Distributed Ledger Technology Services licence in the UAE
Distributed Ledger Technology Services licensing in the UAE — the authority catalogue rows we hold for this line, the approvals attached to them, and where the activity can be filed.
- IFZA (Dubai)
- 6202012
- Ajman Free Zone
- AM-11258
- Dubai mainland (DET)
- 6202012
Regulator approval required
What the authority says
Includes firms that provide database management solutions and ancillary services based on distributed ledger technologies, such as blockchain, such firms are not permitted to trade in, or setup an exchange for currencies or crypto currencies or commodities
IFZA activity catalogue · synced 5 September 2026
Where you can licence this
| Authority | Status | Code | Licence type | Approval | Facility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IFZA (Dubai) | Listed | Code6202012 | Licence typeProfessional | ApprovalRequired before the licence issues | FacilityNot restricted in the catalogue |
| Ajman Free Zone | Listed | CodeAM-11258, AM-11652 | Licence typeServices | ApprovalNot stated | FacilityOffice, Virtual office |
| Dubai mainland (DET) | Listed | Code6202012 | Licence typeProfessional | ApprovalNot stated | FacilityNot restricted in the catalogue |
Catalogue evidence, not legal advice. Authorities change activity lists without notice — confirm before you file.
Routes that list this activity
- IFZA (Dubai)Dubai address, available with Dubai Setup IndexFrom, no visaAED 12,900
Updated
Open guide - Ajman Free ZoneLower cost, available with Dubai Setup IndexFrom, no visaAED 5,555
Updated
Open guide - Dubai mainland (DET)Onshore trading rights, Ejari premisesFrom, no visaAED 14,000
Updated
Open guide
A route listing the activity is a starting point. The authority confirms eligibility when you apply.
Facility and premises restrictions
- IFZA (Dubai) 6202012 note
- Further details are required.
- Ajman Free Zone AM-11258 facilities
- Office, Virtual office
Third-party approvals
This activity sits with a regulator that controls who may hold the licence. Treat everything below as a starting point and speak to the regulator before you commit money or dates.
Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)
Before licenceIFZA (Dubai)Read the authority’s process note
In line with the current regulations set by the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority, please be informed that all applicants are required to fill an official survey before submitting the license application on the system. The survey can be found through this link: https://msurvey.government.ae/survey/Virtual%20Assets%20Regulatory%20Authority/h8P On the same note, we have been given directives to the effect that any license will not be issued without initial VARA approval for the requested activity, a process that is currently estimated to take a minimum of 4 weeks. Kindly take this into consideration when calculating timelines for VARA approval and license application processes. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Free zone or mainland
- Both IFZA in Dubai and Ajman Free Zone list this activity, so the choice is a Dubai licence address against a lower package cost.
- Dubai mainland under DET lets you invoice UAE mainland clients directly, but it expects Ejari-registered premises and runs longer than a free-zone desk package.
- Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) clearance is required before the licence issues, which breaks any advertised same-week timeline.
- IFZA (Dubai) notes: Further details are required.
Also catalogued elsewhere
The same activity name appears in other authority catalogues we track. This is a name match, not a legal equivalence, and Dubai Setup Index does not file in these zones.
- DMCC7229-99 · Service
Related activities
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FAQ
Can I add more activities to a Distributed Ledger Technology Services licence later?
Usually yes, as a licence amendment, subject to the authority's rules and any extra approval attached to the new line.
Does this activity need third-party approval?
Yes. Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) must clear the activity before the licence issues, so build that step into your timeline.
Licence Distributed Ledger Technology Services with Dubai Setup Index
Compare free-zone and Dubai mainland requirements for costs, premises and how you invoice.