UBO, CRS & FATCA – privacy, not anonymity
UAE offshore companies keep owner details off public registers, but they are fully inside modern transparency rules. Here’s what’s private, what’s reported, and what you must disclose.
Last reviewed: 2026 · UBO rules have been updated (recent Cabinet decisions) – confirm current requirements with us
In short. An offshore company gives you privacy from public registers – your name isn’t published for anyone to look up. It does not give you anonymity: you must disclose your Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) to the authorities, and your financial-account information can be exchanged internationally under CRS and FATCA. Used legitimately, that’s not a problem – it’s the modern baseline.
Privacy vs anonymity – the crucial distinction
What you DO get (privacy)
- Shareholder/director details not on a public register
- No public listing for casual third parties to search
- Confidential corporate structuring
- Legitimate separation of ownership and operations
What you DON’T get (anonymity)
- UBO must be disclosed to the authorities
- Banks collect full KYC and source-of-funds
- Account data exchangeable under CRS / FATCA
- No concealment from tax authorities
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO)
A UBO is the natural person who ultimately owns or controls a company – usually identified by an ownership or control threshold. UAE rules require companies to identify, record and disclose their UBO to the relevant authority and to keep the information accurate and current. The framework is set by UAE Cabinet decisions on UBO procedures, which have been updated over time (the rules were most recently overhauled by a 2025 Cabinet decision replacing the earlier 2020 regime).
CRS & FATCA
| CRS | FATCA | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | OECD Common Reporting Standard for automatic exchange of financial-account info | US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act |
| Who it targets | Account holders’ countries of tax residence (multilateral) | US persons / US-linked accounts |
| UAE status | Participating jurisdiction | Implemented via UAE framework |
| Effect on offshore | Account info may be reported & exchanged | US-connected accounts reportable |
In practice this means a bank holding your offshore company’s account may report account details to the UAE authorities, who can exchange them with relevant foreign tax authorities – including your country of tax residence. This is routine and applies broadly to financial accounts worldwide.
Don’t forget your home country
Because of CRS/FATCA and your own residence-based tax rules (including controlled-foreign-company regimes in many countries), an offshore company often does not remove obligations in your country of tax residence. Always consider both UAE and home-country rules together. See our tax guide →
Want privacy done properly and compliantly?
We set up your structure, maintain the UBO register and keep your reporting in order as your registered agent.
FAQ
Are UAE offshore companies anonymous?
No. They offer privacy from public registers but are not anonymous – UBO must be disclosed to authorities and data can be exchanged under CRS/FATCA.
What is a UBO?
The natural person who ultimately owns or controls the company, identified by an ownership/control threshold. UAE companies must disclose their UBO.
Does CRS apply to my offshore company’s bank account?
It can. The UAE participates in CRS, so account information may be reported and exchanged with your country of tax residence.
Will an offshore company hide assets from my home country?
No – and it shouldn’t be used to. CRS/FATCA and home-country rules mean transparency to authorities is the norm.