Non-Financial Entity Registration – DIFC
Non-Financial Entity Registration – DIFC Proposal
Client Details
Non-Financial Entity Registration – DIFC
[Client Name] – [Company Name]
02 October 2026
Introduction
A non-financial entity in DIFC allows a business to conduct non-financial commercial or professional activities within the Centre. The overall registration process is the same for all non-financial entities, though specific requirements vary by legal structure and the selected business activity.
Registration is a 5-step process: Register with DIFC → Initial Approval Email → Registered Address → E-signing of Constitutional Documents & Payment → Obtain Licence & Certificate of Incorporation
1. Required Documents
The following documents and information are required to submit the Non-Financial Entity application:
| Document / Information | Remarks |
|---|---|
| Portal registration details | First/last name, email and mobile number, for DIFC Portal access (or via the DIFC Business Development team at setup@difc.ae). |
| Proposed entity name and type | Proposed 3 names. |
| Business activity selection | From DIFC’s list of non-financial business activities. |
| Registered address evidence | Lease registered with the Registrar of Real Property (third-party buildings) or a Self-Occupy certificate (owned units); not required where sharing space, co-working, or leasing from DIFC Investments Ltd. |
| Stakeholder details | Passport and other details of controllers and officers, as required for the entity’s legal structure. |
Entities that intend to lease office space not managed by DIFC Investments Ltd must register their lease with the Registrar of Real Property after receiving Initial Approval within 30 days.
Fee Schedule
DIFC Authority Fees (Holding Company)
InBusiness Professional Fee
| Description | AED | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Service Fee (Non-Financial Entity) | 11,017.50 | 3,000.00 |
Total Summary
| Option | AED | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Total (Authority + InBusiness) | 87,221.88 | 23,750.00 |
This schedule reflects a Holding Company that does not require an Establishment Card or Personnel Sponsorship Agreement; these apply only where the entity intends to sponsor employee visas.
3. Scope of Licence Services
Guidance on selecting the appropriate DIFC legal structure for the entity’s purpose
Submission of the “Register with DIFC” application via the DIFC Portal
Coordination of the Initial Approval review with DIFC
Registration of the entity’s lease with the Registrar of Real Property, or coordination of a Self-Occupy certificate, where applicable
Preparation and coordination of e-signing of the constitutional documents (Articles of Association) and Personnel Sponsorship Agreement via DocuSign, where applicable
Submission of applicable DIFC fees — licence, certificate, data protection and establishment card, where relevant
Coordination of the Establishment Card application, where the entity intends to sponsor employment visas
Handover of the DIFC-issued Licence and Certificate of Incorporation on completion
All requirements, timelines and fees are subject to DIFC approvals and may vary based on the selected legal structure and business activity.
4. Processing Timeline
| STAGE | PROCESSING TIME |
|---|---|
| Initial Approval email | 3–5 working days |
| Registered address / lease registration (where applicable) | Completed after Initial Approval, within 30 days of signing to avoid 1000 USD penalty |
| Licence & Certificate of Incorporation issuance | Issued upon completion of e-signing and payment |
Timelines above are DIFC’s stated processing benchmarks and may extend depending on the completeness of the application and the selected legal structure and business activity.
Confidential | Non-Financial Entity Registration – DIFC Proposal