Why DIFC?
DIFC Business Setup is your Financial Launchpad
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the Middle East’s leading financial hub, offering a world-class regulatory framework, tax advantages, and access to global markets. Ideal for financial services, fintech, and wealth management firms, DIFC combines prestige with opportunity. Universus Consulting simplifies your DIFC setup, ensuring a seamless process so you can focus on driving financial success.
Why us?
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- Operate under DIFC’s globally trusted legal framework
- No corporate or personal income tax
- Connect to international markets from Dubai’s financial core
- Prestigious address in the heart of Dubai’s financial district
Smart Business Starts Here, DIFC Freezone Business Setup Simplified
Consultation & Activity Selection
Get tailored advice to align your financial business with DIFC’s opportunities.
Trade Name Registration
Don't worry about the business name. We'll help you register a unique trade name that enhances your brand’s credibility.
Application & Documentation
We prepare and submit all required documents to Shams authorities for swift processing.
License Issuance
We have the right contacts, and we'll secure the right DIFC license for you without any hassle.
Visa Assistance
Don't worry about the Visa? We'll obtain employee and investor visas efficiently with our streamlined support.
Bank Account Assistance
We help you set up your corporate bank account with our trusted DIFC banking partners.
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What You’ll Need
Documents Required for DIFC Freezone Business Setup
- Passport copy of shareholders
- Passport-size photo (white background)
- Proof of residence/address
- UAE entry stamp or visa copy (if available)
- Business activity details
- Financial Records
Frequently Asked Questions
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a premier free zone in Dubai established in 2004, serving as a global financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia with an independent legal system based on English common law, regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). It's ideal for financial, fintech, and professional services firms due to benefits like 100% foreign ownership, 9% corporate tax on qualifying income, full profit repatriation, making it a strategic base for innovation and growth.
Yes. DIFC’s Innovation Hub supports startups with affordable coworking spaces and fast-track licensing options.
DIFC offers licenses for financial services (e.g., banking, asset management, fintech), non-financial services (e.g., consulting, legal), retail (e.g., shops, cafes), and innovation (e.g., tech startups under a lighter regulatory framework). These cater to over 1,000 activities, with financial licenses requiring DFSA approval for regulated activities like fund management, while non-financial ones are simpler for support services.
Yes. DIFC has its own courts and regulatory body (DFSA), making it attractive to globally-focused businesses needing strong legal systems.
Yes. DIFC-registered businesses can easily open UAE corporate bank accounts with strong compliance documentation.
The DIFC setup process takes 2-6 weeks: start by selecting a license type (financial, non-financial, retail, or innovation) and legal structure (e.g., LLC or branch), reserve a trade name, submit an application via the DIFC portal with documents like passports and a business plan, secure regulatory approvals from DFSA if needed, pay fees, and receive your certificate of incorporation and license. Physical office space is mandatory, and post-setup, open a bank account to commence operations
DIFC companies can sponsor residence visas for shareholders, employees, and dependents, with quotas based on office size (one visa per 9 sq m), valid for 2 years and renewable. The process involves entry permits, medical tests, and Emirates ID, taking 2-4 weeks post-license issuance; flexi-office packages allow up to two visas, supporting talent attraction in finance.
DIFC mandates physical office space for all entities, with options like serviced offices (starting AED 30,000/year), co-working spaces, or commercial leases in areas like DIFC Square or Immersive Tower. Minimum sizes tie to visa quotas (e.g., 9 sq m per visa), ensuring a presence in the district; virtual offices are not permitted, emphasizing DIFC's focus on a vibrant business ecosystem
DIFC stands out with its English common law system, DFSA regulation for credibility, 100% ownership without sponsors, and access to a global network of banks and investors, plus tax advantages like DTAA and 9% corporate rates. Unlike general free zones, it offers specialized fintech innovation licenses and arbitration via DIAC, making it preferable for high-value financial services over zones like DMCC or JAFZA.
Annual compliance includes license renewals (AED 12,000+), financial audits for regulated entities, corporate tax filings (9% on qualifying income), and adherence to AML and economic substance rules. Update shareholder details via the Registrar of Companies, renew visas every 2 years, and comply with DFSA reporting to avoid penalties; DIFC Courts handle disputes under common law.
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What is DIFC Freezone?
DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) is Dubai’s independent financial free zone and legal jurisdiction, built on English common law, with its regulator (DFSA) and courts, enabling 100% foreign ownership and a zero-tax on corporate income and profits under long-term guarantees. Established in 2004, DIFC is a leading hub for finance, fintech, and professional services across the MEASA region, housing global banks, asset managers, insurers, legal, and tech firms within a 110-hectare district in central Dubai.
Why Set Up Business in DIFC Freezone? Key Benefits
- 100% foreign ownership and long-term 0% tax on corporate income/profits, alongside access to the UAE’s double tax treaty network, which enhances capital efficiency.
- Premier financial hub that houses an ecosystem of financial institutions, fintechs, family offices, service providers, and high-end offices, dining, and lifestyle amenities in one district.
- Global credibility and access to the entire UAE, and a recognised gateway to MEASA with strong infrastructure. Dedicated processes for both financial and non-financial entities.
License Types and Structures for DIFC
- Regulated financial activities (e.g., banking, asset management, brokerage, insurance) require DFSA authorisation before licensing and entity registration.
- Non-regulated activities (e.g., holding companies, professional services, tech/innovation) follow the standard DIFC Registrar of Companies (ROC) process without DFSA authorisation.
- Common legal forms include Company Limited by Shares, LLC, LLP, Limited Partnership, Branch, and Representative Office, with options to continue an existing foreign entity into DIFC.
DIFC Company Setup: Step-by-Step Overview
- In-principle approval: Submit the DIFC online application with business plan/activities; DFSA approval required for regulated firms.
- Incorporation and licensing: Finalise legal form with the Registrar of Companies, pay incorporation and commercial license fees, and complete data protection registration.
- Office leasing: Lease approved DIFC premises (business centre desk, fitted office, or third-party buildings within DIFC) as required for license activation.
- Post-licensing: Obtain establishment card, process visas, and open a corporate bank account; maintain annual compliance and timely license renewal.
- Note: DIFC offers specific programs such as the Innovation/Tech Startup License, which streamlines setup. Timelines often run 5–7 working days after complete submissions.
DIFC License Validity and Renewals
Commercial licenses are renewed annually with fees payable to the DIFC Registrar of Companies within 30 days after expiry, alongside ongoing compliance requirements (e.g., office lease, data protection renewal).
What Businesses Can You Set Up in DIFC?
- Financial services: banking, asset/wealth management, private equity, advisory, insurance, fintech, and related regulated activities under DFSA authorisation.
- Non-financial/professional: holding companies, family offices, legal, consulting, tech/innovation firms, and corporate service providers that benefit from DIFC’s business ecosystem and legal framework.