DIFC company formation
Dubai's Financial Centre.
Common Law, Courts and Regulation.
Set Up With an Accredited Partner.
DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) has its own common-law framework, courts and financial regulator, suiting financial services, family offices, holding structures and fintech.
Licence packages from AED 15,000
* Indicative starting price for a licence package. Visas, workspace, renewals and government fees vary, and we show government fees at cost. Your written recommendation gives an all-in figure.
Why DIFC
A financial centre
with its own legal system.
DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) has its own common-law framework, courts and financial regulator, suiting financial services, family offices, holding structures and fintech. Packages range by activity, visas and workspace, and we match them to your plan.
Get Your Setup Plan →Structure.
Regulate.
Invest.
Govern.
Who DIFC suits
DIFC is often the right fit for.
If DIFC isn't the right fit, we'll say so and recommend another zone.
Financial Firms
Regulated financial services
Family Offices
Private wealth structures
Holding Structures
Groups and SPVs
Fintech
Innovation in finance
Your DIFC setup
From your DIFC licence
to an operating company.
- 01
UAE Business Launch
For founders establishing a DIFC company.
- Activity selection
- Name reservation
- DIFC licence and incorporation
- Establishment card
- Investor visa
- Bank account preparation
- 02
UAE Business Plus
For owners who want ongoing support after establishment.
- Everything in Launch
- Family and employee visas
- Accounting and tax coordination
- Renewals and amendments
- Workspace upgrades
- 03
Holding & Family Office
For investors and family structures.
- Holding or SPV structuring
- Legal partner coordination
- Regulatory review where needed
- Banking coordination
- Residency planning
Licence & structure
Which DIFC licence?It depends on your activities.
Financial services in DIFC need authorisation from its financial regulator. Non-financial and holding entities follow a separate route. Visa allocation depends on your package and workspace. We confirm the right combination before you apply.
Check Your Activities →- Licence Type
- Approvals
- Shareholders
- Visa Allocation
- Workspace
- Renewal Cost
- Tax Position
- Banking Fit
How DIFC compares
DIFC alongside two alternatives.
| DIFC (this zone) | ADGM | DMCC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirate | Dubai | Abu Dhabi | Dubai |
| Known for | Financial centre with its own common-law courts and regulator | International financial centre operating under English common law | Large business community with a strong commodities and trading focus |
| Typical fit | Financial & holding, technology | Financial & holding, technology | Trading, financial & holding, technology |
| Workspace options | Offices | Offices | Flexi-desk · Offices |
We're accredited across all UAE free zones, so the comparison is about fit, not commission.
One relationship
Your DIFC licence
is the start of the journey.
Visas, banking, tax registration and renewals follow. CTG manages each step with one team.
The CTG approach
A structured path into DIFC.
Step 1: Understand
Your activities, customers, visas and workspace needs.
Step 2: Advise
DIFC confirmed as the right fit, or an alternative recommended.
Step 3: Establish
Name, activities, approvals and DIFC licence.
Step 4: Activate
Establishment card, visas, bank file and tax registration.
Step 5: Support
Renewals, changes and compliance as you grow.
Common questions
DIFC setup,
answered.
How much does a DIFC company cost?
Licence packages start from AED 15,000. Your total depends on activity, visas, workspace and renewal rates, and government fees are charged at cost. Your written recommendation gives an all-in figure.
What is DIFC?
DIFC is the Dubai International Financial Centre, a financial free zone with its own common-law courts and regulator.
Can I set up a DIFC company from abroad?
Incorporation can often start remotely. You'll need to be in the UAE for visa medicals and biometrics, and banks may ask to meet you.
Do I need a physical office?
It depends on your activity and visa needs. We match the workspace to your plans.
How many visas can a DIFC company get?
It depends on your package and workspace. Your written recommendation sets out the allocation.
Does a DIFC company pay corporate tax?
It's within the UAE corporate tax system. Qualifying income can be taxed at 0% if the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions are met, and other income at 9%.
DIFC insights
Make informed decisions before you establish.
Begin your UAE strategy
Is DIFC right for your business?
Answer six questions and we'll confirm whether DIFC fits, or which zone does.
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