Services
End to end, from the first question to the annual filing
In short
Setting up is a few weeks of work. Running a DIFC entity properly is a permanent obligation across the Registrar, the Commissioner of Data Protection, the Federal Tax Authority and, for regulated firms, the DFSA. These seventeen services cover the whole span.
Before you apply
Work out whether the DIFC is right, and whether an existing entity should move rather than a new one be created.
Setting up
Incorporation, authorisation and premises. The part everybody plans for.
4 to 6 weeks for a standard non-regulated entityDIFC company formationFrom structure design to licence in handRead more3 to 6 months, longer for novel business modelsDFSA authorisation supportRegulatory Business Plan, compliance framework and application managementRead more2 to 6 weeks depending on the optionOffice and workspaceCo-working, serviced suites and fitted offices inside the CentreRead more
Getting operational
Banking, visas and employment. The part that actually determines when you can trade.
6 to 12 weeks from a complete fileCorporate bank account openingBank selection, file preparation and introductionRead moreEstablishment card 1 to 2 weeks. Each visa 2 to 4 weeksVisas and establishment cardEstablishment card, employment visas, Emirates ID and dependantsRead moreOngoing, with setup in 2 to 3 weeksEmployment and DEWS administrationCompliant contracts, payroll, DEWS enrolment and terminationsRead more
Staying compliant
Six recurring obligations across four bodies, running every year for as long as the entity exists.
Ongoing, with audit typically completed 2 to 3 months after year endAccounting and auditBookkeeping, IFRS accounts and coordination of the statutory auditRead moreRegistration within 2 to 4 weeks. Returns filed within 9 months of year endCorporate tax registration and filingFTA registration, Qualifying Free Zone Person analysis and annual returnsRead moreRegistration 2 to 4 weeks. Returns quarterlyVAT registration and returnsThreshold assessment, registration and quarterly filingRead moreOngoingCompany secretaryStatutory registers, board support and Registrar filingsRead moreOngoing, appointed before incorporationRegistered agent and registered officeFor Prescribed Companies and Foundations with no premisesRead moreOngoing, with framework build in 4 to 8 weeksCompliance officer and MLROOutsourced compliance support for Authorised Firms and DNFBPsRead moreFramework in 3 to 6 weeks. Notification ongoing annuallyData protection officerNotification, DPO appointment and privacy frameworkRead moreOngoing annual cycleAnnual renewal and ongoing complianceOne calendar covering every recurring DIFC and federal obligationRead more
Changing or exiting
Share transfers, activity changes, restructuring and closing down properly.
Not sure which DIFC licence you need?
Answer eight questions and we will tell you the licence route, the likely cost and the realistic timeline. It takes about two minutes and there is no obligation.