Dubai international financial center (DIFC)

In today’s ever-changing global business environment, the right location can significantly impact business growth and stability, often determining success or failure.

The UAE is recognized globally as a premier business destination for its strategic positioning, vibrant economy, and progressive regulations. It maintains strong compliance and transparency standards, fostering a thriving business environment.

The UAE’s adherence to global standards and regulations, business-friendly atmosphere, and advanced infrastructure make it the perfect springboard for businesses to succeed on both regional and global scales.

Why the UAE?

Easy framework for business set-up

Easy framework for visa application (no quota or min requirement)

Proper laid out legal framework for sophisticated and special licenses

Nexus with GCC and Middle East for investments holding & management

Brand value and bargaining stand

Centre of the world for connectivity

State of the art infrastructures

Access to finance on the market

Access to acquire properties in UAE

Security of business / investments

Confidentiality of business / investments

Vibrant community of skillful labour

Access to acquire properties in UAE

Framework gearing towards technology and virtual assets

Network of Double Taxation Treaties

Vibrant community of skillful labour

DIFC Business Setup

About the dubai international financial centre (DIFC)

The Dubai International Financial Centre is a prominent financial free zone located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Established in 2004, it operates as an independent jurisdiction with its own legal and regulatory framework tailored for financial services and related businesses.

The DIFC aims to facilitate business and financial activities by offering a supportive environment with modern infrastructure, legal certainty, and a transparent regulatory system based on international standards.

It hosts a wide range of financial institutions, including banks, insurance companies, asset managers, and professional services firms, making it a key hub for finance and business in the Middle East region.

There are several compelling reasons to choose the DIFC for business:

Strategic Location

Situated in Dubai, a global hub for trade and commerce with excellent connectivity to major markets in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and beyond.

Independent Legal System

Operates under its own legal and regulatory framework based on English common law, providing stability, predictability, and transparency for businesses.

Business-Friendly Environment

Offers a tax-efficient regime with zero percent tax on corporate income and profits for a period of up to 50 years, no restrictions on foreign exchange, and 100% foreign ownership of businesses.

World-Class Infrastructure

Features state-of-the-art office spaces, technology, and connectivity infrastructure to support the operations of financial institutions, professional services firms, and other businesses.

Regulatory Standards

Adheres to international regulatory standards and best practices, ensuring compliance and confidence among investors and businesses.

Access to Markets

Provides access to a diverse and growing market in the Middle East and beyond, with a large concentration of financial institutions, multinational corporations, and high-net-worth individuals.

Supportive Ecosystem

Offers a range of business support services, networking opportunities, and initiatives to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and growth.

Quality of Life

Dubai provides a high standard of living with world-class amenities, a cosmopolitan environment, and a multicultural community, attracting talent from around the globe.

Overall, the DIFC presents a compelling choice for businesses looking to establish a presence in the Middle East, offering a combination of strategic advantages, a favorable regulatory environment, and robust infrastructure to support growth and success.

Why choose DIFC?

A mature and stable financial center operating for more than 2 decades.
The DIFC is one of the only two financial free zones in the UAE.
The DIFC has seen 34% growth in new registrations last year.
The DIFC offers a unique lifestyle of work and play: 7 residential towers, 2 5-star hotels, 7 renowned art galleries and 112 retail outlets with another 200 on the way.
Strong legal framework with English Court of Law with Common Law Principles.
Financial Free Zone with special licenses for banking, insurance, wealth management & capital market operators - The DIFC currently houses 17 of the top 20 banks in the world.
The rising most sought free zone by asset and wealth managers, family offices and financial institutions.
The rising most sough free zone by tech start-ups as incubator & accelerator.
0% corporate taxation for entities qualifying the exemption or max 9%.
0% WHT on dividends.
100% foreign ownership permitted.
No restriction on foreign talent or employees.
No restrictions on capital repatriation.
No corporate taxation for individuals.
No wealth or inheritance tax in UAE.

Corporate vehicles from DIFC

Family Office

Banking license

Insurance license

Exempted SPVs

Operational investment holding

Trust and Foundations

Innovative License for Tech Start-ups

Professional service provider license

Asset & wealth management license

Collective investment scheme

Capital market & brokerage license

Investment advisory license

Representative office licence

Capital market & brokerage license

Investment advisory license

Financial Services Activities in DIFC:

Investment banking

Private banking

Fund management

Asset management

Brokerage

Investment advisory services

In need of Compliance Services?

We are excited to announce our new line of Compliance Services, now offered by our new entity in the DIFC. This expansion underscores our commitment to providing comprehensive solutions that meet the highest standards of regulatory compliance.

Our Compliance Services Include:

Regulatory Compliance

1. Ensuring adherence to local and international regulatory requirements.

2. Monitoring and managing regulatory changes.

AML and KYC Services (Due Diligence Reports)

1. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) risk assessments.

2. Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures and documentation.

3. In-house AML compliance department set-up.

AML/CFT Independent Audits

1. Conducting thorough compliance audits.

2. Providing detailed reports and action plans.

Risk Management

1. Identifying and mitigating compliance risks.

2. Implementing risk management strategies.

.3. Business Risk Assessment

Assisting with On-site and Off-site Inspection

1. We assist you during inspection by authority(ies).

Training and Development

1. Offering training programs for staff on compliance matters.

2. Continuous professional development for compliance officers.

Policy Development

1. Assisting in the creation and implementation of compliance policies.

2. Reviewing and updating existing policies.

FATCA and CRS Classification and Reporting

1. FFI to report information about financial accounts held by U.S. taxpayers.

2. Report information on accounts held by resident

Provision of MLRO and CO

1. Outsourcing of your MLRO and CO.

2. Mitigate risk of recruitment.

Corporate Tax Registration

1. Liaising with the authority to register and obtain your Corporate Tax Registration number.

Our DIFC Business Setup entity is strategically positioned to offer these services with the highest level of expertise and efficiency.

Get in touch with us!

Taroonah Doolub

Nishi Kichenin

Shaheen Abdul Carrim

Dharshinee Bheenuck

Nishi Kichenin

GROUP CEO

Taroonah Doolub

DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Sameer Aqil

MANAGER- BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

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