DIFC Prescribed Companies

Resulting from a simplified regulatory regime, the DIFC Prescribed Company is an efficient and versatile ownership vehicle for investors operating via the DIFC for the purpose of holding and structuring private illiquid assets as well as bankable securities portfolios.

What to expect from us

Established by the DIFC Prescribed Company Regulations that came into force on 31 October 2019, amended on 10 August 2022 and 15 July 2024, a Prescribed Company (PC) is a type of corporate vehicle available in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) categorised as a Private Company (limited by shares), with reduced fees, maintenance requirements, and the flexibility to accommodate the needs of a broad range of investors.

The DIFC Prescribed Company, equivalent to Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV), was designed for the conduct of passive investment holding activities by family businesses, family offices and private wealth structures, funds, private equity firms and the like. It can also act as a holding company or financial vehicle, for domestic, regional or international assets.

With our team's extensive experience and expertise, we have honed our ability to craft top-notch strategies that are designed to meet your specific needs and long-term objectives. Our commitment to excellence ensures to provide tailored and efficient solutions.

Eligibility

The PC regime is primarily available to global investors or entities, as well as for family businesses that wish to structure their holdings in the DIFC. The Prescribed Company can be established if one or more of the following conditions is met:

Control Requirements: The PC must be controlled by one or more:
i)   GCC citizens or entities controlled by GCC citizens, or
ii)   an Authorised Firm; or
iii)  a DIFC Registered Person, other than a PC or an NPIO.
Asset Holding Purpose: The PC is established or continued for the primary purpose of holding legal title to, or controlling, one or more GCC Registrable Assets (incl.: land and real estate property, shares in companies, partnership interests, aircraft and maritime vessels, etc.).
Qualifying Purpose: The PC is established or continued for a Qualifying Purpose (incl.: Aviation Structure, Crowdfunding Structure, IP Structure, Maritime Structure, Structured Financing).
Director Requirement: The PC is established by any person (natural or corporate), that is resident anywhere in the world, provided that the PC appoints as a director an employee of a DFSA registered Corporate Service Provider (CSP), who has entered into an AML arrangement with the DIFC.

Services at a glance

As a leading financial centre with a strong regulatory regime, international recognition thanks to the UAE’s participation in FATCA/CRS, with its own robust common law framework and courts; the DIFC provides an excellent environment for governance, asset structuring, and succession planning of private assets located in the region. The DIFC is also a jurisdiction where 100% foreign ownership is allowed.

Benefit from an exceptional environment and with the DIFC Prescribed Company as a reliable vehicle offering distinct advantages such as cost-effectiveness, lean operations, and high flexibility of use and purpose. Our team of experts adopts an interdisciplinary approach to offer tailored solutions and provides comprehensive assistance at every step of the process, including but not limited to:

Advise and assist clients to determine the appropriate structure and governance of the Prescribed Company.
Establishment of the Prescribed Company and submissions to the DIFC Registrar.
Registered Agent and provision of registered address in the DIFC.
Corporate Secretary, Administrative, Accounting and Investment Reporting services.
Providing individual Directors or Authorized Signatories.
Opening of bank accounts for the Prescribed Company.

Key Highlights on UAE Corporate Income Tax

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced Corporate Income Tax (UAE CT) for entities with financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023. The UAE CT regime offer several features to enable an effective reduction/mitigation of tax costs, including:

Exempt income: Dividends and participation exemption.
Tax deductions: Allowable deductions to reduce taxable income.
Tax reliefs: Provisions for foreign tax credits, foreign branch losses, unincorporated partnerships, and Family Foundation regime.
Group taxation: Options for tax consolidation and group relief.
Qualifying Free zone Person: Special tax treatment for entities in UAE Free Zones.

Details in our factsheet / notes here:

Download

What sets us apart

In-house expertise

We are committed to an integrated approach that avoids an isolated perspective. Thus, tax and regulatory considerations come into every step of the process to ensure compliance while keeping your requirements at the forefront.

Client focus

Our team of renowned, experienced, and committed professionals is dedicated to solving any challenge. Leveraging our cross-border expertise, we offer solid and efficient solutions, anticipate changes, and act proactively.

Digital Solutions

With a diverse as well as digitally savvy team of experts, we enhance and empower the highly personal advisory experience through convenience and a seamless digital utilities ecosystem. Thus, services like Digital Family Office, Investment Reporting, ESG Reporting, Securities Accounting, and much more are accessible through one holistic platform.

Personal and without obligation – get in touch

Marcel Minger

Partner

BScBA, TEP / Dip(ITM)

E Please enable JavaScript to view this person's e-mail address

T +41 58 450 59 47

Julie Rouas

Managing Director KENDRIS DIFC

LL.M. Law

E Please enable JavaScript to view this person's e-mail address

T +971 4 248 9505

More trust and fiduciary services

Swiss Companies

Investment holding, trading, patent exploitation or management companies – our proven experts can design, establish, manage and administer your Swiss company.

Cyprus Companies

Our experienced and proven experts will create the right Cyprus company structure for you and personally guide you to fully realise the potential of a Cypriot company.

UK Companies

Investment holding, trading, patent exploitation or management companies – our proven experts can establish, manage and administer your UK company.

FL Companies

We establish, manage and administer your Liechtenstein company according to your planning goals.

Singapore Companies

Establishment, administration and management of investment holding, trading, patent exploitation or management companies in Singapore – with expertise in accounting, reporting, cross-border tax, legal, and further corporate services.

International Business Companies

With a strong global expertise, we establish, administer and manage your international business company in any region of the world.

Corporate Services

With our in-depth advisory know-how and broad specialist expertise in international tax, legal and regulatory matters we advise, set up, manage and supervise your business, holding or investment company.

Find out more