A foundation, a will and a holding structure do different jobs, and the right mix depends on your family, your assets and your countries. Legal and tax advice comes from licensed partners we coordinate. We set up the entities and keep the paperwork moving. Nothing here guarantees protection or tax results.
By Imran Mirza, Founder & CEO, Xillion Group UAE. Born and raised in the UAE, with 18+ years of professional working experience, including nearly seven years at Barclays and ADCB and 12 years in UAE business setup. Last reviewed 29 October 2026.
A foundation is a legal vehicle that holds assets under a charter and rules; a will says who inherits; a holding company holds shares in other companies. DIFC has its own Foundations Law (DIFC Law No. 3 of 2018) and publishes a USD 350 fee to establish a foundation. ADGM and RAK ICC offer their own routes. Asset protection cannot be promised, and a licensed lawyer must advise on succession for your family.
Xillion Group UAE is a business setup consultancy. It is not a law firm, a tax agent or a trustee and does not give legal, tax or succession advice. Legal and tax advice, and the drafting of wills and foundation documents, are coordinated through independent licensed external professional partners, who are not Xillion employees.
Xillion Group UAE is a consultancy. It is not a licensing authority, a bank or a law firm, and approvals are decided by the authority. This page is general information, not legal, tax or investment advice, and nothing here is a guarantee.
Your case may need more or less. We confirm the exact list with the authority or partner before you spend time on it.
| Item | What we can say |
|---|---|
| DIFC foundation fee | USD 350 to establish, as published by DIFC and checked 26 October 2026. It is a filing fee only. |
| Other registry fees | ADGM and RAK ICC fees are not quoted here. Check the registry or ask for a quote. |
| Total cost | Quote on request. Lawyer, tax adviser, registered address and banking costs are separate. |
| Timeline | Quote on request. It depends on the lawyer, the registry and the bank. |
| Guarantee | None. No structure is guaranteed to protect assets or reduce tax. |
| Tool | What it does | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation (DIFC, ADGM) | Holds assets under a charter and rules, separate from the founder. | The founder's own control, tax and home-country rules still matter. Legal advice is essential. |
| Will | Says who inherits and who looks after minors. | Which court and law apply depends on your nationality, religion and the assets. A lawyer explains. |
| Holding company | Owns shares in your operating companies. See holding company. | Banks ask about substance and ownership. |
| RAK ICC or other offshore company | Often used to hold assets or interests outside the UAE market. | Bank and substance questions are strict. See offshore. |
No. They are different legal tools with different rules. A licensed lawyer explains which fits your case.
It can separate ownership, but it cannot be promised to defeat lawful claims, tax duties or court orders. No structure is guaranteed.
Often yes. Foundations do not cover everything you own. Ask your lawyer.
No. A licensed lawyer drafts it. We coordinate the introduction.
DIFC publishes USD 350 to establish one, as checked on 26 October 2026. Total cost with lawyers and banking is quote on request.
It depends on your assets, family and advisers. Compare them with your lawyer before choosing.
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ADGM and RAK ICC rules were not re-read for this page. A licensed lawyer confirms the current rules before you decide.
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Rules and fees change. These government and regulator pages are the place to confirm current requirements before you commit.
Book a free 30 minute consultation with Imran Mirza, Founder & CEO. We look at your plans and set out the right route, the documents and the costs in plain words. Licences, visas and bank accounts remain subject to authority and bank approval.