DIFC: company setup
Dubai International Financial Centre
Updated on 29 October 2026 · Published under the responsibility of Jason Pivron, director · Who we are
Why this zone
The DIFC applies its own common-law-based legal system, with its own courts. For a financial or wealth activity, that legal certainty is worth more than the tax rate.
What to watch for
The innovation licence is very attractive and heavily subsidised, but it is reserved for eligible technology activities. A DFSA-regulated activity is an entirely different order of magnitude, a full authorisation file that we build separately — see the financial licences page.
Fee breakdown
All-inclusive package, official fees included: registration, first-year licence, establishment card and the minimum office the zone requires; visas are not included. Then €22,633 a year to renew the licence and the minimum office.
Suited activities
- Finance and asset management
- Legal services
- Fintech and Web3
- Family office
- Holding and dedicated vehicles
Banking
Excellent. A regulated financial centre with international recognition.
Setting up in DIFC: the steps
- Scoping and choice of zone
- Name reservation and initial approval
- Licence issue
- Visa and identity
- Tax and bank account
Steps from our catalogue for the United Arab Emirates, recorded on 21 September 2026. Details and documents to provide →
Where these figures come from
- Emirate (Dubai): difc.com
- Office, visas and setup time: our catalogue, recorded on 21 September 2026; to be checked with the zone.
- Banking: our assessment, not an authority's data.
DIFC free zone: frequently asked questions
How much does a DIFC licence cost?
From €30,190. All-inclusive package, official fees included: registration, first-year licence, establishment card and the minimum office the zone requires; visas are not included. Then €22,633 a year to renew the licence and the minimum office.
How long does company setup in DIFC take?
4 to 6 weeks (our catalogue, to be checked with the zone).
Which emirate is DIFC in?
Dubai — Dubai International Financial Centre.
What office does a DIFC company need?
Physical office mandatory for regulated entities (our catalogue, to be checked with the zone).
How many visas with a DIFC company?
Up to 4 on a flexi-desk, otherwise by floor area (our catalogue, to be checked with the zone).
Can a DIFC company open a bank account?
Excellent. A regulated financial centre with international recognition. No account can be guaranteed.
Which activities are allowed in DIFC?
Finance and asset management · Legal services · Fintech and Web3 · Family office · Holding and dedicated vehicles.
What should I watch out for in DIFC?
The innovation licence is very attractive and heavily subsidised, but it is reserved for eligible technology activities. A DFSA-regulated activity is an entirely different order of magnitude, a full authorisation file that we build separately — see the financial licences page.