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| Why top family offices are relocating to the UAE in 2025—and not looking back. |
Why Family Offices Are Moving to UAE and Not Coming Back
In 2025, ultra-high-net-worth families are doing more than just shopping in Dubai—they're permanently moving their wealth management operations to the UAE. Why? Because the Emirates has transformed into the global epicenter of tax-free family office setups, offering unmatched benefits in privacy, tax neutrality, and multi-generational legacy planning.
The UAE Advantage for Family Offices
The UAE—especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi—offers a 0% income tax, no capital gains tax, and full foreign ownership of entities in designated free zones. For family offices managing $10M to $1B+, this is more than attractive—it's irresistible.
Legal structures such as ADGM Foundations and DIFC Trusts now rival traditional jurisdictions like the Cayman Islands and Liechtenstein. And thanks to reforms, setting up holding structures via trusted legal entities is easier than ever—even remotely.
Legacy and Wealth Continuity
Unlike the U.S. or EU, the UAE allows flexible inheritance planning without forced heirship rules. That’s why many family offices are converting to foundation-based governance models that centralize control while preserving legacy. If you're still operating in Delaware or London, it might be time to rethink your positioning.
Multi-Jurisdictional Integration
The smart family office isn't choosing UAE instead of other jurisdictions—but as the hub in a global structure. For example, payments can flow internationally through Wise accounts, payroll via Deel, and asset holding via ADGM SPVs.
What You Must Know Before Moving
- The UAE now has over 75 Double Taxation Agreements—making inbound capital flow frictionless
- Compliance is easier than most expect—but setting up the right structure matters
- More families are using remote legal services like LegalZoom to create mirrored U.S. LLCs or trust feeders
Curious about the top countries HNWIs are migrating to for similar setups? Read this: Tax-Free Countries for HNWIs in 2025
UAE: The New Wealth Power Base
As dynasty trusts meet foundation governance and offshore tax strategies meet regulation-lite zones, the UAE isn’t just rising—it’s replacing Switzerland for family wealth. And they’re not coming back.
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