DIFC Courts
  • Small Claims Tribunal
  • Filing Fee
  • Flowchart

Small Claims Tribunal (SCT)

Established in 2007, the Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) can hear claims within the jurisdiction of the DIFC in three situations. First, where the amount or value of the claim does not exceed AED 500,000. Second, when the claim relates to the employment or former employment of a party and the amount or value of the claim exceeds AED 500,000 and all parties to the claim elect in writing that it be heard by the SCT. 

There is no value limit for the SCT’s elective jurisdiction in the context of employment claims. Third, if in the context of claims which are not employment related, the amount or value of the claim does not exceed AED 1 million, and all parties elect in writing that it be heard by the SCT, such election can be made in the underlying contract (if any) or subsequently.

Filing fee as mentioned below:

(A) Employment claims

  • The fee for filing an employment claim shall be 2% of the value of the claim with a minimum fee of USD 100.
  • The fee for filing an appeal to the CFI following an employment claim in the SCT shall be 1% of the value of the claim with a minimum fee of USD 100.

(B) All other claims

  • The fee for filing all other claims shall be 5% of the value of the claim with a minimum fee of USD 100.
  • The fee for filing an appeal to the CFI following any other claim in the SCT shall be 2.5% of the value of the claim with a minimum fee of USD 100.

(C) Applications

  • Applications seeking a fee waiver or suspension shall be free of charge.
  • The fee for all other applications shall be USD 50

Notes

  • For a claim made by way of counterclaim, the same fee shall be payable as if the relief or remedy sought were the subject of separate proceedings.
  • The SCT Registrar shall have the discretion to defer, reduce, or waive applicable fees in the SCT if the SCT Registrar, in his/her sole discretion, considers it appropriate in the circumstances.
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