Set up a foundationin Dubai und den VAE.
The charter, the by-laws, the registration and the banking. We take all four and stay on for the administration.
Taxes for foundations in the UAE.
Foundations in the DIFC, the ADGM and RAK ICC benefit from the tax framework of the United Arab Emirates. No personal income tax, no capital gains tax and no withholding tax on distributions.
Personal income tax
The UAE do not levy personal income tax. Distributions from the foundation to natural persons remain untouched, irrespective of the amount.
Capital gains tax
Increases in value of assets held by the foundation, such as shares, real estate or securities, are not taxed.
Withholding tax
Distributions to beneficiaries leave the foundation without deduction of withholding tax, in the UAE as well as abroad.
Corporate tax
Since 2023 the UAE has levied corporate tax of 9% on business profits above AED 375,000. A foundation that only holds and administers private assets is generally not affected.
Dubai as a home for private wealth.
Review of your asset structure.
We look at your assets, your family situation and your goals and tell you openly whether a DIFC, ADGM or RAK ICC Foundation is the right answer.
How establishing a foundation works.
Establishing a foundation in the DIFC, the ADGM or under RAK ICC usually takes two to four weeks.
Consultation
We analyse your situation and clarify which registry, DIFC, ADGM or RAK ICC, fits your assets and your goals.
Structuring
We develop the concept for your foundation, including objects, the charter, the by-laws and the provisions for the beneficiaries.
Document preparation
We prepare all documents, coordinate them with you and explain every provision before you sign.
Establishment of the foundation
Filing with the DIFC Registrar of Companies, the ADGM Registration Authority or RAK ICC takes place. From that moment your foundation legally exists.
Bank account opening
We open the account for your foundation at a bank in the UAE and accompany the onboarding through to activation.
Transfer of assets
We support the transfer of cash, securities, shareholdings or real estate into the foundation and set up the ongoing administration.
Cost of establishing a foundation in Dubai.
Several factors determine the cost of a foundation in Dubai and the UAE: the chosen registry, the assets involved, the number of beneficiaries, the complexity of the by-laws and the extent of the ongoing administration. In practice the establishment usually falls between EUR 15,000 and EUR 35,000, plus the annual administration. In the consultation we work out the exact figure for your case.
| VIP | Premium | Basic | |
| All registry and government fees included | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Check and reservation of the foundation name | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Preparation of the foundation charter | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Preparation of the by-laws | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Registered office in the DIFC, ADGM or RAK ICC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Filing with the registry | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Correspondence with the registry and authorities | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Beneficiary provisions across several generations | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Support with the bank account opening | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Ongoing administration for the first year | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Support with the transfer of assets | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Coordination with your tax adviser at home | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Certified documents including apostille | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
Let us put a number on your setup.
Tell us which assets you want to bring in and who is to benefit. You will receive a clear total price for your case.
Banking in the UAE.
A DIFC or ADGM Foundation is a recognised structure for banks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which noticeably simplifies the onboarding compared to offshore structures.
We prepare your documents, present the structure to the bank and accompany every step through to the activated account. Multi-currency accounts and custody accounts for securities are possible as well.
Account opening included.
We accompany the entire account opening at established banks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, from the first enquiry through to activation.
- Established banks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- Accounts in AED, EUR and USD
- Custody accounts for securities
- Personal contact at the bank
Frequently asked questions.
The most important questions about establishing a foundation in Dubai and the UAE, answered.
What exactly is a DIFC, ADGM or RAK ICC Foundation?
A foundation in the DIFC, the ADGM or under RAK ICC is a legally independent pool of assets with its own legal personality. It has neither shareholders nor members. The assets belong to the foundation itself and serve the purpose you define.
Which registry should I choose: DIFC, ADGM or RAK ICC?
DIFC and ADGM Foundations are established structures with a strong reputation among international banks, suited for larger and more complex assets. RAK ICC is more cost-effective and pragmatic for smaller and simpler setups. We discuss with you which registry fits your situation.
How much capital is required?
Neither the DIFC nor the ADGM nor RAK ICC prescribe a fixed minimum foundation capital. In practice a symbolic amount is sufficient, the actual assets are transferred to the foundation afterwards.
How long does the establishment take?
From the first consultation to the fully established foundation it usually takes two to four weeks. Opening the bank account can add several further weeks.
Do I have to travel to Dubai?
No. The establishment can be handled entirely by power of attorney. For the bank account a video call or, depending on the bank, a single visit is usually sufficient.
Which taxes apply?
The UAE do not levy personal income tax, capital gains tax or withholding tax. A foundation that merely holds and administers private assets is typically not subject to the 9% corporate tax either.
Who learns about the foundation?
The foundation itself is entered in the relevant registry. The charter, the by-laws and the beneficiaries remain confidential and are not publicly accessible.
Can I still influence the assets?
You define the rules at the outset and can, depending on the structure, reserve rights for yourself, for example as a founder member of the council or through a guardian. How far that influence may go depends on your own tax residence, which is why we clarify this point before the establishment.
What happens after my death?
The foundation continues unchanged. The beneficiaries receive what you have laid down in the by-laws, without probate proceedings and without exposure to forced heirship rules under Sharia law.