Q: Dear Lawyers, I have a software company in a free zone. My clients pay me in crypto, and I convert it to fiat for my company expenses. Do I need a VASP or VARA license?

Q: Dear Lawyers, Do I need a specific license to buy and sell crypto (USDT) on Binance, especially in P2P? I had a misdemeanor case, and the judge reviewed my bank transactions, asking why there were so many incoming and outgoing transactions. I explained that I buy and sell USDT on Binance P2P. The judge then asked if I have a license to buy and sell crypto, and I said no. The case status is postponed, and the next hearing is scheduled for November 6. I hold a partner visa and have a registered project management company. Do I really need a crypto license before buying and selling USDT on Binance P2P? I've already completed many trades and am now worried that the judge might impose a hefty fine. I can't afford a lawyer right now. Please help me with this information.

س: إننا نفكر في توسيع نطاق أعمالنا إلى إمارة دبي (المنطقة الحرة) والبدء في ممارسة أنشطة التجارة الإلكترونية والتجارة التقليدية من خلال الموزعين ومحلات السوبر ماركت. منتجاتنا عبارة عن منتجات غذائية معبأة. في الجزء الخاص بالتجارة الإلكترونية، نريد أن يتم إدراجنا في إحدى منصات التجارة الإلكترونية مثل أمازون الإمارات، وأيضًا نريد تشغيل منصة التجارة الإلكترونية الخاصة بنا. ما هو الترخيص المطلوب من أجل الالتزام بالقانون واللوائح؟ ما نوع الشركة التي يجب علينا تأسيسها؟

Q: Hello, Hope this message finds you well! I am seeking legal advice regarding my financial situation as a forex trader living in the UAE under a sponsor work visa. Currently, I do not work for any company and earn my income primarily through cryptocurrency trading. However, I would like to ensure that I can legally receive and withdraw approximately AED 15,000 per month into my UAE bank account without raising any suspicion from the bank. My main concerns are: I am a forex trader and earn money through cryptocurrency, which I then exchange into fiat currency (AED). How can I ensure that the process of depositing this income into my bank account is transparent and compliant with UAE laws to avoid any issues with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations? Since I do not have a formal job or salary, how should I go about documenting or explaining my income to the bank to avoid any red flags regarding the source of my funds? Are there any specific steps I need to take to ensure my deposits are compliant?

نجحت الإمارات العربية المتحدة في أن تصبح مركزًا للتجارة والتبادل التجاري في الشرق الأوسط في غضون سنوات قليلة بفضل موقعها الاستيراتيجي والجغرافي وخدماتها الشاملة التي تساهم في تسهيل جميع العمليات المرتبطة بالتبادل التجاري. فوفقًا لتقرير البنك الدولي لعام 2016، تحتل الإمارات العربية المتحدة المركز الحادي والثلاثين في المؤشر العالمي لسهولة ممارسة الأعمال التجارية. كل ذلك يشجع مزيدًا من رواد الأعمال على إنشاء أنواع مختلفة من الشركات في الإمارات.

قد يواجه معظم روَّاد الأعمال الذين لديهم أفكار لتأسيس شركات ناشئة بعض الصعوبات فيما يتعلق بالاختيار الأمثل للموقع والنشاط ونوع الترخيص والرسوم والضرائب وغير ذلك. فيما يلي أربعة أسباب تجعل الأجواء المزدهرة لتأسيس شركات ناشئة في الإمارات العربية المتحدة الخيار الأنسب لانطلاق أعمالك.

The UAE has had tremendous economic development over the last two decades, which can be attributed to the country’s expanding market and large inflow of investments. The demonstrated level of preparedness and equanimity is evident in the legislative framework, characterized by the ongoing and systematic updates of laws. This proactive approach aims to align the legal landscape with the dynamic trajectory of economic advancement, ensuring continual synchronization with the prevailing progress.

The new law is applicable to all entities dealing with virtual assets that are set up on the mainland as well as free zones, including special development zones. However, it does not apply to the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), which will have its own set of rules and regulations governing all virtual assets entities registered with the DIFC.

The provisions of this Federal Decree-Law No. (32) of 2021 on Commercial Companies governs commercial companies in the United Arab Emirates. The New Commercial Companies Code repeals the previous UAE Commercial Companies Code (Federal Law No. (2) of 2015 on Commercial Companies).

The provisions of this Decree-Law, known as the "New E-commerce Law", govern E-commerce regulations in the United Arab Emirates. The New E-commerce Law repeals the previous UAE E-commerce Law (Federal Law No. (1) of 2006 Concerning Electronic Transactions & Commerce).