DIFC (Dubai) vs Malta: which jurisdiction wins?

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

	DIFC (Dubai)	Malta
Tax headline	0% on qualifying income (9% otherwise)	35% headline, ~5% effective via refund system
Formation days	14	7
First-year cost	$12,000	$4,500
Treaties	140+	70+
Substance	Mandatory office, directors, employees in DIFC	EU substance requirements + DAC6
Banking	DIFC-licensed banks and prime brokers	Bank of Valletta, APS, plus EU EMIs

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