ADGM FSRA Virtual Asset Licence
Cost
Substantial, application + ongoing fees
Timeline
9-15 months
Capital
USD 250,000-USD 2M+ depending on activity
VA Service Provider, Multilateral Trading Facility regulated by Abu Dhabi Global Market Financial Services Regulatory Authority.
Who it suits
Crypto exchanges and broker-dealers based in Abu Dhabi or serving GCC clients. Common-law jurisdiction within UAE; alternative to VARA.
Compliance load
FSRA Conduct of Business Rulebook, MIR (Market Infrastructure Rulebook), AML aligned with FATF.
The acquiring angle
Common-law jurisdiction inside UAE, favoured by Western institutional players. Acquirer acceptance moderate, growing.
Notes and pitfalls
Smaller market than VARA-Dubai; choice between ADGM and VARA depends on target client base.
Reference information, not legal advice. Figures are typical ranges as of 2026.
ADGM questions.
How do acquirers view the ADGM licence?
Acquirer acceptance is Moderate. Common-law jurisdiction inside UAE, favoured by Western institutional players. Acquirer acceptance moderate, growing.
What does the ADGM cost and how long does it take?
Cost: Substantial, application + ongoing fees. Timeline: 9-15 months. Capital: USD 250,000-USD 2M+ depending on activity. These are typical ranges as of 2026; verify with the regulator before budgeting.
Does BZNpay help with ADGM applications?
No. We are an introducer to acquirers, not a licensing agent. We can tell you how this licence plays with the acquirer pool and introduce you to the partners whose appetite covers it.