DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre)
The Middle East's leading financial centre, under English common law.
Overview
DIFC is the leading financial free zone in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, operating under an independent English-common-law framework with its own courts and financial regulator (DFSA). It's the premier home for banks, asset managers, funds, insurance, law firms, family offices and fintech — a premium, highly regulated jurisdiction.
Key benefits
- 100% foreign ownership; 0% personal and qualifying-income corporate tax
- Independent common-law legal system and the DIFC Courts
- World-class financial ecosystem in one district
- Robust regulatory credibility via the DFSA
- Innovation Hub and subsidised Innovation License for tech startups
- Access to FinTech Hive, VC networks and premium coworking
Business activities & licenses
DIFC supports a range of license types and activities, including:
- Financial services (banking, funds, insurance, capital markets)
- Professional services (legal, accounting, consulting)
- FinTech & technology / Innovation License
- Family offices, foundations & holding structures
Ownership & visas
100% foreign ownership — regulated activities require DFSA authorisation.
Visa allocation is tied to leased office / coworking space within DIFC. Regulated firms face additional DFSA capital and substance requirements.
Cost & timeline
Non-financial setup with flexi-desk from ~AED 25,000; Innovation License from ~USD 1,500/yr. Realistic first-year all-in often AED 65,000–100,000+.
~3–5 weeks non-financial; longer for DFSA-regulated firms.
Prices are indicative starting points, not quotes. Government and free-zone fees change frequently — we confirm current, all-in figures before you commit.
Is DIFC right for you?
Banks, funds, asset managers, insurers, family offices, law and consulting firms, and serious fintech companies that need regulatory credibility and a common-law framework.
What makes DIFC different
- Operates its own English-common-law legal system and courts.
- Home to DIFC Innovation Hub / FinTech Hive — the region's largest fintech ecosystem.
Compare alternatives
How DIFC compares
| Free zone | Emirate | License from* | Typical timeline | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIFC This page | Dubai | AED 25,000/yr | ~3–5 weeks non-financial; longer for DFSA-regulated firms | Finance · Funds |
| IFZA → | Dubai | AED 12,900/yr | License in ~3–5 working days (fast-track available) | Consultants · E-commerce |
| Meydan → | Dubai | AED 12,500/yr | A few days to ~1 week (digital process) | Agencies · Consultants |
| DMCC → | Dubai | AED 20,000/yr | ~1–4 weeks depending on activity and workspace | Commodities · General trading |
* Indicative license-only starting points for budgeting — not quotes. Compare all 17 zones
DIFC — frequently asked questions
01How much does it cost to set up in DIFC?＋
Non-financial setup with flexi-desk from ~AED 25,000; Innovation License from ~USD 1,500/yr. Realistic first-year all-in often AED 65,000–100,000+. These are indicative figures for budgeting — Incorporate Dubai will confirm current, all-in pricing for your activity and visa needs.
02Can I own 100% of my DIFC company?＋
100% foreign ownership — regulated activities require DFSA authorisation.
03How many visas can I get with DIFC?＋
Visa allocation is tied to leased office / coworking space within DIFC. Regulated firms face additional DFSA capital and substance requirements.
04How long does DIFC setup take?＋
~3–5 weeks non-financial; longer for DFSA-regulated firms. Timelines depend on document readiness, visa processing and bank onboarding.
05Who is DIFC best for?＋
Banks, funds, asset managers, insurers, family offices, law and consulting firms, and serious fintech companies that need regulatory credibility and a common-law framework.