Set Up Your Company in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
The Firmz Innovation Hub provides a holistic business environment designed for Tech Start-ups within the prestigious DIFC jurisdiction. Introducing the most subsidized Business License for Emerging Tech Companies! Benefit from a 90% reduction in the DIFC License Fee. Kickstart your tech company’s establishment in Dubai with minimal DIFC license costs.
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About DIFC
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the leading financial hub in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region. With almost two decades of experience, DIFC has played a key role in facilitating trade and investment across 72 countries and a population of around three billion people.
Located between Burj Khalifa and Emirates Towers, the DIFC Innovation Hub offers a prestigious ecosystem for Tech Startups, providing innovation licenses and DIFC fintech licenses within the renowned DIFC jurisdiction. This prime location is perfect for your tech startup, featuring an affordable DIFC trade license cost.
DIFC’s strategic location acts as a vital link connecting the markets of the MEASA region with the economies of Asia, Europe, and the Americas, all through the vibrant city of Dubai.
Apply for an innovation license at DIFC and join the thriving tech community in this premier location within the DIFC innovation hub with Firmz!
Explore Firmz’s All-Inclusive Tech Start-up Package in DIFC
AED 7,850 only
Commercial Trade License
Co-working Space with Prestigious DIFC Office Address
4 Visa Allocation
Fully Digital Onboarding Process
Access to all DIFC Amenities and Ecosystem
Same Renewal Price for 5 Years
DIFC Innovation License Requirements:
- The entity should be non-regulated and cannot conduct any financial services including financial advisory, arranging money services etc.
- The entity must provide a type of technology like a Software Solution, AI, Web3, Technology R&D, or Blockchain.
- The entity or business activities must be tech-related or innovation-related as this license is sector agnostic.
- The entity must have a physical presence within DIFC with a minimum requirement of
obtaining a flexible desk at the co-working spaces. - The entity cannot generate any trading/selling of physical products
(e.g., import/export of physical products) through direct or e-commerce channels. - Source of income should be produced for compliance purposes.
Benefits of the DIFC Tech Start-up Package
- Subsidised License by 90%
- 4 Visa Allocation
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- Governed by the UK Common Law and not the UAE Sharia Civil Law
- Access to a Thriving Start-up Ecosystem
- ZERO Currency Restrictions
- No Restriction on Capital Repatriation
- Access to DIFC Co-working Facilities and Modern Amenities
- Access to a Global Fintech Hub
Applicable Business Activities
This category encompasses consultancy firms aiding enterprises, conducting user needs analysis, and utilizing computer hardware and software for optimal solutions. It involves selecting software suitable for company activities, operational specifications, equipment, setting up computer rooms, preparing procurement documents, and offering related services and consultations.
This category comprises firms specializing in assessing and analyzing data from public and private entities, consolidating them into a unified repository for structured reviews and diverse analyses. They classify data based on common characteristics to uncover valuable insights, inform conclusions, and aid decision-making, aiming to enhance investment returns and optimize resource utilization.
This category encompasses firms specializing in providing thorough professional cybersecurity consulting services to organizations. They advise on preparing for, preventing, and safeguarding against cyber-attacks and threats, which may target networks, computers, programs, and data. Their services include assessing cybersecurity measures to ensure compliance with regulations, as well as reactive support such as responding to cyber breaches and conducting recovery activities post-incident.
This category encompasses firms specializing in conducting research and experimental development studies related to technology businesses. Their focus is on innovating, introducing, and improving products and processes. They establish guidelines to enhance design, evaluation, and implementation techniques, conducting a range of investigative activities aimed at developing new products and enhancing existing ones.
This category comprises firms specializing in establishing the technical infrastructure of information technology, including networks, systems, and databases. They also engage in preparing consultative studies and installing networks and systems, which may include manpower training.
Online services furnished with databases and programs provided as a service with fundamental features of the technology platform. It may also serve as an intermediary between a content provider and a user for various resources and services.
These firms specialize in designing, implementing, operating, and maintaining computer systems software. They analyze user problems to develop cost-effective solutions, including applications for smartphones and mobile devices.
These firms specialize in subscribing to and connecting with international information networks, managing specialized information banks, and facilitating electronic mail exchange. They operate systems and applications for electronic mail and data exchange via communication networks and international lines.
These centers or institutes specialize in conducting studies, experiments, and developmental research on learning technologies to improve the design, evaluation, and implementation of learning techniques for optimal efficiency.
This involves offering computer systems analysis and software design services to educational and training facilities. It includes analyzing user needs and problems, providing consultancy on the most cost-effective solution, and implementing necessary programs. Additionally, it covers software installation, testing, and operation.
This involves offering technical services and consultations related to information technology and applications such as internet and data warehousing. The aim is to improve administrative and technical performance in various corporations. These firms are not authorized to market or produce any software or products related to this technology.
This entails offering thorough professional consultations to IT organizations, aiding them in aligning their requirements with networking solutions. It encompasses securing, analyzing, and designing network solutions to uphold the security and integrity of their IT assets.
These are firms specialized in creating and hosting internet sites with content accessible to users.
This involves programming electronic chips utilized in computers or other automated electronic devices, including those in various industries and consumer electronics.
These firms specialize in designing web pages for electronic service sites, utilizing the internet as their infrastructure.
These firms specialize in formulating strategies for implementing internet technology in commercial entities and defining practical application techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
The process comes in two stages. The first stage is to obtain the ‘In-principle Approval’ from the Registration Review Committee, which can take around 5-7 working days. Once you have been granted the ‘In-principle Approval’ you will be given access to second stage which is the setup of the legal entity in the DIFC. This process can take up to a day to a few days to complete as it requires you to complete the steps needed (Articles of Association, obtaining a lease, paying the fees etc.). Once completed, you will be able to submit for the Commercial License to be issued. Please note that the second stage is dependent on how fast you can finish the process.