DIFC Company Setup
Set up your company in DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) — UAE's leading financial free zone with English common law jurisdiction. Ideal for banking, fund management, fintech, and professional services.
Description
DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) is the Middle East's leading financial free zone and a globally recognised financial hub. DIFC operates under an English common law framework with its own independent courts (DIFC Courts), making it the preferred jurisdiction for banking, asset management, insurance, fintech, family offices, holding companies, and professional services firms requiring international legal certainty.
DIFC offers 100% foreign ownership, zero personal and corporate tax for qualifying activities (subject to UAE Corporate Tax rules), and access to a sophisticated financial ecosystem including the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) as the regulator for financial services. DIFC is home to 5,500+ companies including 60% of the world's top 25 banks. DIFC Innovation Hub supports fintech, AI, and Web3 startups with specialised licensing pathways.
Octavon Global Advisory coordinates DIFC setup with our DIFC-specialist legal partners — entity type selection (DIFC Non-Regulated Company, DIFC LLC, Branch, Foundation), activity confirmation, name reservation, application submission, license issuance, visa processing, and corporate bank account introduction. DFSA-regulated financial services require additional regulatory steps with specialist legal counsel. Standard non-regulated DIFC setup completes in 10 to 15 working days.
What's Included
- DIFC Trade License (Non-Regulated or DFSA-Regulated)
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- English Common Law Jurisdiction
- DIFC Courts (Independent Legal System)
- Premium Global Financial Hub Reputation
- Access to DIFC Innovation Hub (Fintech / AI / Web3)
- Entity Selection (LLC / Branch / Foundation / Holding)
- Memorandum of Association
- Articles of Association
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Office Lease Coordination
- Establishment Card and Immigration Card
- Investor Visa (1-2 included)
- Medical Fitness Test and Emirates ID
- Corporate Bank Account Introduction (DIFC-Aligned Banks)
- DFSA Regulatory Coordination (if required)
Requirements / Prerequisites
- Minimum 1 shareholder (individual or corporate)
- Business plan and financial projections
- Activity from DIFC-approved list
- DIFC office space required (no flexi-desk for most activities)
- Minimum capital varies by entity type (AED 50,000 to 1,000,000+)
- DFSA approval for regulated financial services
- NOC from current sponsor if applicant is on UAE residence visa
- Annual license renewal
Required Documents
- Passport Copy (6+ months validity, all shareholders)
- Passport-sized Photograph
- UAE Visa Copy and Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
- Proof of Address (utility bill, last 3 months)
- Comprehensive CV
- Business Plan (mandatory)
- 3 Proposed Trade Name Choices
- List of Proposed Business Activities
- UBO Declaration
- Reference Letters (for regulated activities)
- For corporate shareholder: parent company documents (attested), audited financials
Our Process
- Consultation on entity type and activity (regulated vs non-regulated)
- Reserve company name with DIFC
- Prepare business plan and corporate structure documents
- Submit DIFC application with KYC
- DIFC review and initial approval
- Office space lease (DIFC location)
- Pay DIFC license fees
- Sign MOA and corporate documents
- Receive DIFC Trade License and Certificate of Incorporation
- Establishment Card and Immigration Card
- Investor visa processing
- Medical fitness and Emirates ID
- Corporate bank account opening
- DFSA regulatory approval (if regulated activity)
Pricing
- Basic Fee: AED 35,000
- Service Fee: AED 7,500
- VAT (5%): AED 2,125
- Total: AED 44,625
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose DIFC for company setup?
DIFC is the jurisdiction of choice for financial services, professional services, holding companies, family offices, and businesses requiring international legal certainty. The English common law framework and DIFC Courts make it preferred for cross-border investment, asset protection, and dispute resolution.
How much does DIFC company setup cost?
DIFC base trade license starts at approximately AED 35,000-50,000 in government fees, plus mandatory DIFC office costs (typically AED 50,000-200,000+ annually depending on space). Service fees and DFSA approvals (if regulated) are significantly higher. DIFC is a premium jurisdiction not optimised for cost.
How long does DIFC company setup take?
Non-regulated DIFC setup typically completes in 10 to 15 working days. DFSA-regulated financial services (banks, asset managers, insurance) require 3-6 months for regulatory approval in addition to the standard setup time.
What is the difference between DIFC and DMCC?
DIFC operates under English common law with independent courts, ideal for financial services, holding companies, and businesses requiring international legal certainty. DMCC operates under UAE federal law, is broader in activity coverage, and is more cost-effective for general trading and commercial activities.
Can DIFC companies hold international assets?
Yes. DIFC is widely used for holding company structures, family offices, and international asset protection. DIFC Foundations and DIFC Holding Companies are popular vehicles for wealth structuring and inheritance planning.
Does DIFC require a physical office?
Yes. Unlike many other free zones, DIFC requires a physical office within the DIFC district for most activities. Flexi-desk arrangements are limited and typically only available for specific innovation hub categories.
Can DIFC companies do crypto / Web3 business?
Yes, through specific DIFC pathways. DIFC has its own crypto regulatory framework distinct from VARA (which covers mainland Dubai). DIFC supports crypto exchanges, custody, asset management, and tokenisation with DFSA approval for regulated activities.