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Family office

A Family Office is a private business in the UAE that assists Ultra high net worth Individuals with their finances, investments, and other businesses. They offer personalized services like tax planning, estate management, and lifestyle services like travel or education.

In the UAE, these benefit from the country’s 0% personal and corporate tax (lower in comparison to other jurisdictions), access to double taxation treaties, and a stable economy. Single setups (SFOs) help one family, while multi setups (MFOs) help several families save money. They follow rules like the DIFC’s regulations to keep things private, protect assets, and follow the law. These are popular in the UAE due to its strong financial system and easy accessibility from other parts of the world.

Who can set up a Family office 

Where to set up a Family office 

How to set up a Family Office ?

You need to plan carefully to make sure that your setup in the UAE meets the needs of the family and follows the law. The process is well-organized, but it can be helpful to get help from a professional. Follow these steps .

Choose a jurisdiction

Step 1

Depending on the rules, costs, or need for privacy, you can choose DIFC, ADGM, or onshore UAE.   

Define objectives

Step 2

Outline what the Family Office does, such as managing money, making plans for the future, or giving to charity.  

Select structure

Step 3

Pick a single-family office (SFO) or a multi-family office (MFO) based on how big it is and how much it costs. 

Appoint a registered agent

Step 4

Get help with registration and compliance (which is often required in free zones) from a licensed agent.  

Draft articles of association

Step 5

Write the constitution that explains how the office works, how it is run, and what it wants to do.  

Obtain licenses and ensure compliance

Step 6

  1. Secure the necessary Family Office license and stay compliant with audits, renewals, and UBO filings.

 
 

Documents required for Family office setup  

Setting up a setup in the UAE requires specific documentation to meet regulatory standards. These are essential documents:

Passport copies

All directors, shareholders, or family members must have valid passports.   

Proof of address

Each person needs a recent utility bill or residence certificate (less than three months old.

Corporate documents

If you’re a business, file articles of association, a certificate of incorporation, and a list of directors. Translated and certified (If needs).   

Articles of association

Document outlining the setup’s purpose, governance, and operational structure.

Application forms

Forms that are specific to a jurisdiction, like KYC and anti-money laundering compliance documents.

Business Plan

A full description of the setup’s goals, services, and investment strategies.

Registered agent details

Name and address of the licensed agent,if required by the jurisdiction. 

Financial proof

Evidence of sufficient capital or assets to support the setup’s operations.

Fast & affordable UAE business setup with BYB

Why Choose BYB for Setting Up a Family Office?

 

In today’s fast-changing financial world, families with significant wealth need more than just investment management—they need a trusted partner who understands how to protect, grow, and transfer their legacy. Setting up a Family Office in the UAE is one of the most strategic ways to achieve this goal, and that’s where BYB stands out.

 

1. Expertise in Family Office Structuring


Establishing a Family Office in the UAE requires a deep understanding of wealth management, legal frameworks, and regulatory compliance. BYB brings years of experience in guiding high-net-worth individuals and families through every step—from defining objectives to creating a robust operational framework. Our team ensures your setup is fully aligned with UAE laws and international best practices.


2. End-to-End Setup and Compliance Support


A successful Family Office UAE structure involves much more than registration. BYB provides comprehensive support including entity formation, licensing, governance design, and compliance management. We help families navigate DIFC, ADGM, and other UAE jurisdictions efficiently, ensuring your structure meets all legal and financial standards.


3. Strategic Wealth Preservation and Growth


At BYB, we understand that every family’s financial landscape is unique. Our advisors design bespoke strategies focused on long-term asset preservation, sustainable growth, and intergenerational wealth transfer. Whether it’s managing investments, consolidating assets, or planning succession, BYB’s approach ensures your wealth works for you—and for the generations to come.


4. Confidentiality and Trust

 

Privacy is one of the most important factors for families establishing a Family Office in the UAE. BYB upholds the highest standards of confidentiality, ensuring all your financial and personal information remains protected. We operate with integrity and transparency, building lasting relationships founded on trust.


5. UAE Advantage – Tax Efficiency and Stability

 

The UAE remains a preferred destination for wealth management due to its 0% personal and corporate tax policy, robust regulatory environment, and access to double taxation treaties. BYB helps you leverage these advantages by structuring your Family Office UAE operations to maximize efficiency, stability, and returns.

Frequently asked question

Single-Family Office (SFO)  

Multi-Family Office (MFO)  

The minimum wealth requirement for a setup is a net asset value of $50 million per family, assessed by fair market or book value. This applies to Single Family Offices (SFOs) and Multi Family Offices (MFOs), with each family in an MFO needing to meet this threshold.

Yes, things like registration, governance structure, compliance with anti-money laundering laws, and regular reporting.  

A Single-Family Office (SFO) cannot accept external funds – it only manages the family’s own wealth.

Yes, but there is option of flexi-desk in some freezone.  

BYB will help you every step of the way and keep you informed and in compliance the whole time.  

High-net-worth individuals, their families, or authorized representatives—whether residents or foreign investors—can establish one.

The UAE offers 0% personal and corporate tax, access to double taxation treaties, and a stable, investor-friendly economy.

Essential documents include a business plan, governance structure, proof of sufficient capital, and identification of key personnel.

Yes, both UAE nationals and foreign investors can set up and operate in the country.

It is designed to manage, preserve, and grow family wealth while ensuring smooth succession and compliance with legal requirements.

Let's make your business dream a reality!

BYB Global

BYB (Build Your Business) is a specialized firm focused on building the foundation for businesses to operate globally. We provide clear guidance and practical support to individuals and companies on how to properly establish their business, follow all rules, and design its structure to begin work in different countries. Our deep knowledge includes how to stay compliant in various nations, selecting the best legal setup, and making smart choices about local business environments. We help get registrations, explain tax requirements, and put in place the basic systems for running an office. BYB is an essential partner for those starting international businesses, making sure they have a solid and rule-abiding base from the very beginning.

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