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DIFC

Dubai International Financial
Centre (DIFC)

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world’s leading financial hubs located in the heart of Dubai. Established in 2004, DIFC is a free zone that provides a platform for businesses in the finance, legal, technology, and professional services industries to operate within an environment that aligns with global standards. It serves as a gateway for investment into the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region, offering a dynamic and regulated business ecosystem.

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Industry Focus
  • Financial Services & Business Hub: DIFC is a global financial center with a focus on a variety of industries including:
  • Banking and Finance
  • Investment Management
  • Insurance & Reinsurance
  • Legal & Consultancy
  • Fintech & Innovation
  • Professional Services

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Ownership
  • 100% Foreign Ownership: DIFC allows 100% foreign ownership for businesses in the financial sector and other licensed activities.
Taxation
  • Tailored Office Solutions: DIFC offers a range of office types, including:
  • Serviced Offices
  • Fully Furnished Offices
  • Flexi Desks
  • Customizable Office Spaces

Business License Types

Choose the right license based on your business activity.

Commercial License

Allows a company to conduct trading, import-export, construction, real estate and other commercial activities.

Occupational License

Suitable for professionals offering consultancy, accounting, legal and research services.

Professional License

Issued for service-oriented businesses including technical, artisan and skilled professionals.

Visa & Immigration
  • Visa Eligibility: DIFC companies can apply for residency visas for their employees and investors. The number of visas depends on the office size and business requirements.
  • Family Sponsorship: Investors can sponsor their family members for residence visas under specific conditions.
Compliance & Reporting
  • Setup Costs: The cost to establish a company in DIFC varies depending on:
  • Type of business license.
  • Office space requirements.
  • Number of visas.
  • Setup costs typically start at AED 45,000 and increase depending on specific business requirements.

Banking & Financial Services

Access to International Banks: DIFC provides companies with access to a wide range of international banks and financial institutions for smooth transactions, financing, and investment management.

Office Space
  • Flexible options: Virtual offices, shared workspaces, and serviced offices.
  • Premium locations with access to airports, ports, and commercial hubs.
Advantages
  • International Business Hub: Access to a global network of companies, investors, and financial institutions.
  • Tax Incentives: 9% Corporate Tax (effective from 2023) on exceeding the 375,000 AED net profit.
  • Regulatory Independence: DIFC operates under a common law system, providing legal certainty and protection.
  • Advanced Infrastructure: State-of-the-art office spaces, technology, and regulatory frameworks.
Licensing Authority
  • DIFC Authority: The primary authority responsible for issuing licenses and overseeing the compliance of businesses in the DIFC zone.
Steps to Register a Company
  • Select a Business Activity: Decide the type of business (financial, consultancy, etc.).
  • Choose Your License Type: Choose between financial, professional, or non-financial licenses.
  • Submit Documents: Provide necessary documents such as passport copies, business plan, and legal documents.
  • Office Selection: Choose your office space based on your business needs.
  • Visa Applications: Apply for investor and employee visas.
  • Obtain License: Once all documents are approved, receive your business license and begin operations.

Steps to Register a Company

Get Started
1. Select a Business Activity Decide the type of business (financial, consultancy, etc.).
2. Choose Your License Type Choose between financial, professional, or non-financial licenses.
3. Submit Documents Provide necessary documents such as passport copies, business plan, and legal documents.
4. Office Selection Choose your office space based on your business needs.
5. Visa Applications Apply for investor and employee visas.
6. Obtain License Once all documents are approved, receive your business license and begin operations.
Networking Opportunities
  • DIFC Events: DIFC regularly hosts global events, forums, and conferences, providing businesses with valuable networking opportunities and access to a global client base.
Market Opportunities
  • Financial Services: Dubai’s position as a leading financial hub in the region offers businesses access to a growing market of investors and financial services.
  • Business Hub: DIFC is home to over 2,000 companies, making it one of the largest financial districts in the region.