DIFC – YOUR GATEWAY TO GLOBAL FINANCIAL SERVICES

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the UAE’s premier financial free zone, a world-class jurisdiction designed for individuals, families, and corporations seeking secure, tax-efficient, and internationally recognized company structures.

Whether you’re managing private wealth, planning for succession, or building an international investment platform, DIFC offers a future-ready legal and regulatory ecosystem built on transparency, investor confidence, and global best practices.

Discover the advantages of each structure as part of your DIFC Business Setup strategy.

WHY CHOOSE DIFC?

  • Independent legal and regulatory framework aligned with English Common Law.
  • Trusted hub for wealth management, estate planning, and private investments.
  • Strategic base for international holding companies and Prescribed Companies.
  • Recognized by financial institutions and regulators worldwide.
  • Strong economic and political stability within the UAE.

DIFC COMPANY STRUCTURES

Explore our flexible, tax-efficient structures for your business and wealth management needs in the DIFC.

difc prescribed company structure uae

DIFC PRESCRIBED COMPANY

A cost-effective entity used for holding assets, intellectual property (IP), or facilitating transactions within the DIFC’s trusted, and regulated ecosystem.

difc foundation structure uae

DIFC FOUNDATION

A tax-efficient entity for wealth protection, family planning, philanthropy, and holding assets in a secure jurisdiction.

difc family office structure uae

DIFC FAMILY OFFICE

A regulated platform for managing family wealth, governance, and legacy planning in a globally trusted financial hub.

difc holding company structure uae

DIFC HOLDING COMPANY

A strategic entity to manage equity and assets in subsidiaries, enabling efficient control and group operations.

COMPARE DIFC STRUCTURES

Find the perfect structure for your business and wealth goals in the DIFC’s trusted ecosystem.

FEATUREPRESCRIBED COMPANYHOLDING COMPANYFOUNDATIONFAMILY OFFICE
Primary PurposeAsset holding & deal structuringOwnership of subsidiaries
& assets
Wealth preservation & succession planningCentralized family wealth management
Legal StructurePrivate company limited
by shares
Private company limited by sharesIndependent entity, no shareholdersLicensed entity for family wealth
Ownership100% foreign ownership allowed100% foreign ownership allowedNo shareholders; council-managedFamily-owned & operated
Regulatory OversightDIFC Registrar of CompaniesDIFC Registrar of CompaniesDIFC Foundations LawDIFC Authority; DFSA for regulated activities
Common UsesHolding shares, IP, real estate; restructuringRegional/global subsidiary managementSuccession planning, asset protectionWealth coordination, philanthropy, governance
Bank Account EligibilityYesYesYesYes
Reporting RequirementsLight, annual returnStandard company filingsAnnual accounts & governanceVaries by regulatory scope
Public DisclosureLimited disclosureStandard disclosureHigh privacy, council not listedHigh privacy, structure-dependent
GovernanceShareholders & directorsShareholders & directorsFounder, council, optional guardianFamily representatives & managers
Cost EfficiencyLow-cost structureModerate costModerate costHigher cost, based on scope
Long-Term SuitabilityIdeal for transactions & asset holdingSuited for group structuringLong-term wealth & estate planningMulti-generational wealth & legacy

LAUNCH YOUR DIFC BUSINESS WITH US

Streamlined solutions for your DIFC setup and success.

Partner with Creation Business Consultants for tailored insights and strategies to achieve your business and wealth management goals.

Our experts in corporate structuring, tax, and compliance guide you to select the optimal structure, license, and shareholding framework.

Focus on growing your business while we manage:

  • Company name selection and initial approvals.
  • Regulatory approvals and documentation.
  • Registered address and post-incorporation steps.
  • Corporate bank account setup.

Our support doesn’t end once your business is established. We provide ongoing assistance to help you remain compliant with local regulations and succeed in the fast-paced markets of Dubai and the UAE.

DIFC COMPANY STRUCTURES FAQs

A Prescribed Company (PC) is a low-cost SPV used for holding assets, while a Holding Company is typically used to own and manage multiple businesses or investments. PCs require a Qualifying Applicant, Holding Companies do not.

Absolutely. DIFC Foundations are commonly used for legacy planning, asset protection, and structured wealth transfer across generations.

A Qualifying Applicant is typically a DIFC-registered entity (like a Foundation or Family Office) that sponsors or is affiliated with a Prescribed Company. It’s required for registration and compliance purposes.

Yes, DIFC entities are recognized by major local and international banks in the UAE. However, banks apply their own due diligence, Know Your Client and onboarding procedures.

Setting up a company in the DIFC typically takes from a few days to several months, depending on the complexity and regulatory requirements.

DIFC entities benefit from a 0% UAE corporate tax rate on qualifying income but must comply with substance requirements and tax registration. We recommend consulting with our tax experts to fully understand your tax position and optimize your proposed business plans.

Yes, DIFC Foundations provide a high level of confidentiality and legal separation between the founder and the assets, offering robust protection.

Yes, DIFC Family Offices are designed to consolidate and professionally manage all aspects of a family’s wealth, including investments, trusts, and succession planning.

With over 50 years of experience in UAE company and tax structuring, we bring deep DIFC regulatory expertise and offer comprehensive end-to-end business and compliance support — from entity design and incorporation to banking and ongoing compliance.

TESTIMONIALS ABOUT BUSINESS SETUP SERVICES

Here are what some of our clients have to say about us

OUR BUSINESS SETUP MODEL – AS EASY AS 1,2,3

Company formation in the UAE does not need to be difficult, we follow a seamless 3 stages process.

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