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DIFC Foundation Setup in Dubai

Establish a DIFC Foundation for asset protection and succession planning. A robust legal structure for holding and managing wealth, built for long-term control, governance, and legacy planning.

Overview

Establish a DIFC Foundation for asset protection and succession planning. A robust legal structure for holding and managing wealth, built for long-term control, governance, and legacy planning.

A DIFC Foundation is a powerful legal structure that sits between a company and a trust, offering unique flexibility for wealth holding, succession planning, and asset protection. Unlike a trust, a foundation is a legal person with its own identity — it can hold assets, enter contracts, and sue or be sued in its own name. Atlas provides comprehensive DIFC Foundation formation and management services for families, entrepreneurs, and institutions seeking robust structures for long-term wealth stewardship.

Why Choose Atlas

Key Features & Benefits

01

Flexible Asset Holding

A DIFC Foundation can hold any type of asset globally — real estate, financial assets, shares in operating companies, and more.

02

Independent Legal Personality

Unlike a trust, a foundation is a legal entity in its own right, providing enhanced certainty and enforceability.

03

Customisable Governance

Foundations offer highly flexible governance structures — including a council, guardian, and beneficiaries — tailored to each founder's requirements.

04

Succession Planning

Foundations facilitate smooth intergenerational wealth transfer without the need for probate or court involvement.

05

Asset Protection

Assets held in a properly structured DIFC Foundation are protected from personal creditors and third-party claims.

06

Confidentiality

Foundation details, including beneficiary information, benefit from strong confidentiality protections under DIFC law.

Our Process

How We Work

01

Objectives Assessment

We understand your wealth protection, succession, and governance objectives to design the optimal foundation structure.

02

Structure Design

We design the foundation's governance framework, including founder rights, council composition, guardian role, and beneficiary designations.

03

Charter Drafting

We draft the Foundation Charter and By-Laws, incorporating your specific governance and distribution requirements.

04

DIFC Registration

We manage the DIFC Registrar of Companies registration process, including all required filings and approvals.

05

Asset Transfer

We coordinate the transfer of assets into the foundation, working with your legal, tax, and investment advisors.

06

Ongoing Administration

We provide continuing corporate secretarial, governance, and compliance services for the foundation.

Full Service

What's Included

Everything handled, from initial advisory through to ongoing compliance and support.

Foundation objectives and structure advisory
DIFC Foundation Charter drafting
By-Laws and supplementary documentation
DIFC Registrar of Companies registration
Council and guardian appointment coordination
Beneficiary designation documentation
Asset transfer coordination
Banking and custodian introductions
Ongoing annual secretarial and compliance services
Governance and succession planning advisory

Get Expert Advice

Protect your wealth and secure your legacy. Speak to our foundation specialists today.

Our DIFC specialists are available for a free initial consultation to understand your requirements and recommend the best solution.