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About Dubai International Financial Center 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.

WHY CHOOSE DIFC FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
Explore the unique advantages that make DIFC a top choice for global entrepreneurs and investors.
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TAX EFFICIENCY

Dubai International Financial Center offers favourable corporate tax, enhancing business efficiency.

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HIGH PRIVACY PROTECTION

Strong privacy protections ensure confidentiality of corporate records.

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SIMPLE SETUP PROCESS

Get your company up and running in days.*

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MIDDLE EASTERN BUSINESS HUB

Gateway to Middle Eastern and global markets with cutting-edge facilities..

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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.
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.
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.*
CUSTOMER
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WHY BUSINESSES CHOOSE US FOR COMPANY FORMATION

December 18, 2024

Fast and reliable service. Account manager was responding fast and always to the spot.

October 17, 2024

Helpful, proactive and good communication and very fast delivery of the requested service. Excellent!

September 19, 2024

Brilliant assistance, always swift and professional replies, generally speaking... happy with SFM

August 2, 2024

The service renderade was proactive, engaged and well excecuted.
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