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Offshore Company Setup

Offshore Company Formation

Secure your global assets with a premium UAE offshore company. Establish international trading structures, enjoy 100% tax exemption, and maintain complete corporate confidentiality.

1. Overview of UAE Offshore Setup

An offshore company, also known as a non-resident company, is registered in the UAE but is not permitted to conduct commercial activity within the local mainland market. It is primarily established by international businesses and investors seeking a secure corporate vehicle for global trade, investment holding, and asset protection.

  • 100% foreign shareholder ownership
  • 0% corporate tax on global operations
  • High level of shareholder confidentiality
  • No physical office space required
Offshore Setup Overview

2. Choosing the Right Offshore Jurisdiction

The UAE offers two main jurisdictions for offshore company formation: Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) in Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC). JAFZA allows offshore entities to own Dubai properties, whereas RAK ICC offers highly cost-effective setup and renewal packages for general global trade.

  • JAFZA for Dubai property ownership
  • RAK ICC for cost-effective holding
  • Secure legal frameworks for structures
  • Ease of holding international assets
Offshore Jurisdictions JAFZA RAKICC

3. Assets, Trust & Corporate Confidentiality

Offshore company formation is a highly effective tool for asset protection and estate planning. By placing your assets (such as real estate, shares, or intellectual property) under an offshore corporate umbrella, you isolate personal liabilities and secure your wealth against commercial risks.

  • Isolate personal liabilities from assets
  • Secure wealth against business risks
  • Non-public registry of shareholders
  • Ideal for global holding structures
Asset Protection and Security

4. The Offshore Incorporation Process

Registering an offshore entity requires submitting shareholder passport copies, proof of address, and professional reference letters through a registered agent in the UAE. Our team drafts the necessary memorandum articles and manages all coordination with RAK ICC or JAFZA authorities on your behalf.

  • Registered agent representation support
  • Memorandum of Association drafting
  • Compilation of shareholder KYC files
  • Authority registration certificate issuance
Incorporation and Setup Documents

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a UAE Offshore Company?
An offshore company is a non-resident legal entity registered in a UAE offshore jurisdiction (such as RAK ICC or JAFZA). It is designed for holding assets, estate planning, and conducting international business outside the UAE.
What are the main benefits of an Offshore setup?
Key benefits include 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax, asset protection, shareholder privacy (non-public register), ease of international invoicing, and no requirement to lease physical office space in the UAE.
Can an Offshore company trade inside the UAE local market?
No. Offshore companies are strictly prohibited from conducting direct commercial transactions inside the UAE local mainland or Free Zone markets. All business activity must be executed outside the UAE borders.
Do Offshore companies require a physical office in the UAE?
No. Offshore companies do not need physical office space. Instead, they must maintain a registered address through a licensed agent (like MSM) in the UAE.
Which offshore jurisdiction allows Dubai property ownership?
JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) offshore companies are officially authorized to own freehold real estate assets in Dubai, subject to approvals from the Dubai Land Department and the zone authority.
Are Offshore company details publicly accessible?
No. Unlike mainland registries, UAE offshore registries (RAK ICC and JAFZA) do not make shareholder, director, or beneficiary information available to the public, providing a high level of corporate confidentiality.
Can an Offshore company obtain UAE residency visas?
No. Offshore company registration does not grant eligibility for investor or employment residence visas. If you require UAE residence visas, you must register a Mainland or Free Zone company.
Can an Offshore company open a bank account in the UAE?
Yes, offshore companies can open bank accounts in the UAE, though the compliance, KYC, and vetting processes are highly rigorous. You will need to show active business activity and shareholder backgrounds.
What documents are required to set up an Offshore company?
You must supply passport copies of shareholders and directors, utility bills as proof of address, bank reference letters, and a curriculum vitae (CV) detailing the shareholders' business background.
How long does the Offshore registration take?
Incorporating a UAE offshore company is very fast. RAK ICC registrations typically take between 2 to 4 working days, whereas JAFZA offshore company registrations take 5 to 7 working days once all KYC documentation is approved.

Go deeper

Specific situations we handle under this service, each covered in full.

Offshore

JAFZA Offshore

JAFZA offshore companies are holding vehicles, not trading licences.

Offshore

RAK ICC Offshore

RAK ICC is the UAE most used offshore registry for holding structures.

Ready to set up your Offshore Company?

Our corporate service team will manage the registered agent filings, articles drafting, and asset registration for RAK ICC and JAFZA.

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