The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region’s definitive global financial hub. For firms seeking to operate with credibility under a world-class regulatory regime, establishing a presence in the DIFC is a strategic necessity. This guide outlines the essential process for setting up a financial company within this prestigious jurisdiction. At the heart of the DIFC is its independent regulator, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). Any firm planning to conduct financial services must obtain authorization from the DFSA, which oversees all financial activities within the Centre, ensuring adherence to international best practices.
The first step is selecting the appropriate legal structure for your entity. For financial services, the primary options are:
A versatile corporate body requiring a minimum of one shareholder and one director.
An entity requiring at least two members, with a minimum of one designated member responsible for legal duties.
The path to becoming operational in the DIFC follows a structured, five-step process:
You can schedule a preliminary meeting with the DIFC Business Development team to discuss your plans.
This is the most critical stage. You must submit a detailed regulatory business plan and application to the DFSA. A successful review results in an "in-principle" approval letter, which is generally valid for three months.
A physical address in the DIFC is mandatory. This can be a leased unit (which must be registered with the Registrar of Real Properties) or a space shared with an affiliate entity under specific conditions.
With your DFSA in-principle approval, you can legally incorporate your entity through the DIFC portal. This involves submitting all required documents, defining business activities, and appointing key personnel.
Once your company is incorporated and you have your DIFC commercial license, you submit these to the DFSA to fulfill any final conditions. The DFSA will then issue your full license, permitting you to conduct financial services.
Key setup costs for a standard, non-retail financial firm include:
Navigating the dual requirements of the DFSA and the DIFC Registrar demands meticulous attention to detail. Our experts manage the entire journey—from structuring advice and DFSA application support to final license issuance—ensuring your launch is seamless and compliant.