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The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a leading global financial hub strategically located in Dubai, UAE, serving the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region.
Established in 2004, DIFC offers a world-class business ecosystem, blending robust legal frameworks with innovative financial services. Home to over 4,000 companies, it facilitates trade, investment, and financial innovation across diverse sectors.
With a foundation rooted in English common law, DIFC attracts international institutions with its tax-friendly policies, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and lifestyle offerings. With Riz & Mona Consultancy, your business setup in DIFC becomes faster, easier, and fully compliant, ensuring you take full advantage of the opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
The first step in company formation is determining your business activity and selecting the appropriate legal structure for your company. Options include:
Express your interest by submitting a Letter of Intent to the DIFC, outlining your proposed business activities and plans.
Complete the application process through the DIFC portal, providing necessary documents like a business plan, shareholder details, and financial information. The DIFC Authority will review your application and, if satisfactory, issue an in-principle approval.
Upon receiving in-principle approval, proceed to register your entity with the DIFC Registrar of Companies. This includes finalizing legal documents, paying registration fees, and securing a commercial license.
Obtain a lease agreement for physical office space within the DIFC jurisdiction, as a physical presence is mandatory.
Once your company is officially registered, you can open a corporate bank account in Dubai. The bank account will be used to manage financial transactions and support company operations.
Once registration is complete, and all necessary arrangements are in place, your company is ready to start operations within the DIFC.
After your company is registered and you have secured office space, you can apply for residence visas for:
Shareholders / Owners
Employees
Dependents (family members, if required)
The visa process involves:
Entry permit issuance
Medical test & Emirates ID registration
Visa stamping on the passport
This step ensures you and your staff can legally reside and work in Dubai under the DIFC company license.
Want to Start Business Setup in DIFC?
DIFC offers several legal entity types designed to meet the needs of businesses across various sectors. Here are the most important ones:
A popular choice for businesses seeking operational independence, an LLC offers limited liability for its shareholders and is ideal for most types of businesses.
This structure is commonly used by private enterprises. Shareholder liability is limited to the unpaid amount on their shares, making it suitable for holding companies and businesses raising private capital.
Aimed at businesses planning to list on public exchanges, this structure adheres to strict governance and transparency requirements, making it suitable for large-scale public offerings.
Foreign companies can establish a branch office in DIFC to conduct business without creating a separate legal entity, allowing easier market entry into the region.
DIFC’s regulatory framework is designed to provide businesses with transparency, stability, and compliance with global standards. Below are its key components:
Riz & Mona Consultancy is renowned as one of the top business setup consultants in Dubai, with over 15 years of experience facilitating a wide range of businesses throughout the UAE. Our deep connections with government officials and key authorities, combined with our extensive expertise in consultancy, streamline the process of establishing your business in Dubai. Additionally, we offer comprehensive financial, legal, and corporate services to support our clients throughout their business endeavors.
We are here to provide comprehensive support for your DIFC Free Zone Company Setup, from preparing your documents to completing the process. Connect with us now to begin your journey with a FREE consultation!
The setup process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the business type and approval requirements.
DIFC offers a 50-year tax exemption on corporate income, no capital flow restrictions, and complete foreign ownership rights, making it an attractive destination for businesses.
Yes, foreign companies can establish a branch office in DIFC without the need for a local sponsor or partner.
Businesses must submit annual financial statements, maintain regulatory compliance with the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), and file annual reports.
The Innovation License is designed for startups and tech-driven businesses, particularly in areas like fintech, AI, and digital transformation.