How to open a business in the AIFC

Financial companies Professional Service Providers Non-financial companies
There are several ways to establish your company or branch in the AIFC:
• Establish a new company in the AIFC
• Register a foreign company/partnership established in another jurisdiction as a recognized company or partnership;
• Reregister a legal entity established in another jurisdiction
Registration
02
Once your company has obtained a license (applicable to specific industries) and registered its legal entity with the AIFC, it can begin operating its business.

It is important to note that all participating companies are required to provide certain information on a regular basis, such as submitting annual reports and promptly notifying the AIFC of any changes to their registered data (event notification).

After registration, it is essential to comply with all compliance and reporting obligations to ensure compliance with regulatory standards within the AIFC jurisdiction.
Participant
To provide regulated financial, market, or professional (support) services in the AIFC, your company must obtain a license from the AFSA regulatory authority. This license allows the AFSA to identify and prevent serious violations or damage, ensuring that companies and individuals meet predetermined criteria before providing these services in the AIFC.
Licensing
01
If your company plans to engage in regulated financial or market activities in the AIFC, it must go through two different procedures:
• Authorization (obtaining a license from the AFSA regulatory authority);
• Registration.
Financial
companies