Dubai International Financial Centre is a special economic zone specifically focused on financial services companies. DIFC offers a world-class infrastructure for companies in the field of finance, investments, banking, and fin-tech.

DIFC is governed by a robust regulatory body, common law framework, and government support. It offers the perfect platform to foster companies focused on financial and business services. DIFC is also a perfect location to work due to the time zone advantages. It merges the time-zone gap between the international financial Centres of London, New York, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. The investors have an advantage of closely tracking all the major financial markets by setting up their base in Dubai.

Benefits of Setting Up a Business in DIFC

No restrictions on foreign exchange

100% foreign ownership

0% tax on corporate or personal income

Full repatriation of capital and profits

Dollar-denominated environment

Strict money laundering laws

State-of-the-art office accommodation, advanced technology, well-connected transport, communications, and internet infrastructure

Data protection/security

Operational support and business continuity facilities of high standards

Transparent operating environment

Availability of skilled professionals

Transparent business environment complying with internationally accepted laws and regulatory processes in accordance with global best practices

An international stock exchange with debts and equity listings (primary and secondary)

Financial Activities Allowed in DIFC

Businesses operating in Dubai International Financial Centre free zone are allowed to perform the following activities in the region:

Accepting deposits

Advising on financial products

Arranging for the custody, and investment credit or deals

Carrying out contracts of insurance

Dealing in investments as agent or as principal

Effecting insurance contracts

Insurance broking and management

Managing assets

Managing profit-sharing investments

Operating a collective investment scheme

Providing credit

Providing custody

Providing pecuniary services

Types of Legal Entities Allowed in DIFC

Dubai International Financial Centre offers a lucrative value chain to an individual or corporate investors in the form of multiple incentives. It allows an entity (individual or corporate) to register a business in any of the following legal forms:

Company Limited by Shares

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

Branch Office

Partnership

Types of Licenses Available in DIFC

Ancillary Services

Asset Management and Fund Registration

Banking Services

Business Processing Operations

Capital Markets

Islamic Finance

Reinsurance & Captive Insurance