Family Trust Setup & Wealth Structuring Advisory

Establish robust legal frameworks to secure generational wealth and mitigate tax exposure.

Structured properly, a UAE Family Trust or Foundation acts as a defensive shield for your assets, isolating them from business risks, creditor claims, and fragmented inheritance disputes. G12 provides technical advisory on the formation of trusts in DIFC, ADGM, and RAK ICC, ensuring your structure aligns with UAE Corporate Tax regulations and long-term succession goals.

The Strategic Value of Trust Structures

Legal Control and Capital Preservation

Transferring wealth to future generations requires more than a will; it demands a legal entity that ensures continuity. Without a formalized structure, family assets are subject to Sharia inheritance procedures and potential litigation.
A Family Trust offers a distinct legal arrangement where assets are held for the benefit of specific individuals, yet controlled by a defined governance protocol. This ensures:

Asset Protection: Capital is legally separated from the Settlor’s personal liabilities, protecting it from bankruptcy or creditor attachment.
Controlled Distribution: Funds are disbursed based on strict conditions, preventing mismanagement by beneficiaries.
Tax Efficiency: Properly structured Family Foundations may qualify for Corporate Tax exemptions, provided they meet specific regulatory criteria regarding non-commercial activity.

Understanding the Legal Framework

Anatomy of a UAE Family Trust

A trust is not a commercial company; it is a fiduciary arrangement recognized under Common Law jurisdictions in the UAE (DIFC and ADGM).

The Settlor (Founder): The individual transferring the legal title of assets (Real Estate, Shares, Cash) into the trust.
The Trustee: The fiduciary entity or individual appointed to hold and administer the assets strictly according to the Trust Deed.
The Beneficiaries: The defined group (family members or charities) entitled to benefit from the trust’s capital and income.

Trust Formation & Structuring Process

Execution Roadmap

Establishing a trust is a legal workflow requiring precise documentation to ensure validity before the courts and tax authorities.

1. Jurisdiction and Trustee Selection

We analyze whether a DIFC Trust, ADGM Foundation, or RAK ICC entity best suits your asset class. We also advise on appointing a Professional Trustee or establishing a Private Trust Company (PTC) to retain family control.

2. Drafting Constitutional Documents

G12 drafts the Trust Deed and Letter of Wishes. These documents dictate the rules of the trust, including investment powers, distribution triggers, and contingency clauses for unforeseen events.

3. Asset Settlement and Transfer

The Settlor must transfer legal ownership of assets to the Trustee. We handle the complex compliance regarding the re-titling of real estate, share transfer forms, and bank account re-assignments to ensure true separation of ownership.

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Technical Structuring & Tax Compliance

We do not provide generic templates. Our approach integrates legal structuring with tax reality.

Corporate Tax Exemptions: We structure Family Foundations to meet the FTA’s conditions for tax-exempt status, handling the application and annual reporting.
Governance Protocols: We design internal bylaws that prevent disputes, ensuring the Trustee acts impartially and adheres to the Settlor’s vision.
Regulatory Maintenance: We manage the Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) filings and Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) registers required by UAE law.
Amendment & Restructuring: We assist in modifying existing trust deeds to adapt to new tax laws or changes in family dynamics.

Structure Your Wealth

with Confidence

Ensure your family assets withstand regulatory scrutiny and inheritance complexities. G12 provides precise, tax-compliant advisory for Trust and Foundation formation across the UAE’s primary financial jurisdictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Family Trust subject to UAE Corporate Tax?

Generally, Trusts and Foundations are considered juridical persons and are subject to the 9% Corporate Tax. However, they can apply for an exemption if they are used solely for the benefit of natural persons and do not conduct commercial business. G12 assists in filing these exemption requests.

Can a Foreigner set up a Family Trust in the UAE?

Yes. Foreign nationals can establish trusts in free zones like DIFC and ADGM. These jurisdictions operate under Common Law, allowing foreigners to bypass Sharia inheritance laws and dictate their own succession plans.

What assets can be put into a UAE Trust?

A trust can hold various asset classes, including local and international real estate, shares in family businesses, investment portfolios, cash, and intellectual property.

What is the difference between a Trust and a Foundation?

A Trust is a legal arrangement where a Trustee holds assets for beneficiaries. A Foundation is a distinct legal entity (like a company) with its own legal personality. Foundations are often preferred in the UAE as they can hold assets in their own name and offer similar protection benefits.

Does a Trust protect against creditors?

Yes, once assets are legally transferred to the trust, they no longer belong to the Settlor. Consequently, they are generally protected from the Settlor’s personal creditors, provided the transfer was not made with fraudulent intent to defeat creditors.