UAE Offshore Company Formation
International holding, asset protection, and tax-efficient structuring vehicles — without requiring physical presence or visas in the UAE.
What is a UAE Offshore company?
A UAE Offshore (International Business Company) is a non-resident entity used primarily for holding international assets, owning real estate, and structuring cross-border investments. Offshore companies cannot trade inside the UAE or sponsor visas.
The three main UAE offshore jurisdictions are JAFZA Offshore (Dubai), RAK ICC (Ras Al Khaimah), and Ajman Offshore — each with different costs, reputational standing, and use cases.
Why this is the right option
100% foreign ownership
No local partner required.
Asset protection
Hold property, shares, and IP in a separate legal entity.
Confidentiality
Shareholder details are not on a public register.
No corporate tax
Offshore entities are non-resident for tax purposes.
No physical office required
Registered agent address only.
Multi-currency banking
Open accounts with UAE and international banks.
Documents required
- Passport copy of shareholders & directors
- Proof of address (utility bill, max 3 months old)
- Bank reference letter or CV
- Proposed company name (3 options)
- Business activity description
How it works, step by step
- 01
Initial consultation
Tell us your activity, goals, and budget. We recommend the right jurisdiction.
- 02
Document collection
We share a clear document checklist and collect everything via secure upload.
- 03
Application & approvals
Our team files the trade name reservation, initial approval, and licence application.
- 04
Licence issuance
Trade licence + MOA are issued. We hand over originals digitally and by courier.
Starting from AED 11,000
Indicative for RAK ICC. JAFZA Offshore and Ajman Offshore have different fee structures.
Frequently asked questions
Can't find what you need? Our consultants are happy to answer any specific questions.
Ask a ConsultantCan an offshore company sponsor a UAE visa?+
No. Offshore companies are non-resident and cannot sponsor visas. For visa eligibility, choose a free zone or mainland setup.
Can an offshore company own Dubai property?+
Only JAFZA Offshore is approved by the Dubai Land Department to hold Dubai freehold property directly. RAK ICC and Ajman Offshore cannot.
Is the shareholder register public?+
No — UAE offshore registers are confidential and not searchable by the public.
How long does the whole process take?+
Typical timelines are 3–10 working days from receipt of complete documents, depending on the jurisdiction and activity.
Do I need to be in the UAE during setup?+
For most setups, no. Many steps can be done remotely. Emirates ID biometrics and bank visits require a short visit.
Ready to start your UAE journey?
Speak with a consultant. No obligation. We respond within 1 business day.