Offshore company setup & formation
Offshore Company Formation: UAE and International
An offshore company is registered with an offshore authority, such as JAFZA, RAK ICC or Ajman in the UAE, to hold assets and do business outside the UAE. It needs no office and does not come with UAE residence visas. Shareholders have the option to either obtain a certificate of incorporation or supply the necessary documents, then sign their memorandum and articles of association in coordination with the offshore authority.
Once your documents are complete, registration takes 1–7 working days depending on the registry (Ajman 1–3, RAK ICC about 2, JAFZA 5–7), subject to approval, and no one needs to travel to the UAE. Offshore companies have the advantage of holding bank accounts even when none of their shareholders are residents of the country.
At a glance
Offshore at a glance
100%
Foreign ownership
1–7 days
Working days to register, once documents are ready
No travel
Set up entirely remotely
0
Visa or office requirement
Starting price
Book a free consultationOffshore Company from AED 10,000
Your final price depends on the registry you choose. You get a written quote before anything is filed.
The directory
Different offshore jurisdictions in the UAE
Ajman Offshore
Ajman Offshore is regulated by the Ajman Free Zone Authority. Like every UAE offshore company it is incorporated in the UAE, which makes it a Resident Person for corporate tax — 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above, with registration required either way. Best for holding assets and for consultancy work carried out outside the UAE.
JAFZA Offshore
The Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) introduced regulations in 2003 for the establishment of Jebel Ali Free Zone offshore companies. The international business community can now establish offshore entities at JAFZA in line with other international offshore jurisdictions.
RAK ICC
RAK ICC — the RAK International Corporate Centre — is the government-owned corporate registry in Ras Al Khaimah. It is a registry rather than a free zone, so its companies sit under the standard UAE corporate tax rules: 0% up to AED 375,000 of taxable income, 9% above, and no free zone 0% route. A well-regarded option for holding companies and international structuring.
ADGM
Abu Dhabi Global Market is a financial free zone with its own registrar and common-law courts, generally used for holding companies and special purpose vehicles rather than classic offshore structures. We handle incorporation, registration and licensing of ADGM entities end to end.
Beyond the UAE
International offshore jurisdictions
Alongside the UAE jurisdictions, we register and maintain offshore companies in a number of international locations.
Seychelles
We offer company registration services in Seychelles, including all subsequent support necessary to ensure proper maintenance and smooth operation — provision of registered agent, registered address, and assistance with applying for special licences.
Mauritius
Officially the Republic of Mauritius, a tiny island nation off the African south-eastern coast in the Indian Ocean. It enjoys a free market economy, is rated very highly for business environment and economic competitiveness, and boasts pro-business governance.
Hong Kong
A long-established international business and financial hub, and a common choice for holding companies and international trade.
Key advantages
Benefits of UAE offshore company setup
100% foreign ownership
No office required
Asset security
Risk mitigation
Hold a UAE bank account
Low cost company configuration
Property rights
International trade facility
Set up entirely remotely
Ready to set up offshore?
While it is feasible to independently establish an offshore company, most individuals and businesses choose professional assistance to navigate the legal and administrative processes more efficiently. We handle all aspects of incorporation, registration and licensing, and the entire setup can be completed remotely.
