DIFC
Dubai International Financial Center
Dubai’s onshore financial centre is the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) that gives businesses, including financial institutions, a solid and streamlined foundation from which to reach the region’s emerging markets.
What is DIFC?
DIFC has at its core an independent risk-based regulator, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). This regulator oversees the distribution of licenses and activities for each and every banking and financial institution in DIFC. It has been created with principle-based primary legislation in mind, similar to that which is found in London and New York. Companies setting up in DIFC can feel confident that the DFSA has a key role in ensuring that confidence in the financial centre is well placed.
Location
Sheikh Zayed Rd
Dubai, UAE
Advantages of DIFC company setup
- Cost effective business incorporation solutions
- Fast & easy incorporation and company management
- Wide and comprehensive range of business activities including Consultancy, Service and Trading options
- Physical presence in the UAE is not required for incorporation
- Companies have limited liability
- 100% exemption from corporate and income taxes
- No paid upfront share capital requirements
- Ability to incorporate holding companies
License types
Ancillary services
Asset management and fund registration
Banking services
Business processing operations
Capital markets
Islamic finance
Reinsurance and captive insurance
DIFC company structures
DIFC company structures
- Company limited by shares
- LLC
- Branch office
- Partnership
Processing time
- License 3-4 weeks (complying with all the necessary requirements)
- Visa application process: 7 business days (normal) and 2 business days (express/VIP)
Office type
- Commercial office space
- Co-working space
- Retails space
- Business centers
- Event spaces
- Data centers
Select a free zone region
of your interest
- Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone (ADAFZ)
- Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD)
- Masdar City Free Zone (MCFZ)
- Ajman Free Zone (AFZ)
- Ajman Media City Free Zone (AMCFZ)
- Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC)
- Dubai Design District (D3)
- Dubai South / Dubai World Central (DWC)
- Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC)
- Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA)
- Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (DTEC)
- Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority (DAFZA)
- Fujairah Free Zone Authority (FFZA)
- Creative City Fujairah Free Zone (CCFZ)
- International Free Zone Authority (IFZA)
- Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
- Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)
- Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone (UAQFTZ)