Foundation Registration – DIFC
Foundation Registration – DIFC Proposal
Client Details
Foundation Registration – DIFC
[Client Name] – [Company Name]
21 September 2026
Introduction
A DIFC Foundation is a distinct legal structure commonly used for investment holding, wealth and succession planning. It must always maintain a registered office in DIFC — satisfied by leasing an office, sharing office space with an affiliated DIFC entity, or appointing a Registered Agent.
1. Required Documents
The following documents and information are required to submit the Foundation Registration application:
| Document / Information | Remarks |
|---|---|
| Proposed Foundation name (up to 3 options) | Checked and reserved via the DIFC Portal; reservation valid for 90 days at no additional cost. |
| Founder details (minimum 1) | Individual or body corporate; passport certified via digital verification or a certified copy (for individuals). |
| Council Member details (minimum 2) | Individual or body corporate; passport certified via digital verification or a certified copy (for individuals). |
| Registered office evidence | Lease in DIFC, shared office space with an affiliated DIFC entity, or appointment of a Registered Agent. |
Passport certification for Founders and Council Members can be completed via DIFC Portal digital verification (a liveness check) or by uploading a passport copy certified by a law firm, corporate service provider, or another authorised certifier.
Fee Schedule
DIFC Authority Fees
InBusiness Professional Fee
| Description | AED | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Service Fee (Foundation) | 12,853.75 | 3,500.00 |
Total Summary
| Option | AED | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Total (Authority with visas + InBusiness) | 21,733.87 | 5,918.00 |
| Total (Authority without visas + InBusiness) | 16,966.96 | 4,620.00 |
The Total (Authority + InBusiness) reflects the professional service fee added to the selected DIFC authority fee scenario. The Establishment Card Fee and Personnel Sponsorship Agreement Deposit apply only where the Foundation intends to sponsor employment visas.
Business Centre Office (Optional, Approximate)
Business centre office costs are approximate and subject to availability; a Foundation can instead share office space with an affiliated DIFC entity or appoint a Registered Agent in place of a leased office.
3. Scope of Licence Services
Guidance on Foundation structure suitability (minimum 1 Founder, minimum 2 Council Members)
Foundation name search and reservation (up to 3 proposed names, 90-day reservation)
Coordination of passport certification for each individual Founder and Council Member (digital verification or certified copy)
Arrangement of the Foundation's registered office in DIFC — lease, shared office with an affiliated entity, or appointment as Registered Agent
Preparation and submission of the Foundation registration application via the DIFC Portal
Coordination of the Establishment Card and Personnel Sponsorship Agreement, where employment visas are required
Submission of applicable DIFC fees and portal wallet top-up
Handover of the Foundation's licence and Certificate of Incorporation/Registration on completion
All requirements, timelines and fees are subject to DIFC approvals and may vary based on the Foundation's Founders, Council Members and registered office arrangement.
4. Processing Timeline
| STAGE | PROCESSING TIME |
|---|---|
| DIFC Portal application review | Typically 3–5 working days (standard DIFC review time; to be confirmed for Foundations) |
| Name reservation validity | 90 days |
| Licence & Certificate issuance | Upon completion of registration, passport certification and payment |
The application review time above follows DIFC's general portal review benchmark stated for other entity types; a Foundation-specific figure has not been separately confirmed by DIFC and should be verified before this proposal is issued to a client.
Confidential | Foundation Registration – DIFC Proposal