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, allowing UK individuals, family offices, and business owners to safeguard their wealth and assets for long-term protection and succession planning. Unlike traditional companies, a foundation has no shareholders and is managed by a council under a defined charter—offering enhanced control, flexibility, and confidentiality for managing 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

Safeguard assets from creditors, legal disputes, or external claims—ideal for UK-based business families aiming to protect their wealth internationally.

Wealth Management

Provides structured control over asset allocation, investments, and financial legacy—customised to suit your family or business objectives.

Succession Planning

Facilitates seamless intergenerational transfer of assets—ideal for families with cross-border wealth and global interests.

Confidentiality

The structure ensures the confidentiality of founders, council members, and beneficiaries—safeguarding family and business interests.

Tax Advantages

Enjoy zero corporate and personal income tax on qualifying income within the DIFC, offering significant financial advantages for UK-based investors and families.

Why Choose DIFC for Company Formation?

Asset Protection

DIFC Foundations offer strong legal protection for UK entrepreneurs and families, helping to safeguard personal and business assets against future liabilities or disputes.

Estate Planning

Plan seamless inheritance for UK residents with assets in the UAE, avoiding complex succession issues under UK or international estate laws.

Flexible Governance

The foundation’s charter and by-laws allow for flexible governance, enabling UK-based family businesses to define clear roles and responsibilities for stronger long-term control.

Credibility

Establishing a presence in DIFC enhances credibility and transparency—qualities highly regarded by UK investors, financial institutions, and international stakeholders..

Global Reach

With its internationally recognised legal and regulatory framework, DIFC serves as a strategic hub for UK individuals and businesses looking 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. UK 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 UK clients looking for wealth protection or offshore structuring.

Get a Detailed Quote?

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

DIFC Foundation Benefits

 

Structured and transparent wealth distribution for UK-based HNWIs and business families managing cross-border assets.

Control and Flexibility – UK-based founders retain full control over the foundation’s assets, operations, and succession planning, ensuring alignment with family or business objectives.

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

Legal Framework It operates within DIFC’s robust legal framework based on English common law—trusted by UK 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