Dubai International Financial Centre

Established in 2004, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is UAE’s largest financial free zone. It has its own judicial system and courts. Compared to other Dubai free zones, DIFC courts have jurisdiction over corporate, commercial and civil matters. All DIFC laws are written in English in order to provide investors and foreign citizens all accessibility possible. The Dubai International Financial Centre also has its own Arbitration Centre which follows the London Court of Arbitration Centre regulations. The DIFC Authority’s main purpose is to provide investors complete services for Company registration.

Company registration in Dubai International Financial Centre

The Dubai International Financial Centre Authority issues business licenses for financial institutions in order to operate within the free zone. All companies operating in the DIFC benefit from centralized services. Companies are registered with the Registrar of Companies in DIFC. Financial institutions are required to obtain financial services licenses and fall under the regulations of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). The following types of companies are available for registration in Dubai International Financial Centre:

  • Limited liability companies
  • Branch offices
  • Sole traders

The most employed type of Company in the DIFC is the limited liability Company. The minimum share capital to set up a limited liability company in Dubai International Financial Centre is 1 USD, unless the Company does not operate in the financial services sector.

For complete information about the Company incorporation procedure in DIFC, you may rely on our experts in Dubai.

Why set up a Company in DIFC?

One of the greatest advantages provided by the Dubai International Financial Centre is the Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX). Financial activities are strictly regulated in the DIFC, but the free zone also offers other benefits to foreign investors among which:

  1. No income or corporate tax,
  2. Full foreign ownership,
  3. No restrictions on capital repatriation,
  4. A renowned stock exchange,
  5. A wide variety of business vehicles to be incorporated.

Considering Dubai has an extended network of double taxation agreements, foreign investors will benefits from significant fiscal advantages. For complete information about setting up a Company in the DIFC, please contact our specialists in Company registration in Dubai.