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Starting a Business

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DIFC is an onshore financial centre strategically located between the East and West, which provides a secure and efficient platform for businesses and financial institutions to reach into and out of the emerging markets of the region.

The quality and range of DIFC’s independent regulation, common law framework, supportive infrastructure and its tax-friendly regime make it the perfect base to take advantage of the region’s rapidly growing demand for financial and business services. DIFC fills the time-zone gap for a global financial centre between the leading financial centres of London and New York in the West and Hong Kong and Tokyo in the East. Guided by its core values of integrity, transparency and efficiency, DIFC is playing a pivotal role in meeting the growing financial needs of the region.


World Class Regulatory Environment

At the heart of the DIFC model is an independent risk-based regulator, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), which grants licenses and regulates the activities of all banking and financial institutions in DIFC. The regulatory body was created using principle-based primary legislation modelled closely on that used in London and New York. The DFSA has played a major role in providing financial companies the confidence that they have a sound, stable, secure and growth-oriented platform for their business.


Unique Legal Framework

DIFC is unique in that it has a legislative system consistent with English Common law. Given its construct, DIFC has its own set of civil and commercial laws and regulations and has developed a complete code of law governing financial services regulation. As part of its autonomy, DIFC has created an independent judicial system. The DIFC Courts is the entity responsible for the independent administration and enforcement of justice in DIFC. The Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over all civil and commercial disputes arising within DIFC and or relating to bodies and companies registered in DIFC.

100% Ownership

Within DIFC, subsidiaries and incorporated entities enjoy 100% ownership as well as a world-class regulatory environment that allows for a range of options for structuring legal entities.

Common Law Framework

DIFC’s legal system and courts follow a Common Law framework administered by an independent and highly regarded regulator and adjudicated by an equally respected court system.

No Restriction On Capital Repatriation

DIFC-based companies face no restrictions or constraints on capital or profit flows, and benefit from no currency exchange controls in the US-dollar denominated jurisdiction.

Independent Regulatory Environment

An independent risk-based regulator, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) grants licenses and regulates the activities of financial services conducted through DIFC.

Hub & Spoke Model

DIFC provides a platform for businesses to centralise the regional and global management of operations, and their rollout to branches around the world.

Tax Efficiencies

DIFC provides a 40-year guarantee of zero taxes on corporate income and profits, enhanced by the UAE’s wide network of double taxation avoidance treaties with regulators and central banks.



Entities looking to establish and conduct business in DIFC must apply for incorporation or registration of a DIFC entity. They can do so by submitting their application to the Registrar of Companies (ROC), who will advise, receive, review and process all applications. The ROC will provide a detailed checklist of required forms and supporting documents to be submitted.

Registrant’s entity structures will be determined by the Companies Law, General Partnership Law, Limited Liability Partnership Law and Limited Partnership Law. The ROC will then issue a Commercial License along with a certificate of incorporation, registration or continuation.