Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) - Business Setup
- 100% foreign ownership
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits
- Investors can open bank accounts locally and internationally
- Complete confidentiality
About Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
The DIFC is the financial hub of Dubai. It is a federal financial free zone and was established pursuant to UAE Federal Decree No. 35 of 2004, UAE Federal Law No. 8 of 2004 and Dubai Law No. 12 of 2004. The DIFC occupies a physical territory of approximately 110 acres. The DIFC has its own legal system and courts, independent from those of the UAE, with jurisdiction over corporate, commercial, civil, employment, trusts and securities law matters.
The DIFC aims to provide a platform for financial institutions to conduct business with the emerging markets of the region. It was established with the vision of creating an environment for growth, progress and economic development in the UAE, while accessing the region’s markets by providing internationally recognised legal and business practice, as well as the appropriate infrastructure keeping up with international standards.
It is a financial centre strategically located between the time zones of the east and the west, it is surrounded by a region that is fast developing and rich in natural resources and petro dollars. Combined with the tax friendly regime and the laissez-faire attitude regarding capital repatriation and movement of funds, it offers a financial destination and powerhouse that is unmatched.
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Unbeatable prices in the UAE
Company Formation in the UAE : Registration Process
5 Simple Steps are needed to Register a Company in the UAE
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
SFM Corporate Services provides complimentary UAE and Dubai company formation consultation to existing and potential clients.
Select your Company Type
We offer many company formation options here in the UAE for Onshore, Offshore and Free Zone companies.
Get a License Notification
Company formation application process begins once all necessary documents are acquired.
Start your Residency Process
Following your Dubai Company's registration, the authorities will process and stamp your residency permit.
Rapid Bank Account Opening
At SFM, we feel it’s vital that a company holds corporate onshore or offshore bank account.
Company Formation In DIFC: Benefits & Characteristics
- Strategic Location: The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) provides a geographically advantageous location, serving as a gateway between East and West. This strategic position enhances business accessibility to markets in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia.
- Legal and Regulatory Framework: DIFC operates under an independent legal and regulatory framework based on English common law, offering a transparent and predictable business environment. The legal system is designed to facilitate ease of doing business, ensuring investor protection and enforcing contractual rights.
- Global Talent Pool: DIFC offers access to a diverse and skilled workforce from around the world. The region's open immigration policies make it easier for businesses to attract and retain international talent, fostering a dynamic and innovative environment essential for business growth and success.
Company Formation in DIFC: Types of License
FINTECH AND INNOVATION LICENSE
DIFC offers an unparalleled technology ecosystem in the region, with cost-effective licensing, tailored regulations, cutting-edge accelerators, and funding for growth-stage startups. Positioned as a pivotal and sector-agnostic hub, DIFC welcomes entrepreneurs and tech firms, providing diverse Innovation Licenses for establishing, growing, and scaling ventures. Leveraging DIFC's dynamic ecosystem and robust regulatory framework, startups connect with banks, venture capitals, and service providers.
DIFC's FinTech Hive and FinTech Fund lead MEASA region initiatives, fostering an environment for groundbreaking solutions in the financial services and technology industry. These initiatives, an extension of DIFC's supportive environment, empower startups and entrepreneurs to disrupt the sector.
Notable licenses include the Innovation License for Tech companies, the AI and Web 3.0 License empowering advanced technologies, the Innovation Holding License ensuring flexibility and scalability for innovative enterprises, and the Venture Studio License tailored to corporate innovation within a thriving environment for incubating new business ventures.
DIFC's FinTech Hive and FinTech Fund lead MEASA region initiatives, fostering an environment for groundbreaking solutions in the financial services and technology industry. These initiatives, an extension of DIFC's supportive environment, empower startups and entrepreneurs to disrupt the sector.
Notable licenses include the Innovation License for Tech companies, the AI and Web 3.0 License empowering advanced technologies, the Innovation Holding License ensuring flexibility and scalability for innovative enterprises, and the Venture Studio License tailored to corporate innovation within a thriving environment for incubating new business ventures.
NON- FINANCIAL BUSINESSES
While the primary focus of business activities in DIFC is on regulated sectors such as banking and finance, there is a diverse range of economic opportunities available, encompassing both regulated professional services and various non-regulated, non-financial businesses.
For clients seeking to establish a non-regulated entity, DIFC stands out as an optimal global hub for corporations and professional service providers. Beyond granting access to a market featuring leading financial and non-financial firms, the Centre provides a stable and efficient platform for managing regional activities.
Companies choosing DIFC as their base can leverage the Centre’s world-class legal and regulatory framework, along with access to a global talent pool. This strategic move enables corporates and professional service providers to centralize and consolidate their regional resources, leading to cost reductions and a strengthened competitive position.
DIFC offers flexibility in structuring operations, allowing companies to adopt various approaches, such as managing offices, holding companies, proprietary investment entities, or prescribed companies.
The Centre hosts a diverse array of corporates and professional service providers, including family businesses, corporations, multi-nationals, and a range of professional service providers. Key activities within DIFC for professional service providers include accounting and audit, management and strategy consulting, legal and compliance, risk management, education and training, market information and research, as well as human resources.
For clients seeking to establish a non-regulated entity, DIFC stands out as an optimal global hub for corporations and professional service providers. Beyond granting access to a market featuring leading financial and non-financial firms, the Centre provides a stable and efficient platform for managing regional activities.
Companies choosing DIFC as their base can leverage the Centre’s world-class legal and regulatory framework, along with access to a global talent pool. This strategic move enables corporates and professional service providers to centralize and consolidate their regional resources, leading to cost reductions and a strengthened competitive position.
DIFC offers flexibility in structuring operations, allowing companies to adopt various approaches, such as managing offices, holding companies, proprietary investment entities, or prescribed companies.
The Centre hosts a diverse array of corporates and professional service providers, including family businesses, corporations, multi-nationals, and a range of professional service providers. Key activities within DIFC for professional service providers include accounting and audit, management and strategy consulting, legal and compliance, risk management, education and training, market information and research, as well as human resources.
RETAIL AND LEISURE
DIFC provides an enticing array of lifestyle options for its expansive professional workforce, visitors, and residents. The various districts within DIFC present abundant opportunities for cafes, restaurants, shops, convenience services, art galleries, and retail establishments to showcase their offerings and engage with a diverse audience. Explore the vibrant marketplaces, savor culinary delights in trendy eateries, shop in stylish boutiques, and experience the dynamic cultural scene in the thriving art galleries. The diverse and bustling DIFC districts offer an ideal platform for businesses to captivate and cater to the diverse preferences of their target audience, creating an enriching and vibrant urban experience.
Why Choose SFM As Your Corporate Provider?
We prioritize confidentiality and data protection to ensure the safety of your sensitive information. We offer competitive pricing
to provide cost-effective solutions for your business needs. SFM has a high client satisfaction rate, which is a testament to our commitment to excellent service.
Additionally, we have a team of experts with extensive knowledge and experience, business experts and an international group of companies who are members of
leading associations. SFM also has a strong executive team that conducts business with integrity and due diligence, guaranteeing the best possible outcome
for your company.
Documents Required
for an DIFC company formation
Detailed information about your proposed entity, including the key stakeholders and the business plan, certified passport copies of directors, authorised signatories, individual shareholders, beneficial owners etc., certified address proof in country of residence, shareholders/directors CVs as well as last 6 months bank statements and source of fund/wealth documentation.
*Additional documents may be needed at any point during the incorporation process at the discretion of the license issuing authority
* Subject to the constraints of the due diligence procedure.
** Documents must be provided for every person related to the company.
Disclaimer: Nothing on this webpage shall be construed as a contractual commitment or as a warranty. Services conditions are governed by the applicable terms and conditions.
** Documents must be provided for every person related to the company.
Disclaimer: Nothing on this webpage shall be construed as a contractual commitment or as a warranty. Services conditions are governed by the applicable terms and conditions.
Our Client Reviews
Our Testimonials Are Verified By Feefo, A Third Party Company
Overall Rating
96%
Customer satisfaction rate, testimonials verified by Feefo.com
20-Jun-2025
I am very grateful for Jane’s assistance in registering „AntradienioWave Ltd“. She was responsive, helpful, and ensured the process was successfully completed. Overall, the service was smooth, and I am satisfied with the result.
However, there was some confusion regarding electronically signed documents. Initially, I was informed that such signatures were acceptable, but later I was required to provide hand-signed documents, which caused a slight delay. It would be beneficial if SFM communicated their policy on electronic signatures more clearly to avoid similar misunderstandings in the future.
Overall, I am pleased with the service and would recommend SFM for company registration, especially due to professionals like Jane.
I am very grateful for Jane’s assistance in registering „AntradienioWave Ltd“. She was responsive, helpful, and ensured the process was successfully completed. Overall, the service was smooth, and I am satisfied with the result.
However, there was some confusion regarding electronically signed documents. Initially, I was informed that such signatures were acceptable, but later I was required to provide hand-signed documents, which caused a slight delay. It would be beneficial if SFM communicated their policy on electronic signatures more clearly to avoid similar misunderstandings in the future.
Overall, I am pleased with the service and would recommend SFM for company registration, especially due to professionals like Jane.
18-Jun-2025
Excellent Professionalism & Seamless Service – Highly Recommended!
Working with SFM Corporate Services has been an exceptional experience from start to finish. Their team combines deep expertise with a truly client-focused approach, making the complex process of international company formation and banking feel smooth, clear, and efficient.
From day one, I felt well-supported. Every query was addressed with clarity, and their transparency in timelines, documentation, and requirements gave me full confidence in each step. What stood out most was their professional integrity, multilingual communication, and personalized attention, even across time zones.
If you’re looking to set up a company, open a business account, or structure your operations globally — whether in Europe, the UAE, or beyond — SFM is the gold standard.
Thank you, SFM team, for your outstanding support! Special thanks to Alkesh for his continued support.
Excellent Professionalism & Seamless Service – Highly Recommended!
Working with SFM Corporate Services has been an exceptional experience from start to finish. Their team combines deep expertise with a truly client-focused approach, making the complex process of international company formation and banking feel smooth, clear, and efficient.
From day one, I felt well-supported. Every query was addressed with clarity, and their transparency in timelines, documentation, and requirements gave me full confidence in each step. What stood out most was their professional integrity, multilingual communication, and personalized attention, even across time zones.
If you’re looking to set up a company, open a business account, or structure your operations globally — whether in Europe, the UAE, or beyond — SFM is the gold standard.
Thank you, SFM team, for your outstanding support! Special thanks to Alkesh for his continued support.
14-Jun-2025
SFM is a team of professionals who can help you set up and run a business efficiently with relevant and responsive information. I highly recommend!
SFM is a team of professionals who can help you set up and run a business efficiently with relevant and responsive information. I highly recommend!
30-May-2025
Perfect service. Thank you. To open a company, it's very easy.
Perfect service. Thank you. To open a company, it's very easy.
22-May-2025
Great service. Personalised and uncomplicated service. Answers all your questions in good time. We were lucky enough to be assigned Mr Alkesh Luchmun for our case and he has been tireless in helping us.
Great service. Personalised and uncomplicated service. Answers all your questions in good time. We were lucky enough to be assigned Mr Alkesh Luchmun for our case and he has been tireless in helping us.
21-May-2025
Very professional and supportive
Very professional and supportive
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