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We are highly experienced in advising expatriates and local clients on wealth protection in the UAE.
Looking For Trust & Foundation Creation in Dubai? Then welcome to Chancery Chambers, One of the leading law firms in Dubai.”
Trust & Foundation Creation in Dubai
Dubai is an important area of law in the creation of trusts and foundations. We help clients create strong foundations for their wealth and legacy by working with them. We are well aware of the complexities of Dubai, UAE law, and we endeavor to provide our clients with the best legal services. We can advise you on how to protect your interests and prosper for the rest of your lives, whether you are navigating complex legislation frameworks or seeking specialized solutions. We have a team of experienced lawyers in Dubai who are committed to providing each client with personalized service and the highest quality results.
Chancery Chambers will assist You to create a robust wealth protection plan under whether a Trust or Foundation fulfills Your objectives.
We will offer comprehensive support, guidance, and advice to founders, beneficiaries, protectors, settlors, and trustees ensuring that our Clients have the right structure in the best jurisdiction for their needs whether for tax planning, fixed heirship avoidance, or asset protection.
✅ Why Create a trust formation services in UAE?
- Asset Protection: Shield personal and business assets from creditor claims and political or economic instability.
- Estate & Succession Planning: Ensure a smooth transfer of wealth according to your wishes, avoiding probate delays and disputes.
- Confidentiality: Maintain privacy over ownership and beneficiaries through Dubai’s robust legal safeguards.
- UAE Advantages: Benefit from zero personal and corporate taxation, world-class legal recognition, and choice of common-law DIFC or ADGM frameworks alongside mainland options.
✅ Our Legal Expertise
With decades of combined experience in private wealth and corporate structuring, Chancery Chambers has successfully advised on hundreds of trust and foundation setups in Dubai. Our team, comprising DIFC-registered practitioners and specialists admitted in multiple jurisdictions, offers a unique blend of local insight and international best practices, instilling confidence in our clients.
✅ Services We Offer
- Foundation Formation (DIFC, ADGM & Mainland)
- Trust Drafting & Registration
- Appointment of Trustees & Protectors
- Ongoing Compliance & Governance Monitoring
✅ Who Needs This?
- High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs)
- Family Offices
- Business Owners
- Expatriate Families with Multi-Jurisdictional Assets
✅ Our Process
1. Consultation
From our first meeting—whether in-person at our Dubai office or via a secure video conference—we aim to thoroughly understand your objectives, family dynamics, business interests, and jurisdictional preferences. This deep-dive session allows us to recommend the most appropriate vehicle—whether a DIFC foundation, ADGM foundation, mainland trust, or a hybrid structure—and to outline the anticipated timeline and fee estimate. Our goal is to provide you with a clear roadmap for setting up your trust or foundation, addressing all your concerns and ensuring you are fully informed and comfortable with the process.
2. Structuring Advice.
Drawing on our cross-border expertise, we model various scenarios to compare tax implications, governance frameworks, and flexibility for future amendments. We prepare a detailed options paper that evaluates share versus unit structures, protector roles, escrow arrangements, and succession mechanics. Our goal is to create a bespoke structure that balances asset protection, estate planning, and intergenerational wealth transfer, while leveraging Dubai’s tax-free regime and strong regulatory safeguards.
3. Drafting
Once you’ve selected the optimal structure, our specialist team drafts all foundational documents with precision. For foundations, we prepare the Charter and By-laws; for trusts, we draft the Trust Deed and related declarations. Every clause—covering trustee powers, protector rights, beneficiary classes, distribution triggers, and amendment processes—is tailored to your needs. We also prepare ancillary agreements such as fee arrangements, confidentiality undertakings, and service-level commitments for trustees and advisors.
4. Registration
We manage the submission process with the relevant authority—DIFC’s Registration Authority, ADGM’s Registrar of Foundations, or the mainland Department of Economic Development—ensuring that all filings, supporting documentation, and fees are accurately handled. Our team liaises directly with regulators to answer queries, arrange any required inspections or board approvals, and secure your registry certificate and official register entries. You’ll receive a comprehensive registration pack, including certified copies of all documents.
5. Ongoing Support
Following registration, we remain your trusted partner for governance, compliance, and strategic guidance. We coordinate annual governance meetings, prepare required filings and audited financials, and advise on any amendments to founders’ wishes or trustee appointments. As regulations evolve, we’ll proactively update your structure to maintain full compliance and to seize new planning opportunities—ensuring that your trust or foundation continues to serve your family’s needs seamlessly. Our ongoing support is designed to give you peace of mind and ensure that your trust or foundation remains effective and beneficial over the long term.
✅ Why Choose Chancery Chambers?
- Local + International Knowledge: Deep expertise across UAE free zones and common-law jurisdictions
- Personalised Solutions: Structures designed around your family dynamics and commercial goals
- Discreet & Compliant: Strict confidentiality and full regulatory adherence
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the difference between a trust and a foundation?
A trust is a contractual arrangement, whereas a foundation is a separate legal entity; each offers distinct governance and tax benefits.
2. Can non-UAE residents establish a trust or foundation?
Yes. Both DIFC and ADGM allow non-resident founders and beneficiaries.
3. How long does setup take?
Typically 4–6 weeks from initial consultation to registration approval.
4. Are there ongoing reporting requirements?
Yes. We handle annual filings, audits and governance reviews to maintain compliance.
5. Can I change beneficiaries or trustees later?
Structures can be amended through deed or board resolution, subject to regulatory approval.
