Request Your DIFC Foundation Plan
Quick assessment by a Dubai-based advisor. No obligation.
By submitting, you agree to our privacy policy. We never share your details.
Insights from
the Founders
Our advisory team shares exclusive strategies on wealth protection, structuring, and legacy planning in Dubai & Switzerland. Watch selected episodes from our YouTube channel below.
Operate globally.
Protect locally.
Anchor your cross-border wealth planning in a reputable, English-law based jurisdiction with robust regulator oversight. DIFC Foundations are ideal for asset protection, succession planning, and holding international investments.
- Separation of Control & Benefits
Ring-fence assets from personal liabilities via an orphan structure with a charter 8 by-laws.
- Clear multi-gen governance
Appoint a Council, Guardian, and customized distribution mechanics aligned with Sharia or common-law goals
- DIFC ecosystem
Access world-class banks, advisors, and courts of the DIFC with English common-law framework.
- Enduring charitable legacy
Set up philanthropic purposes with perpetual governance for donations and charitable causes,
- Enduring charitable legacy
Set up philanthropic purposes with perpetual governance for donations and charitable causes,
- Robust oversight
Ensure long-term stability through professional council members, guardians, and DIFC-regulated service providers.
Who chooses a DIFC Foundation?
- Entrepreneurs with operating companies across UAE / EU / UK / US.
- Families seeking controlled succession & family-charter governance.
- Investors holding real estate, portfolios, crypto, or IP.
- HNWI relocating to the UAE seeking a compliant asset-holding base.
DIFC Foundation
vs Alternatives
At-a-glance comparison with ADGM and Offshore (BVI/Cayman) for private wealth planning.
DIFC Foundation
- English-law based courts (DIFC Courts).
- Strong regional recognition & banking access.
- Fast setup (~4 weeks) with predictable fees.
- Ideal for UAE substance & local advisors.
ADGM Foundation
- Similar framework: competitive fees.
- Choice depends on bank/lender preference.
- Great for Abu Dhabi oriented families.
- Courts: ADGM Courts.
Offshore (BVI/Cayman)
- Global familiarity; less UAE substance.
- Perception & compliance vary by bank.
- Often used for legacy or fund structures
- May require UAE nexus for local banking.
Why DIFC over other UAE options?
- English-language common-law courts with strong enforceability
- Prestige & credibility with banks, partners, and investors
- Clear regulatory pathway for financial services (DFSA)
- Excellent talent pool and Grade-A offices in Gate District
Setup Process
How a DIFC company helps founders win deals and hire talent.
1. Discovery
Goals, assets, jurisdictions, beneficiaries.
2. Blueprint
Charter & by-laws draft, Council/Guardian design
3.KYC/Complia
nce
UAE & International checks, sources of funds.
4. Resignation
DIFC fillings, name, reservation, issurance
4. Banking
Intro to private/priority bank & account opening
4. Handover
Minute book, resolutions, ongoing admin plan.
End-to-end target: ~3–4 weeks depending on profile & activity.
UAE FOUNDATIONS
THE HNWI PLAYBOOK FOR ASSET PROTECTION & LEGACY PLANNING
Learn how Dubai’s leading families and private clients use UAE Foundations to protect their wealth, ensure smooth succession, and maintain full control across generations.
No email required
Transparent
Pricing
Tailored to your activity, visas, and office requirements. Clear milestone billing.
End-to-end target: ~3–4 weeks depending on profile & activity.
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Shiraz Waheed
Founder & CEO
ACMA (UK), CGMA (USA), xDeloitte UAE
Over the past 5 years, Shiraz has consulted with entrepreneurs and businesses from around the world to help relocate to Dubai & Eliminate the tax burden Shiraz focusses on his proprietary Dubai Zero Tax Blueprint which has been responsible for helping hundreds of Entrepreneurs achieve Financial Freedom & Location Independence. Shiraz’s true passion is to see his clients succeed in UAE.
What Clients Say
How a DIFC company helps founders win deals and hire talent.
“Our DIFC setup was smooth and bank account followed quickly.”
— A. Khan
“Clear roadmap, responsive team, and practical visa guidance.”
— M. Oliveira
“They explained DIFC vs mainland plainly and handled filings end-to-end.”
— L. Zhang
FAQs
The setup usually takes around 3–4 weeks, depending on document readiness and registry approval timelines.
No. The full process can be managed remotely, with certified digital signatures and power of attorney if required.
Yes. We assist with private and corporate bank account openings through our network of UAE and international banking partners.
Yes, a registered local office address is required. This is typically provided through an approved registered office provider, so you do not need to lease or maintain your own space.
Foundations are exempt from corporate tax as long as they are not engaged in commercial or trading activities. Income from holdings and investments remains tax-neutral.
You can hold companies, real estate, investments, intellectual property, and bank accounts under the foundation structure.
Both offer strong asset protection under common law frameworks. DIFC is more established for private wealth structures, while ADGM offers faster onboarding and slightly lower costs.
Yes. Foreign individuals and families can establish a foundation without UAE residency or local sponsors.
For asset protection, privacy, and succession planning, yes. Foundations combine the flexibility of a company with the confidentiality of a trust.