Offshore Company Setup UAE
Hold assets, own shares and structure international business through a UAE offshore company. Full foreign ownership, no corporate tax on qualifying income, and no requirement for a physical office or residence visa.
A lean vehicle for holding, investing and international trade
A UAE offshore company is registered in a dedicated jurisdiction such as JAFZA Offshore, RAK ICC or Ajman Offshore and is designed for activities conducted outside the UAE. It cannot trade in the local market or sponsor visas, but it can own shares in other companies, hold real estate in designated areas, open UAE bank accounts, and act as a holding or asset-protection vehicle. Setup is fast, there is no requirement for office space, and reporting obligations are light. It is the right structure for investors, consultants working with overseas clients, and groups that want a UAE-based holding entity without the cost of an operating license. We advise on which offshore jurisdiction fits your goals and manage registration through to bank account opening.
- 100% foreign ownership with no local partner
- No physical office or UAE residence required
- Own shares, intellectual property and approved real estate
- Confidential shareholder and director register
- UAE corporate bank account eligibility
- JAFZA Offshore, RAK ICC and Ajman Offshore options
The right jurisdiction for your purpose
We compare JAFZA, RAK ICC and Ajman against what you actually need, whether property holding, a group holding company or an international trading vehicle, and handle the setup end to end.
Complete offshore incorporation
Jurisdiction Advisory
JAFZA Offshore allows Dubai property ownership, RAK ICC is cost-effective for holding structures, Ajman Offshore suits simple international trading. We recommend the one that fits your objectives and budget.
Name Reservation & Registration
Name approval, preparation of the memorandum and articles, registered agent appointment and submission to the offshore registrar through to certificate of incorporation.
Registered Agent & Address
Every offshore company needs a licensed registered agent and a registered address in the jurisdiction. We provide both and manage annual compliance with the registrar.
Corporate Documents
Certificate of incorporation, MOA and AOA, share certificates, register of directors and shareholders, and certificates of incumbency or good standing whenever a bank or counterparty requires them.
Bank Account Introduction
Offshore companies can open UAE bank accounts but banks apply enhanced due diligence. We prepare a compliant application file and introduce you to banks that actively onboard offshore entities.
Annual Renewal & Compliance
Annual registration renewal, economic substance and UBO filings where applicable, and any amendments to shareholders, directors or share capital over the life of the company.
From consultation to incorporation
Structure Consultation
We understand what the company will hold or do, confirm offshore is the right vehicle rather than a free zone company, and select the jurisdiction.
KYC & Documentation
Passport copies, proof of address, bank reference and a short business plan for each shareholder and director. We check everything for registrar and bank acceptance.
Registration
We reserve the name, draft the constitutional documents and submit to the registrar. Most offshore companies incorporate within three to five working days.
Post-Incorporation
Corporate documents are delivered, the bank account application begins, and we set up the annual renewal calendar so the company stays in good standing.
Structure Consultation
We understand what the company will hold or do, confirm offshore is the right vehicle rather than a free zone company, and select the jurisdiction.
KYC & Documentation
Passport copies, proof of address, bank reference and a short business plan for each shareholder and director. We check everything for registrar and bank acceptance.
Registration
We reserve the name, draft the constitutional documents and submit to the registrar. Most offshore companies incorporate within three to five working days.
Post-Incorporation
Corporate documents are delivered, the bank account application begins, and we set up the annual renewal calendar so the company stays in good standing.
Frequently asked questions about offshore companies
A free zone company holds a trade license, can lease an office, sponsor residence visas and trade within its zone and internationally. An offshore company has no trade license, cannot sponsor visas or trade in the UAE market, and is designed purely for holding assets and conducting business outside the UAE. It is cheaper and simpler, but less flexible.
Ready to structure your holdings in the UAE?
Book a free consultation and we will confirm whether offshore, free zone or mainland is the right vehicle for your plans.