DIFC (Dubai) vs Isle of Man: which jurisdiction wins?

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

	DIFC (Dubai)	Isle of Man
Tax headline	0% on qualifying income (9% otherwise)	0% (10% banking/retail)
Formation days	14	5
First-year cost	$12,000	$4,800
Treaties	140+	11+
Substance	Mandatory office, directors, employees in DIFC	Substance requirements aligned with EU code of conduct
Banking	DIFC-licensed banks and prime brokers	IoM banks plus UK introductions

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