What is a DIFC Foundation? (For French Investors)
A DIFC Foundation is a special legal entity formed under the DIFC Foundations Law No. 3 of 2018 in Dubai. It is ideal for French individuals, family offices, and business owners looking to protect their wealth and plan for succession effectively. Unlike traditional companies, a DIFC Foundation has no shareholders. Instead, it is managed by a charter and a council, offering greater control, flexibility, and confidentiality. This structure makes it a powerful tool for wealth preservation, asset protection, and smooth transfer of wealth across generations, aligning perfectly with strategic estate planning goals for French high-net-worth individuals and families investing in the UAE.
Key Features of DIFC Foundations
Legal Independence
A DIFC Foundation is a separate legal entity with full legal rights to hold and manage assets independently.
Asset Protection
Safeguard your assets against creditors, legal disputes, or external claims. This is ideal for French business families and high-net-worth individuals looking to secure their wealth globally.
Wealth Management
Provides structured control over asset allocation, investments, and long-term financial legacy, customised to your family or business objectives.
Succession Planning
Ensures smooth transfer of assets across generations, critical for French families with cross-border holdings and international investments.
Confidentiality
Maintains privacy by keeping details of founders, council members, and beneficiaries confidential, protecting your family and business affairs.
Tax Advantages
Enjoy zero corporate and personal income tax in DIFC on qualifying income, making it attractive for French investors planning tax-efficient wealth structures.
Why Choose DIFC for Company Formation?
Asset Protection
DIFC Foundations offer strong legal protection for French entrepreneurs and families, safeguarding personal and business assets from future liabilities or disputes.
Estate Planning
Ensure smooth inheritance planning, avoiding complex succession issues under French or EU property and family laws.
Flexible Governance
The foundation’s charter and by-laws allow customised governance structures, enabling French business families to define roles clearly and maintain long-term control.
Credibility
Being established in DIFC adds international credibility and transparency, highly valued by French investors, private banks, and global stakeholders.
Global Reach
With its internationally recognised legal and regulatory framework, DIFC serves as a strategic hub for French individuals and businesses to manage cross-border wealth and assets effectively.
DIFC Foundation Setup Cost for French Investors
Invest in Your Future – Costs Depend on Complexity and Purpose
Application Fee
A one-time payment to the DIFC Registrar of Foundations during the setup process.
Annual Maintenance
Covers annual compliance filings, renewals, and reporting to keep your foundation in good standing.
Legal & Consultancy
Professional charges for drafting, structuring, and advisory services. Flyingcolour® provides expert guidance for French entrepreneurs and families looking for wealth protection and international structuring.
Get a Detailed Quote?
Contact Flyingcolour Business Setup Services for a custom quote tailored to French investors, NRIs, or HNWIs seeking to establish a DIFC Foundation in Dubai.
DIFC Foundation Benefits for French Investors
Wealth Distribution Provides clear and transparent wealth distribution, ideal for French HNWIs and business families managing cross-border assets.
Control and Flexibility French founders maintain full control over the foundation’s assets, operations, and succession planning to align with personal, family, or business goals.
Privacy The foundation structure ensures asset and beneficiary confidentiality, offering discretion for French clients in their wealth planning strategies.
Legal Framework Operates under DIFC’s robust legal framework based on English common law, trusted by French investors for its clarity and global recognition.
Global Asset Management Use Utilise Dubai’s strategic financial hub to hold and manage international assets, including real estate, shares, and business interests worldwide.
Who Can Benefit?
High Net-Worth Individuals
For protecting and managing wealth
Family Businesses
Ensure smooth succession planning
Corporate Entities
Hold investments and IP assets
Philanthropists
Manage charitable activities
Flying Colour Business Setup Services
With over 20 years of experience, Flying Colour Business Setup Services is your trusted consultancy for DIFC foundation formation.
Here’s why you should choose us:
Expert Guidance
Our team provides tailored solutions based on your specific goals.
End-to-End Support
From drafting legal documents to post-registration compliance, we handle it all.
Transparent Pricing
Clear and competitive pricing with no hidden costs.
Reputation
Trusted by thousands of clients with a 4.9-star rating and 2,900+ Google reviews.