Business setup · Offshore
Offshore Company Formation in the UAE
A private, cost-efficient structure to hold assets, shares, intellectual property and international investments, registered in a respected jurisdiction.
Holding & asset protectionNo office requiredRemote incorporation
Overview
What a UAE offshore company is for
An offshore company is registered with an offshore registry such as RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) or JAFZA Offshore. It is designed for holding shares and assets, owning intellectual property, international trading and estate planning, not for doing business inside the UAE.
Offshore companies do not need an office, cannot sponsor residence visas and cannot trade with UAE customers directly. They can open UAE bank accounts and, in approved areas, own property. Like other UAE companies, they must meet corporate tax registration and record-keeping rules.
What you get
Why founders use offshore structures
Asset protection
Keep investments separate from your operating companies.
Holding company
Own shares in UAE and international subsidiaries.
Privacy
Shareholder details are not on a public register.
Low running costs
No office lease and simple annual renewals.
Property ownership
Hold freehold property in permitted areas.
Succession planning
Easier transfer of assets to heirs.
How it works
Offshore formation in four steps
01
Structure review
We confirm that offshore fits your goals and choose the registry.
02
Due diligence
You provide KYC documents and we prepare the application.
03
Incorporation
The registry approves the name and issues the incorporation documents.
04
Bank & compliance
We support the bank account, tax registration and the UBO register.
Checklist
Documents you will need
- Passport copies of shareholders and directors
- Proof of residential address (recent utility bill)
- Bank reference letter
- Short CV or business profile
- Description of the company’s purpose
- Corporate documents for corporate shareholders
Setup cost estimator
Get a free estimate
Starting estimate in AED. A specialist confirms your exact quote within one working day.
Can an offshore company get UAE residence visas?
No. Offshore companies cannot sponsor visas. If you need residency, consider a free zone or mainland company, or combine both.
Can it trade in the UAE?
Offshore companies cannot trade with UAE customers or operate on the mainland. They are used for holding and international activity.
Is an offshore company subject to corporate tax?
UAE offshore companies fall under the corporate tax law and must register. Whether they pay tax depends on their income and structure; we coordinate this with tax specialists.
Can I open a bank account?
Yes, many UAE banks accept offshore companies with a clear business purpose and proper documentation.
Services
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Don’t wait.
Just start.
Book a free consultation and get a clear plan for your UAE company: structure, timeline and cost.