Can an individual launch a crypto token? What to know first
Technically, anyone can create a token on a blockchain in a short time. Doing it legally and responsibly is much harder.
The legal side
- India has no single crypto law, but tax, money-laundering and reporting rules apply to crypto businesses (CoinSwitch summary, May 2026).
- In the UAE, the Dubai regulator VARA clarified its token issuance rules in April 2026. According to Middle East Briefing, whitepapers and risk disclosures are legally binding, and some token types may need a licence or a licensed distributor.
- Selling a token with a promise of profit can create serious legal risk in many countries.
The costs
- A smart-contract audit for a simple token was priced at about $5,000 to $20,000 in Sherlock's 2026 guide.
- Dubai licence fees quoted by a law firm in September 2026 start at AED 100,000 for the application and AED 200,000 a year for supervision, with capital requirements for some types of tokens. Confirm these with a lawyer.
What to do before you start
1. Write down what the token is for. "To make money" is not a purpose.
2. Speak to a crypto lawyer in the country where you will operate.
3. Publish clear terms on supply and who holds what.
4. Get the code audited.
5. Do not promise returns.
For readers who are thinking of buying new tokens: ask who is behind it, what it does and whether the code was audited.
This article is for information and is not legal advice.