FREE ZONES · DIFC
DIFC: common law, finance and family offices
DIFC is a financial centre with its own courts and its own regulator. It is expensive because of what it is, not because of what it charges for a licence.
AT A GLANCE
The numbers that matter.
~USD 1,500
Innovation licence
Indicative, entry-tier only
AED 65k to 100k+
All-in year one, 2 visas
Indicative, office-dependent
Common law
Jurisdiction
DIFC Courts and the DFSA
Prescribed Co.
Holding option
For qualifying purposes and applicants
| Line | Amount | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Innovation licence | ~USD 1,500 | IndicativeIndicative | Entry tier for qualifying tech and startup activity |
| Regulated financial activity | Substantially higher | IndicativeIndicative | DFSA authorisation is a separate process and cost |
| Office | Substantial | IndicativeIndicative | DIFC space is priced as a financial district |
| All-in year one, 2 visas | AED 65,000 to 100,000+ | IndicativeIndicative | One shareholder, one activity |
Free zones change pricing frequently and run promotions. Confirm the current schedule before committing. Figures marked Indicative come from registered agents and consultancies and must be verified against the zone's current schedule.
Last updated 13 August 2026 Next review Q4 2026
THE READ
Who it suits, and when it does not.
It suits
Funds, advisory firms, family offices and anyone who needs English common law with a Dubai footprint and a recognised financial regulator.
Look elsewhere if
Almost any operating business that is not finance-adjacent. ADGM is the cheaper common-law route for pure holding, and a mid-cost zone is the cheaper route for consultancy.
QUESTIONS
Asked about this zone.
Is DIFC or ADGM better for a holding vehicle?
For a straightforward passive SPV, ADGM at USD 1,900 to incorporate is the cleaner and cheaper route. DIFC Prescribed Companies make sense where the wider group is already in DIFC.
Does DIFC give tax advantages?
No special exemption. DIFC entities are inside the UAE corporate tax net like everyone else, and the 0 percent free zone rate is conditional on the same seven QFZP tests.
SIDE BY SIDE
The other five zones, priced the same way.
IFZA
Consultancies, agencies and holding-plus-service businesses that need a Dubai address at the lowest defensible cost, with a broad activity list and fast issuance.
Open FREE ZONEMEYDAN
Small consultancies and e-commerce operators who want a Dubai address, a simple flexi-desk and predictable per-visa pricing.
Open FREE ZONEDMCC
Commodities and trading businesses, companies that need to bank quickly with a tier-one bank, and any structure where counterparty perception matters more than the licence fee.
Open FREE ZONESHAMS
Freelancers, content and media businesses, and e-commerce operators whose clients are international and who do not need a Dubai address.
Open FREE ZONERAKEZ
Trading, light industrial and service businesses that want a low cost base with real physical space options.
OpenGO DEEPER
The pages behind this one.
ADGM
Abu Dhabi common law, priced from the published fee schedule.
OpenDMCC
Premium, and the strongest banking credibility in the country.
OpenHolding structures
ADGM SPVs, DIFC Prescribed Companies, offshore vehicles and foundations.
OpenCorporate tax and the 0 percent myth
The seven QFZP conditions in full, Small Business Relief and how companies actually fail.
OpenBanking
The step where UAE plans actually fail. Timelines, scrutiny and rejection reality.
OpenThe free zone directory
Which zone suits which business, and what each one really charges.
Open