Setup Hero

Jurisdictions:
DIFC Β· ADGM Β· RAK ICC
INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTERS

Build the Right Structure for Wealth & Business

Access internationally recognised jurisdictions and flexible legal structures designed for wealth planning, asset protection, succession, and international business ownership.

Wealth Planning
Secure your financial legacy
Asset Protection
Ring-fence valuable assets
Succession
Structured family continuity
Business Ownership
International corporate structures
Why International Financial Centers?

Structure Your Wealth. Protect Your Future.

International financial centres provide sophisticated legal and corporate structures for individuals, families, investors, and international businesses looking for stability and long-term security.

At SetupHero, we align your jurisdiction and entity selection with your exact ownership, wealth, and succession goals.

Bespoke Frameworks

From foundations and trusts to holding companies, we build tailored setups designed for maximum asset protection and clarity.

Asset Protection & Governance

Ring-fence your valuable business assets and global investments under world-class common law legal jurisdictions.

Long-Term Continuity

Establish seamless succession planning structures to preserve multi-generational family wealth without probate disruption.

In-Depth: Choose the Right Jurisdiction

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

A leading international financial centre offering a sophisticated, globally recognised ecosystem. DIFC is the premier choice for complex private wealth structures, family businesses, and corporate holding arrangements.

Legal Framework Independent English Common Law (DIFC Courts)
Physical Presence Registered office required Explore DIFC Foundations
Inquire about DIFC Setup
Key Advantages & Ideal Use Cases
  • Deepest financial and legal ecosystem in the MEASA region.
  • Highly respected global regulatory authority (DFSA).
  • Zero tax on qualifying income and 100% foreign ownership.
  • Ideal For: Foundations, Complex Holding Companies, Single & Multi-Family Offices, and Regional Corporate HQs.

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

An award-winning financial centre in the UAE capital. ADGM is uniquely distinguished by its direct application of English Common Law and its highly efficient, digitized corporate registry.

Legal Framework Direct application of English Common Law
Physical Presence Registered office or CSP address required
Inquire about ADGM Setup
Key Advantages & Ideal Use Cases
  • Direct integration of English Common Law, providing unparalleled legal certainty.
  • Highly efficient digital registry and fast registration process.
  • Robust frameworks specifically designed for Trusts and Foundations.
  • Ideal For: Trusts, Foundations, Tech Holding Companies, SPVs, and Venture Capital Funds.

Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC)

A premium corporate registry providing a highly flexible and cost-effective environment. RAK ICC is the preferred choice for cross-border holding structures, asset protection, and offshore companies.

Legal Framework Corporate Registry (Access to ADGM/DIFC courts)
Physical Presence No physical office required (Registered Agent only)
Inquire about RAK ICC Setup
Key Advantages & Ideal Use Cases
  • Highly cost-effective establishment and annual maintenance fees.
  • Total foreign ownership with strict corporate confidentiality.
  • Seamless redomiciliation process from jurisdictions like BVI or Cayman.
  • Ideal For: Asset Holding, International Trade, Real Estate Portfolios, and Cost-Effective Holding Companies.
Strategic Entities

Structures Designed Around Your Goals

Private Wealth

Foundation

Dedicated structure for long-term wealth & succession planning.

Foundations provide an independent legal personality to hold and safeguard global assets with clear governance and customized succession rules.

Best For
Wealth preservation Succession planning Asset protection Family wealth Holdings
Fiduciary

Trust

Flexible framework for asset governance and beneficiary distribution.

Trust structures help families establish clear ownership boundaries, estate distribution rules, and professional management for heirs.

ADGM offers a dedicated common-law trust framework for full administration.
Best For
Family wealth Succession Asset management Beneficiary planning
Corporate

Holding Company

Centralised ownership for corporate groups and physical assets.

Provides a structured corporate vehicle to consolidate global subsidiaries, investment portfolios, real estate, or IP assets under one roof.

Best For
Business ownership Group structures Investments IP holding Asset organisation
Which Structure Is Right for You?

One Goal. The Right Structure.

Your Objective Potential Structure
Preserve family wealth Foundation
Plan for succession Foundation / Trust
Hold business interests Holding Company
Separate ownership of assets Foundation / Holding Company
Manage assets for beneficiaries Trust
Structure an international business group Holding Company
Create a long-term family wealth structure Foundation / Trust

Important Note: The appropriate structure depends on your individual circumstances, objectives, tax position, and applicable laws. Professional advice should be obtained before establishing any structure.

100%
Foreign Ownership
0%
Public Register
5d
Fast Setup
5+
Years Expertise
End-to-End Governance

Your Structure, Managed From Setup to Completion

Choosing a jurisdiction is only the beginning. SetupHero guides you through every milestoneβ€”from strategic evaluation to full regulatory registration and continuous advisory.

Phase 01

Structure Assessment

We thoroughly analyze your wealth objectives, asset footprint, and multi-generational succession requirements to map out the ideal entity architecture.

Wealth & Asset Protection Mapping
Governance & Succession Evaluation
Phase 02

Jurisdiction Selection

We conduct a comparative analysis across DIFC, ADGM, RAK ICC, and offshore authorities to select the jurisdiction that balances tax efficiency, speed, and privacy.

Comparative Regulatory Matrix
Total Cost & Maintenance Projections
Phase 03

Formation & Registration

Our legal team prepares bespoke Articles of Association, Foundation Charters, or Trust Deeds, managing all registrar filings and KYC clearances.

Tailored Charter & By-Laws Drafting
Government Registry Submissions
Phase 04

Ongoing Support & Compliance

We keep your entity compliant through annual license renewals, corporate secretarial record-keeping, Economic Substance Regulations (ESR), and regulatory filings.

Annual License & Registry Renewals
Ongoing Corporate Secretarial Services
Jurisdiction Comparison

DIFC, ADGM or RAK ICC?

Each jurisdiction offers specialized legal environments and regulatory frameworks. Choose the center that best aligns with your wealth planning goals.

DIFC

Dubai International Financial Centre β€” A leading global financial hub offering sophisticated common law structures for private wealth and family businesses.

  • Private Wealth Management
  • Foundations Framework
  • Holding Companies
  • Single & Multi-Family Offices

ADGM

Abu Dhabi Global Market β€” An award-winning capital market applying direct English Common Law with comprehensive trust and foundation frameworks.

  • Common Law Trusts
  • Foundations Framework
  • Holding Companies & SPVs
  • Venture & Investment Funds

RAK ICC

Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre β€” A highly flexible international corporate registry for cost-effective asset holding and offshore setups.

  • RAK ICC Foundations
  • Holding Companies
  • Cross-Border Structures
  • Real Estate Asset Holding

Not sure which jurisdiction fits your setup?

Our advisory team provides a clear comparison tailored to your wealth and business requirements.

Schedule a call
Target Audiences

Designed for Individuals, Families & International Businesses

Entrepreneurs
Holding Companies

Entrepreneurs

Structure ownership of operating businesses, regional subsidiaries, and valuable IP assets with complete liability protection.

Families & Dynasties
Foundations & Trusts

Families & Dynasties

Establish long-term wealth preservation, estate ring-fencing, and clear governance frameworks for multi-generational heirs.

Investors
SPVs & Portfolios

Global Investors

Consolidate real estate portfolios, venture capital stakes, and private equity investments under secure central entities.

International Businesses
Regional HQs

International Groups

Build cross-border holding vehicles and regional headquarters backed by English common law courts.

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Client Feedback

What our clients think

4.9/5 Rating
Verified

"Shiraz and the team were excellent at making sure our needs were met. We were quite scared about making the jump into a decision this big, but they made sure we had limited worries and walked us through everything with no issues. Would highly recommend."

R
Reid

"Shiraz was an amazing referral. At first I was apprehensive, but after speaking with him and understanding the process I felt extremely comfortable. Efficient, professional, and highly recommended."

J
Jake Peters

"Shiraz and team were great. From the first call all the way to the end I felt supported and guided in the right direction. If you're coming from overseas and want quick turnarounds with expert guidance, do yourself a favor and hire these guys."

G
Goyo

"Setting up my UAE assets as someone moving from Australia to Dubai with SetupHero was extremely easy, seamless and efficient. They handle everything and go above and beyond, and can connect you with all the right people."

S
Samuel Napier

"Setup Hero made our move to Dubai so smooth and stress-free. They guided us through every step β€” from setting up the business to securing residency for both myself and my wife. I couldn't recommend them enough."

R
Ramie Sabbagh

"Shiraz and Setup Hero made my Dubai company setup effortless and very fast β€” banking, paperwork, and operations all handled with speed and precision. If you want to maximize UAE tax advantages, Shiraz is the guy."

C
Chris Tornow

"Wonderful experience dealing with Shiraz and the SetupHero team for the past 4 years β€” from setting up a company in the free zone to immigration issues, their team is almost 24/7 and always accessible."

N
Nishanth Reddy

"Moving countries can be overwhelming, but Setup Hero made everything so easy. They guided us through the business setup and handled my residency with such care and efficiency. I always felt reassured and informed."

E
Eleni Georgiadis

"Everything was handled efficiently setting up a business and moving from Australia. I particularly enjoyed that they organized a driver to get to all the required locations. Would recommend."

D
Dan Jay

"Shiraz and his team guided us through moving our lives from Australia to Dubai, making what seemed like a complex journey so simple. The thing I appreciate most is the ongoing support β€” they're always there to assist."

B
Brad Zich

"Shiraz and his team are absolute professionals β€” they know all the laws very well and make you feel confident and safe due to their organised processes and depth of knowledge."

S
Stephen Whittaker

"Great team, took care of all my company set up in Dubai perfectly."

M
Miguel Carvalhal

"After talking to a few companies that seemed untrustworthy, my first call with Shiraz told me SetupHero was the real deal. Fast responses and clear direction β€” especially important since we had only 4 days to get everything sorted."

C
Chase Cookson

"Absolutely seamless experience. Shiraz runs this company with true professionalism β€” his team handled my business license, Emirates ID, medical tests and even opened my bank account. Someone was physically with me at every step."

H
Hisham Fazil

"Highly professional from the very start. Our first introductory call gave us the confidence to move forward, and now, with full trust in your approach, we're delighted to engage with you again for our second major project."

S
Sumeet Puri

"From day one, Shiraz and the team made everything smooth β€” drivers for appointments, no waiting lines, fast communication and zero friction. What stood out most was their care; they genuinely wanted to help, not just chase revenue."

A
Arno Vanmassenhove

"Great experience and on time. I recommend and appreciate the team for their efforts. Highly recommended."

K
Khaldoun Mansour

"Amazing experience with SetupHero setting me up in Dubai from Australia. The team guided me through each step clearly, answered all my questions quickly, and made sure everything was handled properly from start to finish."

P
Prime Training

"Shiraz and his team did an amazing job relocating me from Australia to Dubai. The entire process was smooth and super efficient, with complete support on banking, immigration and company setup. Would highly recommend!"

F
Fin Kwong

"Smooth and great experience, very good communication and an easy process including visa, business, banking and everything! Highly recommend if you're looking to set up a business in the UAE."

T
Toby Dowling

"Shiraz made our visa process smooth and straightforward. He's knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely cares about getting things right. Every question was answered promptly. Definitely recommend to anyone navigating immigration in Dubai."

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Sathyaraj Balasubramanian

"Great service, accountability, honesty and competency. I've been with Shiraz for more than 3 years now, and everything has been going smoothly."

E
Evgeny Urazov

"Appreciate the professional services by Shiraz and the team for helping with immigration, visas and initial setup. Never had an issue with their services in the last 2 years. I recommend with confidence."

S
Suresh Kumar
Process

A Simple Path to the Right Structure

01

Tell Us Your Goals

Share your business, wealth, ownership, and succession objectives.

02

We Assess Your Options

Our specialists review suitable jurisdictions and structures.

03

Select Your Structure

Choose the jurisdiction and structure that best fits your objectives.

04

We Handle the Setup

We coordinate the required documentation and formation process.

05

Ongoing Support

Continue with administration and compliance support as required.

Frequently Asked Questions

International financial centres provide specialised legal, regulatory, and corporate environments for financial, investment, wealth, and business structuring.
Each jurisdiction offers different structures and frameworks. The right option depends on your business, wealth, ownership, and succession objectives.
A foundation is a separate legal entity, while a trust is a legal arrangement in which assets are held and administered by trustees for beneficiaries. ADGM recognises this distinction within its structuring framework.
Yes. Holding companies, foundations and certain other structures can be used to organise ownership of businesses and investments, subject to the rules of the chosen jurisdiction.
There is no single best jurisdiction for everyone. Your choice should depend on your objectives, assets, ownership structure, residency, succession plans, and applicable legal and tax considerations.

Build a Structure That Works for Your Future

Whether you're protecting family wealth, organising business ownership, planning succession, or establishing an international investment structure, our specialists can help you evaluate the right jurisdiction.

DIFC  Β·  ADGM  Β·  RAK ICC  Β·  Premium Structuring

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