Dubai International Financial Centre
Free Zone

Business Setup Services in DIFC

Home to more than 4,000 active enterprises and more than 29,700 professionals, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is among the leading Dubai Free Zones, located strategically between the East and West.

Flaunting a strong independent judicial system and regulatory standards, state-of-the-art architecture, and global financial exchange, DIFC offers the perfect base for financial institutions and businesses aiming to expand to the emerging markets of this region. With transparency, efficiency, and integrity as core values, DIFC is playing a crucial role in driving the financial needs of the area.

Key Features

Here are some of the main features of setting up a business in the DIFC

Tax Efficiencies

DIFC guarantees a 40-year zero-tax policy on corporate income and profits, leveraging UAE’s network of double taxation avoidance treaties with central banks and regulators.

Hub & Spoke Model

DIFC offers a platform where businesses can centralize their global and regional operations management and the rollout of branches across the world.

Restriction-Free Capital Repatriation

Companies operating from DIFC can repatriate capital and profit flow freely without constraints and restrictions

100% Ownership

Incorporated entities and subsidiaries can enjoy 100% ownership in a world-class regulatory environment, allowing a variety of options in forming and structuring legal entities.

Independent Regulatory Environment

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) is an independent risk-based regulator responsible for granting licenses and regulating financial services operations operating through DIFC. Modelled closely based on the principle-based primary legislation in

Common Law Framework

The Common Law framework is followed by the courts and legal system in DIFC, enforced by a highly-regarded and independent regulator and well-respected court system. The courts manage all commercial and civil disputes occurring within DIFC or relating to companies and bodies registered in DIFC.

Existing Industries

DIFC hosts myriad financial and non-financial companies from all corners of the world. The core sectors operating within the centre include

Private and Investment Banking
Capital Markets
Insurance
Wealth, Fund, and Asset Management
Professional Services
Global Corporations
Venture Capital
Digital Assets

Hedge Funds
Private Equity
Islamic Finance
Fintech
Retain and Convenience
Cafes and Restaurants
Art Galleries

DIFC Benefits

There are a whole host of benefits to setting up a business in the DIFC. Let’s take a look at them –

100 percent foreign ownership
Zero percent tax on profits and income for 40 years since inception
An extensive network of double taxation treaties in the UAE
Freedom to repatriate profits and capital without restrictions
International legal system following the English Common Law
Skilled professionals within Dubai and the UAE
A transparent and efficient operating environment, following global best practices and internationally accepted regulatory processes and laws.
Modern transport, internet infrastructure, and communications facility

DIFC Innovation Hub

The DIFC Innovation Hub is a dominant innovation ecosystem within the region, housing over 500 tech and innovation firms. Following HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s innovation-driven vision for Dubai, the hub will be playing an influential role in shaping the future economies and future of finance in the UAE.

Here are some of the features within the DIFC Innovation Hub

1

Events

Open Stage is an exclusive event space that serves as a platform to bring creators, entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry transformers together where they can communicate and share their insights and ideas.

2

Education

The Innovation Hub will offer the best-in-class learning platform to executives, postgraduates, and undergraduates in the DIFC Academy, well-known for its rigorous learning environment.

3

Funding

Through the Innovation Hub, individuals or enterprises with potential can seek funding from family offices, venture capitalists, and the region’s institutional capital. The Dubai Future District Fund will also offer the same financial support to drive Dubai’s economy forward.

4

Accelerator Programs

The Innovation Hub offers accelerator programmes to businesses in the tech sector that are keen on unlocking opportunities and creating ground-breaking solutions by collaborating with leading companies and world-class institutions.

5

Licensing

The Innovation License is meant to aid innovation and technological firms along with entrepreneurs who want to operate from the DIFC region. Apart from subsidized commercial licensing options, this feature also allows access to some of the best co-working spaces in the region at affordable rates.

Future of DIFC

DIFC is a melting pot for diverse businesses, from start-ups to financial institutions, unicorns and angel investors. Following the year 2022, the region is expected to witness a lot of activity and growth, particularly in the financial sector. The ecosystem is set to double in size, with programs and events for deepening engagement.

The market anticipates more funding, openness, and support from several organizations, including the Dubai government and other programs like the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund and Dh1bn Dubai Future District Fund.

There couldn’t be a better time to explore investment and business opportunities in DIFC than now, and our business setup services are here to offer much-needed assistance to you.

Having the best business setup consultants in Dubai, TASC is committed to offering all the help and support you need to form your company in the DIFC region. From registering your company name to finding an office space, we are here for you.

If interested, contact us today!

How can we help?

If there is anything you'd like to know about what we do, how we do it, or how we can help you, please get in touch.

Dubai International Financial Centre Free Zone