DIFC
Send us a message
ABOUT DIFC
In the realm of global finance, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) commands a preeminent role as the foremost financial hub serving the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region. With a rich history spanning nearly two decades, DIFC has played a fundamental role in facilitating trade and investment within the expansive MEASA, a region comprising 72 countries and encompassing a population of approximately three billion individuals.
Harnessing this extensive expertise, the DIFC Innovation Hub stands as a distinguished ecosystem specifically curated to support and accelerate the growth of tech startups. Here, innovation licenses and DIFC fintech licenses are offered within the prestigious DIFC jurisdiction. Ideally situated between Burj Khalifa and Emirates Towers, this hub offers an optimal location for your tech startup, complemented by a cost-effective DIFC trade license.
Moreover, the strategic position of DIFC serves as a pivotal link, seamlessly connecting the markets of the MEASA region with the economies of Asia, Europe, and the Americas. This interconnectedness is further enhanced by the dynamic city of Dubai.
Seize the opportunity to embark on your entrepreneurial journey by applying for an innovation license at DIFC, and gain access to the vibrant tech community thriving within this prime DIFC innovation hub location with VIPZone.
Google Reviews
Business Class
This includes
Commercial Trade License
Co-working Space with Prestigious DIFC Office Address
4 Visa Allocation
Fully Digital Onboarding Process
Access to all DIFC Amenities and Ecosystem
Same Renewal Price for 5 Years
DIFC Innovation License Requirements
- The entity should be non-regulated and cannot conduct any financial services including financial advisory, arranging money services etc.
- The entity must provide a type of technology like a Software Solution, AI, Web3, Technology R&D, or Blockchain.
- The entity or business activities must be tech-related or innovation-related as this license is sector agnostic.
- The entity must have a physical presence within DIFC with a minimum requirement of
obtaining a flexible desk at the co-working spaces.
- The entity cannot generate any trading/selling of physical products
(e.g., import/export of physical products) through direct or e-commerce channels.
Source of income should be produced for compliance purposes.
Benefits of the DIFC Tech Start-up Package
- Subsidised License by 90%
- 4 Visa Allocation
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- Governed by the UK Common Law and not the UAE Sharia Civil Law
- Access to a Thriving Start-up Ecosystem
- ZERO Currency Restrictions
- No Restriction on Capital Repatriation
- Access to DIFC Co-working Facilities and Modern Amenities
- Access to a Global Fintech Hub
Applicable Business Activities
This category encompasses businesses that offer expert advice to organizations and businesses, focusing on conducting analyses of user requirements and leveraging computer hardware and software to devise optimal solutions. It covers selecting software tailored to a company's specific activities, determining operational specifications, setting up and equipping computer facilities, drafting procurement tender documents and proposals, along with providing other related services and consultations.
This covers companies that are experts in assessing and processing data from both public and private sources. They consolidate these data into a unified database to conduct detailed examinations and diverse analyses. The process involves categorizing data based on shared traits to uncover valuable insights, inform conclusions, and aid in decision-making for these entities. The objective is to enhance investment yields and make the most efficient use of resources.
This entails companies providing expert cybersecurity consultation to other organizations. These services focus on preparing for, preventing, and safeguarding against cyber threats and attacks, which may include harm to networks, computers, programs, and data, as well as unauthorized access. They also involve assessing cybersecurity or readiness to meet regulatory standards and offer reactive solutions, such as responding to cyber breaches and conducting recovery operations post-cyber incidents.
This category comprises companies focused on conducting in-depth studies and research in technology, aimed at fostering innovation and enhancing their products and processes. It involves establishing criteria to improve design, evaluation, and implementation techniques, along with a range of investigative activities dedicated to creating new and refining existing products and methods.
This sector involves companies focused on establishing the core technical aspects of information technology, which include networks, systems, and databases. It also encompasses businesses that provide consultancy studies and handle the installation of networks and systems. Additionally, these firms are involved in training personnel in these areas.
These are online platforms that come equipped with databases and programs, serving as a foundational service with the basic functionalities of a technology platform. Additionally, they can act as an intermediary between content providers and users, offering access to a wide range of resources and services.
This encompasses businesses specializing in the design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of computer system software. They focus on analyzing user problems and the need for cost-effective solutions, including the necessary programs to achieve these solutions. The scope also covers the design of application software intended for smartphones and mobile devices.
Includes firms specialised in providing the services of subscribing & connecting to international information networking as well as specialized information banks and exchange of electronic mail which includes operating systems and applications such as electronic mail and the exchange of data electronically by using communication networks as well as their local and international lines.
This involves specialized centers or institutes dedicated to conducting studies and research in experimental and developmental aspects of learning technologies. Their aim is to establish guidelines that improve the design, evaluation, and implementation of educational methods, striving for maximum effectiveness in learning outcomes.
This service involves offering analysis of computer systems and designing software tailored for educational and training institutions. It includes assessing user needs and challenges, providing consultancy on the most cost-effective solutions, and recommending the necessary programs to achieve these solutions. Additionally, the service encompasses software installation, testing, and operational support.
This involves offering expert technical advice and consultancy in the field of information technology, including areas such as internet usage and data warehousing. The goal is to improve administrative and technical efficiency in various organizations. These firms are specifically focused on consulting services and do not engage in the marketing or production of any software or products related to the technology they consult on.
This service encompasses offering specialized, professional advice to IT organizations, assisting them in aligning their requirements with appropriate networking solutions. It includes the development, analysis, and implementation of network solutions that ensure the security and integrity of their IT infrastructure.
This includes the specialized task of coding electronic microchips that are integral to computers and various automated electronic devices. These chips are utilized across a range of sectors including industrial machinery, vehicles, home electronics, and electronic gaming systems.
This refers to companies that specialize in creating and designing web pages for online services, utilizing the internet as their foundational infrastructure.
This involves companies that specialize in developing strategies for integrating internet technology within commercial entities, including the implementation of practical application techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
The DIFC Innovation License represents a commercial license, featuring a reduced fee arrangement, available to all start-ups in the technology and innovation sector.
The DIFC Tech Start-up License, also known as the DIFC Innovation License, is accessible to a broad range of technology enablers. It is designed for Technology/Innovation companies that aim to develop, test, or innovate new and unique products.
The Start-up License comes with a subsidy that lasts for 5 years, with an annual fee of USD 1,500.
To obtain the DIFC Tech Start-up License, a start-up must establish a physical presence within the DIFC. The basic requirement includes having at least 1 flexi-desk, which costs USD 500 plus VAT.
Physical presence is not required to apply for the License, as the DIFC client onboarding system operates entirely online, allowing for the process to be completed digitally.
Please see the previously mentioned section for a comprehensive list of all the business activities included.
The setup process in the DIFC is divided into two main stages. Initially, you need to secure the 'In-principle Approval' from the Registration Review Committee, a process that typically takes about 5-7 working days.
After receiving the 'In-principle Approval', you can proceed to the second stage, which involves establishing your legal entity in the DIFC. This stage's duration can range from a single day to several days, depending on the speed at which you complete the necessary steps (such as drafting the Articles of Association, securing a lease, and paying required fees). Once these steps are finalized, you can then submit your application for the Commercial License to be issued. It's important to note that the duration of this second stage largely depends on how quickly you can complete the required processes.
No, entities under the DIFC Tech Start-up License are not subject to any capital requirements.
Yes, additional expenses include costs for office space, visas, Data Protection, and the Confirmation Statement.
All companies in the DIFC are now mandated to submit a confirmation statement to the DIFC Registrar of Companies when renewing their license. This statement must verify that all necessary information, along with any updates to such information, has been duly reported to the DIFC Registrar of Companies.
With the initial flexi-desk arrangement, you are eligible to apply for a maximum of 4 visas.
Upon successful entity registration and the issuance of the Commercial License, you are eligible to initiate the bank account opening procedure. Rest assured, the Creative Zone team will be there to provide assistance during this crucial stage.
Certainly, you have the option to add new shareholders once the entity has been incorporated. This can be easily accomplished through the client portal, and it's worth noting that there are no fees associated with this service.
The DIFC Innovation License is specifically designed for non-regulated entities, which implies that engaging in trading or selling your own products and conducting financial activities is not permitted under this license. However, you are allowed to offer services such as software development, portals, research and development platforms, and more.
