UAE
DIFC (Prescribed Company)
Special-purpose structure for eligible SPV/holding uses under DIFC prescribed categories.
2 weeks
0-9% tax
Holding CompanyInvestment FundsReal EstateIP HoldingProp Trading Rigs
Key Benefits
Why form in UAE?
Special-purpose structure
Designed for eligible SPV/holding uses under DIFC prescribed company categories, rather than broad operational trading.
Typically simpler pathway
Often a lighter administrative route than full operating licences when the structure fits prescribed criteria.
DIFC credibility
A strong jurisdictional signal for counterparties, investors, and professional advisors.
Transaction readiness
Suitable for deal SPVs, investments, and structured ownership requiring clear registers and formal governance.
Ring-fencing benefits
Helps isolate specific assets or strategies from other group risks and liabilities.
Governance clarity
A robust corporate framework supports board actions, resolutions, and clean documentation standards.
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
Often not applicable unless the company makes taxable supplies in the UAE and registers for VAT.
5%
Withholding Tax
The UAE does not currently levy withholding tax on outbound payments under the federal Corporate Tax regime.
0%
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 (Prescribed Company)
1
Day 1–5
Eligibility & KYC Intake
Confirm prescribed-category fit, define purpose, and collect KYC and ownership details.
2
Day 6–7
Name Reservation
Reserve company name and confirm naming compliance.
3
Day 8–11
Incorporation Submission
Submit incorporation documents and required declarations; address any clarifications requested.
4
Day 12–13
Review & Approval
Authority review cycle, approvals, and fee settlement.
5
Day 14
Issuance & Corporate Pack
Receive incorporation documents and deliver the digital corporate pack.
Pricing
What's included in your DIFC (Prescribed Company)
Formation Package
$1,000
- Eligibility assessment against prescribed company categories
- Incorporation application preparation and filing (DIFC prescribed company)
- License application preparation and submission (where applicable to the prescribed category)
- Completion of standard incorporation documents required by DIFC
- Establishment card application preparation (if visas are required)
- Coordination of DIFC portal steps and fee payments
- Digital corporate document pack (formation set)
Annual Maintenance
$7,348/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 (Prescribed Company)
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 (Prescribed Company) 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.