Business setup
DIFC company setup
The Dubai International Financial Centre is an independent common-law jurisdiction with its own courts and regulator. It suits holding structures, family offices, fintech and professional firms.
At a glance
Legal system
English-language common law
Courts
DIFC Courts
Financial regulator
DFSA
Ownership
100% foreign
Overview
What is the DIFC?
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a financial free zone in the heart of Dubai with its own civil and commercial laws. These laws are based on English common law and written in English, and disputes are heard by the independent DIFC Courts, whose judges include senior judges from common-law countries.
Two bodies oversee DIFC entities. The DIFC Registrar of Companies registers and supervises non-financial companies, prescribed companies and foundations. The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) licenses and supervises banks, asset managers, brokers, advisers and other financial firms.
This legal certainty makes DIFC the natural home for structures that need international credibility: holding companies, family wealth vehicles, investment structures, fintech businesses and professional firms. International banks, investors and advisers already know DIFC documents well, which can make account opening, fundraising and future sales smoother.
DIFC also allows companies from many other jurisdictions to transfer their registration into DIFC by continuation, so an existing BVI or Cayman holding company, for example, can move to Dubai while keeping its history and contracts.
Key advantages
English-language common-law legal system
Independent DIFC Courts and arbitration options
100% foreign ownership, no local partner
No restrictions on moving capital and profits
Well known to international banks and investors
Eligible entities may access the 0% Qualifying Free Zone Person tax regime
Who it is for
Who sets up in DIFC?
01
Holding companies
A common-law parent that holds shares in UAE and overseas subsidiaries, simplifying group structure, financing and an eventual sale.
02
Family wealth & succession
DIFC foundations and trusts hold family assets and set out clear succession rules, avoiding asset freezes on death.
03
Dubai property holding
Prescribed companies and foundations are widely used to hold property in Dubai’s designated freehold areas, keeping title separate from individuals.
04
Family offices
Single family offices manage family wealth under DIFC’s dedicated family office regime, subject to minimum net-asset requirements.
05
Fintech & start-ups
DIFC’s innovation licence offers a lower-cost route for technology and fintech companies, with access to the DIFC FinTech Hive ecosystem.
06
Financial services firms
Asset managers, advisers, brokers and banks licensed by the DFSA serve clients across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.
What we handle
DIFC structures, designed and delivered.
Structure selection
Operating company, prescribed company or foundation: we design what fits.
Registrar filings
Applications with the DIFC Registrar of Companies.
Prescribed companies
Lighter-touch holding and SPV vehicles for qualifying purposes.
DFSA application support
Coordination of regulatory applications for financial services firms.
Registered address & secretary
Corporate services provider support and company secretarial.
Visas & banking
Residence visas and bank introductions for operating companies.
Options
DIFC structures
Private company (Ltd)
Operating
For businesses operating from DIFC premises.
Price on application
Prescribed company
Holding / SPV
Lower-cost vehicle for holding assets and structuring.
Price on application
Branch office
Expansion
Register a foreign company’s branch in DIFC.
Price on application
Compare
Comparing DIFC structures
The right vehicle depends on whether you need to operate a business, hold assets or plan succession.
Private company (Ltd)
Prescribed company
Foundation
Main purpose
Operating business
Holding and structuring (passive)
Wealth, succession and philanthropy
Office
DIFC premises required
Registered address through a corporate service provider
Registered address through a registered agent
Can trade and employ staff
Yes
No
No, it holds assets
Residence visas
Yes, linked to office space
No
No
Ownership
Shareholders
Shareholders
No shareholders: founder, council and beneficiaries
Public information
Company and officer details
Limited
Limited; individuals are not named on the public register
Typical uses
Fintech, consultancy, regional headquarters
Holding shares, property, IP and financing
Family wealth, Dubai property, succession
Regulated financial activities require a separate DFSA licence, with capital, governance and compliance requirements.
Costs explained
What your total cost is made of
Every quote we issue is itemised, with government and third-party fees shown separately from our own professional fees.
DIFC registration and annual licence
Set by the DIFC Registrar; varies by entity type
Government
Price on application
Office lease or registered address
DIFC premises for operating companies; registered address for holding vehicles
Third party
Price on application
Data protection notification
Annual DIFC data protection fee
Government
Price on application
Corporate service provider
Required for prescribed companies and foundations
Emford
Price on application
Structuring, drafting and incorporation
Articles, resolutions, charter and by-laws prepared
Emford
Price on application
Visas and bank account support
Operating companies only
Emford
Price on application
How it works
Four clear steps, one point of contact.
01
About 1 week
Structure design
Purpose, ownership and governance agreed.
02
1–2 weeks
Application
Name and incorporation application filed.
03
2–4 weeks
Incorporation
Certificate issued; premises or registered address set.
04
4–8 weeks
Visas & bank
Immigration and bank accounts arranged.
Key considerations before you start
Points we review with every client before recommending a structure.
Prescribed company rules are changing
A DIFC consultation (April to June 2026) proposes opening prescribed companies to all applicants and making a corporate service provider mandatory. We set up under the rules in force when you apply and keep you updated.
Prescribed companies are passive
They cannot trade, hire staff or sponsor visas. If you need these, pair the holding vehicle with a DIFC or free zone operating company.
UAE corporate tax applies
DIFC entities must register with the Federal Tax Authority. Qualifying income may be taxed at 0%, and other taxable income at 9%.
Financial services take longer
DFSA authorisation involves a business plan, regulatory capital, approved individuals and compliance systems, so timelines are measured in months.
After setup
Ongoing obligations we manage for you
Setting up is only the start. These are the recurring requirements that keep your structure valid and in good standing.
Annual licence renewal
Renewed with the DIFC Registrar before expiry
Confirmation of company details
Annual confirmation of officers, shareholders and address
Financial statements
Prepared each year, with audit where required
Beneficial ownership register
Kept current and filed with the Registrar
Data protection renewal
Annual DIFC data protection notification
Corporate tax compliance
FTA registration and annual return
What you will need
Typical documents. Your specialist confirms the exact list for your case.
Passport and proof of address of shareholders and directors
Business plan
Ultimate beneficial owner declaration
Parent company documents (corporate shareholders)
Evidence of qualifying purpose (prescribed companies)
Why clients choose Emford
Licensed by DMCCA as a Corporate Service Provider (DMCC-211871)
Approved RAK ICC Registered Agent No. 0122
Forming companies and structures since 2012
One dedicated advisor from setup to renewal
Frequently asked questions
What is a prescribed company?
A lighter-touch DIFC vehicle used for holding assets, structured finance and family structures, generally linked to a qualifying purpose. It can usually use a registered address rather than leasing DIFC office space.
Do I need an office in DIFC?
Operating companies usually need DIFC premises. Prescribed companies and foundations can typically use a registered address provided through a corporate service provider.
Should I choose DIFC or ADGM?
Both are strong common-law centres. DIFC suits Dubai-based operations; ADGM suits Abu Dhabi-focused businesses and investors. We compare costs and requirements for your case.
Can a DIFC entity hold Dubai property?
Yes. DIFC prescribed companies and foundations are commonly used to hold property in Dubai’s designated freehold areas, subject to Dubai Land Department requirements. We coordinate the transfer with your conveyancer.
How is DIFC different from DMCC?
Both are Dubai free zones. DIFC has its own common-law legal system and courts and focuses on finance and structuring. DMCC operates under its own regulations and UAE federal law and suits trading and general commercial businesses.
Can I move my existing offshore company to DIFC?
In many cases, yes. DIFC allows companies from many jurisdictions to continue into DIFC, keeping their history, assets and contracts. We check whether your current jurisdiction permits this.
Will a DIFC structure help me open a bank account?
DIFC entities are well known to UAE and international banks, which helps. Banks still carry out full due diligence, so we prepare a complete file explaining the structure, its owners and the source of funds.
Related services
Talk to a specialist today
Free, no-obligation consultation with a clear, itemised quote.
Visit us
Our office in JLT
Address
Unit 1402-34, Swiss Tower, Cluster Y
Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, UAE
Office hours
Monday to Friday, 12pm – 8pm
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Phone
Emford Global · Swiss Tower
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Cluster Y, Jumeirah Lakes Towers