How to Register on OKX in the UAE?
UAE users must register through the VARA (Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority) licensed local entity. Simply visit the official website to register directly, complete KYC verification using your Emirates ID, and after approval you can link a local bank account for AED deposits and withdrawals.
What to Know Before Registering
Key information: OKX officially launched its VARA-licensed platform in the UAE in October 2024, under the entity name OKX Middle East Fintech FZE (VASP License No: VL/23/12/003), authorized to serve retail, qualified, and institutional investors.
Prerequisites:
Phone number: A UAE mobile number (Etisalat, du, etc.) that can receive SMS verification codes.
Email: Recommended international email like Gmail or Outlook.
ID document: Only a valid Emirates ID is accepted; passports or other documents are not accepted. The ID must be valid and when photographed, ensure all four corners are visible, no glare, and text is clear.
Age requirement: Must be at least 18 years old.
The OKX App supports Arabic interface, but the registration process is currently mainly in English. UAE users can directly visit www.okx.com; the system will automatically detect your region based on IP.
Detailed Registration Steps
1. Go to OKX Official Website or Download the Official App
What to do: Access the OKX UAE licensed platform through official channels.
How to do it:
Desktop: Enter the official URL www.okx.com in your browser. The system will automatically display the localized version based on your UAE IP.
Mobile: Apple users search "OKX" in the App Store (UAE region); Android users search "OKX" on Google Play to download.
When it's completed: The page loads normally and you see the "Sign Up" button.
Do not enter through search engine ads; ensure the official domain okx.com. OKX operates in the UAE through a VARA-licensed entity, no need to visit any separate sub-site.
2. Click "Sign Up" and Enter Phone Number or Email
What to do: Enter the registration page and choose a registration method.
How to do it:
Click the "Sign Up" button in the upper right corner of the page.
Support for phone number or email registration. For phone number, select country code +971 (UAE).
After entering your information, click "Get Code".
Enter the verification code you received.
When it's completed: The verification code is accepted and you proceed to the password setup page.
3. Set a Login Password
What to do: Set a secure password for your account.
How to do it:
Password must be 8-20 characters, including letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and special characters.
Do not use simple combinations like birthdays or consecutive numbers.
Confirm and submit.
When it's completed: The system confirms password setting successfully and moves to the next step.
Do not reuse your email or social media passwords. OKX will never ask for your password in any form.
4. Select Country/Region of Residence
What to do: Select your country of residence when prompted by the system.
How to do it:
During registration you will see the option "Which country/region do you live in?".
From the dropdown list, select "United Arab Emirates".
When it's completed: The system confirms your selected region and proceeds to KYC verification.
5. Complete Identity Verification (KYC)
What to do: Submit your Emirates ID to complete identity verification. This is a mandatory requirement for VARA-licensed compliance; accounts without completed KYC cannot trade, deposit, or withdraw.
How to do it:
After logging in, go to the "Identity Verification" page (the system will guide you automatically, or you can find it under "Account - Security Center").
Use Emirates ID verification:
Enter your name (must match the ID), and ID number.
Upload front and back photos of your Emirates ID (ensure all four corners complete, no glare, text clear).
Complete facial recognition (selfie comparison, ensure face is unobstructed).
May need to provide proof of address (e.g., utility bill dated within the last 3 months).
When it's completed: The system shows "Submitted Successfully" and enters review status. Review is usually completed within 24 hours; results are notified by email.
Common reasons for failure:
ID photo is blurry, has glare, or information is blocked.
Facial recognition not passed (face obscured, glare, etc.).
Using a non-Emirates ID (the KYC page clearly states only Emirates ID is accepted).
Spelling of the name entered does not match the ID.
Risk reminder: Accounts registered with false identity information will be permanently frozen. The VARA-licensed entity is strictly supervised under UAE anti-money laundering laws; serious violations may be reported to regulators.
6. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Strongly Recommended Immediately
What to do: Add a second security lock to your account.
How to do it:
Go to "Account Settings" → "Security Center".
Find "Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)", recommend binding with Google Authenticator or Authy.
Copy down the backup recovery code and save it securely; do not store it in your phone gallery or cloud.
When it's completed: Security Center shows 2FA is enabled.
What to Do After Registration
Once KYC review is approved, UAE users can deposit and withdraw AED directly via a local UAE bank account with zero fees.
Retail users can engage in spot trading, crypto conversion, etc., supporting over 280 cryptocurrencies and 480 trading pairs, with three key AED pairs: BTC/AED, ETH/AED, USDT/AED. Derivatives trading such as futures and options requires an additional compliance assessment test.
Review waiting time: KYC review is usually completed within 24 hours. If you haven't received a result after this time, contact OKX customer support via the in-app live chat.
OKX referral code: 24U2795 (can be filled in during registration; not using it won't affect account functionality).
