UAE
DIFC (Innovation License)
Innovation-aligned licence for eligible tech and innovation-led businesses in DIFC.
2 weeks
0-9% tax
Operational CompaniesConsultingE-CommerceIP HoldingToken Issuance
Key Benefits
Why form in UAE?
Innovation-aligned licence
Built for eligible innovation-led businesses seeking DIFC credibility under a dedicated licensing pathway.
High-signal jurisdiction
DIFC positioning can strengthen trust with enterprise clients, partners, and international stakeholders.
Startup-friendly base
A strong setup for IP-led and technology-first companies building in or from the region.
Governance clarity
A robust corporate framework supports fundraising, option plans, and clean corporate actions.
Partner onboarding
Often preferred by regulated/professional counterparties that value strong documentation and compliance posture.
Banking familiarity
DIFC entities can be easier to position for business banking, subject to KYC and internal bank policies.
Tax Overview
UAE taxation at a glance
UAE Corporate Tax
0% may apply to Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZPs) on qualifying income; otherwise 9% may apply. The AED 375,000 0% band generally applies to non-QFZPs; QFZPs instead follow the qualifying/non-qualifying income rules.
0-9%
VAT
Applies where the company registers for VAT and makes taxable supplies in the UAE.
5%
Withholding Tax
The UAE does not currently levy withholding tax on outbound payments under the federal Corporate Tax regime.
0%
Transfer Pricing
May apply to related-party transactions; maintain appropriate documentation and policies where required.
N/A
Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (DMTT)
May apply to UAE entities that are part of large multinational groups (Pillar Two threshold) to ensure a 15% minimum effective tax rate in the UAE.
up to 15%
Formation Process
How we incorporate your DIFC (Innovation License)
1
Day 1–5
Eligibility & KYC Intake
Confirm innovation-licence fit, define activities, and collect KYC and ownership details.
2
Day 6–7
Name Reservation
Reserve company name and confirm naming compliance.
3
Day 8–11
Submission & Review
Submit incorporation and innovation licence applications; respond to clarifications if requested.
4
Day 12–13
Approvals & Issuance
Complete approvals, settle fees, and receive incorporation/licence documents.
5
Day 14
Pack Delivery
Deliver the digital corporate document pack.
Pricing
What's included in your DIFC (Innovation License)
Formation Package
$1,000
- Incorporation application preparation and filing (DIFC innovation licence entity)
- Innovation license application preparation and submission
- Completion of standard incorporation documents required by DIFC
- Establishment card application preparation (if visas are required)
- Coordination of confirmation statement baseline setup (as applicable)
- Coordination of DIFC portal steps and fee payments
- Digital corporate document pack (formation set)
Annual Maintenance
$13,889/year
- License renewal application
- Confirmation statement completion and submission
- Establishment card renewal support (if visas are maintained)
- Annual compliance reminders and renewal coordination
Add-ons
Enhance your DIFC (Innovation License)
Nominee Services
- Nominee Corporate DirectorAppoint a professional third-party director to protect your privacy and meet local residency or compliance requirements.
- Nominee ShareholderNominee shareholding to separate legal title from beneficial ownership
Bank Accounts & Payments
- International Fiat Bank Account OpeningOpen a secure international fiat bank account to manage global payments, receive client funds, and hold multi-currency balances with reputable banking partners.
Ready to get started?
Form your DIFC (Innovation License) in UAE and have your entity ready in 2 weeks.
EntityEngine is a private facilitation platform, not a government agency or law firm. Information is general only (not legal/tax advice). Filings are completed by regulated third-party partners. Terms.