DIFC Innovation License Set Up Costs
Company Registration
Lease Agreement
Bank Account Opening
Resident Visa and Emirates ID

Setting up DIFC Innovation Licenses
The DIFC Innovation License is a specialized business license designed for startups, entrepreneurs, and technology-driven companies looking to establish themselves in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). It provides a cost-effective entry point for businesses in AI, fintech, blockchain, and emerging technologies, offering access to a world-class financial ecosystem.

The Innovation License has lower licensing fees compared to regular DIFC business licenses, making it a cost-effective way for startups and tech firms to establish a presence in a prestigious financial hub.
Cost-Effective Setup
Being located in DIFC enhances credibility, as it is a globally recognized financial and business district.
Provides access to a high-value network of financial institutions, VC firms, and investors.
Prestigious Business Location
DIFC businesses enjoy 0% corporate tax until June 2029, making it an attractive jurisdiction for innovation-driven companies.
No Corporate Tax (Until 2029)
Access to DIFC employee visas, making it easier to bring in global talent. Easier to open corporate bank accounts, as banks recognize DIFC as a reputable jurisdiction.
Easy Visa & Banking Setup
Main reasons to register Innovation License in DIFC
Business Activities permitted under DIFC Innovation License
1. Software House
Includes firms specialized in computer systems software design, implementation, operation and maintenance based on analysing the user's problems and his need for economical solution and the programs necessary for realizing such a solution, it involves designing application software designed to run on smartphones and mobile devices.
2. Technology Research & Development
Includes firms specialized in elaborating studies and experimental and development research related to Technology technology businesses for conducting innovation, introduction and improvement of its products and procedures. It includes setting guidelines to enhance designing, evaluating, implementing techniques and a series of investigative activities to develop new and improve existing products and procedures.
3. Information Technology Consultants
Includes providing technical services and consultancies with respect to information technology and applications like internet, internet and data warehousing to enhance the administrative and technical performance in different corporations. In addition to offering consultancies, to involve proposing the adequate software and handling the surveys and studies to determine the appropriate technology consistent with the nature of the firm, these firms are not entitled to market or produce any of the software or products related to said technology, the minimal degree required is BSc. in Computer sciences or Information Technology, along with three years hands-on experience".
4. Internet Consultancy
Includes firms specialised in drawing up the strategies of using internet technology in the commercial entities, as well as impose laying out the techniques of the practical application.
5. IT Infrastructure
Includes firms specialized in laying the technical foundations of the information technology, which comprises the network, the systems and the databases. It also involves firms engaged in preparing the consultative studies along with the installations of the network and the systems, manpower training is also included.
6. Portal
Online services equipped with databases and programmes that are fitted as a service with basic functions of the technology platform. It also could be a junction between a content provider and a user for a broad array of resources and services.
7. Computer Consultancies
Includes firms which provide consultancy to enterprises and companies, prepare studies related to the analysis of users' needs as regards computer hardware and software and provide the best solutions. This also includes the choice of software that corresponds to the company's activities, the choice of operation specifications, the equipment and preparation of computer rooms, the preparation of purchase tender documents and offers, as well as other related services and consultancies
8. Internet Content Provider
Includes firms specialized in providing internet sites with contents and make them available for users.
Minimum requirements to obtain an Innovation License in DIFC
1. Shareholders & Ownership Structure
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Minimum Shareholders: 1 (Can be an individual or a corporate entity)
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Maximum Shareholders: 50
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Minimum Directors: 1 (Can be the same as the shareholder)
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Resident Director Required? - No (Directors can be based outside the UAE)
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Company Secretary: Required
2. Paid-Up Capital Requirements
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No minimum capital requirement in most cases
3. Office Space Requirement
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Minimum Flexi desk is required at a discounted rate of 3,000 USD$ paid annually
4. Compliance & Regulatory Approvals
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Data Protection Compliance: Required for businesses handling personal data (must comply with DIFC Data Protection Laws & GDPR if serving EU clients)
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Cybersecurity Compliance: Innovation tech businesses must follow DIFC's Cybersecurity Compliance
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Industry-Specific Approvals: Additional approvals may be needed for healthcare, finance, or defense Innovation applications
Registration process step by step
01
Documents and KYC (1 - 2 days)
Collection of documents from shareholders and directors required for innovation license in DIFC

02
Application form and Submission to DIFC (3-4 days)
Completion of necessary application forms and legal documents including business plan and submission to DIFC for initial approval

03
Final Documents and Lease Agreement (2 days)
Once the initial approval from DIFC registrar is obtained, Consultrio will process the lease agreement, articles and payment on your behalf.

04
License Approval (7 -10 days)
After final review DIFC will issue corporate documents and commercial license

05
Bank Account and Visa (10-15 days)
Our team proceeds with bank account opening and visa application for investor and employees
