Offshore Company Formation in Dubai & UAE
Set up a 100% foreign-owned offshore company in RAK ICC, JAFZA or Ajman — for holding, international trade and asset protection. One registered agent, no minimum capital, a tax-neutral setup.
Updated 2026
In short: A UAE offshore company is an entity registered in RAK ICC, JAFZA (Dubai offshore) or Ajman, used for holding, international trade and asset protection. It offers 100% foreign ownership, no minimum capital and a tax-neutral setup — but it cannot trade inside the UAE, cannot issue visas, and is not automatically tax-free: UAE Corporate Tax, Economic Substance and UBO rules may still apply. See our tax guide and jurisdiction comparison.
Three offshore jurisdictions in the UAE
“Dubai offshore” is a common name for a JAFZA company — there is no separate “Dubai offshore” registry. Modern “RAK offshore” companies are registered by RAK ICC (which consolidated the former RAK Offshore between 2016 and 2018).
Premium Dubai-based offshore vehicle with strong banking reputation.
✓ The only vehicle that can own Dubai real estate
✓ Strong reputation with banks
The balanced choice: lower cost, fast and simple incorporation.
✓ Lower cost of establishment
✓ Fast incorporation (~1–5 days)
The lowest-cost entry point for a simple offshore structure.
✓ The lowest-cost option
✓ No minimum authorized capital
Not sure which jurisdiction fits?
Compare cost, setup speed, real-estate rights and reputation side by side.
What is an offshore company?
An offshore company is a legal entity established to conduct business activity outside the country of its incorporation or place of its ultimate ownership. Such companies are governed by the legislation of the jurisdiction where they are incorporated. The main goal is to manage one’s own capital and to plan taxes legally and efficiently. The most common reasons to incorporate in the UAE are a high level of privacy, protection of the company’s assets and a stable legal system. See the definitions of key terms in our offshore glossary.
Advantages of a UAE offshore company
The main benefits of using an offshore corporate structure in the UAE.
Access global markets from a reputable jurisdiction.
Efficient, legal tax planning — subject to meeting UAE conditions.
No local partner or sponsor required.
No statutory minimum authorized capital.
No restrictions on repatriation of capital.
The registered agent provides the address.
Privacy of owner details — privacy, not anonymity.
Straightforward transfer and holding of shares.
Ability to own property in certain regions (JAFZA / RAK ICC).
Good to knowAn offshore company does not receive a trade licence but a certificate of incorporation. It cannot conduct commercial transactions within the UAE, cannot issue visas or hire employees, and may face limitations and difficulties when opening a bank account. All administrative duties are handled through an authorized registered agent, whose address serves as the company’s registered address.Offshore vs Free Zone vs Mainland
An offshore company suits some business models, but not all. Compare it with the alternatives before you decide.
Choose Offshore if…
You need a holding vehicle, SPV, international trade or asset protection — with no UAE office, visas or local trading.
Choose Free Zone if…
You want to trade, get visas and operate a real business with 100% ownership. See our free zone hub.
Choose Mainland if…
You need to trade directly inside the UAE market and with government. See our mainland hub.
See the full comparison
Trade rights, visas, ownership, tax and cost — side by side.
Tax & compliance: what changed
A UAE offshore company is not automatically “tax-free”. Depending on your activity and structure, several obligations may apply.
Types of offshore companies
Three structures are commonly available for UAE offshore incorporation.
CLS
Company Limited by Shares
Most common
Shareholder liability limited to invested capital. At least one shareholder and one director. Used for:
- International Business Company
- Holding Company
- Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)
- Joint Venture / Project Company
- Family Office
- Segregated Portfolio Company
CLG
Company Limited by Guarantee
Membership-based
Members guarantee a specified amount payable on liquidation; membership rights are non-transferable. Typically used as:
- An incorporated association
- A vehicle conferring membership rights on real-estate owners
- Management of a property development
UC
Unlimited Company
Specialist use
A separate legal entity where members have joint, several and unlimited liability. Useful for:
- Avoiding the need for shareholder guarantees to support credit
- International tax planning
- Structures owning assets in the company’s own name
How to set up an offshore company
The main stages of offshore company incorporation in the UAE (typically 3–20 working days).
Appoint an authorized registered agent to run the whole process and provide an address.
Select the optimal jurisdiction based on your business structure and goals.
Reserve a company name (must end with “Limited”) and get activities approved.
Sign articles of association, agent appointment, certified passport copy and proof of address.
File the application and receive the certificate of incorporation.
An offshore structure ideally suits companies in international trade, export/import, logistics and delivery — no leased office, no residence permit, tax efficiency and no customs duties. Each offshore company must appoint an authorized agent approved by the jurisdiction, and this is where we help: with local market knowledge and years of experience, we help you choose a jurisdiction and manage the full incorporation process.
Frequently asked questions
Is a UAE offshore company completely tax-free?
Not automatically. UAE Corporate Tax is 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that. Many holding-type offshore companies effectively pay 0%, but this is a result of meeting conditions, not an automatic exemption — and registration may still be required. See our tax guide.
Is there a separate “Dubai offshore” registry?
No. “Dubai offshore” is a common marketing name for a JAFZA offshore company. The three UAE offshore jurisdictions are RAK ICC, JAFZA and Ajman.
Can an offshore company own property in the UAE?
Yes, in certain regions. JAFZA and RAK ICC are the two offshore vehicles permitted by law to own immovable property in Dubai.
Does an offshore company give me full anonymity?
No. Offshore companies offer privacy, not anonymity. Ultimate beneficial owners must be disclosed to the authorities, and account information may be exchanged internationally under CRS/FATCA. See our UBO, CRS & FATCA guide.
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