Holding Company & SPV License in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
Setting up a **Holding Company & SPV** business in **Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)** provides full access to international banking and UAE tax advantages. This Dubai jurisdiction supports 100% foreign ownership and customs duty exemptions under freezone regulations.
Setting up a Holding Company & SPV business in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) provides full access to international banking and UAE tax advantages. This Dubai jurisdiction supports 100% foreign ownership and customs duty exemptions under freezone regulations.
1. Regulatory Requirements & Licensing Framework
Direct Freezone Licensing Track
This activity code does not require third-party government NOCs. The commercial license is issued directly by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
2. Jurisdiction Specifications
| Criterion | Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Type | FREEZONE |
| License Turnaround | 14–25 working days |
| Physical Office | Flexi-Desk (dedicated office not required) |
| Visa Allocation | Up to 10 visas |
| Annual Audit | Mandatory |
| Digital Bank Onboarding | Express digital track (3–7 days) |
| Starting Base Tariff | from 45,000 AED |
3. Setup Roadmap & Timeline
License Issuance
14–25 daysDocument submission and digital license issuance. Timeline: 14–25 working days.
Establishment Card
2–3 daysEstablishment Card registration via immigration portal to unlock visa allocations.
Medical & Emirates ID
4–6 daysVIP medical examination and biometric capture for Emirates ID residency card.
Corporate Bank Account
3–7 daysCorporate banking account activation via Digital Bank flow or Tier-1 bank.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Is a physical office mandatory for a "Holding Company & SPV" license in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)? ▼
No. Businesses operating under "Holding Company & SPV" in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) can utilize virtual desks or flexi-desk arrangements without a dedicated physical office.
Can I open a digital corporate bank account for a "Holding Company & SPV" license in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)? ▼
Yes. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) licenses for "Holding Company & SPV" maintain high approval rates across UAE digital business banks. Remote onboarding takes 3–7 business days after Emirates ID issuance.
How many residence visas can be issued under a Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) license? ▼
Standard license tiers in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) support from 0 up to 10 residence visas for shareholders and employees without requiring a physical office. Higher quotas are available with dedicated office space upgrades.
Do I need to travel to the UAE to set up a company in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)? ▼
License registration and document preparation in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) are fully remote - only a passport scan is required. A physical visit to the UAE is necessary for the residence visa stage: medical test and Emirates ID biometrics (4–6 working days).
Alternative Jurisdictions for Holding Company & SPV
10 zonesMeydan Free Zone
1–2 days · from 12,500 AED
IFZA Dubai
2–4 days · from 12,900 AED
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
7–12 days · from 32,000 AED
Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone (DWTC)
4–7 days · from 23,500 AED
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
12–20 days · from 42,000 AED
Masdar City Free Zone
3–6 days · from 12,000 AED
Sharjah Publishing City (SPC Free Zone)
1–2 days · from 5,750 AED
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
2–5 days · from 6,000 AED
Dubai Mainland (DET)
1–3 days · from 18,500 AED
Abu Dhabi Mainland (ADDED)
2–4 days · from 16,000 AED