Offshore Setup

Offshore Company Setup

Establish a UAE offshore company for international business, asset protection, and tax efficiency.

Benefits of UAE Offshore Companies

A UAE offshore company offers the perfect structure for international business activities with strong legal protections.

Tax Benefits

0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Standard 9% rate applies only on non-qualifying income above AED 375,000. No personal income tax and no withholding tax.

International Status

Globally recognized jurisdiction for international business operations.

Confidentiality

Strong privacy protections for shareholders and directors.

Asset Protection

Protect your assets through a secure legal framework.

Holding Companies

Ideal structure for holding investments, IP, and subsidiaries.

Real Estate Ownership

Offshore companies can own property in designated freehold areas.

JAFZA Offshore

Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) is one of the most popular offshore jurisdictions in the UAE. JAFZA offshore companies are internationally recognized, offer strong confidentiality protections, and provide a cost-effective solution for global business operations.

No physical office required

No minimum share capital

Multi-currency bank accounts

No audit requirements

Annual renewal process

Property ownership in freehold areas

Common Use Cases

Offshore companies serve a variety of legitimate business purposes.

International Trading

Conduct business internationally while benefiting from the UAE’s extensive double tax treaty network.

Holding Company

Hold shares in other companies, manage investments, and consolidate business interests under one entity.

Asset Protection

Safeguard personal and business assets through a robust offshore corporate structure.

Real Estate Investment

Purchase property in Dubai’s freehold areas through your offshore company.

Setup Process

Incorporation takes approximately 1-2 weeks. Banking assistance (application through approval) typically adds 2-4 weeks.

STEP 1

1-2 days

Choose Jurisdiction

Select between JAFZA Offshore (Dubai-based, better bank access, Dubai property ownership) and RAK ICC (lower fees, popular for international holding and trading structures).

STEP 2

1-2 days

Reserve Company Name

Reserve a unique company name that complies with jurisdiction requirements. The name must end in "Limited" or "Ltd."

STEP 3

1-3 days

Submit Documents

Complete the application and submit all required documents to the chosen offshore authority for review.

STEP 4

3-5 days

Receive Certificate of Incorporation

Once approved, receive your certificate of incorporation and official company documents.

STEP 5

Included

Appoint Registered Agent

A registered agent is mandatory for all offshore companies. This is included in our service package. We handle it for you.

STEP 6

2-4 weeks

Banking Assistance

We assist with documentation preparation and bank introductions for corporate account applications. A personal visit to the bank is usually required.

Required Documents

Document requirements vary by jurisdiction and whether the shareholder is an individual or corporation.

Individual Shareholders

Notarized passport copy
Proof of residential address (less than 3 months old)
Bank reference letter (less than 3 months old)
Curriculum vitae (CV)
Passport-size photograph

Corporate Shareholders

Attested certificate of incorporation
Certificate of good standing
Board resolution authorizing setup
Memorandum and articles of association
Register of directors and shareholders
Passport copies of all UBOs (Ultimate Beneficial Owners)

Banking Assistance: Required Documents

All individual and corporate documents above
Detailed business plan
Expected transaction volumes and currencies

Offshore jurisdictions update fee schedules, renewal procedures, and banking-introduction requirements periodically. Information current as of May 2026. Contact us for current requirements specific to your situation.

Offshore Company FAQ

Common questions about UAE offshore company formation.

Ready to set up your offshore company?

Fifteen-minute call with the founder. We’ll match you to JAFZA or RAK ICC based on your goals and walk the incorporation and banking introductions through together.

Book a 15-minute consultation