FreezoneMatch

Dubai International Financial Centre

Dubai International Financial Centre — International Financial Centre Under English Common Law

USD 12,000 /year 5-14 working days setup 15 visas

What is Dubai International Financial Centre?

Leading financial hub in the Middle East with independent legal and regulatory framework based on English common law. Home to 5,500+ registered entities.

Leading financial hub in the Middle East with independent legal and regulatory framework based on English common law. Home to 5,500+ registered entities.

Key Features & Benefits

  • Independent legal system based on English common law
  • DFSA regulatory authority
  • 5,500+ registered entities
  • Innovation Hub for fintech startups
  • Premium Gate Avenue and DIFC district
  • 0% corporate/personal income tax (50 years)

Pricing & Costs

From USD 12,000/yr

Year 1 costs, renewals, and multi-year discounts

Pricing

Dubai International Financial Centre — Year 1 Fees

License Packages ⓘ

Regulated Financial Services

USD 12,000/year
  • Regulated Financial Services license
  • DFSA regulated; varies by category

Non-Regulated (Professional Services)

USD 5,000/year
  • Non-Regulated (Professional Services) license

Retail License

USD 7,500/year
  • Retail License license

Innovation License

USD 1,500/year
  • Innovation License license
  • For startups in Innovation Hub; 2-year program

Freelancer Permit

USD 1,500/year
  • Freelancer Permit license

💡 Multi-year licenses (2–3 years) are eligible for a 15–20% discount when paid upfront.

Government Immigration Fees ⓘ

Visa Costs every 2 years, per person
Establishment Card
Establishment CardⓘGovernment immigration file, renewed annually AED 1,500

Renewal Fees ⓘ

Yearly
License Renewalⓘ USD 1,500 – 1,500
Establishment Card Renewalⓘ USD 1,500
Every 2 Years
Visa RenewalⓘEvery 2 years (per person) USD 3,500 – 7,000

All prices are in AED and exclude 5% VAT where applicable. Prices may change — contact the FreezoneMatch team directly to confirm latest rates. (Prices last updated: 12 February 2026)

Setup & Documents

5-14 days

Step-by-step process, timeline, and required documents

Setup Roadmap

Your journey from application to fully operational business.

5–14 working days
📋
Step 1 1 day

Choose Business Activity

Select your business activity and license type from Dubai International Financial Centre's approved list

📄
Step 2 1-2 days

Reserve Trade Name

Submit trade name application for approval

💳
Step 3 1-2 days

Submit Documents

Upload passport copies, application form, and supporting documents

✅
Step 4 1 day

Pay License & Registration Fees

Complete payment for license and registration fees to Dubai International Financial Centre

🛂
Step 5 5-14 days

Receive Trade License

License issued after document verification and payment confirmation

🏦
Step 6 2-4 weeks

Apply for Visa & Open Bank Account

Submit visa application and business bank account opening

🎉

You're Open for Business!

Document Checklist

Everything you need to register your company with Dubai International Financial Centre.

Individual Shareholders

5 documents

  • Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • Passport-size photograph
  • Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
  • Proof of address (utility bill <3 months)
  • NOC from current sponsor (if applicable)

Corporate Shareholders

7 documents

  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association
  • Board resolution authorizing UAE setup
  • Valid passport of authorized signatory
  • Share certificate
  • Good standing certificate
  • Apostilled/attested documents (if outside GCC)
Good to Know
  • Passport copies must show at least 6 months validity from application date
  • Documents from outside the GCC may require apostille or attestation
  • Upload high-quality colour scans — minimum 300 DPI
  • Corporate documents should be certified as true copies

Banking & Payments

4/5 ease · 3 partner banks

Bank account opening, partner banks, and payment setup

Banking

Corporate bank account opening with guaranteed IBAN.

★★★★ ★ Good
3 Partner Banks
2-4 weeks Account Opening

Partner Banks

Emirates NBD

Major UAE bank with comprehensive business banking

Mashreq Bank

Digital-first banking with StartUp packages

RAKBANK

SME-friendly banking solutions

Documents Needed

Trade License
Certificate of Incorporation
Memorandum & Articles of Association
Passport copy of all shareholders
Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
Brief company profile
Proof of business activity (contracts, invoices)
3 months personal bank statement
Tips for Faster Approval
  • Apply to 2–3 banks simultaneously to maximise approval chances
  • Prepare a clear business plan explaining your revenue model
  • Have 3–5 sample contracts or invoices ready — even drafts work
  • Consider digital banks like Wio for faster approval and zero minimum balance
Independent Advice

Not sure if Dubai International Financial Centre is right for you?

Talk to an unbiased FreezoneMatch advisor. We'll help you compare options, avoid hidden costs, and find the best fit — completely free.

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Book a Free Call

Why Dubai International Financial Centre?

8 key advantages

Key advantages that set this free zone apart

Why Dubai International Financial Centre?

What makes this free zone stand out.

⚡

5-14 Day Setup

Standard company formation timeline. In-person visit required for document submission.

🏦

3 Partner Banks

Banking rated 4/5 (Good). Account opening typically takes 2-4 weeks.

👥

Up to 15 Visas

2 years validity. Dependents allowed. Flexible allocation based on package.

💰

0% Corporate Tax

On qualifying free zone income (QFZP status). 100% foreign ownership with full capital repatriation.

🌍

Mainland Trading Access

Multiple pathways to the mainland market including DET Permit and branch licensing.

📍

Dubai Location

In the heart of Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road, between Downtown Dubai and Jumeirah, next to Dubai Mall

🏢

Independent legal system based on Eng...

A key advantage of setting up your business in Dubai International Financial Centre.

🔧

DFSA regulatory authority

A key advantage of setting up your business in Dubai International Financial Centre.

Best For
  • Financial services and fintech companies
  • Management and business consultants
  • Technology and software companies
Consider Alternatives If
  • Budget-conscious startups (high regulatory costs)
  • Non-financial businesses (limited activity scope)
  • Virtual office seekers (physical office lease is mandatory)
  • Businesses needing warehouse or industrial facilities

Reviews

7 common questions

Customer reviews and alternatives

Is Dubai International Financial Centre Right for You?

✅ Choose Dubai International Financial Centre if you...

  • • financial services and fintech companies
  • • management and business consultants
  • • technology and software companies

🔄 Consider alternatives if you...

  • • budget-conscious startups (high regulatory costs)
  • • non-financial businesses (limited activity scope)
  • • virtual office seekers (physical office lease is mandatory)
  • • businesses needing warehouse or industrial facilities

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Dubai Internet City

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FAQ

7 common questions

Common questions about setting up in this free zone

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about setting up in Dubai International Financial Centre.

How much does it cost to set up in Dubai International Financial Centre?
First-year costs typically range from USD 15,000 – 100,000, depending on license type, office choice, and number of visas. This includes the trade license, registration, and basic setup but excludes visa processing costs.
How long does it take to set up a company in Dubai International Financial Centre?
The standard setup process typically takes 5-14 working days, depending on document completeness and license type. Some zones offer expedited processing for an additional fee.
How many visas can I get with Dubai International Financial Centre?
Visa allocation depends on your office space and package. Based on office space and entity type. Each visa costs approximately AED 3,500 – 7,000 for processing.
Can I sell to mainland UAE customers with a Dubai International Financial Centre license?
Free zone companies cannot directly sell to mainland customers without additional permits. You can obtain a DET permit, mainland branch license, or service agent agreement to access the mainland market. E-commerce sales are generally permitted with appropriate approvals.
Do I pay corporate tax in Dubai International Financial Centre?
Companies classified as Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZP) benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Non-qualifying income is subject to the standard 9% UAE corporate tax rate. Personal income tax remains 0%.
Do I need a physical office in Dubai International Financial Centre?
Yes, Dubai International Financial Centre requires a physical office lease. Flexi-desk or virtual office options are not available. Office costs vary depending on size and location within the free zone.
How do I open a bank account with a Dubai International Financial Centre license?
After receiving your trade license, you can apply for a business bank account with any UAE bank. The process typically takes 2-4 weeks. Required documents include your trade license, certificate of incorporation, passport copies, and proof of business activity.
Independent Advice

Not sure if Dubai International Financial Centre is right for you?

Talk to a FreezoneMatch advisor — we don't work for any freezone, so you'll get honest, unbiased guidance to find the best fit for your business.

WhatsApp Quick reply
Book a Call Free, 15 min
Email Us Detailed advice
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Or contact Dubai International Financial Centre directly

+971 4 362 2222 www.difc.ae
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