JAFZA Offshore, Dubai
Dubai Offshore
The only UAE offshore structure able to hold Dubai freehold property.
100%
Foreign ownership
0%
Corporate tax*
None
Office requirement
100%
Profit repatriation
Overview
Offshore company formation in Dubai means registering a limited company in a UAE offshore jurisdiction — most notably JAFZA Offshore under the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority — to hold assets or conduct business internationally, not to trade inside the UAE. It gives foreign investors, entrepreneurs, holding companies, international traders and consultants with clients abroad 100% ownership, privacy and asset protection without renting an office or hiring staff.
JAFZA Offshore is the flagship Dubai offshore vehicle and the only UAE offshore structure permitted to hold freehold property anywhere in Dubai open to foreign ownership, which is why it carries the strongest name recognition with banks and is often the preferred choice for holding companies with UAE real estate exposure. This guide explains what a JAFZA offshore company can and cannot do, how it compares with RAK ICC and Ajman Offshore, and walks through the setup steps, required documents, bank account opening and current tax and compliance points. Evolva is a registered agent with JAFZA and RAK ICC, and we handle offshore business setup in Dubai end to end.
What is an offshore company in Dubai?
An offshore company is a limited company registered in a UAE offshore jurisdiction — JAFZA Offshore, RAK ICC, or Ajman Offshore — that conducts its business outside the UAE. It can hold overseas investments, own intellectual property, invoice international clients, and open a UAE corporate bank account. It cannot trade inside the UAE, lease office space, or sponsor residence visas.
The structure suits holding companies, international traders, consultants with clients abroad, and investors who want UAE-based asset protection with minimal running costs.
What Can — and Can't — a UAE Offshore Company Do?
| Can | Cannot |
|---|---|
| Trade internationally and invoice clients outside the UAE | Trade with customers inside the UAE |
| Open a UAE corporate bank account | Lease physical office space in the UAE |
| Hold shares in other companies (UAE and foreign) | Sponsor UAE residence visas for owners or staff |
| Own Dubai real estate (JAFZA Offshore, anywhere permitted for foreign ownership) | Carry out banking, insurance or media activities |
| Hold intellectual property and collect royalties | Obtain a UAE trade licence for local business |
| Keep shareholder details private | Avoid UAE corporate tax registration obligations |
Figures are indicative and subject to authority changes — confirm current fees with your consultant.
Key Advantages of a JAFZA Offshore Company
JAFZA Offshore combines the prestige and property rights of Dubai's flagship free zone authority with the low running costs of an offshore structure.
100%
Foreign Ownership
Complete foreign ownership with no local partner or UAE national sponsor required.
0%
No Corporate or Income Tax*
Non-resident offshore companies earning no UAE-sourced income typically have no corporate or income tax to pay, subject to the standard assessment.
Own Dubai Property
The only UAE offshore vehicle able to hold freehold real estate anywhere in Dubai open to foreign ownership — ideal for property-holding structures.
Full Confidentiality
Shareholder and director details are not published on a public register, giving owners a high degree of privacy.
No Office Requirement
No physical office, lease or staff needed — the registered agent provides the registered office address.
Strong Bank Recognition
JAFZA's name recognition and regulatory standing make offshore accounts easier to open with major UAE banks than with lesser-known jurisdictions.
Simple Governance
Minimum two directors, no minimum share capital, and records kept without a mandatory filed audit for most structures.
100% Profit Repatriation
Transfer all profits and capital back to your home country without currency controls.
What Is a JAFZA Offshore Company Used For?
The structure suits international business, asset holding and wealth protection rather than day-to-day trading inside the UAE.
Holding Company
Hold shares in operating companies, subsidiaries or joint ventures across multiple jurisdictions, consolidating ownership under one Dubai-based entity.
Dubai Property Holding
Register title to Dubai freehold property in the company's name for succession planning, privacy and simplified transfer of ownership.
Asset Protection
Ring-fence investments, intellectual property and other assets from operational or personal liability in your home jurisdiction.
International Trade Invoicing
Invoice clients outside the UAE, collect royalties or licensing fees, and manage cross-border trade documentation from a reputable jurisdiction.
UAE Offshore Jurisdictions Compared
JAFZA Offshore is the most prestigious choice for property holding; RAK ICC is faster and more cost-effective for pure holding and international trade.
| Factor | JAFZA Offshore | RAK ICC | Ajman Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup cost (from) | AED 20,000–28,000 | AED 10,000–14,000 | AED 8,000–12,000 |
| Incorporation time | 2–4 weeks | 3–7 days | 3–7 days |
| Minimum directors | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Dubai property ownership | Yes, anywhere permitted | Approved projects only | No |
| Audit requirement | Audit required | Records kept, no filed audit | Records kept |
| Best for | Property holding + prestige | Holding + international trade | Low-cost holding |
Figures are indicative and subject to authority changes — confirm current fees with your consultant. See our dedicated RAK ICC offshore page for more detail on that jurisdiction.
Offshore vs Free Zone vs Mainland: Which Do You Need?
Choosing between structures depends on where you plan to trade and whether you need UAE residence visas.
| Factor | Offshore | Free Zone | Mainland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade inside UAE | No | Within zone / via distributor | Yes, anywhere |
| Residence visas | No | Yes | Yes |
| Office required | No | Flexi-desk option | Yes |
| Setup cost (from) | AED 8,000 | AED 5,500 | AED 18,000 |
| Typical use | Holding, international business | SMEs, e-commerce, consultants | Local market, retail, contracting |
An offshore company is generally used for global trade and asset holding rather than direct business in Dubai — if you need UAE market access or visas, a free zone or mainland company is the better fit.
How to Set Up an Offshore Company in Dubai
The offshore incorporation process is streamlined and handled almost entirely through your registered agent.
- 1
Choose the jurisdiction
JAFZA, RAK ICC or Ajman, based on cost, property plans and banking needs. Evolva advises on the right fit in the first consultation call.
- 2
Reserve the company name
Names must end in "Limited" or "Ltd" and avoid restricted words as part of the company registration process.
- 3
Prepare KYC documents
Passport copies, proof of address, bank reference and CV for each shareholder — Evolva files these with the relevant offshore authority on your behalf.
- 4
Sign the incorporation documents
The Memorandum and Articles of Association are drafted by the agent, and the offshore licence is issued after approval by the authority.
- 5
Open the bank account
Evolva prepares the compliance file and introduces you to UAE banks that accept offshore structures — this step involves detailed due diligence.
- 6
Maintain annual compliance
File your annual return, keep statutory registers up to date, and renew your registered agent agreement and licence each year.
What Documents Do You Need for Offshore Company Formation?
Requirements are broadly consistent across JAFZA, RAK ICC and Ajman, with minor jurisdiction-specific variations.
Individual Shareholders & Directors
- Valid passport copy (all pages)
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, under 3 months old)
- Bank or professional reference letter
- Short CV or business profile
Corporate Shareholders
- Certificate of incorporation of the parent company
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Board resolution approving the new company
- Related company registration records
- Additional registration documents if the shareholder is itself a UAE company or offshore entity registered elsewhere
What Does Offshore Company Setup Cost in 2026?
Total first-year cost includes government fees, registered agent fees and offshore company formation services. Renewals cost less than year one because name reservation and incorporation fees fall away.
| Jurisdiction | First-Year Cost (AED, from) | Incorporation Time |
|---|---|---|
| JAFZA Offshore | 20,000 – 28,000 | 2–4 weeks |
| RAK ICC | 10,000 – 14,000 | 3–7 days |
| Ajman Offshore | 8,000 – 12,000 | 3–7 days |
There is no minimum share capital requirement for JAFZA or RAK ICC offshore companies. Figures are indicative — confirm current fees with your consultant.
UAE Offshore Tax & Compliance in 2026
Corporate tax (introduced 2023). The UAE applies 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000. Offshore entities are juridical persons and generally must register with the Federal Tax Authority, but a company that is non-resident and earns no UAE-sourced income typically has no corporate or income tax to pay. Each case still needs a one-time assessment against the planned activities — Evolva includes this in your setup.
Economic Substance Regulations (cancelled 2024). Cabinet Decision No. 98 of 2024 removed ESR filing requirements for financial years ending after 31 December 2022. Offshore companies no longer file ESR notifications or reports, though record-keeping duties under company regulations still apply.
This is why offshore business setup in the UAE still makes strong sense in 2026: the paperwork burden dropped while the underlying benefits — privacy, asset protection and a wide double-taxation treaty network — remain.
Can a UAE Offshore Company Open a Bank Account?
Yes. JAFZA, RAK ICC and Ajman offshore companies can all open UAE corporate bank accounts, and Evolva helps structure the application. Banks apply enhanced due diligence to offshore entities, so approval depends on a clean source-of-funds story, complete company documents and evidence of genuine business activity — especially for companies wanting multi-currency access for international transactions.
Digital-first banks can decide within days; traditional banks typically take 2–4 weeks. Evolva prepares the compliance file and matches you to banks that accept your specific profile.
Why Choose Evolva for Your Dubai Offshore Setup?
Offshore incorporation involves government portals, KYC documentation and banking introductions — Evolva manages every step end to end.
Registered Agent with JAFZA & RAK ICC
Direct registered agent status means faster processing and no middleman delays.
Customised Solutions
We assess your holding, trading or property goals before recommending the right jurisdiction and structure.
Experienced Consultants
Our team has handled offshore incorporations across JAFZA, RAK ICC and Ajman for years.
Hassle-Free Procedure
We manage documentation, government liaison and filings so you don't have to navigate the process alone.
Banking Introductions That Work
We prepare your compliance file and introduce you to UAE banks that actually accept offshore structures.
Transparent, Itemised Pricing
Government fees, agent fees and banking support are itemised clearly before you commit — no hidden costs.
Offshore Company Formation FAQs
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Speak with an Evolva consultant today and get a tailored quote for your business setup.