DIFC Free Zone Company Setup

The DIFC Free Zone caters primarily to both financial and non-financial entities through four core license types.

Financial License: For institutions like investment firms, asset management companies, banks, and insurance providers, subject to Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) approval.

Non-Financial License: For law firms, consultancy firms, family offices, and holding companies.

Retail License: Designed for companies looking to operate within the DIFC’s retail and lifestyle spaces. This includes cafes and restaurants, food and beverage services, and other customer-facing retail operations.

Innovation License: A specialized commercial license designed to support emerging tech ventures. It enables fintech, blockchain, and AI startups to establish a presence in the DIFC Innovation Hub.

Some of the main business activities undertaken in the DIFC Free Zone include:

• Investment management
• Accounting and legal services
• Corporate structuring and holding
• Fintech innovation
• Family Offices
• Asset holding companies

The process of setting up a company in DIFC and obtaining your business license is designed to be very straightforward.

Choose your activity and license type: Determine your business activity within DIFC (finance, non-finance, technology, or retail) and choose a corresponding license category. InZone helps you identify the most suitable activity and business license type based on your business model and requirements.

Prepare and submit your application: Once your company structure is defined, InZone handles the preparation and submission of your company application through the DIFC online portal.

Secure an office space: Every DIFC-registered company must maintain an office space within the jurisdiction. InZone guides you in choosing an option that works for you, whether it is a serviced office, a co-working space, or a dedicated suite.

Obtain regulatory approval: If your business falls under the category of regulated financial activities, you will need to get additional approvals from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). Our experts at InZone help you compile the necessary compliance documents, business plans, and financial statements for a smooth review process.

Make the required payments: Once your application receives initial approval, InZone helps facilitate the payment of the DIFC licensing and registration fees.

Get your DIFC license: Following the successful review of your documents and payment processing, DIFC will issue your business license, and you can start conducting business activities.

Following DIFC company registration, shareholders and employees can claim their residence visas by taking the following steps

1. Establishment Card Application: The first step is to apply for an establishment card, which registers your company with the immigration authorities and enables the issuance of visas.

2. E-Visa Application Submission: The team at InZone assists you in preparing and submitting your E-Visa application.

3. E-Visa Approval and Status Change: Once approved, the E-Visa is electronically issued. If you are outside the UAE, you can enter the country on the E-Visa. If you are already inside the UAE, you can complete a change-of-status process without leaving the country. This step formalizes your entry into the UAE’s residency system.

4. Medical Fitness Test: Every applicant must complete a standard medical test at an approved center. Typically, the test includes a blood test and a chest X-ray, and the results are processed within 24-48 hours.

5. Emirates ID Biometric Registration: You will then need to visit a designated Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) center for biometric scanning and Emirates ID registration.

6. Emirates ID issuance: Upon the completion of all steps, your residence visa will be issued by the ICP. The residence visa is typically valid for two years. Your Emirates ID will also be issued at this stage.

Individual Shareholder(s):

• Passport copy of shareholder(s) and manager(s)
• Latest UAE entry stamp, visit visa copy, or residence visa copy
• Emirates ID (for UAE residents)
• Proof of address for shareholder(s) and manager(s)
• Passport-sized photograph of shareholder(s) and manager(s)
• Business plan (required for certain activities or upon request)

Corporate Shareholder(s):

• Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA)
• Trade registration certificate (if applicable)
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Board resolution
• Certificate of Incumbency/Good Standing
• Documents for each shareholder, as mentioned above

Note: Document requirements may vary based on the chosen business activity and the regulations of the respective licensing authority.

As a leading corporate services provider in the region, InZone offers a host of unparalleled advantages to secure your Dubai trade license.

Efficient licensing: With our experience handling applications for DIFC business setup, we help make the licensing and approval process faster and more straightforward.

Dedicated support manager: You can count on our expertise and complete cooperation from setup to assisting with corporate tax in the UAE.

Comprehensive business solutions: Extending our services beyond business setup in the UAE, we also offer banking, accounting and bookkeeping services and visa services, all under one convenient umbrella.

With over 30,000 clients successfully set up across the UAE, InZone helps you start with your DIFC company registration and scale your business with absolute peace of mind.