What is DIFC Free Zone?
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a top-tier global business hub for financial services, fintech, legal, and innovation-focused companies. DIFC was founded in 2004 and offers a fully independent regulatory framework, international legal standards, and English as its operating language. It is home to over 5,000 businesses, including banks, investment firms, and legal consultants.
DIFC also launched an Innovation License tailored for Web3, AI, blockchain, and digital tech startups, making it a hotspot for future-focused businesses. It also offers co-working spaces, private offices, and accelerator programs. Companies enjoy 100% foreign ownership, zero taxes on profits for 50 years, and easy access to international talent.
DIFC Free Zone 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.
Features of DIFC Free Zone
DIFC Free Zone Company Setup
Company formation in 5-10 business days
Easy to Open a Bank Account
Minimal Paper work
100% Foreign Ownership
UAE Investor Visa
0% Income Tax & Withholding Tax.
Dubai International Financial Centre Freezone
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
Category 2
Category 3A
Category 3B
Category 3C
Category 3D
Category 4
Category 5
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.
Why Qamar al ahmar for Setting Business in DIFC Free Zone?
Located in Dubai, Qamar al ahmar 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?
Proven Success
Avyanco has a track record of successful DIFC Free Zone setups. Join the thriving businesses that have flourished under our guidance.
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.
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.