DIFC - Dubai International Financial Centre
Complete guide to establishing your financial services business in DIFC. Premier destination for banking, insurance, asset management, and fintech companies.
About DIFC
DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) is the leading financial hub in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region. Operating under its own independent common law framework based on English law, DIFC hosts over 4,000 companies and is home to world-renowned financial institutions, law firms, and professional services companies.
License Categories
Category 1 - Regulated
Banks, insurance companies, investment firms requiring DFSA authorization. Full regulatory oversight.
Category 2 - Regulated
Authorized market institutions, exchanges, and clearing houses operating financial markets.
Category 3A - DNFBP
Law firms, accounting firms, corporate service providers. AML supervised by DIFC Authority.
Category 3B/3C - Non-Regulated
Retail, tech companies, holding companies. Not regulated by DFSA but licensed by DIFC Authority.
Category 4 - Retail
Restaurants, cafes, retail outlets, and other consumer-facing businesses in DIFC.
Innovation License
FinTech, InsurTech, RegTech startups. Sandbox environment for testing innovative solutions.
Legal Structures
Private Company Limited by Shares
Most common structure. Minimum 1 shareholder, suitable for most business activities.
Public Company Limited by Shares
For companies planning to list on exchanges or raise public capital.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
Popular for professional services firms - law firms, accounting firms, consultancies.
Branch / Representative Office
Extension of existing foreign company. Rep office for marketing only.
Registration Requirements
- Passport & Emirates ID: For all shareholders, directors, and authorized signatories
- Proof of Address: Utility bill or bank statement (within 3 months) for all principals
- Business Plan: Comprehensive plan including 3-year financial projections (for regulated activities)
- CV/Qualifications: Professional qualifications and experience for key personnel
- AML/Compliance Policies: For regulated firms - comprehensive compliance framework documentation
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Name Reservation
Reserve company name through DIFC Client Portal. Name must be unique and comply with DIFC naming conventions.
Timeline: 1-2 days
Company Registration
Submit incorporation application, constitutional documents, and KYC documentation
Timeline: 3-5 business days (non-regulated) / 2-4 weeks (regulated)
DFSA Authorization (if applicable)
For regulated activities, submit detailed application to Dubai Financial Services Authority
Timeline: 3-6 months for Category 1 firms
Office Lease
Secure office space within DIFC district. Options range from co-working to premium office towers
Timeline: 1-2 weeks
License Issuance
Upon approval, receive Commercial License from DIFC Registrar of Companies
Timeline: 1-3 days
Operational Setup
Open corporate bank account, apply for employee visas, establish operations
Timeline: 2-4 weeks
DIFC Fee Structure
| Description | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Commercial License (Annual) | 12,000 - 40,000 |
| Registration Fee (One-time) | 8,000 |
| DFSA Application (Regulated) | 5,000 - 70,000 |
| Data Protection Fee | 500 - 2,500 |
| Office Space (per sqft/year) | 100 - 250 |
| Employment Visa (per visa) | 1,000 - 1,500 |
* Fees are subject to change. Contact us for current pricing.
Annual Compliance Requirements
Annual License Renewal
Renew Commercial License before expiry. Submit updated company information and compliance declarations.
Annual Return Filing
File annual return with DIFC Registrar confirming current directors, shareholders, and registered office.
Audited Financial Statements
All DIFC companies must prepare annual audited accounts under IFRS standards.
DFSA Regulatory Returns
Regulated firms submit quarterly/annual prudential returns, capital adequacy reports, and compliance certifications.
Corporate Tax Filing
Register for UAE Corporate Tax. DIFC companies may qualify for QFZP 0% rate on qualifying income.
AML/CTF Compliance
Maintain AML policies, conduct risk assessments, and file suspicious activity reports as required.
Tax Implications
QFZP Status for Financial Services
DIFC companies may qualify as QFZP and benefit from:
- 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income from financial services
- Common law legal framework with dedicated courts (DIFC Courts)
- No withholding tax on dividends or interest payments
Related Free Zones
Ready to Set Up Your DIFC Company?
TaxSey provides end-to-end DIFC registration and ongoing regulatory compliance support
Get Started Today