped budget in writing before we begin.
Do you work with clients outside the UAE?
Yes. Many advisory clients are founders and families preparing to move to, invest in or expand into the UAE.
Free consultation
Discuss your structure or licence
Tell us what you are planning. We will scope the work and give you a fixed fee before we start.