Non-financial activities
DIFC publishes categories for non-financial businesses. Check the precise activity description against the proposed services and customer markets.
Establishment in Dubai
Company formation in DIFC
Plan a DIFC presence around the business you intend to conduct. We connect the proposed activity and company structure with governance, banking preparation and the assessment of any additional permissions.
Your establishment options
Start with the right structure.
The route depends on your activity, ownership and operating plans. These are the decisions to resolve before the application.
Additional permissions
A listed activity does not remove other licensing or approval requirements. DIFC’s guidance identifies circumstances involving the DFSA or other competent authorities.
Corporate establishment
Prepare the ownership, governance, business plan and operating-location requirements for the selected route. The establishment scope should distinguish company registration from permission to conduct an activity.
Local establishment essentials
Know what comes next.
The exact document list follows the selected entity, owners and activity. Your adviser will confirm the requirements for your case.
- Define the services, clients and markets of the proposed business.
- Map the activity to DIFC’s published categories.
- Identify DFSA or other authority requirements where applicable.
- Coordinate the corporate application and operational arrangements.
After incorporation
Plan for the years ahead.
DIFC licence renewal includes a confirmation statement covering the company's registered details. Annual accounts and changes to the registered address, officers or beneficial owners have their own filing requirements. Set the company's calendar according to its legal form and permissions, including any applicable exemptions.
From decision to establishment
A clear path to your next company.
The scope is agreed before the work begins. You can see what is included, who is responsible and what information is needed.
01
Define your requirements
We review the activity, owners, operating markets and practical requirements. Where the destination is undecided, the brief starts with comparing options.
02
Review your proposal
Your proposal sets out the chosen route, work involved, professional fees and external costs. Timing is assessed against the actual application and dependencies.
03
Establish & prepare to operate
Following agreement, the incorporation work and supporting steps are coordinated. Banking, visas and sector permissions follow their own assessment and approval processes.
Beyond incorporation
Bring the decisions together.
Select the support your business needs. The agreed scope may combine formation with corporate structuring, tax advice, banking preparation and relocation planning.
01 / Structure
Ownership & governance
Clarify shareholders, decision-making and the relationship with your wider group.
02 / TaxInternational tax advisory
Our own tax team considers the cross-border position, treaty questions and transfer pricing relevant to your brief.
03 / BankingCorporate banking support
Prepare the business profile, ownership information and account-opening requirements for bank review.
04 / PeopleVisas & personal residency
Coordinate immigration and personal tax-residency questions separately from the company’s registration.
Costs & timing
One proposal.
Your actual requirements.
Every case is quoted individually. The activity, ownership, location, premises and additional services determine the work and cost.
Professional work
The advisory, preparation and coordination included in your engagement.
External charges
Authority, notarial, registry, workspace and third-party costs, as applicable.
Time & dependencies
The document readiness, authority reviews and separate banking or immigration steps that influence delivery.
Your questions
Before you begin.
Does a listed DIFC activity mean no other approval is needed?
No. DIFC’s published guidance says that additional licensing, registration or authorisation may apply, including requirements of the DFSA or other authorities. The activity must be assessed before the application.
How much will my company setup cost?
We quote each case individually after reviewing the proposed activity, owners and required support. Your proposal separates professional fees from authority and third-party charges.
Can formation, banking and visas be handled together?
They can be coordinated within an agreed scope where applicable. Each follows its own requirements, and the relevant authority or bank makes the approval decision.
Your next step
Let’s plan your establishment.
Tell us your business activity, intended markets, ownership and any visa or banking needs. We will define the scope and prepare an individual proposal.
A short outline is enough to begin. Please do not email passports or bank documents at this stage.
Official incorporation references
Source material checked: 24 October 2026. General establishment information; requirements are confirmed for the individual case.
Photograph & credit
User-supplied photograph
Photograph displayed with a responsive crop.