DIFC opens SPV regime to any applicant under updated rules

Dubai: Any applicant can now establish or continue a Prescribed Company in the Dubai International Financial Centre following changes to the regulations governing its equivalent of special purpose vehicles.

The updated Prescribed Company Regulations remove the previous qualifying requirements, widening access to vehicles used for legitimate holding and structuring purposes.

Applicants must appoint a DIFC-licensed Corporate Services Provider as their main administrative and compliance link with the Registrar of Companies unless an exemption applies.

Access widened under new rules

The changes are intended to simplify the existing Prescribed Company regime and allow a broader range of applicants to use DIFC’s legal framework for holding and structuring vehicles.

Prescribed Companies remain passive vehicles

A Prescribed Company must remain a passive holding vehicle and can only be used for its permitted holding or structuring purposes.

The vehicle may be used in connection with the conduct of financial services, provided this complies with legislation administered by the Dubai Financial Services Authority.

Prescribed Companies are not permitted to employ staff and must remain non-operational in nature.

Formal role introduced for service providers

The regulations establish a formal statutory role for Corporate Services Providers, which will act as the administrative, compliance and regulatory liaison between a Prescribed Company and the Registrar of Companies.

Their responsibilities include filings, record-keeping and ongoing compliance.

The updated regime is expected to be relevant to family groups, investment holding structures, financing transactions and other ownership or structuring arrangements seeking a cost-effective and flexible DIFC vehicle.

The updated Prescribed Company Regulations were enacted on July 24, 2026.