Setting Up a Family Office in UAE

Setting Up a Family Office in UAE: What It Means and Where to Start

Managing wealth today is more than just protecting assets—it’s about building a structure that supports your family’s lifestyle, values, and legacy. That’s why more high-net-worth families are setting up family offices in UAE.

But what exactly is a family office? And where should you set one up—DIFC or ADGM?

At ASK Consultancy, we guide families through this journey, offering tailored legal and strategic support. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand your options.

What Is a Family Office?

A family office is a private advisory and management setup that handles everything related to your family’s wealth and legacy. Think of it as your in-house wealth team—handling investments, estate planning, succession, legal structuring, and even philanthropy or family governance.

There are two main types:

1. Single-Family Office (SFO)—Created for one ultra-high-net-worth family
2. Multi-Family Office (MFO)—Serves several unrelated families under one structure

With growing complexity around wealth management, many families are moving away from fragmented solutions and building centralized, secure structures—especially in globally connected hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Why the UAE?

Here’s why the UAE is increasingly becoming the top destination for family offices:

1. Zero personal income tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax

2. Stable legal systems rooted in English common law
3. Access to world-class infrastructure, global connectivity, and long-term residency options
4. Dedicated regulatory frameworks for family offices in DIFC (Dubai) and ADGM (Abu Dhabi)

DIFC vs ADGM: Which Jurisdiction Should You Choose?

Both DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) and ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) are international financial centers offering secure, compliant, and globally recognized legal frameworks for family offices. But they each have distinct features.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

So, Which One Is Better?

It depends on your family’s priorities:

Choose DIFC if you want:

1. A vibrant, internationally connected city as your base (Dubai)
2. Direct registration under a family office license
3. Wills & succession solutions tied to Dubai’s courts
4. Access to a growing private wealth ecosystem and the Family Wealth Centre

Choose ADGM if you want:

1. More discretion in holding and managing global assets

2. Highly flexible Foundations and SPVs for international structuring
3. A slightly more conservative, governance-first environment
4. Succession planning and wills tied to the Abu Dhabi legal framework.

At ASK Consultancy, we regularly work across both jurisdictions—so we help clients weigh the options based on family dynamics, asset types, and long-term goals.

What We Help You With at ASK Consultancy

Whether you’re exploring a family office for the first time or relocating an existing one, we guide you through:

1. Jurisdiction and structure selection

2. Legal and tax advisory
3. Foundation/SPV setup
4. Regulatory compliance (ESR, AML, UBO)
5. Governance, wills, and succession planning

6. Long-term support and corporate services

The UAE Is More Than Just a Tax Haven—It’s a Home for Your Legacy

From residency to business to lifestyle, the UAE offers everything a modern global family needs. And with the right structure in place, your family office can serve as a launchpad for multi-generational success.

Let’s talk. At ASK Consultancy, we don’t just set up entities—we build strategies around your family’s vision, values, and future.

The ASK Consultancy offers expert legal advice in the UAE, specializing in corporate law, residency, citizenship by investment, and real estate helping clients navigate UAE laws with confidence and compliance.

Contacts

Meydan Grandstand, 6th floor, Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, U.A.E
2102, Damac Business Tower, Marasi Drive, Business Bay, U.A.E
M1 Floor, Twin Towers, Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
info@theaskconsultancy.com
+971505046763