Foundation - Catalyst

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Foundation is a body corporate with the legal personality separate from that of its Founder(s) and any other person.
The Foundation is governed by the DIFC Foundations Law No. 3 of 2018 as amended by DIFC Amendment Law No. 2 of 2022 and Law No. 8 of 2018.
DIFC foundations can be incorporated for the Charitable and non-charitable object.
A Founder has such rights (if any) in respect of a Foundation as provided for in its By-laws.
A Foundation may, but need not, be established for a fixed period or for a specified limited period.
The object of the foundation can be amended only when there is express power in charter or by order of the Court.
The Foundation shall always have a register office within the DIFC.

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DIFC Foundation Benefits

Asset protection and estate planning

Used for asset protection, tax planning, succession planning, and privacy
Commitment of initial assets of as little as US$ 100 to the Foundation

Privacy arrangements for family

No requirement for a Founder or Foundation’s officers to be based in the UAE or maintain residency in the UAE
Limited public disclosure with no individuals’ names on the DIFC public register

Operational flexibility and convenience

The Foundation’s assets can include shares, bank accounts, real estate, aviation assets, and other legal assets globally.
Foundations can be redomiciled in and out of the DIFC and their governance structures can be amended
Foundations can use a DIFC corporate service provider’s office address
All Foundation roles can be filled by individuals or corporate bodies

Legal and jurisdictional benefits

English Common Law as the legal jurisdiction providing access to DIFC Courts
The Foundation has a distinct legal personality and hence the flexibility to enter contracts and arrangements directly, like any other incorporated entity. Foundations are permitted to open a bank account.