DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) is Dubai's dedicated financial free zone, operating under its own common-law legal framework with independent courts, distinct from both mainland UAE law and other free zones' civil-law-based frameworks.
What DIFC offers
DIFC is specifically positioned for financial services banking, wealth management, insurance, fintech, and related professional services regulated by the DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority) rather than the mainland financial regulators.
Visa sponsorship
DIFC sponsors employee visas following the free zone model, though as a premium financial centre, DIFC packages and office costs are generally higher than general-purpose free zones, which is reflected in overall setup and visa costs.
Why it's distinctive
DIFC's common-law legal system and independent courts, combined with its specific financial services regulatory framework, make it fundamentally different from a general-purpose free zone it suits financial services businesses specifically rather than general trading or consultancy activities.