Why are DIFC foundations popular with UAE families?
DIFC foundations give families a formal legal structure to hold assets, plan succession and set governance rules, which is why registrations have grown quickly among UAE family businesses.
DIFC foundation registrations have risen 66% year-on-year, according to the Dubai International Financial Centre, as UAE families move quickly to formalise succession. BDO UAE helps you structure and implement wealth transfer strategies, including DIFC and ADGM foundations and wills, that balance control, protection and flexibility.
What succession and estate planning covers
- Structuring DIFC and ADGM foundations for wealth transfer
- Drafting and coordinating wills for UAE-based assets
- Governance frameworks for family decision-making and roles
- Wealth transfer strategies balancing control, protection and flexibility
- Support through intergenerational ownership transitions
Why succession planning is accelerating
DIFC foundation registrations have grown quickly among UAE families, reflecting a broader shift towards formalising succession rather than leaving it to default inheritance rules. Without a clear structure, ownership transitions can create disputes, delays and unintended tax consequences. We help establish governance frameworks that bring clarity to decision-making and family roles, supporting a smoother transition of ownership across generations.
Who this service is for
- Family business owners without a formal succession plan
- HNWIs and UHNWIs holding UAE assets who need a will or foundation structure
- Families going through a generational leadership transition
- Business owners seeking to separate family governance from business operations
Our approach
Your dedicated client partner works with our structuring and tax teams to design a succession plan that reflects both your commercial structure and your family's decision-making priorities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a DIFC foundation and an ADGM foundation?
Both are foundation structures available in UAE financial free zones, used for asset holding and succession planning, with some differences in registration and governance rules.
Do expatriates in the UAE need a separate will?
While not mandatory, expatriates are generally encouraged to have a will in place to clearly document how their assets should be distributed and to ensure their wishes are carried out. A properly structured will can help provide certainty for family members and reduce potential complications during the inheritance process.
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