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.

Q: We are considering expanding our business to Dubai (Free Zone) and start trading online and offline through distributors and supermarkets. Our products are packaged food products. In the online part, we want to be listed on an e-commerce platform such as Amazon.ae and also to run our own e-trading platform. What would be the required license to abide by the law and regulation? What type of company should we have?

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?

Over the years the UAE has become a centre of trade and commerce for the Middle East, thanks to its strategic location, excellent connectivity and extensive services to assist with all aspects of business. According to the World Bank's 2016 report, the UAE has ranked 31st in the global index of ease of doing business. This encourages more entrepreneurs to set up different kinds of business entities in the country.

Most entrepreneurs who have ideas for a startup seeking to implement it may face some difficulties in deciding the ideal location, activity, type of license, fees, taxes, among many others. Here are four reasons why the UAE’s thriving start-up scene is the right choice for your business.

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).