Superyacht and luxury asset services in the UAE Yacht registration in the UAE Yacht owners choose the UAE for Ownership structuring HNWIs and UHNWIs looking to registration due to its strategic The UAE o昀昀ers remarkable establish holding structures in the location, world-class marinas, ownership structures for private UAE, can have the option to utilise stable political environment, 昀氀exible clients, especially high-net-worth the Dubai International Financial ownership structures, a thriving individuals (HNWIs) and ultra-high- Centre (DIFC) as a free zone. The luxury yachting culture, quality net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), as DIFC is a prominent 昀椀nancial hub yacht services, recognition of well as prominent business families. that o昀昀ers a favourable international standards, and an Notable features include: environment for various business e昀케cient registration process. activities, including holding - Versatile options companies. The UAE provides a secure and HNWIs and UHNWIs can convenient hub for yacht owners, choose between setting up in The approximate DIFC government o昀昀ering a tax-friendly environment, free zones or the mainland fees will be the following: state-of-the-art marinas, and depending on their preferred - Incorporation fees (one-time access to a range of high-quality structures. payment) – US$ 8,000 services. The stable political climate - License fees upon and adherence to international - Free zones (FZs): incorporation and annually – standards further contribute to the The UAE boasts over 40 Free US$ 12,000 appeal of the UAE for yacht Zones, each governed by an - Establishment Card registration. independent Free Zone (annually) – US$ 618 (in case Authority (FZA). These zones if you need to apply for visas) o昀昀er autonomy and are - Personnel Sponsorship responsible for licensing and Agreement Deposit – US$ 680 regulating companies (in case if you apply for operating within them. Establishment Card) Mainland ownership changes - Data Protection – US$750 (if applicable) Before 1 June 2021 a mainland UAE company required at least 51% Please note that the fees for lease ownership by a UAE national and residency visas are not sponsor or partner. This requirement included. was eliminated through amendments to the Commercial Companies Law, with exceptions If the yacht is intended for based on speci昀椀c "positive lists" commercial use, the arrangement that de昀椀ne permissible activities. will vary. We can tailor a proposal to meet the speci昀椀c needs of the client in this scenario. 14