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DIFC (Dubai) vs Seychelles: which jurisdiction wins?
DIFC (Dubai) vs Seychelles — both credible, very different trade-offs. Below: side-by-side on the variables that actually move the decision.
| DIFC (Dubai) | Seychelles | |
|---|---|---|
| Tax headline | 0% on qualifying income (9% otherwise) | 0% on foreign-sourced income (IBC) |
| Formation days | 14 | 3 |
| First-year cost | $12,000 | $1,500 |
| Treaties | 140+ | 28+ |
| Substance | Mandatory office, directors, employees in DIFC | Light substance for IBCs |
| Banking | DIFC-licensed banks and prime brokers | Limited; rely on EMIs and intros |
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