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Why Crypto Founders & Investors Are Moving to the UAE?
Best UAE Freezones for Crypto Licenses 2025|
For UK investors, Dubai offers 0% capital gains, dividend, and income tax — but only if you set up in the right freezone and pass the Statutory Residence Test (SRT).
The wrong zone can mean bank account rejections, red flags with HMRC, and loss of credibility.
Wallet Migration & SRT Compliance
Key Takeaways:
- Move wallets to UAE-domiciled exchanges or custody
- Secure UAE Investor or Golden Visa
- Pass SRT by shifting operational and legal control
- Set up UAE banking tied to your freezone
- Optional: Big 4 audit for full compliance credibility
UAE Freezone Crypto Setup Matrix (2025)
Breakdown:
- ADGM: Global gold-standard, ideal for funds, custody, family offices (£15K–£25K)
- DMCC: Trader-friendly, easiest path to crypto license (£7K–£15K)
- DIFC: Premium, selective, used for holding companies & wealth layers (£20K–£30K)
⚠ Avoid: Zones offering cheap, no-activity-proof licenses or offshore bundles — banks reject them.
Who This Is For
- HNW crypto holders seeking 0% CGT
- Trading firms needing secure banking & reputation
- Family offices expanding into tokenized assets
Your Next Step
- Book a Crypto Structuring Briefing with Dubai Shift
- Map your wallet migration + SRT exit timeline
Choose the right freezone with bank-ready credibility.
Explore More – Best UAE Freezones for Crypto Licenses in 2025
This article is part of the Dubai Shift content series on crypto tax exits, SRT compliance, and regulated UAE freezone setups for UK investors. Explore more at: https://dubaishift.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. ADGM (FSRA), DMCC (DMCC Authority), and DIFC (DFSA) license specific crypto/virtual-asset activities. Legality depends on choosing the correct activity code — e.g., proprietary trading, brokerage, custody — and operating under the regulator’s compliance rules.
ADGM → Institutional-grade, best for custody, funds, and family-office setups. DMCC → Trader-friendly, common for exchanges, trading desks, and consultants. DIFC → Premium finance hub, often used as a holding/wealth layer or broader fintech base. Your choice should be based on activity scope, banking requirements, and brand reputation goals.
A license alone is not enough. To break UK tax residency, you must pass the Statutory Residence Test (SRT) — typically requiring UAE residency (visa + Emirates ID), shifting operational/legal control, and aligning your day counts.
Most setups take 2–6 weeks, depending on zone and scope. Typical license costs: DMCC: £7K–£15K ADGM: £15K–£25K DIFC: £20K–£30K Bank account access often requires proof of activity, source-of-funds, and sometimes an audit overlay.
Highly recommended. Relocating wallets/custody to UAE-domiciled exchanges or custodians helps with banking credibility, audit trail, and SRT evidence. Keep a documented chain of custody and exchange statements linking holdings to your UAE entity.
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