Prescribed Company Structures.

Establishing a non-financial company in DIFC.

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Unlock the benefits of DIFC Prescribed Company Structures, a unique and attractive regime.

A Prescribed Company is a private company which can be established by a Qualifying Applicant or for a Qualifying Purpose pursuant to the DIFC Prescribed Company Regulations.

In the case that the Prescribed Company is established by a Qualifying Applicant, it could be used for the activities of a Holding Company, Managing Office and / or Proprietary Investment. However, in the case that the PC is established for a Qualifying Purpose, the activity would have to reflect the selected purpose from the table above.

 

Qualifying applicants:

  • DIFC registered entity
  • Affiliate of a DIFC registered entity
  • Shareholder or an ultimate beneficial owner that controls a DIFC registered entity
  • Authorised firm
  • Fund
  • UAE government entity
  • Family-operated business

 

Qualifying purposes:

  • Aviation structure
  • Maritime structure
  • Intellectual property structure
  • Structured financing
  • Crowd funding structure
  • DIFC holding structure (Entity established for the sole purpose of owning DIFC entity)
  • Innovation holding structure

 

Reasons for establishing a Prescribed Company in DIFC:
  • Fast track application process: A Prescribed Company is exempted from auditing and filling accounts with DIFC Registrar of Companies.
  • Low-cost incorporation fees: USD100 application fee (one time) and an annual commercial license fee of USD1,000.
  • Flexible office requirements: A Prescribed Company has flexible office requirements as it can have its own DIFC office space, share office space with its Qualifying Applicant or appoint a corporate service provider in the DIFC for their registered address services.
  • Residency Visas: May issue visas in the case that the PC or its affiliate has an office in the DIFC.

2 easy steps to start setting up your business

Step one.

Apply for initial approval.

An application for initial approval is completed through DIFC portal. Information required will vary depending on company legal structure and planned activities.

Step two.

Submit requirements.

Following receipt of initial approval, there are requirements which need to be completed to register the legal entity.

Handbooks and documents

  • Setting up a non-financial entity handbook
  • Non-financial checklist – prescribed company
  • Non-financial checklist – prescribed company (transfer to DIFC)
  • Registrar of Companies – Table of fees
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