Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has opened its Prescribed Company regime to any applicant after removing previous qualifying requirements under updated regulations.
Prescribed Companies are DIFC’s equivalent of special purpose vehicles and can be used for legitimate holding and structuring purposes. Applicants must generally appoint a DIFC-licensed Corporate Services Provider (CSP) as their administrative and compliance link with the Registrar of Companies, unless an exemption applies.
The updated rules, enacted on July 24, 2026, introduce a formal statutory role for CSPs. Their responsibilities include filings, record-keeping and ongoing compliance.
Prescribed Companies must remain passive holding vehicles and can only be used for permitted holding or structuring activities. They may support financial services activity if it complies with legislation administered by the Dubai Financial Services Authority, but they cannot employ staff or operate as active businesses.
According to the announcement, the changes could be relevant to family groups, investment holding structures, financing transactions and other ownership arrangements seeking a flexible DIFC vehicle. Jacques Visser, Chief Legal Officer at DIFC Authority, said the revised regime broadens access while maintaining compliance oversight and regulatory safeguards.
Source: Gulf News
