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Business Setup in DIFC

The leading financial centre for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, with its own common-law courts and DFSA regulation.

Business Bay Dubai downtown mainland company setup

A Common-Law Island in the Gulf

DIFC operates under its own English-language common-law framework with independent DIFC Courts, which is why funds, family offices, fintechs and multinational financial institutions choose it. The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) regulates financial activities, while a large non-regulated segment (holding companies, proprietary investment, corporate services, tech and family offices under the DIFC Family Wealth Centre) incorporates without DFSA authorisation.

Pro24 handles non-regulated incorporations directly and works alongside compliance specialists for DFSA-regulated applications, so you enter the centre by the fastest compliant route.

DIFC at a Glance
Legal systemCommon law, DIFC Courts
RegulatorDFSA (financial firms)
Best forFinance, funds, family offices
Innovation HubTech licences from USD 1,500
Ownership100% foreign
Timeline2 to 6 weeks
Our specialities

Expo City Dubai, DMCC or Dubai mainland: where we get you the best deal

An authorised Expo City Dubai Free Zone channel partner, DMCC specialists based in JLT, and Dubai mainland setup experts. If one of these fits your business, we can usually set you up faster and for less.

Expo City Dubai Free ZoneAuthorised partner

Expo City Dubai Free Zone

FromAED 9,020per year · freelance permit with visa
  • Business Hub 2: 4 visas, AED 17,570
  • Standard 6 Visa Package: AED 22,080
  • Partner pricing on every package
JLT specialists

DMCC setup & PRO services

FromAED 35,484official Basic Biz package · 1 visa
  • Visas, renewals, NOCs and establishment cards
  • Every DMCC fee quoted transparently
  • DMCC PRO desk minutes from DMCC
Trade anywhere in the UAE

Dubai mainland company

Ownership100%foreign ownership for most activities
  • DET trade licence to sell across the UAE
  • LLC, professional and commercial licences
  • Government contracts and local customers

Why Choose DIFC

Institutional credibility no other regional address matches.

Common Law Certainty

Contracts governed by familiar English-law principles enforced by DIFC Courts.

Institutional Standing

The address global counterparties, LPs and banks recognise instantly.

Innovation Hub Pricing

Subsidised tech and startup licences inside the same ecosystem.

Family Wealth Centre

Purpose-built regime for family offices, foundations and succession structures.

Data Protection Regime

A standalone DIFC data protection law aligned with international standards.

Gate District Lifestyle

Premium offices, dining and residences that help attract senior talent.

Setup Process at DIFC

01

Package Selection

We match the right DIFC licence type, activity list and visa package to your plan and budget.

02

Application & KYC

Passport copies, photo and application forms are submitted; we handle all authority correspondence.

03

Licence Issued

Fees paid and your DIFC licence, lease and incorporation documents are released.

04

Visas & Banking

Establishment card, residence visas and Emirates ID, then bank account introductions.

Free Zone Finder

Which UAE free zone fits your business?

Tell us your activity, visa needs and budget and Pro24 will shortlist the 3 best-fit free zones with a fixed all-in quote.

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Frequently Asked Questions

No. Only firms conducting regulated financial services need DFSA licensing. Holding companies, proprietary investment vehicles, family offices and most tech firms incorporate as non-regulated entities far faster and cheaper.

Non-regulated entities typically run USD 12,000 to 25,000 in year one including registration and a flexi desk; Innovation Hub tech licences start around USD 1,500 plus workspace; regulated firms budget substantially more for capital and compliance. We scope your exact category first.

A subsidised licence class for tech startups, scale-ups and AI firms giving DIFC presence at a fraction of standard cost, with access to the centre’s venture ecosystem.

Yes. Most DIFC incorporations complete without you visiting the UAE; biometrics for your residence visa are the main in-person step.

Start Your DIFC Company

Get the current DIFC requirements and a fixed all-in quote within 24 hours.

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