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DIFC Company Formation
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of more than 30 Dubai Free Zones that is strategically placed between the East and West. DIFC provides businesses and financial institutions with a safe and easy way to conduct business in and with the region’s emerging markets. Additionally, DIFC’s independent rules, common law framework, supportive infrastructure, and tax-friendly system make it the perfect place to capitalize on the rapidly growing demand for financial and business services in the region. The law system in DIFC is unique because it is based on English Common law.
Core Sectors: Dubai International Financial Centre is home to companies from all over the world, both financial and not. Moreover, businesses like banking, professional services, global corporations, insurance, wealth management, and access to capital markets all do business at the Centre.
Recommended for: Businesses that offer professional or financial services and business activities. Many well-known international banks, insurance companies, and law firms have their regional headquarters in Dubai International Financial Centre.
- DIFC Advantages
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- Foreigners own everything.
- Zero percent tax on income and profits for 40 years from the start of the business. Possible access to the UAE's large network of tax treaties.
- Capital and profits can be sent back home without any restrictions.
- A world-class, independent regulatory body that works with other financial regulatory bodies in major countries around the world.
- A system of international law based on the English Common Law
- Skilled people who live in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates
- A completely open place to work that follows global best practises and laws and rules that are recognised around the world
- An international stock exchange where debt and equity instruments can be listed first or second.
- A number of legal vehicles that can be set up with different ways to structure capital
- Modern infrastructure for transportation, communication, and the internet
- Types of Licenses
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- Professional services
- Regulated / non-regulated business
- Proprietary investment
- Holding / regional headquarters
- Facilities
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- Commercial retail spaces
- Offices shell and core options
- Serviced offices
Free Zone
DMCC
Location
In the heart of Dubai, at the centre of the Jumeirah Lakes Towers district
Setup Timeframe
2-8 weeks
Tax Status
Tax and duty exemption
Legal Entity Types
DIFC offers a variety of structure types that are appealing to both individual and business investors. Any of the following can be registered as a DIFC entity:
- Under the Companies Law, the company structure options include
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- Company limited by shares (LTD)
- Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- Branch of an existing foreign company (Branch of a Foreign Company)
- Representative Office of a pre-existing foreign company (Representative Office)
- A party may also seek to transfer the incorporation of an existing company to DIFC from another jurisdiction (Continued Company)
- Under the Limited Liability Partnership Law, the company structure options include
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- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
- Branch of a pre-existing foreign Limited Liability Partnership (RLLP)
- Under the General Partnership Law, the company structure options include
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- General Partnership (GP)
- Branch of a pre-existing foreign general partnership (RP)
- Under the Limited Partnership Law, the company structure options include
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- Limited Partnership (LP)
- Branch of a pre-existing limited partnership (RLP)
- A party may also seek to transfer the existing limited partnership into DIFC from another jurisdiction (Continued Limited Partnership/Foreign Limited Partnership)
Documents Required
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Detailed business plan
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Details of key controllers, major shareholders having above 5% shares and key staff certificate confirming the company’s ability to conduct business
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Proposed applicants’ organizational chart
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Detailed information on operating systems and controls
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Company processes on internal audits and compliance systems
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Audited account report for shareholders of the last 3 years
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Anti-money laundering completed application form
- If the applicant is a branch, company financial position and regulatory history profile
WHY CHOOSE DIFC
ACCESS TO WORLD-CLASS BUSINESS SERVICES THAT CAN'T BE BEAT
PERSONAL AND BUSINESS INCOME TAX OF 0%
STRATEGIC LOCATION
100% BUSINESS OWNERSHIP AND RETURN OF CAPITAL
LIVE AND WORK IN THE SAME VIBRANT TOWN
THRIVING BUSINESS CENTRE
EASY TRANSPORTATION
FAST AND EASY SETUP PROCESS
DIFC – Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the company set up cost in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)?
The cost of establishing a company in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) may fluctuate due to various factors. Moreover, these factors encompass various elements essential to the setup process. Specifically, they include the free zone company setup packages, license type, legal structure, ownership type, and business facilities.
What are the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) business facilities?
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) district boasts ultra-modern office spaces, shops, cafes, and restaurants. Additionally, it features art galleries, apartments, public green spaces, and hotels. As a result, it stands as the best place for business and leisure to converge
What is Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) company setup timeframe?
The timeline for establishing a company in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is contingent on promptly meeting requirements and swiftly obtaining authorities’ approvals. Additionally, this process encompasses four main steps:
- Step 1: Set up a meeting with business setup experts from Creation.
- Step 2: Choose your licence, type of business, and business space.
- Step 3: Creation will finish the applications for the free zone and get the company documents ready.
- Step 4: License and company establishment card are given out
How do I get a Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) visa?
After obtaining its license, a Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) company can proceed to apply for residence visas for its shareholders and/or employees. Subsequently, these individuals can stay in the country for two years with this permit. Moreover, the number of visas the company can apply for is determined by the size of the office (one visa per 9 sq. m.). Consequently, with a Flexi Office package, you can obtain up to two residence visas. Therefore, it’s crucial to discuss your options with a DIFC visa expert. Furthermore, our team of visa specialists is fully prepared to address your inquiries.
What are the types of licenses in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)?
There are both financial and non-financial licences available in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
What are the available amenities in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)?
Businesses can utilize the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Additionally, with government centers, venues for corporate events, a food court, banks, and various other business support services all conveniently located in one place, the DIFC offers world-class facilities. Consequently, this comprehensive setup empowers businesses to start, run, and expand their ventures seamlessly.
How much does a Dubai International Financial Centre license renewal cost?
In Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the cost of renewing a license varies. This variation depends on factors such as the type of license, the share structure, external approvals, and office rent. We will look at your company’s renewal costs for free to see if there is a way to cut costs and improve customer service at the same time.
What amendments are available in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)?
At Dubai International Financial Centre, you can change your company’s licence and entity (DIFC). However, requests to change the company’s name, shareholding, management, add or take away business activities, etc., will need approval from the right people and the writing of documents.
