Setting Up A New Holding Company in DIFC
Dubai International Financial Center
A powerful financial epicenter situated in the heart of the Middle East. It’s a vibrant community that houses some of the most prestigious financial and business organizations in the UAE.
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DIFC is renowned for its robust business infrastructure that enables financial corporations to penetrate both the local UAE market and the global financial landscape.
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DIFC has continuously evolved its working module to foster an environment that encourages businesses to thrive, adapting to the dynamic changes of the modern world. As the city moves towards an AI revolution, DIFC Company Setup is at the forefront, introducing new launches and groundbreaking initiatives that redefine the landscape of business and technology.
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Advantage of DIFC Company Setup
Setting up a business in DIFC comes with numerous benefits:
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- 0% tax rate on income and profits
- Usage of UAE's Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement
- 100% profit repatriation
- Independent Regulatory Environment
- A Common-Law Framework consistent with English Law
- Fully transparent operating environment complying with world-class compliance and regulatory processes
- The ability to open branches anywhere in the world
- Access to an international Stock Exchange with a plethora of financial instruments for investment
- Access to a high-quality lifestyle, with top-of-the-line apartments, shopping outlets, transportation, and technology infrastructure.
A Financial Centric Free Zone - DIFC
The DIFC Company Setup is not only a financial hub but also a unique free zone dedicated to promoting growth and prosperity in the financial services sector. It’s a bustling community, hosting several top-tier financial institutions, making it a pivotal player in the financial world.
DIFC UAE operates under the watchful eye of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), an independent regulator that oversees all business operations within the Centre. With its expansive reach, the DFSA manages a broad range of financial activities, from asset management to securities trading, investment funds, banking, credit services, commodities trading, and much more.
The Regulatory Environment in DIFC
DIFC boasts a top-tier regulatory environment. The DFSA, which operates independently, is the risk-based regulator for all DIFC holding company. Licenses for banking and financial institutions within the DIFC are issued by the DFSA. The Authority aligns its regulatory policies with international standards, drawing parallels with financial regulatory policies practiced in major financial centers like London and New York.
The Legal Framework in DIFC
DIFC Dubai operates under a legal system that is consistent with the English Common Law, with the DIFC Courts serving as the adjudicating body for the independent administration and enforcement of justice within the Centre. These courts handle all civil and commercial disputes that arise within the DIFC.
Types of Legal Entities in DIFC Company Setup
DIFC License is a hub for financial and fintech companies. The Special Economic Zone is geared towards companies engaged in financial and investment-related activities. The legal business forms in DIFC Company Setup include:
A company limited by shares
Limited liability company
Branch Office
Partnership
Types of Business Licenses in DIFC
DIFC offers two types of business licenses:
Managed License
This business activities linked with finance and banking, and are maintained by a financial regulatory system.
Non-Managed License
This businesses not linked with finance or banking, such as retail spaces, wellness centers, cafes, and restaurants.
Process of DIFC Company Setup in Dubai
Setting up a business in DIFC involves the following steps:
- Fill out the application form
- After initial approval, proceed to the registration process
- Submit all required documents along with proof of minimum share capital of the business
- Open a bank account for the company
- Once the documents are reviewed, the certificate of incorporation will be issued.
Documents Required for DIFC Business Setup
Several documents are needed to set up a business in DIFC, including:
- Proof of trade name reservation
- Proof of initial approval of business activities
- Passport copies of the shareholder
- Passport copy & Profile of the manager
- Personal profile information sheet for each shareholder & manager
- A detailed business activity plan
- Details of the organizational structure, IT Support system, Operations process
- Information on the organization's internal audit and compliance system
- Anti-money laundering procedures
- Detailed information on key shareholders and employees
- Property details of shareholders to check the propriety to conduct the business
- Lease agreement contract stating the physical address and office location
- Any third-party approval for activities, if applicable
For right estimates and latest cost details, consult our company formation experts.
Setting Up an Entity in DIFC – Steps to Follow
Establishing a company in DIFC requires the following steps:
- Submit the Interest
- Apply for DFSA Authorization
- Registered Address
- Register with DIFC
- Authorization by DFSA
How Neeja Can Assist You?
Neeja Business Consultants will guide you throughout the entire process of setting up your financial services or related service company in DIFC. Our legal and business experts are equipped to handle the rigorous review process conducted by the authorities. To learn more about the company formation process in DIFC, connect with our expert consultants today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Known for offering customized, end-to-end solutions, Neeja Corporate Services has some of the best company formation services. We help you at each step of the process from document curation and submission to post-registration formalities and procedures. We also assist you in meetings with the DIFC Company Setup authorities and support you in building cordial relations with the authorities. Our experts will help you with policies, procedures, and other regulatory norms that are a requirement in the DIFC-free zone. Post registration and authorization of the company, our experts will guide you on taxes, compliance, governance issues, risk management, and so on.
DIFC is an ideal spot for financial, asset management, banking, and insurance companies. Regulated licenses are offered as authorisation to companies that provide finance and banking-related services. The DFSA regulates the financial services and issues license authenticating the firm to carry out specific types of business activities. On the other hand, non-regulated licenses are issued to authorize businesses that are not in the finance and banking services sector. They include hotels, academic institutions, cafe, restaurants, retail, etc.
Company formation in DIFC Company Setup Dubai allows 100% foreign ownership and lays no taxes on income and profits. Following are some of the other key benefits that might motivate you to invest in DIFC Dubai.
- Complete freedom to repatriate profits and capital
- Transparent business environment
- Independent common law system
- Compliant with English laws and DIFC Wills
- Dollar-denominated currency ecosystem
- Free to hire foreign employees
- A vibrant community with promising business opportunities
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