DIFC Foundation Formation

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a premier global financial hub offering unique solutions for asset protection, wealth management, and succession planning through its foundation structure. A DIFC foundation is an ideal tool for individuals, families, and businesses looking to safeguard their assets, manage wealth, and ensure seamless estate planning.

What is a DIFC Foundation?

A DIFC Foundation is a legal entity established under the DIFC Foundations Law No. 3 of 2018, where Indian individuals, family offices and business owners can park their wealth and assets for wealth protection and succession planning. Unlike companies, a foundation has no shareholders and is governed by a charter and a council, giving more control, flexibility and privacy to manage wealth across generations.

Key Features of DIFC Foundations

DIFC Features

Legal Independence

A DIFC Foundation is a separate legal entity with full legal capacity to hold and manage assets on its own.

Asset Protection

Protect assets from creditors, legal disputes or external claims—perfect for Indian business families looking to protect wealth globally.

Wealth Management

Structured control over asset allocation, investments and financial legacy—tailored to your family or business goals.

Succession Planning

Ensure smooth intergenerational transfer of assets—essential for Indian families with cross border wealth.

Confidentiality

The structure keeps founders, council members and beneficiaries private—protecting family and business secrets.

Tax Advantages

Benefit from zero corporate and personal income taxes in DIFC on qualifying income.

Why Choose DIFC for Company Formation?

Asset Protection

DIFC foundations provide robust legal protection for Indian entrepreneurs and families to safeguard personal and business assets from liabilities or future disputes.

Estate Planning

Plan smooth inheritance for Indian residents and NRIs, avoid complex succession issues under Indian property and family laws.

Flexible Governance

The foundation's charter and by-laws allows for flexible governance, Indian family businesses can define clear roles and responsibilities for better long term control.

Credibility

Being in DIFC adds credibility and transparency which is valued by Indian investors, financial institutions and global stakeholders.

Global Reach

With an internationally recognised legal and regulatory framework, DIFC is a strategic hub for Indian individuals and businesses to manage cross border wealth and assets.

Steps to Set Up a DIFC Foundation

1

Initial Consultation

Talk to Flying Colour Business Setup Services to discuss your asset management and succession plans, especially if you are an Indian business owner, NRI or high net worth individual looking for international estate planning solutions.

2

Drafting Legal Documents

Prepare the foundation charter and by-laws outlining its purpose, governance and beneficiaries. We will ensure these documents are tailored to your specific requirements whether it’s for Indian family wealth preservation or global business holdings.

3

Register with DIFC Authority

Submit the required documents and application to the DIFC Registrar of Foundations. Our experts will guide Indian clients through the entire legal process to ensure compliance and accuracy.

4

Appoint the Foundation Council

Appoint a qualified council to manage and oversee the foundation’s affairs. Indian families often choose trusted advisors or professional managers to ensure long term vision and control.

5

Asset Contribution

Transfer your personal, family or corporate assets – including real estate, investments or business shares – into the foundation’s ownership for better protection and confidentiality.

6

Approval and Licensing

Once done, get the official approval and licensing to operate your DIFC foundation and manage assets and succession planning with global recognition and trust.

DIFC Foundation Setup Cost

Invest in your future depends on complexity and purpose

Application Fee

One time payment to the DIFC Registrar of Foundations during the setup process.

Annual Maintenance

Annual compliance filings, renewals and reporting. Indian families and entrepreneurs must pay this to keep the foundation in good standing.

Legal & Consultancy

Professional charges for drafting, structuring and advisory services. Flying Colour provides expert advice for Indian clients looking for wealth protection or offshore structuring.

Get a Detailed Quote?

Contact Flying Colour Business Setup Services for a custom quote for Indian investors, NRIs or HNIs looking to set up a DIFC Foundation.

DIFC Foundation Benefits

 

Wealth Distribution Structured and transparent wealth distribution for Indian HNIs and business families managing cross border wealth.

Control and Flexibility Indian founders have full control over the foundation’s assets, operations and succession planning to align with family or business goals.

Privacy Foundation structure ensures asset and beneficiary confidentiality—an advantage for Indian clients looking for discretion in wealth planning.

Legal Framework It operates within DIFC’s robust legal framework based on English common law—trusted by Indian investors for its simplicity and clarity.

Global Asset Management Use Dubai’s financial hub to hold and manage international assets including real estate, shares and business interests abroad.

 

 

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

 2–4 weeks, depending on the complexity of the foundation and the documents provided. For Indians or NRIs, if all documents are in order, the timelines are the same.

Yes, you can have multiple beneficiaries and structure the distribution as per your wish. Indians use DIFC foundations for succession planning and wealth protection.

No, DIFC foundations are open to individuals and corporate entities worldwide. Indians, NRIs and Indian family businesses can also set up foundations under DIFC regulations.

Yes, DIFC foundations are ideal for holding and managing international assets. Indians use them for international estate planning and multi-jurisdictional asset protection.