DIFC holding company cost.
There are two ways to hold assets through the DIFC: a low-cost Prescribed Company (passive holding only), or a full commercial entity (holding plus operational capability). This page breaks down both, so you can see exactly what a DIFC holding company costs in 2026.
What you actually pay, line by line.
| Item | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Route A — Prescribed Company (passive holding) | from USD 7,600 | Year 1; USD 4,250 thereafter |
| Route B — DIFC name reservation | USD 800 | Full commercial entity |
| Route B — Incorporation (private company) | USD 8,000 | One-time |
| Route B — Commercial licence | USD 12,000 | Per year |
| Route B — Establishment card | USD 630 | Plus PSA deposit USD 682 |
| Route B — Office / co-working | from USD 27,000 | Required for commercial licence |
| Route B — ArxSetup professional fee | USD 4,500 | |
| Route B — Year-1 all-in | from USD 26,500 | Full operational holding entity |
Government fees are pass-through and may be revised by the regulator without notice. ArxSetup professional fees are fixed and quoted in writing before engagement. Figures current May 2026.
Reviewed by qualified counsel within ArxSetup and our affiliated practices, Neo Legal (UAE) and Cornwalls (Australia). Figures verified against primary regulator sources. Last reviewed: May 2026. Est. 2021 · DDA Licence 107229 · direct registry filing partner. How we review →
Common questions.
The questions clients ask most before committing. Current to 2026, reviewed by counsel.
How much does a DIFC holding company cost?
From USD 7,600 for a passive holding vehicle (DIFC Prescribed Company), or from USD 26,500 all-in for a full commercial holding entity with a licence and office. The Prescribed Company is the right answer for most pure-holding use cases.
Do I need a full commercial licence to hold assets in DIFC?
No. If the entity only holds shares, IP, real estate or debt and does not trade, a Prescribed Company (USD 1,000/year licence) is sufficient and far cheaper than a commercial licence (USD 12,000/year).
Is DIFC holding income taxed?
DIFC entities are 0% UAE Corporate Tax on qualifying income as a Qualifying Free Zone Person; passive holding income generally qualifies, subject to substance and de minimis tests. 9% applies to non-qualifying income above AED 375,000.
Can a DIFC holding company own UAE real estate?
It can hold shares in property-owning SPVs and freehold in designated areas through the appropriate structure. We structure the holding layer to match the underlying asset and the banking requirement.
DIFC vs ADGM for a holding company?
ADGM SPV is the lowest-cost passive holding option (from USD 1,900/year). DIFC is preferred where you need its private-banking ecosystem or a DIFC Foundation above the holding layer. Both apply English common law.