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DIFC (Dubai) vs Labuan: which jurisdiction wins?
DIFC (Dubai) vs Labuan — both credible, very different trade-offs. Below: side-by-side on the variables that actually move the decision.
| DIFC (Dubai) | Labuan | |
|---|---|---|
| Tax headline | 0% on qualifying income (9% otherwise) | 3% on audited net profits |
| Formation days | 14 | 14 |
| First-year cost | $12,000 | $5,000 |
| Treaties | 140+ | 70+ |
| Substance | Mandatory office, directors, employees in DIFC | Substance Regulations 2018 |
| Banking | DIFC-licensed banks and prime brokers | Labuan banks plus Malaysia intros |
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