Wealth isn’t just about what you build—it’s about how you protect, manage, and pass it on. A DIFC Foundation offers a modern, flexible, and legally robust way to safeguard assets, ensure smooth succession, and structure corporate holdings. Unlike traditional trusts, it provides independent legal personality, perpetual succession, and strong asset protection, giving you full control over your legacy. 

Established within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)—a globally recognized financial hub—a DIFC Foundation benefits from a transparent regulatory framework, tax efficiency, and international credibility. Whether for family wealth planning, philanthropy, or business structuring, this is a future-proof solution designed to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s ambitions. 

Cost-effective and efficient, setting up a DIFC Foundation comes with no registration fees and minimal ongoing expenses, making it an accessible yet highly strategic tool for preserving and managing wealth across generations. 

Here is the detailed breakdown of the DIFC foundation setup cost, ensuring full transparency in structuring your foundation efficiently. 

The DIFC Foundation Setup Cost—And Why It’s Worth It 

A DIFC Foundation is both cost-efficient and straightforward, making it an attractive choice for individuals and businesses looking for a secure and flexible wealth structuring solution. Below is a breakdown of the DIFC foundation setup cost and ongoing costs: 

• Registration Fee – $0 (No initial setup cost, making it highly accessible) 

• Annual Operating License Fee – $350 (Payable upon registration and annually thereafter) 

• Data Protection Notification – $750 

• Data Protection Renewal – $250 (Yearly) 

• Confirmation Statement – $300 (Yearly) 

• Knowledge and Innovation Fee – $5.45 (A standard regulatory charge applicable to all DIFC entities) 

The affordable DIFC foundation setup cost and maintenance costs, combined with strong legal protections and global recognition, a DIFC Foundation offers an efficient and strategic structure for wealth management, succession planning, and corporate governance. 

Beyond DIFC Foundation Setup Cost: Tax Benefits, Legal Strength, and Global Recognition 

A DIFC Foundation is a strategic solution for asset protection, succession planning, and corporate structuring, offering a strong legal framework, global recognition, and regulatory clarity. Whether for families preserving generational wealth or businesses structuring corporate assets, it provides a flexible, future-ready platform that aligns with both personal and commercial objectives. 

The recent UAE corporate tax update under Ministerial Decision No. 261 of 2024, which allows qualifying family foundations to be exempt from corporate tax makes the DIFC foundations more appealing. This update enhances the attractiveness of DIFC Foundations as a tax-efficient structure, ensuring that wealth is managed and transferred without unnecessary tax burdens. With the right structuring, families can enjoy greater financial security, enhanced asset protection, and reduced tax liabilities, making this an even more compelling choice for long-term planning. 

With minimal DIFC foundation setup cost, streamlined administration, and built-in legal protections, a DIFC Foundation stands as one of the most effective tools for safeguarding wealth, ensuring business continuity, and securing a lasting legacy in today’s evolving financial landscape. 

Your Wealth, Your Vision – MS to Ensure a Smooth DIFC Foundation Setup 

Setting up a DIFC Foundation requires precision, expertise, and in-depth regulatory knowledge—and that’s where MS comes in. As a leading corporate service provider in DIFC, we specialize in seamless foundation setup, regulatory compliance, and ongoing governance support, ensuring that your structure is built for long-term success. 

With years of experience in DIFC and deep expertise in corporate structuring, our team simplifies the process, handling everything from registration to compliance so you can focus on what matters most—protecting and growing your wealth. Whether you’re establishing a foundation for succession planning, asset protection, or business structuring, MS provides tailored solutions that align with your specific needs. 

Let’s build your legacy together. Partner with MS for a smooth, efficient, and expertly managed DIFC Foundation setup. Reach out to our team today!