Maximum privacy and tax optimization for global business
Safeguard your assets with strong confidentiality and privacy laws
Complete tax exemption on all profits and capital gains
Minimal compliance with no mandatory audit or annual filing requirements
Directors and shareholders information kept completely confidential
Conduct international business operations and cross-border trading
Complete company setup in 2-4 working days with minimal documentation
Perfect for specific business models and objectives
Import/export businesses trading globally without UAE market needs
Commodity trading
Cross-border e-commerce
International wholesale
Individuals seeking to protect and structure their wealth
Property portfolio holding
Investment management
Family wealth structuring
Corporate groups optimizing tax and ownership structures
Parent holding companies
Subsidiary management
IP holding structures
Professional service providers working internationally
Business consultants
Financial advisors
Technical experts
Choose from trusted UAE offshore authorities
JAFZA Offshore
📍 Dubai
From
AED 8,999
Setup
2-3 days
Visas
1-2 visas
RAK International Corporate Centre
📍 Ras Al Khaimah
From
AED 7,999
Setup
2-3 days
Visas
1-2 visas
Ajman Free Zone
📍 Ajman
From
AED 6,999
Setup
2-4 days
Visas
1 visa
Complete formation in 2-4 working days
Select and reserve your offshore company name with the authority
Provide passport copies, address proof, and business plan outline
Receive company name approval from offshore authority
Get offshore company certificate and incorporation documents
Open corporate bank account (optional but recommended)
Apply for investor visa if required (optional)
Strategic applications for offshore entities
Ideal for import/export businesses trading outside UAE
Examples:
Hold and protect valuable assets like property and investments
Examples:
Optimize multinational business structure and operations
Examples:
Provide international consulting and advisory services
Examples:
Transparent pricing from AED 6,999
* Prices exclude government fees and optional services. No hidden charges.
Understand offshore company limitations
Cannot conduct business or trade within UAE domestic market
Cannot maintain physical office premises in UAE (registered address only)
Restricted to 1-2 investor visas, no employee visa sponsorship
Business operations must be conducted outside UAE jurisdiction
Complete comparison to help you decide
| Feature | Offshore | Freezone | Mainland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup Cost | AED 6,999+ | AED 10,999+ | AED 15,999+ |
| Corporate Tax | 0% | 0% (qualifying) | 9% (if applicable) |
| UAE Market Access | ✗ No | ✗ Restricted | ✓ Full Access |
| International Trade | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Physical Office | ✗ Not Required | Virtual/Flexi | Mandatory |
| Accounting/Audit | ✗ Not Required | Required | Required |
| Visa Allocation | 1-2 visas | Based on space | Unlimited |
| Privacy Level | Maximum | Standard | Standard |
| Setup Time | 2-4 days | 3-5 days | 5-10 days |
| Best For | Asset holding, Trading | Tax optimization | Local market |
Everything you need to know about UAE offshore companies
An Offshore Company in UAE is a business entity registered in designated offshore jurisdictions (JAFZA, RAK ICC, Ajman) that can only conduct business outside UAE. It offers 0% tax, maximum privacy, asset protection, and minimal compliance requirements. Ideal for international trading, asset holding, and corporate structuring.
No, UAE Offshore companies are strictly prohibited from conducting any business activities within UAE mainland or free zones. They can only trade internationally, hold assets, and provide services outside UAE. Violating this restriction can result in penalties and license cancellation.
Initial setup can be completed 100% remotely without visiting UAE. However, if you want investor visa, you must visit UAE once for biometric Emirates ID and visa stamping (2-3 days process). Many clients establish offshore companies without visas for pure international trading.
Yes, you can open corporate bank accounts with UAE banks or international banks. However, UAE banks have become more stringent - they require comprehensive business documentation, proof of economic substance, and clear business purpose. International banking options may be more accessible for offshore entities.
Annual costs include license renewal (AED 4,000-8,000 depending on jurisdiction), registered office/agent fee (AED 2,000-4,000), and visa renewal if applicable (AED 5,000-7,000 per visa). Total annual maintenance typically ranges from AED 6,000-20,000 depending on services.
Offshore companies have minimal compliance requirements with no mandatory accounting, audit, or annual filing obligations in UAE. However, you should maintain proper records for your home country tax obligations and for banking/due diligence purposes. Some jurisdictions may require basic record keeping.
Offshore companies can hold certain types of real estate in designated freehold areas of UAE, subject to specific regulations and developer approvals. However, property transfer fees and ownership structures vary by emirate. Consult legal advisors for real estate holding structures.
JAFZA Offshore (Dubai): Most established, premium pricing (AED 8,999+), better banking relations. RAK ICC: Balanced option with good privacy, competitive pricing (AED 7,999+). Ajman Offshore: Most budget-friendly (AED 6,999+), simpler structure. All offer same tax benefits and offshore advantages.