Business Set-Up in DIFC

Business-focused legal support for business set-up in DIFC in the UAE, helping companies reduce risk and move forward with confidence.

Company Incorporation & Formation in DIFC

We guide businesses in choosing and establishing the right structure (IBCs, LLPs, recognised companies, foundations and branch offices) covering liability, tax, and regulatory requirements to build a strong legal foundation.

In-depth description

Incorporation and Formation service offers expert guidance on choosing and establishing the right business structure (IBCs, LLPs, recognised companies, foundations and branch offices). We provide insights into each structure’s liability, tax implications, and regulatory requirements, helping businesses make informed decisions for a strong legal foundation.

Scope of work

• Prepare all required application forms for the chosen jurisdiction (mainland or free zone). • Draft the company’s constitutional documents (e.g., Memorandum of Association). • Manage the submission of the entire application file to the relevant authority. • Liaise with the authority until the trade license and corporate documents are issued.

Price range

AED 25,000 – AED 250,000
Cumulative assessment – billed Lump Sum.

Primary Determinants of Pricing
Existing structure, number of shareholders and stakeholders.
Private or public company.
Class of shares.

Deliverables

• The company’s official Trade License. • The registered Memorandum of Association. • The Establishment Card and other ancillary corporate registration documents.

Is the DIFC the right home for your business?

Do you operate in financial services or professional services?

DIFC is designed for financial, legal, and professional firms. Its common law framework and reputation attract global clients.

Do your clients or counterparties prefer a DIFC address?

Many institutions and multinationals require DIFC-registered counterparties. Your jurisdiction can be a competitive advantage.

Do you need access to DIFC courts for dispute resolution?

DIFC Courts apply English common law, offering predictability and enforceability that UAE civil courts do not always provide.

Are you setting up a fund, family office, or holding company?

DIFC offers specific regulated and non-regulated structures for investment vehicles. We advise on the most efficient setup.

Frequently asked questions

DIFC is a financial free zone operating under English common law, with independent courts and a robust regulatory framework. It is the preferred choice for financial services firms, family offices, holding structures and any business wanting common law contracts, international investor recognition and DFSA regulation where required.
DIFC licenses include financial services (regulated by the DFSA), professional services, technology, holding entities, family offices and foundations. Financial services activities require specific DFSA authorisation. Non-financial activities require approval from the DIFC Authority. Activity scope should be confirmed before applying.
 
Yes. DIFC requires registered office space within the DIFC. Options range from flexi-desk arrangements for smaller entities to dedicated office space for regulated firms. Office requirements are also linked to substance requirements under UAE corporate tax rules, so the choice has wider implications.
DIFC entities are within scope of UAE corporate tax. They may qualify for the 0% rate as a Qualifying Free Zone Person on qualifying income, subject to strict conditions including adequate substance and qualifying activities. Non-qualifying income is taxed at 9%. Tax structuring should be addressed at incorporation.

Yes. DIFC entities sponsor employee visas through the DIFC immigration system, which is independent of the federal MOHRE process. Employment is governed by the DIFC Employment Law, which mirrors many federal protections but operates as a separate legal regime with its own dispute resolution process.

Key contacts:

Romain Astruc

Managing Partner – Generalist, Advisory & Litigation

Gabriel Elmarzouki

Associate – Corporate, Commercial & Litigation

Robin Cordeiro

Associate – Corporate and Regulatory Consultant

Get in touch

Other services you might need

Incorporating in DIFC is just the start. Banking, tax structuring and regulatory compliance need to be addressed in parallel.

Bank Account Opening Assistance in the UAE

DIFC companies still face UAE bank KYC requirements. We coordinate your account opening to avoid the most common delays.
Learn more

Accounting, Auditing & Tax - UAE Corporate Compliance

Corporate tax and transfer pricing obligations apply to DIFC entities. We put the right framework in place from day one.
Learn more

Regulatory Compliance for UAE Businesses

DIFC entities face specific compliance obligations. We map them and keep your company compliant as requirements evolve.
Learn more

WHAT SET US APART

Why ASTRUC & Co

DIFC incorporation is more complex than a standard free zone setup. We have the expertise and the relationships to do it right.

1.

DIFC expertise

We set up DIFC entities regularly and know the exact requirements – from activity approvals and constitutional documents to registered office arrangements and DFSA

2.

Business-first advice

We help you assess whether DIFC is genuinely the right jurisdiction before you commit. If a different structure better serves your goals, we will tell you – and explain why.

3.

Cross-border fluency

DIFC is the structure of choice for international businesses entering the UAE. We guide foreign companies through the process knowing both their home jurisdiction and DIFC

More than legal counsel

With you, all the way

Life in the UAE brings extraordinary opportunities — and equally complex legal realities. Whether you’re relocating your family, navigating a divorce across jurisdictions, or structuring an inheritance that spans continents, you deserve a legal partner who understands both the technicalities and the human side of what you’re going through. At ASTRUC & Co, we treat every client’s situation as if it were our own.

From our offices in Dubai to our network spanning Riyadh, Paris, and Luxembourg, we bring senior-level attention to every matter — personal or financial. We believe the best legal advice is honest, clear, and delivered by someone who genuinely cares about the outcome. That’s why our clients stay with us, and why they come back when life presents its next chapter.

Ready to move forward?

Book a consultation with our team to discuss your situation and explore the right legal and strategic approach for your business.

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Merger and Acquisition
  • Set-up of the Workstreams related to the Transaction
  • Legal Due Diligence
  • Tax Due Diligence
  • Negotiating and Drafting the SPA
  • Assistance related to Conditions Precedents
  • Registration of the Transaction with the Authorities
Private Equity
  • Advisory on PE life cycle from Fund Formation, Capital Deployment, M&A, etc.
  • Advisory on Financing Rounds and Execution
  • Drafting of Prospectus, Investment Case, Risk Warnings and Investment Disclaimers, etc.
  • Drafting of Shareholders Agreements
  • Advisory on Board of Directors Structuring and Execution
  • Drafting of Policies, Charts and other JVAs
  • Litigation/Arbitration
Banking &Finance
  • Banking loan documentation negotiation and review including requested securities
  • Account opening requirements and forms
  • Compliance controls upon onboarding as a bank customer and regular updates to allow flawless funds repatriation
  • Escalation if needed with banking authorities and preparing file for litigation
  • Arabic speaker for immediate translation or intermediation with third parties including local authorities.
Commercial
  • Commercial Agency – Contract Drafting and Litigation
  • Rent-Sales Contract – Contract Drafting, Contract Management and Litigation
  • Logistic Services Contract
  • IT Services Contract
  • Intermediary Contract
  • Other Services Contract
Construction
  • FIDIC Short Form of Contract
  • FIDIC Larger or more complex projects (the Construction Contract)
  • FIDIC Contractor doing the Design (Plant and Design-Build Contract)
  • FIDIC EPC/Turnkey Contract
  • Review of Ad Hoc Contracts
  • Assistance for Management of the Contract
  • Litigation/Arbitration
Employment Relationship
  • Assistance during Recruitment Phase with Executive Search Agents or Recruitment Agency
  • Drafting Offer Letter and Employment Contract
  • Drafting Disciplinary Policy and Documentation
  • Registration of Company with Labour Authorities
  • Registration of Employee with Labour Authorities
  • Assistance During Disciplinary Proceedings
  • Termination Strategy and Execution
  • Litigation Services
HR Strategy – Advisory Services
  • Labour Market Analysis
  • Labour Legislation Memo and Manual
  • Analysis of Remuneration Trends, Structures and Composition
  • Labour Taxation
  • Industry Practice reg. bonus, schedule, overtime, leave, length of service, etc.
Business Set-Up and Maintenance
  • Comparative Study on Options Available
  • Legal Memorandum on Corporate and Tax Laws
  • Set-Up Services (Company, Immigration, Labour, Banking, Tax)
  • Nominee Services (Regulated Activity)
  • Shareholders Agreements
  • Board of Directors Structuring
  • Dissolution, Liquidation, Bankruptcy Proceedings
  • Litigation/Arbitration (Manager or Shareholders Dispute)
  • Redomiciliation
Joint Venture and Investors Relationship
  • Set-up of Joint Venture Company
  • Drafting Joint Venture Agreement
  • Drafting of Prospectus, Investment Case, Risk Warnings and Investment Disclaimers, etc.
  • Drafting of Shareholders Agreements
  • Advisory on Financing Rounds and Execution
  • Advisory on Board of Directors Structuring and Execution
  • Drafting of Policies, Charts and other JVAs
  • Litigation/Arbitration
Expatriation Services
  • Employment Package and Contract Review
  • Wealth Management Advisory
  • Tenancy Opportunities and Contract Advisory
  • Medical Insurance Advisory
  • Banking Advisory
  • School Advisory
  • Logistic Advisory
  • FX Exchange Advisory
Relocation
  • Resignation Strategy
  • Tax Situation Review
  • Logistic Advisory
  • FX Exchange Advisory
  • Administration of the Departure and Legal Representation
Advisory
  • Advisory Services on the Developer (reliability check)
  • Review of Contract with Developer
  • Conveyance of Property and Supervision of the Sales Process
  • Legal Representation for the Purchase/Sales
  • Assistance with Engineers and Contractors
  • Assistance with tenants or holidays home management firm
Litigation
  • Cancellation of Contract
  • Cancellation of Project
  • Disputes regarding Lands
  • Disputes regarding Permits and Licenses
  • Dispute with Engineer or Contractor
Civil Status
  • Amendment of Civil Status (divorced/married) in Home Country
  • Change of Name
  • Transcription of Marriage or Divorce
  • Legalisation Services with Consulate and Embassies
Nationality and Immigration
  • Application for Nationality due to family reasons
  • Coordination Services for Obtaining Nationality based on Investment (more than 40 countries)
  • Immigration Services to Schengen Country (Tourist, Business, Long Term, Residence, Nationality)
  • Immigration Services to the USA, UK, Canada, Australia (Tourist, Business, Long Term, Residence, Nationality)
  • Immigration Services to GCC countries (Tourist, Business, Long Term, Residence, Golden Visa, Nationality)
Succession Planning
  • Overall Estate Planning with Financial and Legal Experts
  • Set-up of Shariah Compliant Foundation or Holding Structure
  • Set-up of Trust (DIFC, UAE, ADGM, Foreign based)
  • Set-up of Holding Structure
  • Set-up of Last Wills in the UAE, Qatar, KSA and various territories, as needed
  • Family Counseling - Mediation of dispute between family members
Inheritance Proceedings
  • In any country where there are assets
  • Court proceedings based on Shariah Law
  • Court proceedings based on Deceased Law
  • Court Proceedings based on Last Will
Crime against the Person and Narcotics
  • Assault, Sexual Abuse, Murder
  • Kidnapping
  • Household Theft
  • Threat, Insult, Defamation, Harassment
  • Social Media Crimes
  • IT Crimes
  • Stealing or Misappropriation of Personal Data
  • Narcotics
Business Crimes
  • AML issues
  • Cryptocurrency and other Investment related Scams
  • Breach of Trust
  • Deception and Fraud
  • Theft of business secrets
  • Insolvency related Crimes
  • Accounting Crimes
  • Interpol
Marriages
  • Marriage between French nationals
  • Marriage involving a French national and a non-French national
  • Marriage involving two persons of the same nationality
  • Marriage involving two persons of different nationality
  • Marriage involving a Muslim
  • Brief on matrimonial regimes and applicable laws
Divorces
  • Divorce between French nationals
  • Divorce involving a French national and a non-French national
  • Divorce involving two persons of the same nationality
  • Divorce involving two persons of different nationality
  • Divorce involving a Muslim
  • Brief on matrimonial regimes and applicable laws