Dubai International Financial Centre company setup
Dubai's financial centre, operating under English common law with its own courts and regulator, built for regulated financial businesses.
At a glance
- Typical set-up10–30 days
- Visa quotaVaries by entity
- OfficePhysical office
- Ownership100% foreign ownership
Best for
Regulated financial services and family offices
About the zone
Why DIFC stands out
DIFC was established in 2004 as Dubai's dedicated financial hub. It runs on English common law with its own courts (DIFC Courts) and regulator (DFSA), which gives global institutions a familiar legal framework.
It is built for banking, asset management, insurance, fintech and family offices. Regulated firms go through DFSA approval, so setup is slower and costlier than other Dubai zones. Non-financial companies are usually better placed in DMCC or Meydan.
- English common law and DIFC Courts
- DFSA-regulated environment
- Hub for banks, funds and family offices
Worth knowing: Non-financial businesses will find lighter, cheaper zones elsewhere in Dubai.
Key benefits
What a free zone company gives you
100% foreign ownership
Full ownership and control of your company, with no local sponsor required.
Corporate tax benefits
Qualifying Free Zone Persons may pay 0% on qualifying income. Conditions apply, and we check eligibility for you.
Profit repatriation
Move capital and profits abroad without currency restrictions.
Remote-friendly set-up
Most of the application can be completed online, with in-person steps only for visa formalities.
Residency visa route
Investor and employee visas are available within the zone's quota.
Banking support
We prepare your file and introduce you to banks that match your activity.
Tax treatment depends on your structure and activity. Our advisers confirm eligibility before you commit.
Allowed activities
What you can do in DIFC
Popular activities for this zone. The full permitted list is longer, and we match your business model to the right licence before you commit.
Set-up process
6 steps to launch in DIFC
From first call to your first bank transaction, we handle the paperwork and the government portals.
- 1
Consultation and activity check
We match your business to the right licence and zone, and list the documents you'll need.
- 2
Name reservation and approvals
We submit your proposed company names and confirm your activity is permitted.
- 3
Licence application
We file the application, shareholder documents and lease through the zone's portal.
- 4
Establishment card and visa
Once licensed, we apply for your establishment card and investor visa entry permit.
- 5
Medical, biometrics and Emirates ID
We book your appointments. You attend a short medical and biometrics session.
- 6
Corporate bank account
We introduce you to suitable UAE banks and support you through onboarding.
Pricing
DIFC costs
Indicative pricing only. Government fees and final costs may vary.
Standard
from
AED 17,115
- Company registration and licensing
- Office lease agreement
- Establishment Card (Ministry of Labour)
- 1 resident visa + Emirates ID
Maximum
from
AED 32,115
- Company registration and licensing
- Office lease agreement
- Establishment Card
- 1 resident visa + Emirates ID
- 1 corporate bank account
Maximum PRO
from
AED 38,115
- Company registration and licensing
- Office lease agreement
- Establishment Card
- 1 resident visa + Emirates ID
- 1 corporate bank account
- 1 personal bank account
Documents
What you need to provide
We handle the government paperwork. This is everything we'll ask you for at the start.
- Passport copies for all shareholders, valid for 6+ months
- Passport-style photos on a white background
- Three proposed company names
- A list of your intended business activities
- Signed application form from the shareholder
- Recent proof of address, such as a utility bill
- Existing UAE visa and Emirates ID, if resident
- NOC from your current UAE sponsor, if employed
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DIFC FAQ
Costs depend on your activity, number of visas and office type. We prepare a written quote with every government fee itemised after a short consultation.
Typically 10–30 days once documents are complete. Visas and the bank account follow after the licence is issued.
Varies by entity. Additional visas may be available depending on your package and office. We confirm the exact quota for your activity.
Physical office. Requirements depend on the licence and activity, and we advise on the most cost-effective option.
Free zone companies can generally trade with other free zone businesses, export abroad and use e-commerce platforms. Selling directly to UAE consumers usually needs a mainland licence or a distributor, and we explain the options for your model.
Much of the process can be done remotely. You would normally need to attend in person for the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics if you apply for a residency visa.
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