Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) – Business Setup & Company Formation

Key Benefits of a DIFC Free Zone Business Setup

Have you ever wondered what benefits you’d get by opening a company in one of the UAE’s Free Zones?

World-Class Legal & Regulatory Framework

Flexible rules designed for global businesses
International workforce-friendly environment
Common law-based legal system ensures transparency & efficiency

Global Business Hub

Hub & Spoke Model: Centralized platform for international expansion
Home to top financial institutions, investment funds & multinational firms
Seamless capital flow between global markets

Prime Geographic Location

Strategic position in the Middle East, Africa & South Asia (MEASA)
Recognized as a leading international financial center
Drives economic growth & fosters innovation

Tax & Capital Advantages

100% foreign ownership (no local sponsor needed)
0% corporate & income tax
Full profit & capital repatriation
Access to UAE’s extensive double-taxation agreements

Fast & Efficient Business Setup

Streamlined registration process with minimal paperwork
Comprehensive legal & financial support
Business-friendly environment tailored for financial & professional services

DESCRIPTION	AMOUNT	REMARKS
Employment Visa – per Person	AED 3,170	2 yeas Visa – including medical and Emirates ID
Employment Visa Deposit	AED 2,500	refundable
Local Amendment	AED 800	AED 800

Steps for a IFZA Free Zone
Company Formation

Choose your business activity

The first step in Dubai Mainland company formation is to choose which commercial, professional, or industrial business activity you will engage in. Also, different activities require different approvals and specific licenses from relevant authorities.

Take initial approvals from DED

Apply for the initial approvals from DED on the proposed business activity. You must also take approval on other parameters, such as office location, shareholders, and capital.

Apply for external approvals if required

As mentioned above, some activities require additional approvals from other government entities, such as the Health Authority, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, and the Roads and Transport Authority. Apply and take those approvals before you proceed to register your business.

Trade Name Reservation

Reserve a name for your business by submitting an application on the DED’s name reservation portal. The name must be unique and should not be the same as other registered business names in Dubai. Please note the trade name must follow the DED trade name policy.

Signing of MOA

The next step would be the preparation of MOA for the company. The partners and shareholders are required to sign the MOA to show consent in setting up a company.

Office space selection

Lease suitable commercial space in Dubai as per DED’s location eligibility policies and usage type. Initially, you can take a small space that is budget-friendly and caters to your immediate business needs.

Mainland license issuance

The Department of Economic Development (DED) is subject to issuing trade licenses for mainland companies in Dubai. You must submit all documents and required information to the DED to apply for a mainland trade license. You also need approval of all the documents from relevant authorities and payment of the license fee to the DED.

Apply for relevant visa

Once your licence application is approved, apply for relevant visas for yourself, stakeholders, and employees.

Our qualified team will
accompany you all the way

Julia
Founder

Vera
Sales manager

Ekaterina
Director

Irina
Business Developer

Join 10,000 Happy Customers

Don't just take our word for it. Hear from entrepreneurs who have successfully established their businesses in Dubai. Learn from their experiences and gain insights into the possibilities that await you.

Top-rated business setup consultancy in Dubai on Google

Olga Sharandina

Excellent accounting service! I used the company's services to open our own enterprise, and were pleasantly surprised by the professionalism and efficiency. Accountants not only helped me with all the necessary paperwork, but also continue to support m company in our business activities. They are always in touch, ready to help and answer all questions. I recommend this company to everyone who values quality and reliability in accounting.

Oleg Alipyev

We've been outsourcing our legal part with this company since the beginning of 2023. The company has great managers with a solid ability of the managers to solve complex tasks. Also they could explain every step and tell you what they're doing and why.

Natalia Dudareva

We have been working with SNM Startup-N-Marketing for almost two years - this time is enough to be convinced of the professionalism of the team. I express my deep gratitude to Julia, Saltanat and Jamilya for their help, advice and participation in our business. Thank you!

Darwin Dev

We’ve been working with StartUpNMarketing for over a year and they have really helped us improve in terms of website SEO and getting responses. We are able to increase revenue generated on online orders thanks to Vera and her team. Timely monthly reports and timely responses sent without follow ups. Keep it up and thank you!

Yuliya Mineeva

Amazing service. They helped me with my company opening, updating my trade license, getting visas and much much more. Accounting services are also provided by SNM and Im absolutely satisfied. Should mentioned that Im not the best client - not really well organized and a lot of my requests are very spontaneous. Already recommended SNM to my friends and colleagues.Thanks to Yuliya and Jamilya!

Questions and Answers

How long does the DIFC company setup process take?

Standard setup takes 4-6 weeks, including regulatory approvals. Complex financial services licenses may require additional time.

What are the minimum capital requirements?

Capital requirements vary by license type, starting from USD 100,000 for non-regulated activities to several million for regulated financial services.

What types of licenses are available?

DIFC offers various licenses including financial services, professional services, holding company, and commercial licenses.

Are physical offices mandatory?

Yes, DIFC requires physical office space appropriate to your business activity and staff size.

What ongoing compliance requirements exist?

Requirements include annual returns, financial statements, directorship obligations, and maintaining proper corporate records.

Do you provide post-setup compliance support?

Yes, we offer ongoing compliance support, regulatory reporting assistance, and annual license renewal services.

Can we upgrade our license category later?

Yes, license categories can be upgraded subject to meeting additional regulatory requirements.

What banking options are available in DIFC?

DIFC hosts numerous international and local banks offering comprehensive corporate banking services.

Solutions Management Provides Assistance In

Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA)

DTec Free Zone

RAKEZ

KIZAD Free Zone

Sharjah Airport International Free Zone

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)

Features	Silver	Gold	Platinum
Business Consultation
100% Foreign Ownership
Business License for 1 Year
LLC Structure
Activity Type	Service / Consulting / Trading / E-Commerce	Service / Consulting / Trading / E-Commerce	Service / Consulting / Trading / E-Commerce
Access to reminders and notifications on License, Visa and ID renewal
Flexi Office
1 Lifetime Visa
Medical Fitness Test of Owner / Investo
Biometric for Owner / Shareholder
Corporate Tax Registration
Assistance in Bank Account Opening
VAT Registration
Accounting & Bookkeeping*
Annual Support for License, Visa, Immigration, and Labor Services
Financial Compliance Services (ESR, UBO, AML)
Audit of the Accounts
VAT Return Filing Services
Corporate Tax Return Filing Services
STANDARD PRICING	AED 5,750 Choose Silver	AED 12,000 Choose Gold	AED 49,500 Choose Platinum

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Company Formation

Visa Fees IN ABUDHABI AIRPORTS FREEZONE