Offshore Company Formation
The ultimate vehicle for international asset holding, tax planning, and global trade. 100% Tax-Free, No Visas, Maximum Privacy.
Asset Protection
Safeguard your global assets, intellectual property, and real estate within a secure UAE legal framework.
0% Tax
Offshore companies are legally tax-exempt as they do not conduct business within the UAE. (Note: Subject to Substance Regs).
Privacy
Shareholder details are generally not available on public registers, offering a layer of confidentiality.
What is an Offshore Company?
A UAE Offshore Company (also known as an International Business Company or IBC) is a legal entity registered in a UAE Free Zone but intended largely for business outside the UAE or for holding global assets.
Unlike Mainland or standard Free Zone companies, Offshore companies cannot trade within the UAE and do not provide visa eligibility. They are primarily used as holding vehicles for property, shares in other companies, or for international consulting services to bill foreign clients.
Common Use Cases
- Holding Company: To hold shares of subsidiaries in UAE Mainland or Free Zones (and avoid foreign attestation fees).
- Property Holding: Specifically in Dubai (via JAFZA Offshore) or RAK (via RAKICC) to own freehold property.
- International Trade: Using a UAE bank account to facilitate trade between two foreign countries (triangular trade).
Offshore License Types
Investment/Holding
The most popular structure. Used to hold assets, shares, or property to segregate liabilities.
- Hold Real Estate (JAFZA/RAK)
- Hold Shares in Local Companies
General Trading
Trade in permitted goods internationally. Goods cannot enter UAE customs territory.
- International Invoicing
- No Physical Office Required
Top Offshore Jurisdictions
JAFZA Offshore
Dubai - Jebel Ali
The ONLY offshore vehicle permitted to own freehold property in Dubai directly.
RAKICC
Ras Al Khaimah
Highly cost-effective, premium reputation. Common Law courts available (ADGM/DIFC Wills).
Mainland vs. Free Zone vs. Offshore
| Feature | Mainland | Free Zone | Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operation Scope | Anywhere in UAE & Intl. | Designated Zone & Intl. | International Only |
| Office Requirement | Physical Office (200 sqft+) | Flexi-desk Allowed | No Office (Registered Agent) |
| Visas | Unlimited (Based on space) | Allocated per Package | No Visas |
| Ownership | 100% Foreign Owned | 100% Foreign Owned | 100% Foreign Owned |
| Tax (Qualifying) | 9% Corporate Tax | 0% Corporate Tax* | 0% (No Tax Residency) |
Setup Process
Select Agent
Offshore companies MUST be registered through a Registered Agent (like us). You cannot apply directly.
Compliance
Submit KYC documents (Passport, Proof of Address, Bank Reference) for security checks.
Name Approval
Choose 3 names ending in "Limited" or "Ltd". The registrar approves the name.
Sign MOA
Sign the incorporation documents. This can often be done remotely or digitally.
Incorporation
Receive your Certificate of Incorporation and Memorandum of Association.
Bank Account
Open a corporate bank account. (Note: Offshore bank account opening is stricter than onshore).
Investment & Requirements
Estimated Cost Structure
- Registration Fee: ~AED 7k-10k
- Registered Agent Fee: varies
- Renewal: ~AED 8k annually
- No Visa Costs (0 Visas)
Key Documents
- Passport Copy: For all shareholders.
- Proof of Address: Recent utility bill (interational accepted).
- Bank Reference Letter: From shareholder's personal bank.
- CV/Resume: Profile of the owner.
Success Stories
Expert Advice
⚠️ Critical Restriction
You CANNOT issue residence visas under an Offshore company. If you need a visa, choose Free Zone.
✅ Pro Tip
Use an Offshore company as the shareholder of your Mainland LLC to protect your identity on public records.