DIFC
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Dubai Financial Centre (DIFC)
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a free zone focused on the financial sector located in the heart of Dubai, established in 2004. The DIFC has risen to prominence as one of the foremost financial hubs globally, especially as the largest in the Middle East, drawing top banks, financial institutions, and professional services firms to establish their representative offices and regional headquarters. This premier financial centre offers an optimal setting for creating financial entities, underpinned by a robust regulatory framework and a strategic locale. It’s noteworthy that almost all major global banks have cemented their presence in the DIFC, highlighting its pivotal role in the financial landscape.
Why DIFC?
- Supportive Ecosystem: DIFC facilitates innumerable networking opportunities, industry events and easy access to a skilled workforce.
- Easy Company Setup: The company registration process is easy and streamlined at DIFC allowing businesses to set up quickly and efficiently.
- Sector Focus: Strong focus on specific sectors like finance, fintech, legal and professional services. The businesses in these areas can fully utilize the specialized support and resources available to them at DIFC.
- Zero Income Tax: The professionals in DIFC are not required to pay any income tax.
- Foreign Ownership: DIFC allows companies or individual shareholders to have 100% foreign ownership.
- Zero Custom Duties: Businesses within DIFC do not have to pay any customs duties on goods imported into the DIFC free zone.
Key Features of DIFC
World-Class Financial Services: DIFC is a hub offering a range of financial services to various financial institutions like banks, investment companies, insurance companies and asset management firms.
Business-Friendly Environment: DIFC is an attractive business destination for regional as well as international businesses as it offers a business-friendly environment, a strong regulatory framework based on English Common Law, transparent laws and a supportive infrastructure.
Strategic Location: DIFC’s prime location in the heart of Dubai makes it a strategic hub for businesses seeking access to the markets of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.
Independent Courts: DIFC has its own separate legal system known as the DIFC Courts which follow the English Common Law and provide a fair and efficient legal system for businesses in the free zone.
Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA): The DFSA is the regulatory authority for the DIFC, responsible for overseeing financial and ancillary services conducted in or from the centre. Established to ensure international best practices, its core duties encompass supervising and regulating financial entities, granting licenses, and ensuring consumer protection. Additionally, the DFSA fosters a transparent operating environment consistent with global standards, reinforcing the DIFC’s competitive position as a business hub. Notably, the DFSA’s jurisdiction is exclusive to the DIFC and doesn’t encompass the broader UAE financial domain.
World-Class Infrastructure: DIFC has world-class infrastructure which includes modern office spaces, retail stores, international dining options, state-of-the-art communication and road systems, recreational facilities, etc. creating an ideal environment for businesses and professionals to be successful.
RELATED FAQ
DIFC stands for the Dubai International Financial Centre. It is a financial-free zone located in Dubai, UAE, offering a business-friendly environment and serving as a hub for global financial institutions, professional services firms, and businesses from various industries
DIFC hosts a wide range of businesses, including banks, financial institutions, investment firms, insurance companies, asset management firms, fintech startups, professional services providers, and other companies in the financial sector.
Setting up a business in DIFC comes with several advantages, including 100% foreign ownership, a stable and transparent regulatory framework, access to a global financial market, independent courts operating under English Common Law, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a strategic location connecting businesses to key markets.
While DIFC is renowned as a financial hub, it also accommodates businesses from various industries, including technology, legal, consulting, and professional services. The free zone is open to diverse sectors seeking to leverage its advantages.
DIFC operates under its own independent regulatory authority, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). The DFSA ensures that businesses within DIFC comply with international regulatory standards and maintain the integrity of the financial ecosystem.
Yes, DIFC has its own independent judicial system known as the DIFC Courts. These courts follow the principles of English Common Law and provide a fair and efficient legal framework for dispute resolution within the free zone.
Yes, DIFC is open to both local and foreign companies. Foreign investors can set up their businesses in DIFC and benefit from the attractive business environment and global connectivity.
The process of setting up a company in DIFC involves submitting the required documentation to the relevant authorities, obtaining the necessary approvals, and meeting the regulatory requirements. It is advisable to seek assistance from a reputable business setup service provider or consult with DIFC’s registration and licensing authorities.
DIFC offers a range of business support services, including assistance with company incorporation, visa processing, licensing, legal and financial advisory, access to networking events, and educational programs, all designed to facilitate business growth and success.
DIFC provides a variety of office spaces and retail outlets to suit different business needs. Prospective tenants can directly contact DIFC’s property management or reach out to authorized real estate agencies to explore available options and pricing.
Explore Our Services
01
Mainland Company
Opting for the mainland business setup enables your business to trade ...
02
Freezone Company
100% foreign ownership along with a 0% customs duties on imports and exports.
03
Offshore Company
The setup is also known as Non-Resident Company (NRC) or International Business...
