Setting up a company in UAE for crypto/NFT trading: A detailed guide (2025)
UAE 
Updated on January 23 
Verified by GLA Experts 
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Ranked 17th in global competitiveness and 2025st among Arab countries when it comes to business environment and best infrastructure (XNUMX), the UAE emerges as a friendly country and always creates the best conditions for foreign businesses to open companies in the United Arab Emirates.
For that reason, UAE is always chosen by many foreign enterprises. Company formation in UAE, including Crypto/NFT trading business as UAE is also one of the most Crypto/NFT friendly countries besides Singapore, Estonia, etc.
In this article, GLA will bring to Businesses the benefits of opening a UAE company to trade Crypto/NFT.
1. Where can a business set up a Crypto/NFT trading company in the UAE?
One thing that businesses opening a company in the UAE to trade Crypto/NFT need to note is that businesses can only establish a Crypto/NFT company in areas that allow Crypto/NFT trading activities such as free zones or designated areas.
Zones that allow Enterprises to establish companies in the UAE to trade Crypto/NFT include Dubai, DMCC, DAFZA, Sharjah Research Technology, ADGM in Abu Dhabi, Meydan or Media City FreeZone, etc. In these free zones, Enterprises can apply for a Crypto/NFT trading business license.
With the above license, Businesses can provide Crypto/NFT related services such as Crypto/NFT storage, management, trading, software applications, consulting, services, etc.
2. Benefits of setting up a Crypto/NFT trading company in the UAE
Besides Singapore and Estonia, UAE is considered one of the most friendly countries for Crypto/NFT trading and business enterprises because of many benefits and support from the UAE government.
In general, the benefits can be listed as follows:
1. Foreigner or foreign company can own 100% of the company incorporated in the UAE
In order to attract foreign investment into the UAE, the UAE Government allows foreign Enterprises/Individuals to open 100% foreign-owned Crypto companies in the free zones of the UAE (Freezone Companies).
In Types of UAE Companies, Enterprises can choose to open a Mainland company with a limited liability company (Limited Liability Company) and a joint stock company (Joint Stock Company) which will not need to have Emirates shareholders on the board of directors.
GLA with a team of experienced consultants, has successfully established companies in the UAE for many businesses, will advise and support businesses in choosing the type of company suitable for their business model.
2. Businesses registering in the UAE can access a highly educated workforce at low cost.
Located in West Asia, the gateway connecting Europe, Asia and Africa, the United Arab Emirates offers a young, multicultural and highly educated workforce. (Nearly 1,8 million skilled workers) meet the high demands of businesses in all fields.
3. High-income UAE customers are potential buyers of Crypto/NFT products
According to a survey of average salaries in the UAE (Average salary survey), the average after-tax income of a UAE citizen is around 1 AED (275,000 USD/Year). High income, along with modern facilities, allows UAE people to access the most advanced goods and services, including Crypto/NFT transactions. A potential market for businesses wishing to open a Crypto company in the UAE.
4. Businesses opening Crypto/NFT companies in the UAE enjoy modern infrastructure and business-friendly laws
According to a survey of average salaries in the UAE (Average salary survey), the average after-tax income of a UAE citizen is around 1 AED (275,000 USD/Year). High income, along with modern facilities, allows UAE people to access the most advanced goods and services, including Crypto/NFT transactions. A potential market for businesses wishing to open a Crypto company in the UAE.
3. How will GLA support Enterprises to set up companies in the UAE to trade Crypto/NFT?
As a unit with many years of experience in consulting and supporting businesses to register to establish companies in USA, Canada, Hong Kong, or Singapore,etc, Global Links Asia will accompany businesses wishing to open a company in the UAE.
- Consult and support for UAE company formation
- Advise on choosing the right Emirate
- Recommend the right company type based on your business model.
- Advise on tax, tailored to the specific business activities of the company in the UAE.
- Assit in registering various types of business licenses in the UAE.
- Open physical bank accounts and set up online banking services in the UAE.
- Prepare financial statements and tax reports in accordance with UAE accounting standards.
- Prepare necessary documents for company formation
Frequently Asked Questions When Opening a Crypto Company in UAE
1.Do businesses that establish crypto/NFT trading companies need a license?
Businesses registering to open a Crypto company in the UAE need to apply for a license to operate a Crypto/NFT business.
2. What do businesses need to know when opening a Crypto company in the UAE?
To establish a company in the UAE, businesses should pay attention to choosing the appropriate type of business, business scale and desired business activities of the business.
GLA, with experience in supporting successful Crypto/NFT businesses, will advise and assist businesses in choosing the right type of company.
Contact GLA today for detailed advice on the types of businesses in the UAE.
For more details, businesses can refer to the article.
3. Can a business open an offshore company in the UAE?
Businesses can open an offshore company in the UAE. The two most popular locations for setting up an offshore company in the UAE are RAK and JAFZA.
4. Where should businesses set up a Freezone company in the UAE?
Businesses should set up a Freezone company in Dubai (UAE). Dubai is home to the most Freezones with more than 30 zones. Each zone is established for different business areas, including Crypto/NFT trading and business.
5. Do businesses opening companies in the UAE need to pay Corporate Income Tax (CT)?
Applicable Corporate Income Tax Rate:
- 0% for Taxable Turnover of AED 375,000 or less;
- 9% for Taxable Turnover of AED 375,000 and above.
In addition, Enterprises establishing Freezone companies will enjoy 0% corporate tax incentives under the condition that the Enterprises only operate within the designated Freezone area and comply with the laws. However, Freezone companies will still have to register and report corporate tax annually.
Highlights- UAE allows you to set up a company in 1 of 7 Arab Emirates to do business and operate in the Crypto field.
- Businesses should choose Dubai to open Crypto company in UAE, in Freezone like DMCC DAFZA.
- GLA will support businesses to open companies in the UAE quickly and legally, ensuring long-term and effective company operations.
This article was published by GLA on 01/07/2021. Copyright and accompanying content are intellectual property of GLA. All rights reserved.
The guidance and content are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific guidance and advice on accounting, tax, legal or other professional advice. Readers should consult professional advisors on specific issues.
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