Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) - Business Setup

100% foreign ownership
Strategic Location
100% repatriation of capital and profits
Investors can open bank accounts locally and internationally
Complete confidentiality

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4+ out of 5 stars customer rating

About Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

The DIFC is the financial hub of Dubai. It is a federal financial free zone and was established pursuant to UAE Federal Decree No. 35 of 2004, UAE Federal Law No. 8 of 2004 and Dubai Law No. 12 of 2004. The DIFC occupies a physical territory of approximately 110 acres. The DIFC has its own legal system and courts, independent from those of the UAE, with jurisdiction over corporate, commercial, civil, employment, trusts and securities law matters.

The DIFC aims to provide a platform for financial institutions to conduct business with the emerging markets of the region. It was established with the vision of creating an environment for growth, progress and economic development in the UAE, while accessing the region’s markets by providing internationally recognised legal and business practice, as well as the appropriate infrastructure keeping up with international standards.

It is a financial centre strategically located between the time zones of the east and the west, it is surrounded by a region that is fast developing and rich in natural resources and petro dollars. Combined with the tax friendly regime and the laissez-faire attitude regarding capital repatriation and movement of funds, it offers a financial destination and powerhouse that is unmatched.

difc: dubai international financial centre business setup

Company Formation in the UAE : Registration Process

5 Simple Steps are needed to Register a Company in the UAE

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

GCM Corporate Services provides complimentary UAE and Dubai company formation consultation to existing and potential clients.

Select your Company Type

We offer many company formation options here for single or multiple shareholders and directors.

Get a License Notification

Company formation application process begins once all necessary documents are acquired.

Start your Residency Process

Following your KSA Company’s registration, the authorities will process and stamp your residency permit.

Rapid Bank Account Opening

At GCM, we feel it’s vital that a company holds corporate onshore or offshore bank account.

BANKING OPTIONS

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Company Formation In DIFC: Benefits & Characteristics

Strategic Location: The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) provides a geographically advantageous location, serving as a gateway between East and West. This strategic position enhances business accessibility to markets in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Legal and Regulatory Framework: DIFC operates under an independent legal and regulatory framework based on English common law, offering a transparent and predictable business environment. The legal system is designed to facilitate ease of doing business, ensuring investor protection and enforcing contractual rights.

Global Talent Pool: DIFC offers access to a diverse and skilled workforce from around the world. The region’s open immigration policies make it easier for businesses to attract and retain international talent, fostering a dynamic and innovative environment essential for business growth and success.

Company Formation in DIFC: Types of License

FINTECH AND INNOVATION LICENSE	DIFC offers an unparalleled technology ecosystem in the region, with cost-effective licensing, tailored regulations, cutting-edge accelerators, and funding for growth-stage startups. Positioned as a pivotal and sector-agnostic hub, DIFC welcomes entrepreneurs and tech firms, providing diverse Innovation Licenses for establishing, growing, and scaling ventures. Leveraging DIFC’s dynamic ecosystem and robust regulatory framework, startups connect with banks, venture capitals, and service providers. DIFC’s FinTech Hive and FinTech Fund lead MEASA region initiatives, fostering an environment for groundbreaking solutions in the financial services and technology industry. These initiatives, an extension of DIFC’s supportive environment, empower startups and entrepreneurs to disrupt the sector. Notable licenses include the Innovation License for Tech companies, the AI and Web 3.0 License empowering advanced technologies, the Innovation Holding License ensuring flexibility and scalability for innovative enterprises, and the Venture Studio License tailored to corporate innovation within a thriving environment for incubating new business ventures.
NON- FINANCIAL BUSINESSES	While the primary focus of business activities in DIFC is on regulated sectors such as banking and finance, there is a diverse range of economic opportunities available, encompassing both regulated professional services and various non-regulated, non-financial businesses. For clients seeking to establish a non-regulated entity, DIFC stands out as an optimal global hub for corporations and professional service providers. Beyond granting access to a market featuring leading financial and non-financial firms, the Centre provides a stable and efficient platform for managing regional activities. Companies choosing DIFC as their base can leverage the Centre’s world-class legal and regulatory framework, along with access to a global talent pool. This strategic move enables corporates and professional service providers to centralize and consolidate their regional resources, leading to cost reductions and a strengthened competitive position. DIFC offers flexibility in structuring operations, allowing companies to adopt various approaches, such as managing offices, holding companies, proprietary investment entities, or prescribed companies. The Centre hosts a diverse array of corporates and professional service providers, including family businesses, corporations, multi-nationals, and a range of professional service providers. Key activities within DIFC for professional service providers include accounting and audit, management and strategy consulting, legal and compliance, risk management, education and training, market information and research, as well as human resources.
RETAIL AND LEISURE	DIFC provides an enticing array of lifestyle options for its expansive professional workforce, visitors, and residents. The various districts within DIFC present abundant opportunities for cafes, restaurants, shops, convenience services, art galleries, and retail establishments to showcase their offerings and engage with a diverse audience. Explore the vibrant marketplaces, savor culinary delights in trendy eateries, shop in stylish boutiques, and experience the dynamic cultural scene in the thriving art galleries. The diverse and bustling DIFC districts offer an ideal platform for businesses to captivate and cater to the diverse preferences of their target audience, creating an enriching and vibrant urban experience.

Why Choose GCM Your Corporate Provider?

We prioritize confidentiality and data protection to ensure the safety of your sensitive information. We offer competitive pricing to provide cost-effective solutions for your business needs. GCM has a high client satisfaction rate, which is a testament to our commitment to excellent service. Additionally, we have a team of experts with extensive knowledge and experience, business experts and an international group of companies who are members of leading associations. GCM also has a strong executive team that conducts business with integrity and due diligence, guaranteeing the best possible outcome for your company.

Documents Required

for an DIFC company formation

Detailed information about your proposed entity, including the key stakeholders and the business plan, certified passport copies of directors, authorised signatories, individual shareholders, beneficial owners etc., certified address proof in country of residence, shareholders/directors CVs as well as last 6 months bank statements and source of fund/wealth documentation.

*Additional documents may be needed at any point during the incorporation process at the discretion of the license issuing authority

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* Subject to the constraints of the due diligence procedure.
** Documents must be provided for every person related to the company.
Disclaimer: Nothing on this webpage shall be construed as a contractual commitment or as a warranty. Services conditions are governed by the applicable terms and conditions.

Our Client Reviews

Our Testimonials Are Verified By Feefo, A Third Party Company

4 +

out of 5 stars
customer rating

Overall
Rating

96 %

Customer satisfaction rate, testimonials verified by Feefo.com

09-Aug-2024

I was particularly well received by Christelle, the Managing Partner of the Dubai branch. GCM demonstrated great agility in their quotation process, which was crucial as I was leading a nascent structure in Dubai. The support provided during the administrative procedures for establishing my company in the UAE, along with the responsiveness of the service—especially from one of their team members, Oksana—truly reassured me and gave me confidence during a stressful period of establishing a professional presence abroad. I highly recommend GCM to any professional looking to set up in the UAE or even just to benefit from their advice.

02-Aug-2024

The service renderade was proactive, engaged and well excecuted.

25-Jul-2024

Service was excellent from start to finish. Anna Hochberg was always available to give advice and options and walk us through the process.

12-Jul-2024

Transparent, efficient with very good communication flow. The result was a smooth and quick registration of a new company, exactly as required.

20-Jun-2024