Gold & Diamond Park
Dubai
- Price
- fromAED 30,900Estimated price
- Setup time
- ~14 days
- Visa quota
- Up to 6 visas
Best for: Jewellery manufacturers, Gold and diamond traders
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Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
DubaiEst. 2004Updated Oct 2026
Setup time
~21 working days
Visa quota
Up to 10
Activities
Up to 5 per licence
Office
Shared office, Private office
Renewal from
AED 41,200
DIFC overview
DIFC is Dubai's financial free zone with its own common-law legal system and courts. Financial services are regulated by the DFSA.
It is the right home for funds, wealth managers, fintechs and family offices, and its Prescribed Company / SPV regimes are popular for holding structures. For simple trading or consultancy businesses it is usually more than you need.
Best for
- Financial services firms
- Family offices and holding SPVs
- Fintech
DIFC packages & prices
Buy online and upload your passport straight away, or request a tailored quote.
Prices are “from” estimates and subject to free zone fees. Confirm the final quote with our advisor before you pay.
Typically included
- Trade licence (1 year)
- Shared office facility
- Certificate of formation & Memorandum of Association
- Freezone King setup & document handling
- Establishment card
- 2 visa allocations
Not included
- Visa medical test & Emirates ID fees (per person)
- Bank account opening (optional add-on)
- Corporate tax registration (optional add-on)
Licence types & activities
Service / Professional Licence
Sell your skills and services.
Holding Company / SPV
Hold shares, assets and IP.
Crypto & Virtual Assets Licence
Blockchain, Web3 and virtual asset services.
Activity categories available
Not sure your exact activity is allowed? Search 50+ activities or ask an advisor.
Visa & office options
DIFC companies can sponsor up to 10 residence visas, depending on the office you choose. In most free zones, a flexi-desk supports a small number of visas, and larger quotas need a shared or private office. The investor (owner) visa usually counts towards the quota.
Available office options in DIFC: shared office, private office. If you expect to hire, choose a package with room to grow — upgrading later is possible but often costs more than starting with the right setup.
Minimum share capital: no fixed minimum for most activities.
Documents required
- Passport copy of every shareholder and manager (valid 6+ months)
- Passport-size photo with white background
- Current UAE visa or entry stamp (if in the UAE)
- Emirates ID copy (UAE residents)
- Proof of residential address (some zones)
- Short business profile or CV (some activities)
You can upload these securely after checkout.
Setup steps & timeline
- Day 0Choose your package & pay online
- Day 0–1Upload passport & photo; we reserve your company name
- Day 1–21Initial approval, licence & incorporation documents issued
- +3–5 daysEstablishment card & visa entry permit
- +5–10 daysMedical test, Emirates ID & visa stamping
- Anytime afterBank account opening & corporate tax registration
Location
DIFC FAQs
How much does a DIFC licence cost?
DIFC packages start from an estimated AED 46,350 for a licence without visas. Visa packages cost more. Annual renewal is estimated from AED 41,200. Confirm the latest fees with our advisor before you pay.
How long does DIFC company setup take?
Around 21 working days for the licence once your documents are complete. Residence visas usually take 1–3 more weeks.
How many visas can a DIFC company get?
Up to 10 visas, depending on the package and office type you choose.
Can foreigners own 100% of a DIFC company?
Yes. Free zone companies can be 100% foreign-owned.
Does DIFC allow crypto activities?
Yes, DIFC licenses some crypto and Web3 activities. Regulated virtual asset services may also need a regulator licence.
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up in DIFC?
Usually not for the licence — it can be done online. You will need to be in the UAE for the visa medical test and Emirates ID biometrics.
Compare DIFC with other zones
Related free zones
ADGM
Abu Dhabi
- Price
- fromAED 28,840Estimated price
- Setup time
- ~21 days
- Visa quota
- Up to 10 visas
Best for: Holding companies and SPVs, Financial services and fintech
View packages →
DMCC
Dubai
- Price
- fromAED 26,780Estimated price
- Setup time
- ~14 days
- Visa quota
- Up to 6 visas
Best for: Commodity traders, Crypto and Web3 businesses
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DHCC
Dubai
- Price
- fromAED 25,750Estimated price
- Setup time
- ~21 days
- Visa quota
- Up to 10 visas
Best for: Clinics and medical centres, Healthcare professionals
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