Continuation of a Private Company – DIFC
Continuation of a Private Company – DIFC Proposal
Client Details
Continuation of a Private Company – DIFC
[Client Name] – [Company Name]
21 September 2026
Introduction
Continuation allows a foreign-incorporated company to re-domicile into DIFC as a Private Company while maintaining continuity.
Legal structure: Private Company Limited by Shares.
Registration is a 5-step process: Register with DIFC → Initial Approval → Registered Address → E-signing & Payment → Certificate of Continuation
1. Required Documents
The following documents and information are required to submit the Continuation of a Private Company application:
| Document / Information | Remarks |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Incorporation from foreign jurisdiction | Evidence of the entity’s current incorporation and good standing in its home jurisdiction. |
| Board Resolution approving continuation | Authorising the re-domiciliation into DIFC and the appointment of signatories. |
| Audited financial statements (2 years) | Most recent two years of audited accounts for the foreign entity. |
| Passport copies of directors/shareholders | Digital verification or certified copy for each director and shareholder. |
| Proposed entity name reservation | Up to 3 options, valid for 90 days from reservation. |
| Lease agreement or Self-Occupy certificate | Registered lease with the Registrar of Real Property (third-party buildings) or Self-Occupy certificate for owned units. |
| Group ownership structure | Required only where a parent entity exists above the applicant company. |
Entities that intend to lease office space not managed by DIFC Investments Ltd must register their lease with the Registrar of Real Property within 20 days to avoid a 1,000 USD penalty.
Fee Schedule
DIFC Authority Fees
InBusiness Professional Fee
| Description | AED | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Service Fee (Continuation of Private Company) | 11,017.50 | 3,000.00 |
Total Summary
| Option | AED | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Total (Authority + InBusiness) | 87,221.79 | 23,750.00 |
The Establishment Card Fee and Personnel Sponsorship Agreement Deposit apply only where the entity intends to sponsor employment visas. The total above reflects the base scenario without visa sponsorship.
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 Continuation 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 | 3–5 working days |
| Lease registration | within 20 days (penalty USD 1,000 if late) |
| Certificate of Continuation | issued after payment & signing |
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 | Continuation of a Private Company – DIFC Proposal