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?
Do your clients or counterparties prefer a DIFC address?
Do you need access to DIFC courts for dispute resolution?
Are you setting up a fund, family office, or holding company?
Frequently asked questions
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
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
Accounting, Auditing & Tax - UAE Corporate Compliance
Regulatory Compliance for UAE Businesses
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.
