DIFC company setup cost (2026)
| Item | Government cost |
|---|---|
| Entry licence (published) | ≈ AED 104,079 |
| With one visa | ≈ AED 108,579 |
| Regulated financial activity | Additional regulator (DFSA) authorisation and fees |
Headline: From about AED 104,079 (about AED 108,579 with one visa) (government fees as published, July 2026).
Year-one budget: AED 104,000+ before regulatory fees and office costs.
Not included: professional-service fees, residence visas beyond the package, office upgrades, bank minimum balances, and external approvals for regulated activities.
Benefits of the DIFC licence
- English common-law legal system with independent DIFC Courts
- DFSA regulatory framework recognised by international counterparties
- Ecosystem of banks, asset managers, law firms and fintechs
- Strong credibility for cross-border finance, holding and structuring
- 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation
Who is DIFC best for?
- Regulated financial services and fintech
- Funds, family offices and holding structures
- Law, advisory and other professional firms
Typical permitted activities
- Financial services (DFSA-regulated)
- Family office and holding structures
- Professional and legal services
- Fintech and innovation
Always check your exact activity against the zone’s permitted list. Regulated activities need separate approvals.
What to watch out for
- Highest entry cost among mainstream Dubai zones
- Financial-services activities require DFSA authorisation on top of the licence
- Office space requirements apply to most licence types
How to set up a company in DIFC
- Choose the zone and activityMatch your business activity to the zone’s permitted list and your budget. Check whether you need physical space or a specific licence type.
- Reserve the trade nameSubmit two or three name options; zones typically approve within one to three working days.
- Submit documents and applicationPassport copies, photos, proof of address and shareholder details. Corporate shareholders provide attested documents.
- Pay fees and sign the incorporation documentsFees are paid to the free zone authority; sign the Memorandum/Articles digitally or in person.
- Receive your licence and certificatesYou receive the trade licence, certificate of incorporation and a desk or lease agreement.
- Establishment card, visas and Emirates IDGet the immigration card, then entry permit, medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID for each visa holder.
- Open the bank account and register for taxApply for a corporate bank account, and register for corporate tax and, if required, VAT.
DIFC compared with similar UAE free zones
| DIFC | ADGM | DMCC | DAFZA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirate | Dubai | Abu Dhabi | Dubai | Dubai |
| Best for | Financial services & regulated business | Financial centre & regulated business | Commodities, crypto & multi-sector | Aviation, logistics & premium trading |
| Licence cost | From about AED 104,079 (about AED 108,579 with one visa) | Indicative AED 25,000–55,000+ for non-financial licences; regulated activities cost more | From AED 46,780 (one-visa package) | Year-one from about AED 55,000 (smart desk + one visa) |
| Setup time | 2–6 weeks (longer for regulated firms) | 2–4 weeks (longer for regulated firms) | 1–3 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| Banking ease | High | High | High | High |
| Fee data | Published | Indicative band | Published | Indicative band |
FAQs: DIFC Dubai company formation
Do I need DFSA approval to set up in DIFC?
Only for financial-services activities that the DFSA regulates. Many non-financial and professional-service businesses can be licensed by the DIFC Registrar of Companies without DFSA authorisation.
How much does it cost to set up a company in DIFC Dubai?
Indicative cost: From about AED 104,079 (about AED 108,579 with one visa). Government fees as published in July 2026; Year-one totals: AED 104,000+ before regulatory fees and office costs. Residence visas, office upgrades, professional-service fees, bank minimums and renewals are extra.
How long does DIFC company setup take?
Typically 2–6 weeks (longer for regulated firms) once documents are complete. Residence visa stamping (medical test, Emirates ID) adds further working days and requires you to be in the UAE.
Can foreigners own 100% of a company in DIFC?
Yes. UAE free zones allow up to 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits and capital. You do not need a UAE national partner or local sponsor.
Can companies licensed in DIFC trade in the UAE mainland?
Not freely. A free zone company generally cannot sell directly to mainland customers without a distributor, a dual-licence arrangement where the zone offers one, or a separate mainland licence or branch. If most of your customers are in the UAE, compare with a mainland licence.
Do I need a physical office in DIFC?
Many packages include a flexi-desk or smart desk. Larger visa quotas, industrial activity, warehousing, or regulated activities usually need a dedicated office or unit — confirm for your activity and visa count.
Are DIFC companies eligible for 0% corporate tax?
The UAE applies 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000 of taxable income. A Qualifying Free Zone Person can access 0% on qualifying income, but only if strict conditions are met, and it is not automatic. Only some zones are also VAT Designated Zones. Get tax advice for your structure.
Can I open a corporate bank account for my company in DIFC?
UAE banks assess each application on the shareholders, business model and documents — not only on the zone. Our banking-ease view for DIFC is “High”. No zone or consultant can guarantee an account.
What documents are required to set up in DIFC?
Typically: colour passport copies of shareholders and directors, passport photos, proof of address, a completed application, and a business plan for some activities and zones. Corporate shareholders need attested incorporation documents. Regulated activities need approvals from the relevant authority.
Who is DIFC best for?
Regulated financial services and fintech; Funds, family offices and holding structures; Law, advisory and other professional firms.
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