DIFC Prescribed Company cost.
A DIFC Prescribed Company (PC) is the lowest-cost regulated SPV in the DIFC — a passive holding, securitisation or structuring vehicle that cannot trade but can hold assets, shares, IP or debt. It is the entity most UAE family offices and fund sponsors use beneath a DIFC Foundation or as a standalone holding vehicle. Here is the complete 2026 cost, line by line.
What you actually pay, line by line.
| Item | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| DIFC Prescribed Company application (one-time) | USD 100 | Government filing fee |
| DIFC Prescribed Company annual licence | USD 1,000 | Per year |
| Corporate Service Provider / registered office | USD 2,500 – 4,000 | Mandatory; provides registered address and authorised signatory |
| DIFC Data Protection registration | USD 500 | Plus USD 250/year renewal |
| ArxSetup professional fee | USD 4,500 | Structuring, filing, KYC, board resolutions |
| Year-1 all-in | from USD 7,600 | Excludes optional visa/office |
| Year-2 onwards | from USD 4,250 | Licence + agent + data protection + retainer |
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 Prescribed Company cost in 2026?
From USD 7,600 all-in for year one — DIFC application (USD 100 one-time), annual licence (USD 1,000), Corporate Service Provider and registered office (USD 2,500–4,000), Data Protection registration (USD 500), plus ArxSetup professional fee. Year two onwards is from USD 4,250.
What is a DIFC Prescribed Company used for?
A PC is a passive vehicle for holding shares, real estate, IP, aircraft, or debt; for securitisation and structured finance; and as an SPV beneath a DIFC Foundation. It cannot conduct active commercial trading or employ operational staff.
Does a DIFC Prescribed Company need a physical office?
No. A PC uses a registered office provided by its mandatory Corporate Service Provider. No leased office or visa is required, which is why it is the cheapest DIFC structure.
Who can set up a DIFC Prescribed Company?
A PC must have a 'qualifying applicant' nexus — typically a DIFC entity, a GCC-registered entity, a family-office connection, or a Qualified Investor/structuring purpose. ArxSetup confirms eligibility at the engagement stage.
DIFC Prescribed Company vs ADGM SPV — which is cheaper?
ADGM SPV is marginally cheaper on the government licence (USD 1,900/year all-in via CSP) but DIFC PC is competitive at USD 1,000/year + agent, and DIFC offers deeper private-banking access. The right choice depends on banking and whether a Foundation sits above it.