DET: 6201001 Low Risk
Software Development & IT Services
Flexi-Desk eligible
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the pre-eminent financial hub in the MEASA region, operating under an independent English common law jurisdiction with DFSA regulation.
✓ 14–25 day license turnaround✓ Digital Bank 98% Approval✓ CBUAE framework
1. Key Freezone Specifications
- Licensing Authority
- Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) (DIFC)
- Emirate
- DUBAI
- License Issuance Timeline
- 14–25 working days
- Residence Visa Timeline
- 7–14 working days
- Virtual Desk / Flexi-Desk
- Available (no lease required)
- Office Threshold
- Required only for 3+ visas
- Warehouses & Industrial Units
- Commercial & desk only
- Paid-Up Share Capital
- Not required on bank deposit (0 AED)
- Annual Audit Requirement
- Mandatory
- Physical Presence Required
- 100% remote company incorporation. 1-day UAE visit required only for Emirates ID biometrics.
2. Cost Breakdown & Tariffs
No Hidden Fees| Cost Item | Purpose | Official Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Company Trade License | Corporate registration & 1-year Flexi desk lease | 45,000 AED |
| Establishment Card (Immigration Card) | Company immigration file registration with GDRFA/ICP for visas | 2,500 AED |
| Residence Visa (Entry Permit + Visa Stamping) | UAE 2-year residence visa government quota & approval | ~4,800 AED / visa |
| VIP Medical & Emirates ID | VIP Medical fitness test + Emirates ID card issuance (2 yrs) | ~1,300 AED / person |
Turnkey Package Estimates:
0 Visas
45,000 AED
Pure license for tax residency or remote contracts
1 Investor Visa
53,600 AED
License + Est. Card + 1 Visa + VIP Medical & EID
2 Residence Visas
59,700 AED
For 2 partners or founder + key employee
3. Banking Assessment & Onboarding
Digital Banking (Digital Bank) 98% Approval
Tier 1: Instant remote digital approval
- • Timeline: opened in 3–7 working days
- • Multi-currency accounts (AED, USD, EUR, GBP) with zero minimum balance
- • Automated KYC verification via official freezone API
Traditional Tier-1 UAE Banks High Rating
Emirates NBD, Mashreq, FAB, ADCB
- • Opening timeline: from 2 weeks
- • Requires personal banker meeting and proof of residential address
- • Typical average balance requirement: 25,000–50,000 AED
4. Pros & Considerations
✓ Key Advantages
- • Independent common-law judicial system and English-language DIFC Courts
- • Top financial ecosystem in MEASA (Middle East, Africa and South Asia)
- • Unmatched prestige for asset management, VC funds, family offices, and fintech
- • Regulated by the world-class DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority)
! Important Considerations
- • High entry cost and strict regulatory compliance prerequisites
- • Rigorous regulatory background checks and mandatory annual audit
5. Compatible Activities
Top business activities approved for licensing under Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
DET: 7020005 Low Risk
Management Consultancy
Flexi-Desk eligible
DET: 6920001 Low Risk
Accounting & Bookkeeping
Flexi-Desk eligible
DET: 6612001 High Risk
Financial Brokerage
Physical office required
DET: 6419003 High Risk
Crypto & Digital Assets
Flexi-Desk eligible
DET: 7010001 Low Risk
Holding Company & SPV
Flexi-Desk eligible
DET: 6619001 High Risk
FinTech & Digital Payment Solutions
Physical office required
DET: 9602001 Medium Risk
Beauty Salon & Personal Care Services
Physical office required
Looking for another activity? Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) supports over 2,000 commercial and professional activities from the official DET classification. Contact us via WhatsApp for a tailored activity code confirmation.
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