How to Complete KYC on OKX for Users in the UAE
UAE users can complete KYC verification on OKX, and the UAE is one of OKX's core compliant markets — OKX obtained a full operating license from Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) in October 2024, becoming the world's first crypto trading platform to offer AED banking services for both retail and institutional clients in the UAE. The verification process is closely aligned with local regulatory requirements, and using an Emirates ID is key to completing certification.
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Prerequisites
Before you start, confirm the following:
Hold a valid Emirates ID. This is the mandatory document for UAE users to complete OKX KYC verification. Both the front and back sides need to be prepared.
Your Emirates ID is within its validity period. The system automatically verifies the chip data against the uploaded image. Paper photocopies are invalid.
Stable network environment. It is recommended to use a UAE local IP address for verification to avoid triggering risk controls due to IP and residency mismatch.
If you hold an Emirates ID but are not a UAE citizen, you are eligible as long as you hold a valid residency. OKX's services in the UAE cover retail and institutional investors, supporting AED deposits and withdrawals and an Arabic-language interface.
Step 1: Register an Account and Confirm Country of Residence
What to do: Complete registration via the OKX official website or app, and navigate to the identity verification page.
How to do it:
Open the OKX official website or app, and click [Register].
Register using your email or phone number. UAE users can use a local mobile number.
After successful registration, go to [User Center] - [Identity Verification].
In [Country/Region of Residence], select "United Arab Emirates".
When is this step complete?: You have successfully registered an account, entered the identity verification page, and selected the UAE as your country of residence.
UAE residents can deposit and withdraw AED directly on the OKX platform through local bank accounts, with support for over 280 cryptocurrencies and more than 480 trading pairs, including BTC/AED, ETH/AED, and USDT/AED.
Step 2: Upload Emirates ID
What to do: Upload photos of the front and back of your Emirates ID according to the on-screen prompts.
How to do it:
In the document type selection, choose "Emirates ID" or the corresponding option automatically matched by the system.
Click the upload area and select the prepared photos of your document.
Emirates ID photo requirements:
Use original physical card to take photos; screenshots, reproductions, or photocopies are not accepted.
All four corners must be visible; the frame must not be cropped.
No glare, obstructions, or watermarks.
Both front and back sides must be uploaded.
Important note: The system automatically verifies chip data against the uploaded image. Paper photocopies are invalid.
When is this step complete?: Front and back photos of the Emirates ID have been successfully uploaded, and the system shows that the upload progress bar is complete.
The Emirates ID is the required document for UAE users to complete KYC. The chip data validation means the uploaded ID must be the latest version that the system's reader can recognize. It is recommended to photograph the original physical card rather than using a digital copy.
Step 3: Fill in Personal Information and Complete Facial Recognition
What to do: Fill in personal information exactly matching your Emirates ID and complete liveness detection.
How to do it:
Fill in personal information: Name (must match the spelling on your Emirates ID exactly), date of birth, Emirates ID number, residential address.
Complete facial recognition:
Remove glasses, hats, masks, or any other obstructions.
Perform the process in a well-lit environment and avoid backlighting.
Position your face within the frame and follow the prompts to complete actions such as blinking and head turning.
When is this step complete?: All information has been filled in, facial recognition has been passed, and the page prompts you to proceed to the next step.
If you are an eligible trader or institutional client, after completing basic verification you can also undergo an additional qualification review for derivatives trading.
Step 4: Complete Eligible Client Review if You Want Derivatives Trading
What to do: If you want to use derivatives such as futures and options, you need to additionally pass the "Eligible Client" review.
How to do it, according to OKX's compliance requirements in the UAE:
Retail eligible traders:
Complete a knowledge test.
Pass a suitability assessment.
Submit bank statements or other supporting documents proving you hold at least 500,000 AED (approximately 136,000 USD) in liquid assets.
Institutional clients:
Pass additional KYC conditions.
Meet one of the following criteria:
Minimum total assets and liabilities of no less than 20 million USD.
Annual net turnover of 40 million USD.
Total own funds of at least 2 million USD.
When is this step complete?: You have passed the knowledge assessment and document review, and obtained derivatives trading permissions.
Step 5: Wait for Review and Monitor the Result
What to do: After submitting the verification application, wait for the OKX review team to process it.
How to do it:
Basic KYC verification is usually completed within a few minutes to a few hours.
Reviews for eligible clients/institutional clients may take additional time depending on document complexity.
The review result will be pushed via in-app notification, site message, or registered email.
If rejected, the system will indicate the reason for rejection. Make corrections based on the prompts and resubmit.
When is this step complete?: You receive a notification that the review has been approved, the identity verification page shows "Verified", and the corresponding functional permissions are unlocked.
Common Reasons for Failure
Unclear Emirates ID photo: Blurry, glare, incomplete corners, or use of reproductions/screenshots.
Use of paper photocopies: The system requires original card photographs; paper photocopies are invalid.
Chip data verification failed: The uploaded document image cannot be read by the system's chip reader. It is possible that the ID is not the latest version or the photographing method is incorrect.
Information does not match the document: Name spelling or Emirates ID number differs from the original document.
Derivatives trading qualifications not met: Failed to pass the knowledge test or provide sufficient proof of assets.
A leading global cryptocurrency platform,suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.
New user benefit: 20% off trading fees upon registration!！
Risk Reminders
OKX has obtained a full operating license from VARA in the UAE and is bound by the local regulatory framework, providing basic compliance protection for user funds.
Standard Chartered Bank has partnered with OKX to launch a collateral mirror program operating under the Dubai VARA regulatory framework, providing institutional clients with G-SIB level custody security.
One identity document can only verify one OKX account. Submit genuine and valid documents; false information will result in account freezing.
Next steps: After confirming that your Emirates ID is within the validity period and the information is clear, open the OKX app and go to the [Identity Verification] page. Select "United Arab Emirates" as your country of residence, upload the front and back photos of your Emirates ID, and complete facial recognition. If you only need spot trading, completing basic verification is sufficient. If you need derivatives such as futures, apply for the Eligible Client review after passing verification and prepare a proof of at least 500,000 AED in assets. After submission, watch for review notifications. You can use referral code 24U2795 when registering.
