DIFC Business Setup
The Dubai International Financial Centre is the region’s leading financial hub, with its own common law courts and the DFSA as regulator. It suits banks, wealth managers, fintechs, family offices and holding structures.
- 2004Founded
- Common law frameworkLaw
- DFSARegulator
- 100%Ownership
About DIFC
DIFC was established in 2004 with its own civil and commercial laws based on English common law, and independent DIFC Courts. Financial services are regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority.
Beyond regulated firms, DIFC licenses non financial businesses, retail, innovation start ups, prescribed companies for holding structures and foundations for family wealth.
Authority
Dubai International Financial Centre
Best suited to
Banks, asset and wealth managers; Fintech and innovation; Family offices and foundations; Holding companies.
Benefits of DIFC
Financial hub
Leading centre in the region.
Common law courts
DIFC Courts.
Prescribed companies
Lower cost holding vehicles.
Foundations
Wealth and succession planning.
Innovation licence
For tech start ups.
Ownership
100%.
Licence types available
Financial services licence
DFSA regulated.
Non financial services licence
Professional and commercial.
Retail licence
Retail in DIFC.
Innovation licence
Tech start ups.
Prescribed company
Holding and SPV use.
Foundation
Family and wealth structures.
Legal forms, visas and office
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Legal forms | Private company, Prescribed company, Foundation, Branch |
| Visa allocation | Visa allocation follows office size. |
| Office | Offices in DIFC; co working for innovation licences. |
How setup works
Activity and package
We match your activities to the zone’s list and choose a package and visa count.
Name and application
Trade name reserved and application filed with shareholder documents.
Licence issue
Initial approval, signing of incorporation documents and licence issued.
Establishment card and visas
Immigration card, entry permits, medicals and Emirates ID.
Bank, VAT and corporate tax
Bank account support, corporate tax registration and VAT where needed.
Documents required
- Passport copies of all shareholders and managers (valid for at least 6 months)
- Passport size photographs on a white background
- Visa or entry stamp copy for UAE residents, or a visit visa page
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
- Short business plan or activity description (some zones)
- For corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles, board resolution and good standing, attested
DIFC packages
Starter, 0 visa
AED 14,999 indicative
- Business setup consultation
- Trade name reservation and initial approval
- MOA drafting and attestation
- Commercial trade licence issuance
- Up to 3 business activities on one licence
- Government fee guidance included
Growth, 1 visa
AED 18,999 indicative
- Everything in the Starter package
- Professional licence issuance
- 1 investor/employee visa (Emirates ID and medical fees included)
- Dedicated relationship manager
- 1 free tax/VAT consultation session
Premium, 2 visas
AED 24,999 indicative
- Everything in the Growth package
- Industrial licence issuance
- Facility and site approval coordination
- 2 investor/employee visas (Emirates ID and medical fees included)
- Regulatory and environmental approval support
- Priority processing with dedicated relationship manager
Indicative Balance Brite package prices. Government fees change during the year, so we confirm everything in a written quote before you pay. Prices exclude 5% VAT where it applies.
Tax after setup
Free zone companies must register for corporate tax and file a return every year. If the company meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions (adequate substance in the zone, qualifying income, audited accounts, transfer pricing compliance and non qualifying revenue below 5% of total revenue or AED 5 million, whichever is lower) it pays 0% on qualifying income and 9% on the rest. VAT applies as normal unless the zone is a designated zone for goods. Corporate tax registration and VAT registration can be added to any package.
DIFC questions
Who regulates DIFC?
The Dubai Financial Services Authority regulates financial services in DIFC.
What is a prescribed company?
A simplified DIFC entity for holding and financing structures with lower costs.
Can a free zone company trade with mainland customers?
It can sell to mainland customers through a distributor or agent, or by registering a branch or obtaining a mainland permit where available. Services to mainland clients are possible in many cases. Rules differ by zone and activity.
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up?
Many free zones allow remote setup. You will need to be in the UAE for the visa medical and Emirates ID biometrics.
Speak to our setup manager about DIFC
Hassam Abbasi manages company setup at Balance Brite. Share your activity, the visas you need and where your customers are, and he will recommend a jurisdiction and give you a written quote.