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
Flexible Asset Holding
A DIFC Foundation can hold any type of asset globally — real estate, financial assets, shares in operating companies, and more.
Independent Legal Personality
Unlike a trust, a foundation is a legal entity in its own right, providing enhanced certainty and enforceability.
Customisable Governance
Foundations offer highly flexible governance structures — including a council, guardian, and beneficiaries — tailored to each founder's requirements.
Succession Planning
Foundations facilitate smooth intergenerational wealth transfer without the need for probate or court involvement.
Asset Protection
Assets held in a properly structured DIFC Foundation are protected from personal creditors and third-party claims.
Confidentiality
Foundation details, including beneficiary information, benefit from strong confidentiality protections under DIFC law.
Our Process
How We Work
Objectives Assessment
We understand your wealth protection, succession, and governance objectives to design the optimal foundation structure.
Structure Design
We design the foundation's governance framework, including founder rights, council composition, guardian role, and beneficiary designations.
Charter Drafting
We draft the Foundation Charter and By-Laws, incorporating your specific governance and distribution requirements.
DIFC Registration
We manage the DIFC Registrar of Companies registration process, including all required filings and approvals.
Asset Transfer
We coordinate the transfer of assets into the foundation, working with your legal, tax, and investment advisors.
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.
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.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DIFC Foundation used for?
A DIFC Foundation is used for asset protection, succession planning and consolidating family wealth. It is a self-owning legal entity governed by a charter.
How is a DIFC Foundation different from a trust?
A Foundation is a separate legal person that owns its assets, while a trust is a relationship where a trustee holds assets for beneficiaries. Foundations give the founder more retained control.
Can a DIFC Foundation hold UAE real estate?
Yes. A DIFC Foundation can hold UAE real estate directly, as well as company shares and international investments, though it cannot carry on commercial trading beyond what is ancillary to its purpose.
Who controls a DIFC Foundation?
A council manages the foundation in line with its charter, the founder can retain reserved powers, and an optional guardian can oversee the council.
Are DIFC Foundation beneficiaries kept private?
Yes. Beneficiary details are confidential and are not placed on a public register.
Can a foreign foundation move to the DIFC?
Yes. A foundation established elsewhere can apply to be continued within the DIFC, operating under the DIFC framework without forming a brand-new entity.
Is a DIFC Foundation subject to audit?
DIFC Foundations have light-touch reporting and generally no audit requirement, though accounts and an annual confirmation statement are maintained.
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