Offshore Company Setup in UAE for Global Investors
- Create a well-structured offshore company in the UAE, set up correctly and kept compliant.
Why the UAE is the #1 Destination for Offshore Company Formation
The offshore company set up in UAE offers unmatched credibility because the UAE is:
- Recognised by global financial authorities
- Not listed in the FATF black/grey lists
- A well-regarded jurisdiction that banks and counterparties recognise
- A business-friendly country with a clear Corporate Tax framework and strong investor protection laws
Compared to traditional offshore countries, offshore company formation in Dubai gives you:
- Shareholder details are not on a public register (UBO details are still filed with the registrar)
- No currency restrictions
- 100% foreign ownership
- No personal income tax, and a 9% Corporate Tax rate only on taxable profit above AED 375,000
- Support with UAE and international bank account applications
This makes the UAE the preferred choice for elite founders and wealth-focused investors.
Our Premium Offshore Company Setup Services
We guide you through every step of setting up a Dubai offshore company, for a smooth and compliant experience.
- Dedicated relationship manager for elite clients
- KYC file prepared to match bank requirements
- Registered address in the UAE
- UBO register filing and ongoing compliance support
- Company name reservation + documentation
- MOA/AOA drafting
- Compliance calendar for annual renewals
- Support for global multi-currency bank accounts
Your offshore structure is delivered ready to operate—with all essential compliance handled for you.
Types of Offshore Jurisdictions in the UAE
Choose the jurisdiction that fits your goals and how you plan to use the company.
RAK ICC – Flexible & Internationally Recognised
Perfect for holding companies, asset protection, and IP ownership.
JAFZA Offshore – Dubai’s Most Prestigious Registry
Suited to investors who want a Dubai-registered offshore company, including for holding property in Dubai. Need a JAFZA company that can trade and sponsor visas? See our JAFZA business setup guide.
Ajman Offshore – Cost-Effective & Efficient
A simple, fast, and budget-friendly structure for international operations and SPVs.
Who Should Choose a UAE Offshore Company
A Dubai offshore company setup is ideal for:
- High-net-worth individuals
- Global investors
- Asset protection & wealth management
- Owning international properties
- Managing worldwide investments
- Royalty income & IP holding
- International invoicing
- Cross-border business operations
If you need a holding, investment or IP-owning company that does not trade inside the UAE, an offshore company in the UAE may be the right fit.
Key Features of an Offshore Company in UAE
- Clear UAE Corporate Tax rules (9% above AED 375,000 taxable profit; registration required)
- 100% foreign ownership
- Ownership details held by the registrar, not published publicly
- No office space required
- No capital requirement
- Ability to own property (JAFZA)
- Bank account application support (subject to each bank's checks)
- Fast incorporation (2–5 days)
A sleek, lean, highly secure structure built for elite international operations.
What You Cannot Do With an Offshore Company
- No business operations inside the UAE
- No visas under offshore companies
- No leasing office space
- Bank accounts may require stronger due diligence
- Corporate Tax registration and annual compliance still apply
Why Choose Us as Your Offshore Partner
Expert Advisory for Elite Clients
We understand the mindset of premium global investors and offer tailored offshore structuring advice.
Clear, Quick Guidance
Get your offshore company incorporated within 3 business days.
Banking Support
We prepare a complete KYC file for your bank application. The final decision always rests with the bank. Learn more about our corporate bank account opening support.
Legal & Compliance Accuracy
We support you with UBO filing, Corporate Tax registration, renewals and annual compliance to help you avoid penalties.
Long-Term Partnership
We stay with you even after setup — helping with strategy, renewals, tax advisory, and growth planning.
Your Offshore Company Setup Process
Offshore Company Setup Cost in UAE
Setting up an offshore company in the UAE is one of the most cost-efficient ways to structure your global business. The UAE offers multiple offshore jurisdictions—each with different pricing, benefits, and processing timelines. Below is what each option includes. Costs depend on your structure, so we give you an itemised quotation for your case.
RAK ICC Offshore Company
Receive a detailed quotation directly from our representative now
RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) is one of the most reputable offshore jurisdictions in the UAE. It is ideal for holding companies, global structuring, and asset protection.
Includes:
- Company name reservation
- Certificate of Incorporation
- MOA/AOA drafting
- Registered agent + registered address
- UBO & compliance support
- Digital incorporation documents
Best for:
Investors, holding structures, IP ownership, international business operations, and wealth structuring.
Ajman Offshore Company
Receive a detailed quotation directly from our representative now
Ajman Offshore is the most economical offshore jurisdiction in the UAE. It offers fast processing and a budget-friendly setup.
Includes:
- Company setup guidance
- Registered agent & UAE address
- Digital documents
- Basic compliance support
Best for:
Small investors, SPVs (Special Purpose Vehicles), and low-cost international trading structures.
JAFZA Offshore Company
Receive a detailed quotation directly from our representative now
JAFZA Offshore is Dubai’s most premium and prestigious offshore jurisdiction, recognised worldwide.
Includes:
- Company incorporation
- Dubai-based registered address
- MOA/AOA preparation
- Full compliance documentation
- Dedicated client servicing
Best for:
High-net-worth individuals, property holding in Dubai, international business owners, and those seeking a premium jurisdiction with strong credibility.
What Affects the Final Offshore Setup Cost
Actual pricing may vary based on:
- Number of shareholders
- Additional document attestation
- Bank account opening requirements
- Annual renewal fees
- Optional services (legalisation, POA, nominee directors, etc.)
How a UAE Offshore Company Works in Practice
A UAE offshore company is a company registered with an offshore registry, such as RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) or JAFZA Offshore, that is used for activity outside the UAE. It is a common choice for holding shares in other companies, owning intellectual property, holding investments, and in some cases owning property in designated areas. It is not a trading license for the UAE market. If you plan to sell to UAE customers, rent an office or sponsor visas, you need a free zone or mainland company instead.
What you need to get started
Every registry sets its own document list, but most applications ask for:
- Passport copies of every shareholder and director
- Proof of residential address and a short CV or profile for each person
- A brief description of what the company will hold or do
- Bank reference letters or source-of-funds information where the registry asks for them
- Corporate documents and resolutions if a shareholder is a company
Offshore companies must be set up through a registered agent. We act as your point of contact with the registry, prepare the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and file the documents for you.
Ongoing compliance you should plan for
An offshore company is not a "set and forget" entity. Plan for:
- Annual renewal with the registry and your registered agent
- Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) records, which the registrar holds and which must be kept up to date
- Corporate Tax registration with the Federal Tax Authority, and annual returns where they apply
- Accounting records that support your tax position and your bank's reviews
Our Corporate Tax and VAT services cover registration and filing, so your offshore company stays compliant year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an offshore company and a free zone company?
A free zone company holds a trade license, can lease an office in its free zone and can sponsor UAE residence visas. An offshore company cannot do business inside the UAE, cannot lease UAE office space and cannot sponsor visas. Offshore suits holding, investment and IP structures; a free zone company suits businesses that want to operate from the UAE. See our free zone business setup options if you need to trade.
Can an offshore company open a bank account?
Yes, offshore companies can apply for corporate bank accounts in the UAE and abroad. Each bank runs its own checks on the owners, the source of funds and the planned activity, and the decision is always the bank's. Offshore applications often face closer review, so a complete, consistent KYC file matters. We help you prepare it and guide you through the application.
Does UAE Corporate Tax apply to an offshore company?
UAE Corporate Tax applies to companies incorporated in the UAE, and that includes offshore companies. The rate is 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that. Offshore companies generally need to register for Corporate Tax with the Federal Tax Authority, and certain income, such as qualifying dividends, may be exempt. How the rules apply depends on your company's income, so get advice for your situation.
Can I set up an offshore company remotely?
In most cases, yes. Incorporation is handled through a registered agent, so documents can usually be signed and sent from abroad, with attestation where the registry asks for it. Opening the bank account is the step most likely to need a visit, depending on the bank.