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MARCH 21, 2025
Family Offices in Dubai: What You Need to Know
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LinkedinDubai has emerged as a global hub for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking to establish family offices. With its strategic location, tax-friendly environment, and robust financial ecosystem, Dubai offers an attractive destination for wealth management and legacy planning.
If you are considering setting up a family office in Dubai, this article provides key insights into the benefits, structures, regulations, and best practices to help you make an informed decision.
What is a Family Office?
A family office is a private wealth management entity that handles the financial, investment, estate planning, and sometimes philanthropic needs of an affluent family. The purpose of a family office is to preserve, grow, and transfer wealth across generations while ensuring financial security and strategic asset management.
Types of Family Offices:
- Single-Family Office (SFO) – Serves one family and is fully dedicated to managing their assets, succession planning, and investment strategies.
- Multi-Family Office (MFO) – Provides wealth management services to multiple families, allowing shared resources and expertise.
Why Dubai is an Ideal Location for Family Offices
Dubai has positioned itself as a leading wealth management center, attracting wealthy individuals and family offices from around the world. Key advantages include:
- Tax Advantages & Wealth Protection
- 0% income tax & capital gains tax for individuals
- No inheritance tax, making succession planning easier
- Strong regulatory framework for asset protection
- World-Class Financial Ecosystem
- Access to top-tier private banks, investment firms, and asset managers
- A well-regulated financial environment, including Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)
- Exposure to global investment opportunities across equities, private equity, real estate, and alternative assets
- Flexible Legal Structures for Family Offices
- DIFC and ADGM offer structured family office frameworks
- Ability to set up foundations and trusts for estate planning
- Private trust companies allow families to maintain greater control over assets
- Business-Friendly & Strategic Location
- Positioned between Europe, Asia, and Africa, offering seamless global access
- Investor-friendly government policies that support wealth creation
- High quality of life, security, and world-class infrastructure
How to Set Up a Family Office in Dubai
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Choose the Right Regulatory FrameworkDubai offers different jurisdictions for setting up a family office:
- DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) – A leading global financial hub with an established Family Wealth Centre
- ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market) – Provides strong governance and regulatory support for family offices
- Onshore Dubai (Department of Economy & Tourism – DET) – Allows family offices to operate under a private entity structure
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Define Your Family Office’s PurposeBefore establishing your family office, consider:
- What are your investment goals?
- Do you need estate planning and succession services?
- Will your office handle philanthropy, tax optimization, or business structuring?
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Select the Right Legal StructureOptions include:
- A private limited company (for investment & wealth management)
- A foundation or trust (for estate and legacy planning)
- A holding company (for global asset consolidation)
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Build a Team of ExpertsA successful family office requires:
- Wealth advisors & investment strategists
- Legal & tax consultants for compliance
- Risk management professionals
- Family governance advisors for multi-generational planning
Key Services Offered by Family Offices in Dubai
A well-structured family office provides a range of financial and non-financial services, including:
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Financial & Investment Management
- Asset allocation across global markets, private equity, and structured products
- Risk management and wealth preservation strategies
- Direct investments and venture capital opportunities
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Estate & Succession Planning
- Intergenerational wealth transfer solutions
- Trust and foundation structures for asset protection
- Legal & tax advisory for cross-border inheritance planning
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Philanthropy & Impact Investing
- Establishment of charitable foundations
- Socially responsible and ESG-focused investment strategies
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Lifestyle & Concierge Services
- Residency and citizenship planning
- Private aviation, luxury real estate, and bespoke lifestyle management
Challenges & Considerations for Family Offices in Dubai
While Dubai offers significant advantages, setting up a family office requires careful planning. Key considerations include:
- Regulatory Compliance – DIFC and ADGM have strict governance and reporting requirements
- Choosing the Right Structure – Tailor your legal and tax setup based on your family’s needs
- Managing Cross-Border Assets – Ensure alignment with international tax laws and estate planning rules
Working with a specialized wealth advisor can help navigate these complexities and ensure a smooth transition for wealth management and legacy planning.
Why Work with Vantage Capital?
At Vantage Capital, we specialize in helping HNWIs and family offices establish a strong financial foundation in Dubai. Our comprehensive wealth management services include:
- Investment Advisory & Portfolio Management
- Private Banking & Lending Solutions
- Estate & Succession Planning
- Risk Management & Global Asset Structuring
With extensive experience in the UAE’s financial landscape, we help families navigate the complexities of wealth management while ensuring long-term financial security.
Final Thoughts
Dubai’s strategic advantages, strong financial ecosystem, and tax-efficient structures make it an ideal destination for family offices. Whether you are setting up a single-family office or a multi-family office, choosing the right regulatory framework, investment strategy, and governance model is essential.
If you’re looking to set up a family office in Dubai, our team at Vantage Capital can provide expert guidance to structure and manage your wealth effectively.
Contact us today to explore the best wealth solutions for your family.
