Malta vs DIFC (Dubai): which jurisdiction wins?

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

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

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