If you have accumulated assets in the UAE or abroad—real estate, company shares, bank accounts, an investment portfolio, or cryptocurrency—a family foundation in DIFC or ADGM solves three problems at once: assets are transferred to heirs according to your rules, not Shariah inheritance laws; accounts and assets are not frozen during legal proceedings; and management continues even if something happens to the founder. We organize turnkey foundation formation with a licensed lawyer in Dubai—all in Russian.
What is a family foundation and how is it different from a will?
A foundation is a separate legal entity without shareholders: you transfer assets to it, specify in the charter who manages them and how, and to whom they are transferred, and appoint a board. DIFC Testament A will is activated only after death; a foundation operates during lifetime—it protects assets from third-party claims, simplifies real estate and share ownership, and allows for a smooth transition of the business to children. Ideally, they work together: the foundation holds the assets, and the will covers the rest.
What do Russian-speaking clients contribute to the fund?
Apartments and villas in Dubai (including mortgages with bank approval), shares in UAE and free zone companies, bank and brokerage accounts, investment portfolios, crypto assets, and intellectual property. The fund can own real estate in Dubai directly—DLD recognizes DIFC and ADGM funds.
DIFC or ADGM – and how much does it cost?
- DIFC Government Fees: Registration USD 200, annually ≈ USD 500. More recognizable jurisdiction, DIFC courts under English law.
- ADGM State Fees: Registration costs ≈ USD 1,000, annually ≈ USD 200; a corporate agent is required (from USD 2,000–4,000 per year). A simple structure is often cheaper in the long term.
- Legal work — charter, by-laws, management structure, transfer of assets: AED 20,000–80,000 depending on complexity and number of assets.
- Turnkey with our support: Simple structure – from AED 30,000; foundation + property transfer + spouses’ wills – usually AED 60,000–120,000. Duration: 2–4 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Am I losing control of my assets? No. You can be a founder, a board member, and a beneficiary all at once and retain actual control—this is specified in the charter.
What about taxes? In the UAE, a properly structured foundation can obtain Family Foundation status for corporate tax purposes (transparency). Tax implications in other countries require separate consideration; we can arrange a consultation.
Is it possible to invest cryptocurrency in the fund? Yes, including the formalization of the order of access to the keys - together with will for digital assets This addresses the main risk: without documents, the crypto is lost irretrievably.
How is this better than a trust or a European fund? A UAE fund is a local legal entity under English common law: it recognizes ownership of real estate in Dubai, opens local accounts, and offers lower service costs than most European counterparts.
How does this work
1. Free analysis: what assets, who the heirs are, what risks we cover. 2. Selection of jurisdiction (DIFC/ADGM) and structure with a licensed lawyer - we translate meetings. 3. Foundation registration, charter and by-laws. 4. Transfer of assets and, if necessary, DIFC wills For spouses. All discussions are confidential. See also: lawyer in Dubai And UAE Golden Visa.
Write to WhatsApp +971 55 709 0383 — Tell us briefly about the composition of your assets, and we will propose a structure and precise calculation.
The information on this page does not constitute legal or tax advice. Legal services are provided by a licensed attorney in Dubai; WHATox provides preparation, translation, and coordination. Registry fees and rates are subject to change; figures are confirmed by a calculation before work begins.