Dubai International Financial Centre opens prescribed company regime to all applicants, requires licensed service providers in most cases

Dubai International Financial Centre updated its Prescribed Company Regulations to remove previous eligibility criteria and allow any applicant to establish or continue a prescribed company, subject to appointing a DIFC-licensed Corporate Services Provider unless exempt. The changes broaden access to DIFC special purpose vehicles for legitimate holding and structuring purposes while retaining compliance oversight. Prescribed companies must remain passive, nonoperational vehicles and cannot employ staff. They may be used in connection with financial services where this complies with legislation administered by the Dubai Financial Services Authority. The regulations also establish a statutory role for corporate services providers, including responsibility for filings, recordkeeping, ongoing compliance and liaison with the DIFC Registrar of Companies. The updated regulations were enacted on July 24, 2026.