DIFC (Dubai) vs Bahamas: which jurisdiction wins?

DIFC (Dubai) vs Bahamas — both credible, very different trade-offs. Below: side-by-side on the variables that actually move the decision.

	DIFC (Dubai)	Bahamas
Tax headline	0% on qualifying income (9% otherwise)	0% income/corporate tax
Formation days	14	5
First-year cost	$12,000	$3,500
Treaties	140+	Limited
Substance	Mandatory office, directors, employees in DIFC	ESA requirements
Banking	DIFC-licensed banks and prime brokers	Bahamian banks plus EMIs

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