Companies & entities
Setting up an SPF in Luxembourg
The SPF (family wealth management company) is a Luxembourg structure reserved for the holding of financial assets by individuals. It may not carry on any commercial activity and benefits from a specific tax regime. The firm verifies its eligibility and handles its incorporation.
Legal content reviewed by Maître Cora Maglo, Avocate à la Cour, Liste I du Barreau de Luxembourg depuis 2009.
The SPF, created by the Law of 11 May 2007, is used exclusively to manage private wealth (securities, cash, financial instruments). It is prohibited from carrying on any commercial activity and may not directly hold operational real estate.
Cerno Law Firm confirms whether the SPF is suited to your situation and oversees its incorporation and operation.
The need
You wish to house and manage private financial wealth.
The SPF is subject to strict restrictions that must not be crossed.
The risk
An unauthorised activity leading to the loss of the SPF regime, or the holding of prohibited assets.
Inappropriate use exposes the company to reclassification.
How we help
Eligibility analysis, choice of the underlying corporate form, drafting of the articles of association and definition of the permitted activities.
Advice on the limits to be observed in order to preserve the regime.
Practice areas
When to call on the firm
- Manage a private securities portfolio.
- Organise the holding of family wealth.
- Separate private wealth from professional activities.
- Prepare a transfer of wealth.
Method
Our engagement process
- 1
Information intake
You describe your need via a structured form or an initial call. Our digital tools serve only to organise this information and save time.
- 2
Lawyer qualification
Maître Maglo reviews your situation, identifies the legal issues and confirms the feasibility and exact scope of the engagement.
- 3
Transparent quote
You receive a clear fee proposal, a fixed fee or a range, before any engagement. Nothing is billed without your approval.
- 4
Legal work
The firm drafts, negotiates or litigates as required. Every deliverable is designed and approved by a lawyer admitted to the Luxembourg Bar.
- 5
Tracking and delivery
You follow your matter transparently and receive your finalised documents with the explanations you need.
Documents required
- • Nature of the assets to be housed
- • Identity of the beneficiaries (individuals)
- • Wealth objectives
Deliverables
- • SPF eligibility analysis
- • Articles of association
- • Framework of permitted activities
Indicative timing
Incorporation within one to two weeks, depending on the underlying corporate form and the formalities.
Fixed fee announced
Depending on the underlying corporate form and the complexity of the wealth involved.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Who may hold an SPF?
Only individuals acting in the management of their private wealth, or wealth-holding entities acting on their behalf.
May an SPF carry on a commercial activity?
No. Any commercial activity is prohibited and results in the loss of the SPF regime.
May an SPF hold real estate?
Not directly for operational purposes; it may hold shares in companies, subject to conditions. The firm reviews each case.
Member of
Affiliations & réseaux professionnels
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Our work
Representative matters, anonymised
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Avocate à la Cour, List I of the Luxembourg Bar since 2009
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Member of international networks: EILN, AEA, Cross Border Advisory Solutions
Every matter handled and approved by a lawyer admitted to the Bar
Support in 7 languages, clients of 170 nationalities
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What our clients say
Had a consultation with Me Cora Maglo about my Luxembourg Blue Card application. She explained everything clearly: the process, timeline and documents I need, and helped me with my wife’s family reunification too. Honest and practical advice. I felt confident after talking to her.Farshid Pourlatifi
J’ai beaucoup apprécié le service de Maître Maglo : son sérieux, sa sympathie, son professionnalisme et sa disponibilité. Toujours répondu rapidement et clairement, avec des conseils pragmatiques, sans pousser à des procédures longues et coûteuses lorsqu’elles ne sont pas justifiées.Nathan Wirtzfeld
Super assistance and great support! Highly recommend. All my questions were answered, Cora and her team kept me updated all the time. I will definitely reach out to them next time for my residency.Tatiana
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