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DIFC Authority Regulated
★★★★★ 4.9 · Wealth Structuring
Our Services · DIFC Foundation

Establish a DIFC Foundation in Dubai

Secure your legacy, protect your global assets, and optimize your family wealth with a common-law framework foundation in the Dubai International Financial Centre.

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100% Ownership
Full foreign control
Common Law
Independent jurisdiction
Zero Public Register
Absolute privacy
Asset Protection
Secure legacy planning

Why Choose the DIFC?

The DIFC Foundation offers a unique blend of a corporate entity's legal personality with the asset-protection capabilities of a traditional trust.

Asset Protection

Safeguard your global wealth from creditors, forced heirship rules, and unforeseen litigation within a robust legal framework.

  • Creditor immunity structures
  • Forced heirship shielding
  • Litigation defense planning

Legacy & Succession

Ensure seamless generational wealth transfer. Establish clear by-laws dictating exactly how your assets are distributed.

  • Generational asset transfer
  • Custom by-law drafting
  • Family office continuity

Common Law Framework

Operate with absolute certainty. The DIFC courts operate under English Common Law, providing a transparent legal system.

  • English common law courts
  • Independent judiciary
  • International enforceability

Enhanced Privacy

Beneficiaries and internal by-laws of a DIFC Foundation are not kept on a publicly accessible register, ensuring total privacy.

  • Private beneficiary records
  • Confidential by-laws
  • Discrete administration

Tax Efficiency

Benefit from the UAE's highly favorable tax environment, including 0% corporate tax (subject to qualifying income).

  • 0% corporate tax benefits
  • No personal income tax
  • Double tax treaty access

Corporate Holding

A Foundation can act as the ultimate holding entity for your corporate structures, real estate portfolios, and diverse investments.

  • Global real estate holding
  • Multi-asset consolidation
  • Share-holding security

The Structure of a Foundation

Unlike a company, a Foundation has no shareholders. It is a distinct legal entity managed by a Council, overseen by a Guardian, for the purpose of the Beneficiaries.

01

The Founder

The individual or corporate entity that establishes the Foundation and endows it with initial assets. The Founder sets the rules via the Charter.

02

The Council

Similar to a board of directors, the Council administers the Foundation's assets and carries out its objectives according to the By-Laws.

03

The Guardian

Appointed to supervise the Council, ensuring they act in accordance with the Charter. Often held by a trusted advisor or the Founder.

04

The Beneficiaries

The individuals or entities entitled to benefit from the Foundation’s assets, as strictly defined by the Founder's wishes.

100%
Foreign Ownership
0%
Public Register
5d
Fast Setup
5+
Years Expertise

Seamless End-to-End Setup

Establishing a Foundation requires meticulous drafting of the Charter and By-Laws. Our regulatory experts handle the entire lifecycle, ensuring compliance at every step.

  • Consultation & Structuring
    Tailoring the architecture to your specific family needs.
  • Drafting Charter & By-Laws
    Creating robust constitutional documents outlining duties.
  • DIFC Registration & Licensing
    Managing all submissions and liaison with the Registrar.
Dubai DIFC Architecture
DIFC Foundation Registration Dubai
100%
Ownership
0%
Tax
$100
Min Capital

PREREQUISITES

Foundation Requirements

Essential documents and appointments needed to establish your DIFC Foundation:

Foundation Name
Founder KYC & Passport
Charter & By-Laws
Council Members
Guardian Details
$100 Endowment
Foundations must maintain a registered DIFC address and file documents via an authorized service provider.

DIFC FOUNDATION

Secure Your Legacy & Wealth

Transparent, flat-rate pricing for family wealth structuring and asset protection in the DIFC.

Prices are approximate conversions. Final invoices are issued in USD/AED.

ESSENTIAL

Foundation Setup

Core foundation registration and basic charter structuring.

$ 4,500 / complete

DIFC Registrar fees included

  • Standard Charter & By-Laws
  • DIFC Registrar Filing
  • Registered Office Setup
  • Initial Endowment Setup ($100)
  • Council Member Services
  • Guardian Appointment
  • Multi-Asset Structuring
Choose Essential
MOST POPULAR

PROFESSIONAL

Complete Structuring

Comprehensive asset protection with full governance roles.

$ 7,500 / complete

Full Governance & Registration

  • Everything in Essential
  • Custom By-Law Architecture
  • Council Member Provision
  • Guardian Advisory Support
  • Bank Account Opening Support
  • Dedicated Structuring Expert
  • Multi-Tier Family Office Setup
Choose Professional

ENTERPRISE

Family Office & Shield

Advanced multi-tier asset holding and legacy protection.

$ 12,500 / complete

Ultimate Wealth Protection

  • Everything in Professional
  • Multi-Tier Holding Structures
  • Corporate Share Consolidation
  • Ongoing Compliance & Secretarial
  • Tax Coordination & Advisory
  • Annual Charter Reviews
  • VIP Concierge Support
Choose Enterprise

Need a customized family office arrangement? Contact our structuring experts →

ADVANTAGES

Why Establish a Foundation?

Designed specifically for high-net-worth individuals and family offices seeking absolute control and asset security.

Creditor Protection

Assets transferred into a DIFC Foundation are legally separated from personal liabilities, shielding them from potential future claims or creditors.

Bypass Sharia & Heirs

Exercise total freedom of disposition over your estate, avoiding mandatory statutory forced heirship distributions through custom by-laws.

Corporate Agility

Act as a holding structure for shares, real estate, and bank accounts globally while maintaining uninterrupted business operational control.

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FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know about establishing a DIFC Foundation.

What is a DIFC Foundation and why establish one?
A DIFC Foundation is an independent legal entity that blends corporate personality with asset protection, ideal for family wealth preservation, legacy planning, and holding global assets under a common-law framework.
Can foreign nationals set up a DIFC Foundation?
Yes. 100% foreign ownership is permitted. Individuals and corporate entities worldwide can establish a DIFC Foundation to secure and manage their international assets.
Do I need to rent a physical office in Dubai?
No, a physical office is not mandatory. You only need a registered address within the DIFC, which can be provided through your registered corporate service provider.
What is the minimum initial endowment requirement?
The minimum initial endowment required to set up a DIFC Foundation is just $100 USD. Additional assets (such as real estate or shares) can be transferred into it at any time.
Is the identity of the beneficiaries kept private?
Yes. While basic corporate registry details exist, the internal By-Laws containing the names and distributions of the beneficiaries are strictly private and not accessible to the public.
Can SetupHero manage the entire foundation setup process?
Yes. SetupHero guides you through every step, including structuring, drafting charters and by-laws, DIFC registration, and governance role advisory, making the process seamless.

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