Registration of a fund in the UAE
Registering a trust in the UAE is a strategic decision for asset protection, estate planning and family wealth management. A trust in Dubai allows you to transfer assets out of personal ownership, protect them from creditors and ensure business continuity for generations to come.
How do you set up a trust in Dubai? StableGrowz offers comprehensive services for registering a trust in a leading UAE jurisdiction. We provide support at every stage: from choosing the ownership structure to the transfer of assets.
How do you set up a trust in Dubai? StableGrowz offers comprehensive services for registering a trust in a leading UAE jurisdiction. We provide support at every stage: from choosing the ownership structure to the transfer of assets.
What is a fund in the UAE?
A private foundation in the UAE is a legal entity established to hold and manage assets on behalf of its beneficiaries. The foundation has a founder who transfers the assets to the Foundation Board for management.
Why set up a private fund in Dubai?
- Asset protection. The trust’s assets are separate from the settlor’s personal assets. Creditors cannot recover debts from the settlor.
- Inheritance planning. The assets do not form part of the estate, are not divided into compulsory shares, and cannot be frozen by the courts.
- Confidentiality. The founders, beneficiaries and board members are not disclosed in public registers.
- Tax neutrality. The trust may qualify for the status of a fiscally transparent partnership, which exempts it from corporation tax provided certain conditions are met.
What types of funds can be set up in the UAE?
Emirati legislation provides for a variety of fund types designed for different purposes. Understanding these types will help you choose the most suitable legal structure:
Private and Family Foundation of the UAE
Investment
Hedge funds
They are set up to manage the capital and assets of a single family or group of individuals. This is a fund designed for estate planning and asset protection.
They are designed for the collective management of investors’ capital.
They use various strategies to achieve high returns.
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Charity
They are set up to fund social, educational and other projects that benefit the community.
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Pension
Funds for asset management with the aim of building up a funded pension for a founder or a group of individuals.
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Key jurisdictions
There are several main jurisdictions for setting up a fund in the UAE, each with its own distinctive features.
Registering a fund in Dubai through the DIFC provides the most robust legal protection and access to international banks.
- DIFC (Dubai): A globally recognised financial centre operating under English common law. Setting up a fund in Dubai is ideal for international structures and family offices.
- ADGM (Abu Dhabi): Another jurisdiction based on English law, offering flexibility and transparency.
- RAK ICC (Ras al-Khaimah): A cost-effective jurisdiction offering a high level of confidentiality.
Registering a fund in Dubai through the DIFC provides the most robust legal protection and access to international banks.
Requirements for registering a fund in the UAE
There are a number of mandatory requirements for setting up a fund in Dubai:
Founder
The Foundation’s Board
Initial assets
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An individual or a legal entity of any nationality. They must demonstrate a connection to the UAE (UAE nexus) — for example, by holding a bank account, owning property or holding a residence visa.
At least two members (individuals or legal entities) appointed by the founder.
The minimum authorised capital is 100 USD.
Constitutive documents
Office
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They define the objectives, beneficiaries and management rules.
A registered address in the selected free zone.
Corporate governance structure of the fund
- The founder (manager) — establishes the trust to manage the assets and approves the trust deed.
- The Fund’s Board — an executive body comprising two or more people. It manages the assets and distributes income to the beneficiaries.
- The Trustee — oversees the Board’s activities (mandatory for charitable foundations)
- Beneficiaries — individuals who receive income from the fund.
How do you set up a trust in the UAE?
The process involves several consecutive stages in the registration of a fund:
- selection of a jurisdiction;
- preparation of the constitutional documents;
- submission of an application to the regulatory authority;
- opening a bank account;
- asset structuring — the transfer of assets to the fund, with the legal formalisation of ownership rights.
Documents required for registering a fund in the UAE
To set up a trust in the UAE, you will need:
- Copies of the passports of the settlor, board members, beneficiaries and trustee (if any).
- A CV and proof of address.
- Documents confirming the source of the funds.
- A description of the assets being transferred to the trust.
Assistance with registering a fund in Dubai from StableGrowz
Our company offers a turnkey fund registration service in the UAE:
Submit a request for a consultation, and we will help you set up a trust in Dubai tailored to your objectives and assets.
- we will advise you on how to register a fund in the UAE in line with your objectives;
- we will assist you in setting up a fund in the UAE within the DIFC (we can set up an investment, pension, charitable or family trust in the UAE);
- we will provide comprehensive support throughout the registration process.
Submit a request for a consultation, and we will help you set up a trust in Dubai tailored to your objectives and assets.
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