Real Estate Holding
Hold property in a dedicated entity to separate it from operating risk and ease transfer.
- Single or portfolio property holding
- Cleaner sale and transfer
- Risk separated from operations
- Succession-ready ownership
Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in Dubai
An SPV is a standalone entity that holds your assets and isolates them from risk. Riz & Mona structures and registers SPVs across DIFC, ADGM, and RAK ICC, matched to your assets and goals.
Excellent
DIFC, ADGM & RAK ICC
100% Foreign Ownership
No Office or Visa Needed
Excellent
Overview
What Is a Special Purpose Vehicle in Dubai?
A Special Purpose Vehicle is a standalone legal entity created for a single purpose: to hold assets and isolate them from risk. It ring-fences what it owns, so trouble in one part of your structure stays contained.
An SPV is a passive holding vehicle, not a trading company. It does not run day-to-day operations or need staff. In the DIFC it is known as a Prescribed Company, while ADGM and RAK ICC use their own SPV frameworks.
Riz & Mona structures SPVs across all three UAE jurisdictions. We match the right one to the assets you hold and the outcome you want, then handle the incorporation and ongoing compliance.
Why an SPV
Why Set Up an SPV in Dubai?
An SPV gives investors and corporate groups a clean, low-overhead way to hold assets, manage risk, and structure ownership with legal certainty.
Asset Ring-Fencing
Each SPV isolates its assets, so liability in one entity does not spill over into your other holdings.
100% Foreign Ownership
You can own an SPV outright in all three jurisdictions, with no local shareholder required.
Tax Efficiency
A properly structured SPV can benefit from 0% on dividends and qualifying income, and treaty access.
Privacy
In the DIFC, there is no public register of beneficial owners, which keeps ownership confidential.
Low Overhead
No office, staff, or residence visa is required, so an SPV is cheaper to run than a trading company.
Common-Law Certainty
DIFC and ADGM run on English common law, giving investors a familiar, predictable legal framework.
Jurisdictions
DIFC vs ADGM vs RAK ICC: SPV Jurisdictions Compared
Choosing the jurisdiction is the core SPV decision. Each suits a different priority, legal certainty, cost, or international reach. Here is how the three compare.
DIFC | ADGM | RAK ICC |
|---|---|---|
English common law | English common law | Common law based |
Prescribed Company | SPV | Offshore SPV |
From USD 100 + 1,000/yr | ~AED 6,975 authority | Lowest, offshore |
Not required | Not required | Not required |
No public UBO register | Strong, regulated | High confidentiality |
Complex, global deals | Fast, certain setup | Cost-effective holding |
Prestige & reach | Speed & certainty | Lowest cost |
Figures are indicative base fees for 2026 and exclude agent and service charges. Confirm current fees before filing.
Cost
How Much Does an SPV Cost in Dubai?
Government fees are only the base. Most clients budget an all-in figure that includes the registered agent and setup support. These are typical 2026 ranges.
DIFC Prescribed Co.
AED 12,000 to 25,000
Base fee from USD 100 plus USD 1,000 a year. All-in cost covers agent and registered office.
ADGM SPV
AED 14,000 to 22,000
Authority fee about AED 6,975. All-in cost adds the registered agent. Strong balance of cost and certainty.
RAK ICC Offshore
AED 8,000 to 15,000
The lowest-cost route, suited to straightforward asset holding and protection.
What Changes Your Cost
Jurisdiction
DIFC sits at the premium end, ADGM in the middle, and RAK ICC is the most economical.
Structure Complexity
Multiple shareholders or layered holdings add legal and documentation work.
Registered Agent
An SPV needs a registered agent or corporate services provider, charged annually.
Ongoing Compliance
Annual renewal, filings, and AML obligations add to the recurring cost.
Pricing Disclaimer
All figures are indicative and split between base government fees and all-in service cost, which is why ranges vary. Actual cost depends on jurisdiction, structure, and ongoing needs. Riz & Mona provides a personalised quote for every SPV.
Use Cases
What an SPV Is Used For
An SPV is a flexible tool. These are the structures investors and corporate groups most often use one for.
The Process
How to Set Up an SPV in Dubai
A clear path from asset and goal to an incorporated, compliant SPV.
Step 1
Choose Jurisdiction
The assets and objective are reviewed to select DIFC, ADGM, or RAK ICC as the right home.
Step 2
Define Structure
Ownership, shareholding, and the assets the SPV will hold are set out clearly.
Step 3
Prepare Documents
A business plan, shareholder passports, and KYC are compiled to registry standard.
Step 4
File Application
The application is submitted to the chosen registry, usually through its online portal.
Step 5
Registered Agent
A registered agent or office is appointed, as required by the jurisdiction.
Step 6
Incorporation
On approval, often within days, the SPV is incorporated and its certificate issued.
Get Started
Structure Your Assets With a UAE SPV
Tell us what you want to hold and protect. We will recommend the right jurisdiction, structure the SPV correctly, and handle the incorporation and compliance end to end.
DIFC, ADGM or RAK ICC•Clean ring-fencing•Agent and office arranged•Compliance managed yearly
Fees are indicative and vary by jurisdiction and structure. Riz & Mona provides a personalised quote for every SPV.