DIFC Foundation: Protecting assets effectively in Dubai

DIFC Foundation

Asset protection is one of the most important topics in the 21st century. Internationally active entrepreneurs and wealthy people in particular should know and use the best ways to protect their assets.

We have been supporting people with legal matters in Dubai for over 10 years. By setting up a foundation in Dubai, assets can be effectively protected and also anonymized.

Advantages

An overview of the most important reasons why you should set up a foundation in DIFC.

Regulated inheritance

If there are assets in Dubai, e.g. through companies or real estate, the inheritance can be effectively structured through the foundation and Sharia Law can be circumvented.

Reputation

Foundations in the international financial center enjoy a high reputation

Asset protection

Assets in Dubai can be effectively protected from outside access.

Anonymity

The foundation in Dubai enables wealthy individuals to no longer appear in registers.

Tax exemption

Foundations in the DIFC are exempt from tax if the profits are generated outside the UAE.

Procedure

We support you step by step in setting up the DIFC Foundation Dubai.

1st consultation

As a first step, we advise and weigh up whether a foundation in DIFC makes sense and what form it should take.

2. foundation documents

The documents are then drawn up, the beneficiaries named and the foundation council appointed, as well as a protection officer.

3. foundation

Once the strategic basis has been defined, the documents for the foundation are submitted.

4. account opening

Once the foundation has been set up in the DIFC, the next step is to open suitable accounts with various banks.

5. tax registration

In order to remain legally compliant from a tax perspective, we register the foundation with the FTA and advise on compliance and legal tax optimization.

6. ongoing support

We are your ongoing contact for all questions relating to company formation in Dubai. From taxes and banking to VISA and emigration.

Ready for Dubai?

Our services

We provide holistic support to the DIFC Foundation in Dubai.

FAQ

Below are the most frequently asked questions about the Foundation in DIFC, Dubai.

What is a DIFC Foundation?

A DIFC Foundation is a legal entity with its own legal personality that holds and manages assets. It is established in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and is generally used for asset structuring, estate planning and the protection of family assets.

How long does the process take?

As a rule, the entire process takes between one and three weeks, depending on the due diligence and the complexity of the structure.

What is the foundation used for?

Typical applications include asset protection, estate planning, holding company shares (e.g. free zone or offshore companies), family offices, philanthropy or as a holding structure for international investments.

Difference between DIFC Trust and Foundation?

A trust is not a legal entity, but a legal relationship. A foundation, on the other hand, is a legal entity in its own right and can conclude contracts, hold property and take legal action. Foundations usually offer more control and transparency than trusts.

When will the foundation hold assets around the world?

Yes, a DIFC Foundation can own assets worldwide - from real estate and bank accounts to company shares or interests in foreign trusts.

What are the advantages of the foundation in DIFC, Dubai?

Frequently cited advantages are asset protection, succession planning without inheritance proceedings, tax neutrality, a high degree of confidentiality, international recognition and a stable, English-speaking common law legal system.

Who can set up a foundation?

Both individuals and companies - regardless of nationality or residence - can establish a DIFC Foundation. No physical presence in Dubai is required.

How is a foundation structured?

A foundation consists of a founder, a council (board of directors), possibly a guardian (supervisory body) and the beneficiaries.

What is a Guardian?

A guardian is a supervisory person who ensures that the council acts in accordance with the purpose of the foundation and the founder. A guardian is prescribed in particular for so-called purpose foundations.

Who has access to the foundation?

The ownership and beneficiary structure is not publicly viewable. Only the Registrar of Companies and the relevant authorities have access to the data, which guarantees a high level of discretion.

What do our customers say?

Experience

For years we have been helping people with emigration, company formation, real estate, foundations and much more in Dubai. We are proud of the genuine reviews we have received from our clients. (Source: Google & Trustpilot)

From the first contact to the final implementation, I was supported professionally, quickly and above all transparently.

I particularly appreciate the fact that the team speaks German, which makes you feel immediately understood and in good hands in a complex environment. Every one of my questions was answered in detail and you can tell that there is real expertise here.

For all those who are thinking about setting up a company or emigrating to Dubai: absolute recommendation!

I set up my company in Dubai via Dubai Setup and am absolutely satisfied with the entire process. The team was extremely competent, professional and German-speaking right from the start, which made communication and understanding the local requirements much easier.

If you are looking for serious and professional advice on setting up a company in Dubai, you have come to the right place. Many thanks for the great support - I can recommend the service without reservation!

Clemens guided me through the entire process and was always available to answer questions quickly. Even when questions arose that were "outside" the scope of the service, the Dubai Setup team was on hand with advice. In summary, I can recommend the Dubai Setup service to anyone.

Dubai Setup did exactly what I expected so that I could concentrate on my core business in the UAE! The path to the company was clearly shown and quantified, there were no surprises and the deadline was even shortened through internal optimizations! Absolutely recommendable!

Dear Dubai Setup team,

I am very happy to have found you and would simply like to say “thank you” for the excellent and transparent advice you provided during the process of setting up my new company and for your outstanding service.

You even helped me resolve the issues with the old agency and, together with IFZA, paved a new path for my future in the Emirates.Great job, that simply has to be acknowledged.Many thanks to the Clemens team!

Alles lief reibungslos, von der Firmengründung, Visum Beantragung bis hin zur ausführlichen Erklärung, wie alles in Dubai funktioniert. Kompetent, transparent und extrem hilfreich. Kann ich uneingeschränkt weiterempfehlen, die besten Ansprechpartner für eine Firmengründung in Dubai.

Clemens Kohlbacher

Dubai Setup Specialist

office@dubaisetup.co

Contact

Do you have questions about company formation, tax or emigration to Dubai? Contact us now via the contact form, e-mail or book an appointment for a non-binding initial consultation.