Why DIFC?
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a leading global financial hub in the MEASA region (Middle East, Africa, and South Asia), covering 72 countries and serving a population of nearly three billion. With nearly 20 years of experience, DIFC plays a vital role in facilitating trade, investment, and business growth across the region.
The DIFC Innovation Hub provides a fully-equipped ecosystem for tech start-ups, offering mentoring, workspace, and regulatory support tailored to emerging technology companies.
This package is designed to support tech start-ups with the most subsidized licensing and business setup options in the DIFC district.
Key Advantages
Global Hub
Access a recognized international business ecosystem.
Tech-Focused
Designed specifically for emerging tech companies.
Flexible Workspace
Options for coworking and flexi desks.
Affordable Licensing
Cost-effective solutions for start-ups.
Support Services
Assistance with registration, data protection, and compliance.
Packages & Pricing
| Item | Fee (AED/USD) | Type | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial License Fee USD | 1,500 AED | Recurring | Varies by total number of full time employees*** |
| Registration Fee | 100 AED | One Time | NA |
| Coworking Space Lease (1 Flexi Desk) | 500 (+5% VAT) AED | Recurring | Quarterly, Bi-annually or annually (USD 6,000+ 5% VAT) |
| Data Protection* | 250 AED | Recurring | Starts from year 2 |
| Confirmation Statement** | 300 AED | Recurring | Starts from year 2 |
*Prior to or immediately upon personal data processing.
**All DIFC companies must file a confirmation statement with the DIFC Registrar of Companies (ROC) at license renewal instead of an annual return. This confirms that all required information has been notified to the DIFC ROC.
***License fee schedule based on the number of full-time employees:
- ≤10 Employees: USD 1,500 for years 2–5; USD 4,000, 8,000, 12,000 for years 6–8.
- 10 Employees: USD 1,500 for year 2; USD 12,000 annually for years 3–8.