DIFC Freezone
Explore the DIFC Free Zone (Dubai International Financial Centre), one of the world's most dynamic financial spaces. Gain many prospects for growth and innovation. Tap on a great ecosystem that ensures your business's success. See a smooth blend of global accessibility, business-friendly rules, and modern infrastructure.
- 100% Ownership
- Company Formation in 3-4 weeks
- Bank Account Opening Assistance
- 0% Income Tax
- 0% Withholding Tax
Benefits
Major Benefits of a DIFC Free Zone Business Setup
- Legal and Regulatory Framework: The DIFC has flexible rules that help global business. People from other countries can work here easily. It helps firms work worldwide and hire people from different places. It also makes the economy better.
- Hub and Spoke Model: DIFC provides a centralized platform that helps businesses work better in the region and worldwide. It helps firms grow globally. DIFC's infrastructure and amenities are great for firms that want to expand worldwide.
- Diverse Ecosystem: DIFC is a great hub for business in the region. It has many global firms, investment funds, banks, and financial groups. This makes it easy for investments to move between countries. It's a top spot for global business and financial services.
- Geographic Epicenter: DIFC has a prime location. It's in the epicenter of the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA). It helps these regions grow economically. It's also a big financial hub worldwide. It helps in global investments and pushes new ideas. This helps MEASA countries keep growing.
- Taxation and Capital Benefits: In DIFC, you can own 100% of your company. You can also repatriate all your profits and capital. Pay zero taxes! Plus, you get access to the UAE's many tax agreements. This makes it a top choice for global firms seeking a tax-friendly place to do business.
- Quick Business Establishment Process: Dubai International Financial Centre makes starting a business easy. You won't deal with too much paperwork. DIFC also offers legal and financial help, perfect for hassle-free company setup.
Feature
DIFC Free Zone Company Setup
Company formation in 3-4 weeks.
Easy to Open a Bank Account
Minimal Paper work
100% Foreign Ownership
UAE Investor Visa
0% Income Tax & Withholding Tax.
Explore Avyanco's All-Inclusive Tech Related Market Explorer Package in DIFC.
Commercial Trade License
Co-working Space with Prestigious DIFC Office Address
4 Visa Allocation
Fully Digital Onboarding Process
Access to all DIFC Amenities and Ecosystem
Same Renewal Price for 5 Years
Take Your Business to the Next Stage With the DIFC Free Zone
Companies can choose to offer financial services or create other types of businesses. In the DIFC free zone, firms are divided into categories. What their business does decides their category. This further decides the kind of license they need.
Category 1
In DIFC, category 1 activities include banking services. They involve taking deposits from customers and managing an unrestricted profit-sharing account.
Category 3C
This category includes asset and fund management. It involves collective investment fund management, custody services, managing private investment accounts, issuing stored value, and providing trust services.
Category 2
Category 2 activities include being a market maker and providing credit. It involves engaging in investments as the principal entity and offering credit services.
Category 3D
Category 3D is for money service businesses. They involve providing money services. But it doesn't include issuing stored value (money services).
Category 3A
Category 3A involves brokerage services. They include dealing in investments as a matched principal and acting as an agent in investment transactions on behalf of clients.
Category 4
Category 4 is for advising and arranging activities (non-discretionary). They include arranging investment deals, advising on financial products, insurance management, fund administration, trust services, and operating a crowdfunding platform.
Category 3B
This category involves custodial services and managing employee money purchase schemes. They include fund custody, trustee roles, operating such schemes, and administering employee money purchase plans.
Category 5
Category 5 includes Islamic businesses. This involves the operation of businesses adhering to Islamic principles and practices following Sharia.
Start Your FinTech Firm in DIFC Free Zone
Envisioning the future of finance, the DIFC Free Zone is a hub for FinTech and investing. It has business-friendly regulations, startup accelerators, and growth-stage funding. It supports businesses in banking, professional services, insurance, wealth, management, and global firms.
Starting a business in DIFC Free Zone can cost differently based on whether it’s finance-based or not. The cost covers registration, setup, and the DIFC trade license cost. It can be from AED 3,800 to AED 90,000 or more, as per your business type.
Legal Structures in DIFC Free Zone
Three independent bodies make the rules for the DIFC Free Zone: Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Financial Services Authority, and Dubai International Financial Centre courts. DIFC lets you start a business using Companies Law, Limited Liability Partnership Law, General Partnership Law, Limited Partnership Law, Non-Profit Incorporated Organisations Law, and Foundations Law.
Companies
You can set up your business limited by shares as a Public Company (PLC), a Private Company (LTD), or a branch office of an established foreign company (Recognised Company) within DIFC. You can also move your existing firm's incorporation to DIFC from another jurisdiction.
Partnerships
You can set up partnership structures such as a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), General Partnership (GP), or Limited Partnership (LP), or a branch of a foreign Limited Liability Partnership (RLLP), foreign general partnership (RP), or pre-existing limited partnership (RLP). You can also move an existing limited partnership to DIFC (Continued LP).
Non-Profit Incorporated Organizations (NPIO)
NPIO is a legal entity with no shares or members needed. You can register your firm as NPIO or move your current non-profit firm to DIFC (Continued NPIO) from another jurisdiction.
Foundations
You can register a new foundation or add a branch for one already existing (recognized). You can also move an existing foundation to DIFC (Continued Foundation) from another jurisdiction.
Required Documents
Find below the list of documents required for DIFC company formation.
| Mandatory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Passport Copy (Valid for at least 6 months) |  | |
| Visa Page Copy (if applicable) | | |
| Emirates ID (if applicable) | | |
| Passport-sized Photos | | |
| Personal Information Sheet or Application Form | | |
| 3 Name Choices | |
| Mandatory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Company Trade License / Certificate of Incorporation | | |
| Memorandum of Association | | |
| Board of Resolution for Company Setup and Appointment of Authorized Signatory | | |
| UBO List | | |
| Incumbency Certificate | | |
| 3 Name Choices | | |
| Passport copy of Company Manager | | |
| Visa copy of Company Manager | | |
| Emirates ID of Company Manager | |
Note* The list of document requirements is subject to change as per the desired license activity and DIFC Freezone authority.
Timeline
An estimated timeline for company setup in DIFC is mentioned below for your reference.
Submit for In-Principal Approval
In-Principal Approval obtained
Register the legal entity
Apply for Visa
Investor Visa Issued
Steps for DIFC Free Zone Dubai Company Formation
Submit for In-Principal Approval
Step 1
Fill out and submit your online Initial Approval application (which will be sent via email)
Step 2
Your application is under review for Initial Approval
Step 3
In-Principal Approval obtained
Register the legal entity
Step 1
Submit the relevant documents and make your payments (credit/debit card, bank transfer, cash)*
Step 2
Incorporation Complete. Receive all corporate documents automatically via email.
Step 3
Renew your license annually & lease (depending on your payment method)
Start Business Operation
When you have your trade license and your office is set up, you can start your business in the DIFC Free Zone. You can also hire staff if needed.
Why Avyanco for Setting Business in DIFC Free Zone?
Located in Dubai, Avyanco provides comprehensive, efficient, and seamless support tailored to your needs to establish your business in the DIFC Free Zone. We assess your requirements to determine DIFC’s regulatory framework and strategic positioning suited for your business.
- Legal Assistance
- Continuous Support
- Strategic Insights
Still Confused about taking your decision?
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Proven Success
Avyanco has a track record of successful DIFC Free Zone setups. Join the thriving businesses that have flourished under our guidance.
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Customer-centric Approach
We go above and beyond for our customers. We want to give you the best service possible at every step. Your success is what motivates us.
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Financial Know-how
Our experienced finance team is here to help you. We excel at streamlining their economic perspectives, simplifying complex processes, and ensuring efficient financial management. Your financial well-being is our top priority.
Meet Our Specialists
Our skilled experts bring industry know-how. They have vast experience and a united focus on your success. When you work with us, you’re making your business goals real with our support every step of the way.
CA. Ravi
Sales Director
Gritsa
Senior Corporate Advisor
Dhiren
Senior Corporate Advisor
Astha
Senior Corporate Advisor
Tanya
Senior Corporate Advisor
Maissa
Senior Corporate Advisor
Aromal
Senior Corporate Advisor
Harmisha
Senior Corporate Advisor
Dilshad
Senior Corporate Advisor
Success Stories
Don't just take our word for it. Hear from entrepreneurs who have successfully established their businesses in Dubai. Learn from their experiences and gain insights into the possibilities that await you.
A company set up in the DIFC Free Zone must possess a minimum share capital of 1 share of AED 1,000/each. But branch firms have more flexibility in this regard. They don’t need a minimum share capital upfront. This makes it easier for foreign businesses to set up in DIFC.
Usually, it takes 1-2 weeks to set up a company in the DIFC Free Zone. This depends on meeting requirements and getting approvals. Being careful with these factors can make things faster and smoother when starting your business there.
The DIFC Free Zone has many amenities for businesses. It has government centers, corporate event venues, food courts, banks, and other business support service providers. They all operate under a single space.
Yes, DIFC is a global business hub and friendly to international talent. It has flexible labor laws. This makes it easy for businesses to hire people from other countries.
The ‘DIFC Metaverse Accelerator Program’ is part of Dubai’s plan to grow its economy and create jobs. By 2030, they want to make $4 billion, create 40,000 virtual jobs, and get 1,000 blockchain and metaverse tech companies to come to DIFC. The first ‘DIFC Metaverse Accelerator Program’ got more than 160 applications from the UAE, UK, US, India, and France. They were mainly from the Metaverse, AI, Web3, AR/VR, and Blockchain fields.
The DIFC International Digital Economy Court is the world’s first global court just for the digital economy. The court aims to make a legal environment that helps digital businesses grow and stay.
No, non-financial firms from various sectors can also work in the DIFC Free Zone.
