Dubai International
Financial Centre (DIFC)
RAG Holdings provides end-to-end company formation and corporate support services for businesses looking to establish a presence in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). From securing your trade licence and managing government approvals to ongoing PRO services and visa support, our team handles everything — so you can focus on building your business.
What is DIFC?
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a world-class global financial hub and one of the UAE’s most prestigious free zones, established in 2004 under UAE Federal Decree No. 35 of 2004. Spanning over 110 acres in the heart of Dubai, DIFC serves as the primary financial gateway for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region — connecting businesses to a market of over 3 billion people across emerging and established economies.
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Strategically positioned at the crossroads of Eastern and Western time zones, DIFC is today home to more than 6,150 active registered companies employing over 43,800 professionals, including major global banks, investment firms, insurance companies, fintech innovators, law firms, and professional service providers.
Why Choose DIFC?
DIFC offers a uniquely powerful and internationally recognised business environment that sets it apart from every other jurisdiction in the UAE.
English Common Law
DIFC operates under its own independent legal and judicial system, governed by English common law principles. This provides international investors and businesses with the legal certainty and comfort they need to operate confidently in the region.
Non-Regulated Licence
Suited for businesses that do not require DFSA oversight. This includes holding companies, family offices, consultancy firms, legal and professional service providers, technology companies, and marketing agencies. Non-regulated entities still benefit from the full legal, tax, and ownership advantages of the DIFC framework.
Regulated Licence
 Required for businesses operating in financial and related services — including banking, asset management, investment advisory, insurance, and capital markets. Regulated licence holders are overseen and authorised by the DFSA in compliance with international best practices.
100% Foreign Ownership
There is no requirement for a local partner or UAE national shareholder. You retain full ownership and complete control of your company from day one.
Free Repatriation of Capital
There are no restrictions on the repatriation of profits or capital. Move funds freely and efficiently across borders without limitation.
Types of DIFC Licences
DIFC issues two broad categories of licences depending on the nature of your business activity:
World-Class Infrastructure
With over 1.45 million sq. ft. of premium, purpose-built Grade-A office space, DIFC accommodates businesses of every size — from ambitious startups and technology innovators to global financial institutions and multinational corporations.
Restricted Licence
A restricted licence permits companies to carry out specific regulated activities without requiring a full financial services licence — offering flexibility for businesses that operate in a defined and limited scope within the regulated space.
Zero Tax Guarantee
Companies incorporated in DIFC benefit from a 50-year government-backed guarantee of 0% corporate tax on income, profits, and capital gains — with zero tax on employee income as well.
DFSA Regulation
The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) provides a rigorous, internationally respected regulatory framework that upholds the highest standards of investor protection, governance, and financial integrity.
UAE Residence Visas
Business owners and employees incorporated under a DIFC licence are entitled to apply for UAE residence permits, valid for two years and renewable.
Company Structures Available in DIFC
DIFC accommodates a wide range of legal entity types to suit different business objectives:
Private Company Limited by Shares
the most common structure for operating companies
Public Company Limited by Shares
minimum share capital of USD 100,000 required
Prescribed Company (PC)
a streamlined, cost-effective structure ideal for holding companies, family offices, asset holding, and special purpose vehicles
Branch of a Foreign Company
allows international businesses to expand into the UAE while retaining their existing legal structure
DIFC Foundation
a separate legal entity used for wealth management, succession planning, asset protection, family office structuring, and philanthropic activities
Beyond incorporation, RAG Holdings provides a full suite of ongoing corporate support services including corporate secretarial services, bookkeeping, accounting, payroll administration, and HR support — ensuring your business remains fully compliant and operationally efficient at every stage of growth.
DIFC Foundation
A DIFC Foundation is a powerful and flexible legal structure for private clients and family offices. Governed by DIFC Foundation Law No. 3 of 2018, a Foundation operates as a separate legal entity — holding assets independently in its own name rather than in the name of any individual. Key uses include:
- Asset protection and family wealth management
- Succession and legacy planning
- Ownership of operating companies and investment assets
- Holding structures for family offices
- Holding intellectual property (IP)
- Philanthropic and charitable giving arrangements
- Digital asset holding (including crypto assets, following DIFC Digital Assets Law No. 2 of 2024)
How RAG Holdings Can Help
RAG Holdings manages the complete DIFC company formation journey from start to finish. Our experienced team handles every aspect of the process with precision and care:
- Initial consultation and structure recommendation
- Preparation and submission of all registration documents
- Liaison with the DIFC Registrar and relevant authorities
- DIFC trade licence procurement
- Employment visa and residency applications
- PRO and government relations support
- Corporate bank account introductions
Beyond incorporation, RAG Holdings provides a full suite of ongoing corporate support services including corporate secretarial services, bookkeeping, accounting, payroll administration, and HR support — ensuring your business remains fully compliant and operationally efficient at every stage of growth.
Get Started with RAG Holdings
Whether you are a global financial institution, a growing SME, a family office, or a founder ready to establish your business at one of the world’s most prestigious addresses, RAG Holdings has the expertise, the relationships, and the local knowledge to make it happen — smoothly, efficiently, and with confidence.
Contact RAG Holdings today to begin your DIFC company formation journey.
