Company Formation in DIFC
Set up a DIFC company, foundation, prescribed company or family office in the region's leading financial centre — an independent common-law jurisdiction regulated by the DFSA. Partner-led formation, structuring, banking and compliance, end to end.
- Independent common law & DIFC Courts
- 100% foreign ownership · 0% tax on qualifying income
- Foundations, funds, family offices & fintech
Speak with a senior DIFC advisor
Tell us what you're structuring — a senior advisor replies within one business day, in complete confidence.
The region's most established financial centre
For two decades, DIFC has been the address of choice for global banks, asset managers and family offices — pairing a trusted common-law framework with the tax efficiency of a leading UAE free zone.
Common-Law Jurisdiction
DIFC operates an independent, English-language common-law framework with its own courts — trusted by the world's leading financial institutions.
100% Foreign Ownership
Own your company outright, with full repatriation of capital and profits and no local-shareholder requirement.
0% on Qualifying Income
As a UAE free zone, DIFC offers a 0% corporate-tax rate on qualifying income under the free-zone regime.
The Region's Leading Hub
Home to 6,000+ companies — global banks, asset managers and family offices — regulated by the DFSA in the heart of Dubai.
The right vehicle for every objective
From family foundations to regulated funds, we form and structure the DIFC vehicle that fits your strategy.
DIFC Foundation
A common-law foundation for succession planning, asset protection and philanthropy — a modern alternative to trusts for preserving family wealth.
Prescribed Company
A cost-efficient DIFC holding / special-purpose vehicle for structuring, asset holding and financing, with a light-touch setup.
Family Office
Establish a family office through the DIFC Family Wealth Centre — a dedicated global home for family businesses and single-family offices.
Funds & Asset Management
DFSA-regulated fund and asset-management structures for managers raising and deploying capital from the region's premier hub.
Financial Services
Banks, wealth managers, advisors and insurers — we coordinate the DFSA authorisation pathway for regulated financial firms.
Fintech & Innovation
The DIFC Innovation Hub offers fintech and tech firms a cost-effective licence and access to a world-class ecosystem.
DIFC Company Structure Comparison
Every DIFC structure serves a different objective. Compare them at a glance, then tell us your goal and we'll recommend the right one.
| Structure | Best For | Separate Legal Entity | Visa Eligibility | DFSA Regulated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIFC Foundation | Wealth protection, succession planning, family office, holding assets | |||
| DIFC Holding Company | Holding subsidiaries, IP, investments, group restructuring | |||
| DIFC Prescribed Company (SPV) | Passive holding, real estate, investment vehicles | |||
| DIFC Trust | Estate planning, wealth succession, family governance | No — a legal relationship | ||
| DFSA Regulated Company | Asset & fund management, investment advisory, brokerage, fintech, payments |
Structure choice depends on your business model, licensing category, regulatory approvals, office requirements and the professional services required. Final recommendations follow a consultation.
Which DIFC Structure Is Right for You?
A partner-led team, from formation to first transaction
DIFC rewards precise structuring and clean documentation. Our chartered-accountant-led advisors get the entity, ownership and substance right — then stay on for banking, tax and compliance.
Senior, dedicated advisor
One accountable partner-level contact from first call through licence and renewals — never a call centre.
Corporate banking introductions
Bank-readiness review and guided introductions across 20+ UAE banking partners to improve approval odds.
Structuring & substance
We align ownership, economic substance and governance with your tax and succession goals — and the regulator's expectations.
Ongoing compliance
Accounting, corporate tax, ESR/UBO and annual renewals handled so your structure stays in good standing.
Your DIFC entity in four considered steps
Private consultation
We understand your objectives — wealth, funds, financial services or holding — and recommend the optimal DIFC structure.
Structure & documentation
We prepare the incorporation pack, ownership structure and substance plan, and pre-check everything before filing.
Registration & licence
We file with the DIFC Registrar of Companies and, for regulated activities, coordinate DFSA authorisation — through to your licence.
Banking & compliance
We support corporate account opening and set up your accounting, tax and annual compliance calendar.
Trusted by founders, families & investors
4.8 / 5 from 700+ Google reviews
Our company setup experience was flawless. The clarity and professionalism at every stage gave us complete confidence.
Excellent support for our company formation in the UAE. Transparent, fast and highly professional from start to finish.
Exceptional tax and structuring support. Great attention to detail made the entire process smooth and stress-free.
Company formation in DIFC — answered
What is DIFC?
Dubai International Financial Centre is the region's leading international financial hub, established in 2004 in the heart of Dubai. It is an independent common-law jurisdiction with its own courts and an independent regulator, the DFSA, and is home to more than 6,000 companies including many of the world's leading banks and asset managers.
What is a DIFC Foundation used for?
A DIFC Foundation is a flexible common-law structure used for succession planning, asset protection, holding family or business assets, and philanthropy. It is widely used as a modern alternative to trusts to help families preserve and pass on wealth in an orderly way.
Can foreigners own 100% of a DIFC company?
Yes. DIFC permits 100% foreign ownership with full repatriation of capital and profits and no requirement for a local shareholder.
What is a DIFC Prescribed Company?
A DIFC Prescribed Company is a cost-efficient holding or special-purpose vehicle used for structuring, asset holding, financing and certain aviation or crowdfunding structures. It offers a streamlined, lower-cost route to a DIFC presence for qualifying purposes.
Can I set up a family office in DIFC?
Yes. The DIFC Family Wealth Centre is a dedicated global home for family businesses, single-family offices and ultra-high-net-worth families, offering a common-law framework for governance, succession and wealth preservation.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
It depends on the structure (foundation, prescribed company, operating company or fund), the licence and whether DFSA authorisation is required. We give you a clear, itemised quote up front. Non-regulated structures can be established quickly once documents are in order; regulated entities take longer. Timelines and fees are set by the authorities.
Establish your presence in DIFC
Speak with a senior Avyanco advisor for a confidential, no-obligation consultation on your DIFC structure.
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