Setting up a family office in Dubai isn’t just about creating a space to manage wealth—it’s about building a legacy. But here’s the thing: Dubai isn’t just any city. 

With its strategic location, investor-friendly regulations, and world-class financial infrastructure, it has become a magnet for ultra-high-net-worth families looking to centralise wealth management. 

So, if you’re thinking about a Dubai family office in 2025, you’re probably asking yourself, “Where do I even start?” Don’t worry—I’ve got you.

In this guide, we’ll break down the five key steps to set up a family office UAE-style, covering everything from licenses to location, and the practicalities that often get overlooked. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to move forward with confidence.

Step 1: Decide Between Single-Family and Multi-Family Office

First things first—you need to figure out the structure that best suits your family’s goals. Are you managing just your family’s wealth, or are you open to pooling resources and expertise with other families?

• Single Family Office Dubai: This is perfect if your focus is solely on your family’s assets, investments, and governance. You get full control, maximum privacy, and complete flexibility. Think of it as a tailor-made hub for Dubai wealth management family office services, where you can align investment strategies with your long-term family objectives without external interference.
• Multi-Family Office Dubai: If you’re open to sharing resources, expertise, and sometimes even investment opportunities with multiple families, a multi-family setup could be ideal. It’s often more cost-efficient and allows you to access professional management, pooled resources, and a broader network of financial opportunities.

Pro Tip: If your family portfolio includes complex international holdings or spans multiple generations, a single family office in Dubai may provide the precision, confidentiality, and governance control you need. A multi-family office can be excellent if you want access to broader investment networks, shared insights, and scalable wealth management services.

Step 2: Choose the Right Jurisdiction – DIFC or ADGM

Dubai is home to two premier financial zones for family offices: DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) and ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market). 

Your choice affects regulatory compliance, tax considerations, and the range of Dubai family office services you can access.

• DIFC Family Office Setup: Known for its robust legal framework, DIFC is ideal if you want confidentiality, an English common law structure, and internationally recognised wealth management standards. Many ultra-high-net-worth families choose DIFC for its reputation, access to elite service providers, and sophisticated investment opportunities. This zone is especially suitable for families who value global recognition and a well-established Dubai family office license process.
• ADGM Family Office Setup: ADGM has been gaining attention for its flexible licensing options and streamlined procedures. Families seeking a combination of regulatory efficiency, innovation, and a modern legal framework often find ADGM appealing. It offers a smooth entry for family office UAE setup, especially for those prioritising flexibility, operational freedom, and emerging financial solutions.

Ask Yourself: Are you prioritising legacy, international reputation, and strong governance (DIFC)? Or do you value a more flexible setup, faster licensing, and operational efficiency (ADGM)? Your choice will influence both your Dubai family office regulations and the services you can implement for your family.

Step 3: Obtain the Necessary Family Office License

Once you’ve nailed down your structure and chosen your jurisdiction, the next critical step is regulatory compliance. You can’t operate legally without the proper license, and that’s where the Dubai family office license requirements come in.

• Single Family Office License: Typically, regulators will ask for proof of family wealth and a clear governance framework showing that funds are used exclusively for family purposes. They want to be confident that your single-family office Dubai setup is genuinely for private family wealth management.
• Multi-Family Office License: If you’re managing multiple families’ assets, the bar is slightly higher. Beyond family-focused criteria, you may need to implement additional reporting standards, investor protection policies, and robust compliance processes. This ensures that your multi-family office Dubai setup aligns with Dubai family office regulations and maintains transparency for all stakeholders.

Here’s the thing—many families stumble here because they underestimate the documentation required. A thorough license application, backed by governance documents, audited financials, and operational plans, makes the process smoother and avoids delays or unexpected costs. 

Think of it as laying the foundation for your family office’s credibility and long-term success.

Step 4: Set Up Your Operations and Team

Great! You’ve got your license—now it’s time to bring your family office to life. This is where planning meets execution. Your Dubai wealth management family office isn’t just a legal entity; it’s a functional hub for investments, estate planning, and governance.

• Hiring Experts: Your team is everything. Portfolio managers, tax advisors, legal counsel, and family governance specialists are essential. If you’re running a single-family office in Dubai, this team handles highly personalised strategies. For a multi-family office, they also coordinate shared resources, risk management, and compliance across multiple clients.
• Office Setup: The location and infrastructure matter. Whether you choose a sleek DIFC tower or a more discreet ADGM office, your space should combine professionalism with privacy. Many family offices integrate state-of-the-art tech solutions for real-time investment monitoring, reporting, and secure document storage.
• Processes and Technology: Early adoption of secure reporting systems, compliance tracking, and risk management tools makes operations efficient and audit-ready. These systems are particularly crucial if you’re managing complex portfolios, international holdings, or multiple family interests.

The goal is simple: create an environment where wealth management, strategic planning, and governance intersect seamlessly. This ensures your family office isn’t just operational—it’s scalable and future-ready.

Step 5: Define Services and Governance

Here’s the step that truly differentiates a family office from just a fancy office with a bank account. You need to clarify both the services you offer and how decisions are made.

• Services to Consider: Your family office can provide a wide spectrum of offerings—from investment management, estate planning, tax optimisation, philanthropy, to concierge financial services. Multi-family offices Dubai often add shared investment opportunities, educational resources for younger generations, and access to exclusive financial networks. Deciding on services that align with your family’s objectives ensures that your office is strategically valuable, not just operationally functional.
• Governance Structure: Strong governance protects family wealth and ensures consistent, well-informed decision-making. This includes setting up investment committees, formal succession planning, risk management policies, and procedures for conflict resolution. DIFC family office setup and ADGM family office setup both encourage clear governance frameworks, which help maintain compliance with Dubai family office regulations while supporting long-term strategic goals.

The takeaway: When services and governance are thoughtfully integrated, your family office becomes more than a management tool—it becomes a living structure for legacy building, intergenerational wealth growth, and strategic control. After all, the ultimate aim isn’t just managing wealth—it’s protecting and growing it for generations to come.

Bonus Tips for a Smooth Family Office Setup

1. Plan for Compliance: Staying ahead of Dubai family office regulations is non-negotiable. Early compliance with licensing requirements, reporting standards, and governance frameworks prevents headaches down the line. 

Whether you’re setting up a single-family office or a multi-family office in Dubai, understanding what regulators expect ensures a smoother approval process and protects your family’s wealth.

2. Engage Experts: Don’t try to figure everything out yourself. Experienced advisors can guide you through the family office license process, help with team recruitment, and set up your operations efficiently. 

Whether it’s a DIFC family office setup or an ADGM family office setup, having the right professionals by your side saves time, reduces costs, and ensures you’re making informed decisions at every step.

3. Think Long-Term: A family office isn’t just about managing today’s investments—it’s about building generational wealth and preparing for future growth. 

Carefully designing your wealth management family office services and governance structure ensures your family’s legacy is protected, investments are optimised, and strategic goals can evolve seamlessly over time.

Conclusion: Your Family Office Journey in Dubai 2025

Setting up a family office in Dubai isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about creating a structure that protects and grows your family’s wealth for generations. From choosing between a DIFC family office setup or an ADGM family office setup, to hiring the right experts, defining services, and ensuring smooth governance, every step matters.

Here’s the thing: navigating licensing, regulations, and operational details can feel overwhelming. That’s where Dubai Company Setup comes in. We guide you through the entire process—from securing your family office license to designing a setup that aligns with your family’s goals. Whether you’re planning a single family office or a multi family office in Dubai, we make the journey simple, efficient, and fully compliant.

Ready to turn your vision into a functioning, robust family office? Contact Dubai Company Setup today, and let’s start building your family’s legacy in Dubai.