Business setup
UAE offshore company formation for holding and international business.
An offshore company is a holding vehicle registered in the UAE for owning shares, property and investments, and for business outside the country. It cannot trade in the UAE or sponsor visas. We register the company and keep its records in order.
- Registries: JAFZA Offshore, RAK ICC, Ajman
- 3
- Foreign ownership
- 100%
- A holding structure, not an operating one
- No visas
Overview
A structure for holding, not for operating.
UAE offshore companies are used to hold shares in other companies, own real estate, protect family assets, plan succession and invoice international clients. They are registered through an approved registered agent, need no physical office and have no minimum capital in practice.
What they cannot do is just as important. An offshore company cannot carry on business with UAE residents, rent an office, or sponsor residence visas. If you need any of those, a free zone or mainland company is the right vehicle, sometimes owned by the offshore company above it.
- Registered through an approved agent
- No physical office required
- Can own shares in UAE and foreign companies
- Can hold approved UAE real estate
Benefits
What offshore companies are used for.
The common purposes behind the structures we register.
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Holding company
Own shares in operating companies in the UAE and abroad under one parent.
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Property ownership
Hold freehold property in approved areas through a company, which simplifies transfers and inheritance.
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Asset protection
Separate personal wealth and business risk in distinct legal entities.
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Succession planning
Pass shares to the next generation under the company’s articles, without dividing each asset.
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International trade
Invoice clients outside the UAE and hold accounts in multiple currencies.
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Low running cost
No office lease or visa costs, and a modest annual renewal fee.
Good to know
Know the limits before you register.
Offshore does not mean outside the rules.
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Banking takes preparation
Banks ask for clear evidence of the owners, the source of funds and the purpose of the company.
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Corporate tax still applies
Offshore companies are within the UAE corporate tax regime and must assess registration and filing.
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Records and UBO register
Accounting records and a register of beneficial owners must be kept and made available on request.
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Registry differences
JAFZA Offshore suits Dubai property. RAK ICC and Ajman Offshore are more flexible and cost less.
The process
Offshore setup in four steps.
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Purpose and registry
What the company will hold and where, which decides the registry.
Day 1 -
Due diligence
Know-your-customer checks on every shareholder and director.
Day 2 to 5 -
Incorporation
Memorandum and articles signed, certificate of incorporation issued.
Week 1 to 2 -
Bank account
Bank introduction and the supporting file for account opening.
Week 3 onwards
Getting started
Documents for an offshore company.
Registries apply strict identity checks to every owner.
- Passport copies of shareholders and directors
- Proof of residential address issued within the last three months
- Bank reference letter or recent bank statements
- Brief profile or CV of each shareholder
- Description of the intended activities and source of funds
- For corporate shareholders: attested incorporation documents and register of owners
Offshore company FAQ
Questions about a offshore company.
Have a question about your own company? An advisor replies the same working day.
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What is the difference between an offshore and a free zone company?
A free zone company is an operating company with a licence, an office and visas. An offshore company is a holding vehicle with no licence to trade in the UAE, no office and no visas.
Can an offshore company open a bank account in the UAE?
Yes, subject to the bank’s compliance checks. A clear purpose, documented source of funds and a connection to the UAE make approval much more likely.
Can a UAE offshore company own property in Dubai?
A JAFZA offshore company can own freehold property in areas approved by the Dubai Land Department. RAK ICC companies can also hold Dubai property, subject to conditions.
Do offshore companies pay UAE corporate tax?
They fall within the corporate tax regime. Whether tax is due depends on where the company is managed and what income it earns. We review the position and handle any registration or filing.
Free consultation
Tell us about the business. We will suggest the right structure.
Send a few details and an advisor will call you back within one working day with next steps and a fixed quote. No obligation.
- Call+971 52 202 3984
- WhatsAppChat with an advisor
- Emailadvisor@ashfordmc.com
- OfficeAl Shafar Investment Building 121, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Dubai
- HoursSaturday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM