Business Setup In Dubai’s Leading Financial Hub.
Establish Your Business In DIFC
Are you seeking a strategic breeding ground for financial establishments and futuristic startups? Presenting to you the Dubai International Financial Centre! This business jurisdiction is tailor-made for established and budding companies that benefit from common law that aligns with international standards. As DIFC launch assistants, we help our clients through every stage of the business setup process, from securing a business license to opening a corporate bank account and beyond!
Dubai International Finance Centre
Setup Your Business in
Dubai International Finance Centre.
Dubai International Financial Centre is a leading financial hub in the Middle East and North Africa. With a special legal framework governing companies registered in this business jurisdiction, DIFC has evolved into a convenient launchpad for companies engaging in financial services like corporate banking and wealth management. As a designated free zone, it offers impressive tax benefits and opens up access to emerging markets across the Middle East and South Asia.
This free zone development was established in 2004 with a vision of fostering international investors and businesses. Today, it has grown into one of the most significant international financial centres around the globe. In 2025 alone, DIFC has housed 1000+ new businesses from finance, non-finance, AI, retail, and leisure industries.
Dubai International Finance Centre
DIFC Is Best
Suited For These Businesses
We offer the following services related to setting up a business in the Dubai Silicon Oasis:
Dubai International Finance Centre
Benefits of Choosing
DIFC As Your Business Jurisdiction
0% Corporate Tax
Businesses established in DIFC benefit from complete exemption of corporate tax liabilities, enabling them to earn maximum profits and ensure a competitive position in regional and global markets.
Full Foreign Ownership
DIFC allows foreign investors to retain 100% ownership of their company, without the need to establish a partnership with local investors. So, they can enjoy full control over business operations and strategic decisions.
Independent Legal System
The DIFC courts enforce a transparent, internationally recognized legal framework aligned with English common law, providing predictability and investor confidence when it comes to drafting contracts and resolving disputes.
No Restrictions on Profit/Capital Repatriation:
Investors can freely transfer profits and capital abroad without currency control or any other restrictions, making it easy for finance businesses to balance reserves, repatriate additional funds, and scale their operations across borders.
Networking Opportunities
Proximity to a vibrant ecosystem of innovators, financial institutions, and industry leaders fosters collaboration, partnerships, and growth opportunities.
Flexible Company Structure
From unique corporate structures designed for the requirements of financial institutions to regular legal entities such as LLCs and branches, DIFC fosters a variety of companies. Be it for a holding company, a family office, or a bank branch, investors can avail tailored company structures to suit their operational needs.
Streamlined Business Licensing & Setup
DIFC offers simplified registration and licensing processes, reducing administrative burden and enabling faster market entry. With specialist business setup assistance provided by Alchemist Corporate Services, you can navigate the application, documentation, and execution tasks accurately.
Regulated By Globally Recognized DFSA
All financial services and operations within the DIFC happen under the oversight of the Dubai Financial Services Authority. Being an internationally recognised regulator, DFSA ensures compliance with international standards, safeguarding investor trust and market integrity for DIFC companies.
World-Class Infrastructure
DIFC provides advanced office spaces, digital connectivity, and financial services infrastructure designed to support multinational corporations and startups alike.
Lifestyle Offerings
Located in Dubai’s central business district, DIFC consists of premium residential, retail, and cultural amenities, creating a dynamic environment for professionals and families.
Dubai International Finance Centre
An Overview of Alchemist’s DIFC
Business Setup Service
We are trusted launch partners for over 500+ thriving businesses in the UAE. Our seasoned business setup consultants are well-versed in the legal, financial, infrastructural, and procedural aspects of setting up a business in the DIFC. If you are exploring possible options to base your business in the Dubai International Financial Centre, we at Alchemist Corporate Services can guide you in every step of the way.
Dubai International Finance Centre
General Documents Required for DIFC Setup
Passport Copies of Investors
Proof of Residence
Memorandum & Article of Association
Financial Statements
In addition to these, other documents may also be required based on the chosen legal structure, the nature of business activities, and whether the entity intends to conduct regulated financial services. Get in touch with our DIFC business setup experts for more insights.
Frequently Asked Questions on Business Visa
Type of Companies
We have Helped to Setup Businesses
DIFC company formation refers to registering a business in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a leading global financial hub in the Middle East offering an independent legal framework and 100% foreign ownership.
Businesses can establish:
Private Company Limited by Shares (LTD)
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Branch of a Foreign Company
Representative Office
Prescribed Company (for holding structures)
DIFC is primarily designed for financial services firms, fintech companies, investment firms, wealth management companies, insurance, legal, consulting, and professional service providers.
The cost of DIFC company formation typically starts from USD 12,000 to USD 25,000+ depending on business activity, license category, regulatory approvals, and office space requirements.
Yes, DIFC allows 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local UAE sponsor.
Yes, financial services companies in DIFC are regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), ensuring international compliance and high regulatory standards.
Yes, companies must lease a physical office space within DIFC to obtain a license.
Key benefits include:
100% foreign ownership
Independent common law legal system
Access to global financial markets
Strong international reputation
0% personal income tax
DIFC companies are subject to UAE Corporate Tax regulations but may qualify for 0% tax if they meet Free Zone Qualified Income conditions.
Yes, DIFC companies are eligible to open UAE corporate bank accounts and often have strong banking access due to DIFC’s financial hub status.
Unlike other free zones, DIFC operates under an independent legal system based on English common law and is specifically focused on financial and professional services.
The number of visas depends on the type and size of office, warehouse, or industrial facility leased in JAFZA.
JAFZA companies can trade internationally. For direct mainland UAE trading, a local distributor or additional approvals may be required.
JAFZA companies may qualify for 0% corporate tax if they meet the conditions for Free Zone Qualified Income under UAE Corporate Tax regulations.
Yes, JAFZA requires physical office space, warehouse, or industrial units depending on the license type and business activity.
Yes, companies registered in JAFZA are eligible to open UAE corporate bank accounts, subject to compliance and KYC requirements.