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. 

01

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.

02

Reputation

 Foundations in the international financial center enjoy a high reputation

03

Asset protection

Assets in Dubai can be effectively protected from outside access. 

04

Anonymity

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

04

Tax exemption

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

Process

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.

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.

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

 

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.

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.

 

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.

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

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

 

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.

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, trusts and much more in Dubai. We are proud of the genuine reviews we have received from our clients. (Source: Google & Trustpilot)

I can unconditionally recommend Clemens. He accompanied me during my emigration from Germany to Dubai and was of enormous help from the very beginning. I received a very quick response after my first WhatsApp message. Even though we didn't know each other yet, he took the time to answer my questions in detail without charging me. Shortly thereafter, he even offered me a free consultation call where I could ask him countless questions. 

Every single question was answered competently, understandably, and patiently. I was particularly impressed by his enormous expertise. He not only has excellent knowledge of emigration to Dubai but also thinks of many details that one would never have considered. Even during my time in Germany, he pointed out important topics to me, saving me from many mistakes and unnecessary problems. What sets Clemens apart from many other advisors is his honesty, his availability, and his genuine interest in helping his clients. 

He always replies quickly, gives valuable recommendations, and remains patient even when you ask the same question multiple times. Furthermore, he not only supports with the formal steps of emigration but also provides practical tips on living in Dubai, finding an apartment, dealing with authorities, banks, and many other important topics. I am more than satisfied with his support and can recommend him to anyone considering emigrating to Dubai. For me, Clemens deserves more than 5 stars. Thank you for the great support. I look forward to our continued collaboration.

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Thami Benhaddou

Founder Benhaddou Creative

  • I established my company in Dubai with Dubai Setup. Clemens provided me with incredible support and top-notch advice throughout the process. The setup was completed within a few days and went absolutely smoothly. I had appointments for biometrics and my medical examination within three days, which is unbeatable.
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    Moritz Stelter

    R1se Longevity Consulting

  • “I was a bit skeptical at first because you hear and see a lot of shady dealings on the market, but I can't confirm that at all with Dubai Setup and Clemens! 🙂 From the first contact 2 months ago to the complete processing, everything was super professional and extremely fast!"
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    Dominik Schlösser

    CSO Heartbeat Consulting

  • “Everything went smoothly, from company formation, visa application to the detailed explanation of how everything works in Dubai. Competent, transparent, and extremely helpful. I can recommend them without reservation, they are the best contacts for setting up a company in Dubai.”
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    Christoph Feldmeier

    Founder ONLYVISION

  • “Dear Dubai Setup Team, I'm very happy to have found you and just want to say “Thank you!” for the very good and transparent advice regarding my company's new founding and the excellent service. Top job, this must be acknowledged. Thank you very much!”
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    Alexander Felix

    Founder Fit Consulting Group

  • “Dubai Setup has implemented exactly what I expected, allowing me to concentrate on my core business in the UAE! The path to establishing the company was made crystal clear and quantified, with no surprises whatsoever. The deadline was even shortened due to internal optimizations! Recommended!”
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    Dirk Osada

    Founder OSENUM

  • “Clemens guided me through the entire process and was always available with a quick answer for any questions. Even when questions arose that were “outside” the scope of the service, the Dubai Setup team was there to offer advice. In summary, I can recommend Dubai Setup's service.”
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    Vincent Hahl

    Diso Group

  • “I founded my company in Dubai through Dubai Setup and am absolutely satisfied with the entire process. The team was extremely competent, professional, and also German-speaking from the very beginning, which made communication and understanding the local requirements significantly easier.”
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    Philip Manhart

    Aladdin Media

  • “From the initial contact to the final implementation, I was guided professionally, quickly, and, above all, transparently. Every question I had was answered thoroughly, and you can tell there's real expertise here. Recommended for anyone looking to emigrate to Dubai or start a business in the UAE.“
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    Gernot Kleindienst

    CMO Heartbeat Consulting

“From the initial contact to the final implementation, I was supported professionally, quickly, and above all, transparently. All of my questions were answered thoroughly, and you can tell there's real expertise here. Highly recommended.For everyone who wants to emigrate to Dubai or start a business in the UAE.“

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Gernot Kleindienst

CMO Heartbeat Consulting

“I founded my company in Dubai through Dubai Setup and am absolutely satisfied with the entire process. The team was extremely competent, professional, and also German-speaking from the very beginning, which made communication and understanding the local requirements significantly easier.”

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Philip Manhart

Founder Aladdin Media

“Clemens guided me through the entire process and was always available with a quick answer for any questions. Even when questions arose that were “outside” the scope of the service, the Dubai Setup team was there to offer advice. In summary, I can recommend Dubai Setup's service.”

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Vincent Hahl

Founder DISO GROUP

“Dubai Setup delivered exactly what I needed to focus 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! Recommended!”

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Dirk Osada

Founder OSENM

“Dear Dubai Setup Team, I'm very happy to have found you and just want to say “Thank you!” for the very good and transparent advice regarding my company's new founding and the excellent service. Top job, this must be acknowledged. Thank you very much!”

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Alexander Felix

Founder Fit Consulting Group

“Everything went smoothly, from company formation, visa application to the detailed explanation of how everything works in Dubai. Competent, transparent, and extremely helpful. I can recommend them without reservation, they are the best contacts for setting up a company in Dubai.”

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Christoph Feldmeier

Founder ONLYVISION

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Clemens Kohlbacher

Dubai Setup Specialist

Contact

Do you have questions about company formation, taxes, or immigrating to Dubai? Contact us now and get a non-binding consultation on your project.