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DIFC (Dubai) vs Gibraltar: which jurisdiction wins?
DIFC (Dubai) vs Gibraltar — both credible, very different trade-offs. Below: side-by-side on the variables that actually move the decision.
| DIFC (Dubai) | Gibraltar | |
|---|---|---|
| Tax headline | 0% on qualifying income (9% otherwise) | 12.5% corporate tax |
| Formation days | 14 | 7 |
| First-year cost | $12,000 | $4,000 |
| Treaties | 140+ | Limited |
| Substance | Mandatory office, directors, employees in DIFC | Substance for accrued-in-and-derived-from claim |
| Banking | DIFC-licensed banks and prime brokers | Gibraltar International Bank, EMIs |
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