While the core business conducted in DIFC revolves around regulated activities in banking and finance, there is a much broader base of economic activity too.
These include regulated professional services companies operating in areas such as law and accountancy, but also many other non-regulated and non-financial businesses.
Special Purpose Vehicles (Prescribed Companies) and other Company Structures.
DIFC offers Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), or Prescribed Companies, as secure, tax-efficient holding structures to isolate assets and liabilities from financial and legal risks. With a strong legal framework, DIFC is an ideal jurisdiction for SPVs used in investment, securitisation, or asset holding. Setting up an SPV is affordable, with a one-time USD 100 application fee and USD 1,000 annual licence fee.
DIFC provides two main company structures:
SPVs
Passive holding companies that cannot conduct commercial activities or hire employees, designed to protect assets.
Active Enterprise Structure
Allows full business operations, including hiring staff and managing offices within DIFC.
Family Businesses
Establishing a family business within DIFC provides strategic advantages for long-term success and smooth generational wealth transfers, supported by a robust framework tailored for wealth management and succession planning. With USD 1 trillion in assets expected to transfer in the Middle East, DIFC offers a secure, stable environment with world-class infrastructure, expert guidance, and access to global markets.
DIFC enhances governance and family dynamics through education and training, and offers various business structures such as family offices, foundations, holding companies, and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs). Its independent regulatory framework ensures transparency, confidentiality, and cyber security through a private register.
Additional services include wills and probate registry and the Family Wealth Centre, all aimed at fostering trust, credibility, and innovation for family businesses.
Family Office
Foundation
Holding Company
Multinationals and Corporates
Driven by strong demand from both innovative and non-financial companies, DIFC has become a leading global financial centre for multinational corporations (MNCs). Hosting some of the world’s largest conglomerates, DIFC offers a safe and secure environment supported by a world-class legal and regulatory framework. Its strategic location provides fast, direct access to major global financial centres and emerging markets across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, making it a preferred hub for leading institutions.
Holding Companies
Proprietary Investment
Managing Office
Professional Service Providers
DIFC hosts a wide variety of professional service providers that support the thriving business ecosystem within the Centre. These include:
- Legal Service Providers / Law Firms
- Consulting Firms
- Tax, Accounting and Auditing Firms
- Corporate Service Providers
- Technology Firms
- Human Resources and Recruitment Agencies
- Marketing and Public Relations Firms
- Education and Training Providers
- Legal Translation and Document Services
