Why choose DIFC?

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the region's leading financial centre, with 10,018 active companies at mid-2026, including more than 1,100 regulated financial firms and nearly 2,000 AI, fintech and innovation firms. It has its own English-language common law courts and is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).

Key benefits

  • Independent DIFC Courts applying common law in English.
  • Licences for regulated finance, non-financial businesses, tech startups, SPVs, family offices and foundations.
  • No minimum share capital for non-financial private companies.
  • UAE corporate tax is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000. A company that meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person rules can pay 0% on qualifying income; this is conditional, not automatic, and requires audited financial statements.

DIFC costs in 2026

  • Innovation licence (tech startups): USD 100 registration plus USD 1,500 a year, discounted for the first years while the company stays small.
  • Non-financial private company: USD 8,000 incorporation plus USD 12,000 a year (retail: USD 3,400 plus USD 5,100).
  • Prescribed company (SPV): USD 100 incorporation plus USD 1,000 a year.
  • Workspace: Innovation Hub flexi desks from USD 250 a month for innovation licence holders, with up to 4 visas.
  • Establishment card: from USD 618.

DFSA-regulated firms have additional authorisation and capital requirements. With CorpWise you get a clean starting cost breakdown before you commit.

How to set up a company in DIFC

  1. Choose your licence: innovation, non-financial, retail, DFSA-regulated, SPV, family office or foundation.
  2. Get DFSA authorisation first if you will carry out financial services; DFSA aims to complete reviews in about four months.
  3. Submit your application: DIFC typically gives initial approval in 3 to 5 working days.
  4. Secure a registered address: your own lease, a shared affiliate lease or co-working.
  5. Process visas: establishment card, entry permit or status change, medical test, Emirates ID and stamping. You need to be in the UAE for the medical and biometrics.

Who is DIFC best for?

Regulated financial firms, fintech and AI startups using the innovation licence, holding and SPV structures, and family offices. It is rarely the right choice for a budget solo founder outside tech or finance.

DIFC FAQs

What is the cheapest way into DIFC for a tech founder?

The innovation licence: about USD 1,600 in year one plus an Innovation Hub desk from USD 250 a month.

Is there a minimum share capital in DIFC?

Not for non-financial private companies; issued capital simply has to be above zero. DFSA-regulated firms have capital requirements by category.

Do I need DFSA approval?

Only if you will carry out regulated financial services. DFSA aims to complete its review in about four months.

What law applies in DIFC?

DIFC has its own civil and commercial laws and independent English-language common law courts.

Free zone fees change and are set by each authority. Figures are general guidance based on the authority's published information at the time of writing; where an authority does not publish prices we say so. We confirm current pricing for your activity and visa count before you proceed.