Dubai has officially become the world's leading family office destination, with over 500 single and multi-family offices now operating in the emirate, managing combined assets exceeding AED 1 trillion ($272 billion). The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has emerged as the preferred jurisdiction, offering specialized wealth management licenses, Golden Visa fast-track for principals, and a regulatory framework designed specifically for ultra-high-net-worth families.
This comprehensive guide covers setup requirements, licensing options, tax benefits, and why wealthy families are relocating to Dubai. Compare Free Zone options for your family office structure.
Dubai Family Office Hub — The Numbers
500+ family offices, AED 1T+ assets, 0% tax on investment income, 10-year Golden Visa for principals. DIFC license from $15,000/year.
Why Wealthy Families Choose Dubai
Key factors driving the family office migration to Dubai:
Tax Efficiency
0% income tax, 0% capital gains, 0% inheritance tax. Corporate tax exemption for investment holding. No wealth tax.
Golden Visa Access
10-year residency for principals and family. No minimum stay requirement. Full banking access.
World-Class Infrastructure
DIFC ranks among top 10 global financial centers. 90+ private banks, 400+ wealth managers, sophisticated legal framework.
Strategic Location
4-hour flight to 1/3 of world's population. Gateway to Middle East, Africa, South Asia markets. GMT+4 timezone.
Family Office License Options
Compare structures available in Dubai. Use our Business Architect tool to find the best fit:
- DIFC Single Family Office: For one family, $15,000/year license, regulated by DFSA
- DIFC Multi-Family Office: Serve multiple families, $25,000/year, full wealth management scope
- DIFC Holding Company: Investment holding structure, $12,000/year, simplified compliance
- ADGM Family Office: Abu Dhabi alternative, similar structure, competitive fees
- Mainland LLC: For operational businesses, local presence required
DIFC Family Office Benefits
- Common Law Jurisdiction: English law, familiar to international families
- Independent Courts: DIFC Courts, not local UAE courts
- 100% Foreign Ownership: No local sponsor required
- No Currency Restrictions: Free movement of capital
- Trust Recognition: Full recognition of foreign trusts
- Privacy: Strong confidentiality protections
Golden Visa for Family Office Principals
Family office owners qualify for 10-year Golden Visa through multiple pathways:
- Investor Visa: AED 2M+ in public investments or deposits → Instant eligibility
- Property Route: AED 2M+ Dubai property → Family included
- Business Owner: Company with AED 500K+ capital → Fast-track processing
- Family Inclusion: Spouse, children (no age limit), parents all covered
- No Stay Requirement: Maintain visa without UAE residency obligation
Check your eligibility using our Golden Visa Calculator.
"Dubai has created the world's most attractive ecosystem for family offices. The combination of tax efficiency, political stability, lifestyle, and now a dedicated regulatory framework has made us the destination of choice. We're seeing families relocate from London, Geneva, Singapore, and Hong Kong. By 2028, we expect 1,000+ family offices managing over AED 2 trillion in Dubai."
— Jacques Visser, Chief Legal Officer, DIFC Authority, February 2026Real Estate for UHNW Families
Popular property choices for family office principals. Analyze returns with our ROI Calculator:
- Palm Jumeirah Villas: AED 50-200M, beachfront estates, ultimate privacy
- Emirates Hills: AED 30-150M, golf course mansions, gated community
- District One: AED 20-80M, Crystal Lagoon access, Mohammad Bin Rashid City
- Jumeirah Bay Island: AED 100M+, ultra-exclusive island plots
- DIFC Living: AED 5-30M, walk to office, luxury apartments
Establish Your Family Office in Dubai
Compare DIFC, ADGM, and mainland options using our Business Setup Tool. Check Golden Visa eligibility for your family, and explore prime properties for your Dubai residence.
