Dubai Free Zone

// Dubai free zone

Dubai International Financial Centre
DIFC company setup.

DIFC is Dubai's global financial centre, operating under an independent English common-law framework with its own courts and regulator. It is the home of banks, funds, fintechs and professional-services firms that need a regulated, internationally trusted base.

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✓ 100% foreign ownership ✓ 0% personal income tax ✓ Promos passed on to you
DIFC · Dubai RATE
Indicative from
AED 55,000
≈ —
in rupees
AED 1 equals₹—
Ratefetching…
Time to license2–6 weeks
StatusStandard free zone

01 At a glance

Dubai International Financial Centre — the essentials.

Ownership
100% foreign
Law
English common law
Regulator
Independent (DFSA)
Office
Physical office required

02 Who it's for

Is DIFC the right fit?

  • ✓Banks, funds and investment firms
  • ✓Fintech and regulated financial businesses
  • ✓Law firms and professional-services companies

03 What you get

Included with setup

  • ✓A regulated DIFC entity under common law
  • ✓Access to the DIFC Courts and legal framework
  • ✓International credibility for finance and funds
  • ✓A premium financial-district address

04 Cost & quote

What DIFC setup costs.

Indicative starting point below. Your real number depends on visas, activity and office — tell us your details and we'll send a firm quote.

Indicative starting cost
AED 55,000
≈ —
Starting licence cost. Visas (~AED 3,500–5,500 each), a physical office, and your specific activity can raise this. We confirm the activity list and banking before you pay.
Promo Free zones run regular promotions, and we pass those discounts straight to you — your final quote is often lower than the figure above.
Official authority: difc.ae ↗
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05 FAQ

DIFC setup — common questions.

How much does it cost to set up a company in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)?
Indicative setup in DIFC starts from around AED 55,000. Your final cost depends on the number of residence visas (roughly AED 3,500–5,500 each), whether you need a physical office, and your specific business activity. Free zones also run regular promotions, which we pass on — so your quote is often lower than the starting figure.
How long does DIFC company formation take?
Licensing in DIFC typically takes 2–6 weeks. Adding residence visas and opening a corporate bank account can take a little longer.
Can I set up in DIFC from India without travelling?
Yes — the DIFC licence can usually be arranged remotely. If you take a UAE residence visa, a short visit is normally needed for medical testing and Emirates ID biometrics.
Is DIFC a VAT designated zone?
DIFC is a standard free zone rather than a VAT designated zone. This rarely matters for service businesses; if you trade physical goods we’ll advise whether a designated zone would suit you better.
Can I open a UAE bank account with a DIFC licence?
Yes. A DIFC licence makes you eligible to apply for a UAE corporate bank account. Approval depends on your activity, documents and profile — we point you to the banks that tend to open most smoothly for DIFC companies.

06 Compare

Other zones to consider.

IFZA
Dubai

Consulting, e-commerce & startups wanting a Dubai address at a sensible price.

from AED 12,900View page →
Meydan
Dubai

Digital businesses & solo founders; fast online setup, instant IBAN option.

from AED 12,500View page →
DMCC
Dubai
Designated

Trade, commodities, gold & crypto. Prestige address, strong banking.

from AED 34,000View page →

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