The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is Dubai’s flagship financial free zone and one of the leading international financial centers in the world. Strategically located between the East and West, DIFC acts as a bridge for global trade and investment across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region.
Founded in 2004, DIFC has built a 20-year reputation as a trusted jurisdiction for financial institutions, professional service firms, family offices, and fintech startups. It is home to over 5,500 active companies, including 17 of the world’s top 20 banks and 7 leading international law firms making it the undisputed financial heart of Dubai.
At The Capital Zone, we provide comprehensive DIFC company formation services, ensuring your business setup process is seamless, compliant, and customized to your goals.
Choosing to set up a company in DIFC means joining an elite ecosystem built for financial excellence, innovation, and growth. DIFC is the UAE’s only jurisdiction (alongside ADGM) with an independent common law legal system, separate from UAE’s civil and Sharia-based framework.
Why global and regional businesses prefer DIFC:
Whether you are launching a financial firm, consulting company, fintech startup, or family office, DIFC offers everything your business needs: world-class regulation, tax efficiency, and global credibility.
DIFC licenses are categorized based on activity type:
DIFC allows multiple legal entity types depending on business size, activity, and ownership preference:
Entity Type | Ideal For | Ownership | Key Features |
Company Limited by Shares (LTD/PLC) | Financial, trading, or investment firms | 1–50 shareholders | Separate legal entity; limited liability |
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | Professional service firms | 2+ partners | Partners have limited liability |
Limited Partnership (LP) | Investment and fund structures | 2+ partners | One general, one limited partner |
General Partnership (GP) | Local consultancy or advisory | 2+ partners | Unlimited liability for partners |
Branch of a Foreign Company | Global firms expanding regionally | Parent retains 100% | No separate legal identity |
Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) | Asset holding, securitization, or trusts | 1+ shareholders | Tax-efficient holding structure |
Foundation | Family offices & succession planning | Founders/beneficiaries | Asset protection & privacy |
Non-Profit Incorporated Organisation (NPIO) | Charities or associations | Multiple members | Non-commercial operations |
Establishing a company in DIFC is transparent, well-regulated, and digitally streamlined. Here’s how it works:
Choose the type of company and activity that best suits your goals financial, non-financial, or innovation-based. Select an appropriate structure such as an LTD, LLP, or Branch.
Submit a Letter of Intent to DIFC Authority, outlining your proposed activities and business model.
Once DIFC reviews your proposal and documents, you’ll receive an In-Principle Approval from the relevant authority:
Submit incorporation documents, pay registration fees, and obtain your Certificate of Incorporation.
A physical office is mandatory. Options include coworking spaces, serviced offices, or leased commercial premises.
Once incorporation is complete, DIFC issues your Trade/Commercial License — allowing full business operations.
Open a UAE corporate bank account with a DIFC-recognized bank to manage business transactions.
Apply for investor, employee, and dependent visas under your DIFC company license.
Depending on activity type and approvals required:
Total Timeframe: 3–6 weeks for complete DIFC company formation.
DIFC offers modern infrastructure and flexible workspace options for businesses of all sizes:
DIFC is a premium jurisdiction; setup costs vary depending on business activity and office type.
Setup Type | Estimated Cost (AED) | Includes |
Non-Financial License | 45,000 – 60,000 | Registration, licensing, and admin fee |
Financial License (DFSA Regulated) | 90,000 – 150,000 | License + DFSA approval costs |
Innovation License | ~AED 5,500 (USD 1,500) | For tech/AI startups (valid up to 4 years) |
Prescribed Company / SPV | 4,000 – 7,000 | For asset holding or family offices |
Annual Renewal | Similar to setup fee | Includes license renewal & admin cost |
Note: Office rent, visa issuance, and legal documentation are billed separately.
While DIFC offers one of the most advanced ecosystems, new entrants may face certain challenges:
The Capital Zone ensures these complexities are handled efficiently for a smooth setup experience.
At The Capital Zone, we provide end-to-end support for DIFC business setup, from strategy to licensing, compliance, and beyond.
Our DIFC setup services include:
We’ve successfully assisted numerous entrepreneurs, fintech startups, and financial institutions to establish and expand their presence in the Dubai International Financial Centre.
Contact our team of financial experts for personalized assistance and support.
The process usually takes 3–6 weeks, depending on your business activity and documentation.
Yes. DIFC allows full foreign ownership without a local sponsor.
DIFC companies enjoy 0% personal income tax and 0% corporate tax on qualifying income for up to 40 years.
Yes, DIFC companies can conduct international business and trade freely through global banking and investment networks.
