Offshore

Company Setup in UAE

Set up an offshore company in the UAE with expert guidance from Ebizfiling.

Complete support for offshore registration, documentation, and compliance.

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Offshore Company Setup in UAE 

About Our Service

What is an Offshore Company in the UAE? 

An offshore company in the UAE is a legal business entity registered in a designated offshore jurisdiction, mainly for international business and asset holding purposes. It is created outside the UAE mainland and free zone framework and is not allowed to conduct business within the UAE local market.

Offshore companies in the UAE are commonly used for holding assets, owning international investments, managing global trading activities, and protecting business ownership. These companies are registered under specific offshore authorities such as JAFZA Offshore or RAK ICC and operate under their respective regulations. An offshore company does not require a physical office in the UAE and is mainly used for activities outside the country.

What Activities are Allowed for Offshore Companies in UAE? 

Offshore companies in the UAE are permitted to carry out specific activities that are international in nature. These activities are strictly regulated and do not involve doing business within the UAE local market.

  • Holding shares in foreign or UAE based companies as a parent or holding entity.

  • Owning international assets such as properties, intellectual property, or investments outside the UAE.

  • Conducting international trading activities outside the UAE without dealing with local customers.

  • Acting as a special purpose vehicle for asset protection or group structuring.

  • Managing overseas business operations, contracts, and consultancy activities outside the UAE.

  • Opening and operating foreign bank accounts for international transactions.

Offshore companies are not allowed to trade directly within the UAE, issue invoices to UAE clients, or maintain a physical office in the country.

UAE-Offshore-Company-Setup-Simplified

Who Should Choose Offshore Company Setup in UAE? 

Offshore company setup in the UAE is suitable for individuals and businesses that want to operate internationally without engaging in local UAE business activities. It is mainly chosen for asset holding, global structuring, and ownership purposes.

  • Business owners looking to hold overseas assets, investments, or intellectual property through a UAE based entity.

  • International traders who operate outside the UAE and do not require a physical presence in the country.

  • Groups and holding companies that want a structured way to own subsidiaries or investments.

  • Entrepreneurs seeking confidentiality and structured ownership for global business operations.

  • Investors who want a simple corporate structure without local operational requirements.

Offshore company setup is not suitable for businesses planning to trade directly within the UAE market or hire employees locally.

Offshore Jurisdictions in UAE 

The UAE allows offshore company registration only in specific jurisdictions that are designed for international business and asset holding purposes. These jurisdictions follow separate offshore regulations and do not permit local business operations.

  • JAFZA Offshore (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority): JAFZA Offshore is one of the oldest offshore jurisdictions in the UAE and is commonly used for holding assets, owning UAE properties in designated areas, and international business structuring.

  • RAK ICC Offshore (Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre): RAK ICC Offshore is a popular choice for international investors due to its flexible structure, global recognition, and suitability for holding companies and overseas operations.

Both jurisdictions allow full foreign ownership, do not require a physical office in the UAE, and are strictly meant for offshore and non-local business activities.

Ownership and Management Structure of Offshore Companies 

  • Offshore companies in the UAE can be fully owned by foreign individuals or corporate entities.

  • A single shareholder or multiple shareholders are allowed for offshore company registration.

  • Shareholders can appoint one or more directors to manage the company.

  • The same person can act as both shareholder and director of the offshore company.

  • There is no requirement to appoint a local UAE partner or sponsor.

  • Offshore companies must be registered and managed through an approved registered agent.

  • Day to day business activities are usually managed from outside the UAE.

Why Should You Select Ebizfiling? 

At Ebizfiling, We provide complete assistance for offshore company setup in UAE, including jurisdiction selection, documentation, registration through approved authorities, and post-registration compliance support. We also assist with annual renewals, changes in ownership or management, and ongoing regulatory requirements for offshore companies. Our expert services are Busines Setup in Dubai, and Register Company in India from Dubai.

For expert help with offshore company setup in UAE, you can contact Ebizfiling at  09643203209 or email info@ebizfiling.com or visit Ebizfiling.

Charges for Offshore Company Setup in UAE

Choose Your Package

ESSENTIAL

150000/-

(All Inclusive)

 Post Registration Compliance for Offshore Companies in UAE 

Annual Reg. Renewal

Offshore companies must renew their registration every year with the respective offshore authority to remain active.

Registered Agent

An approved registered agent must always be maintained, as offshore companies cannot deal directly with authorities.

Shareholder Information

Any change in shareholders must be formally reported and approved by the offshore registry.

Director Information

Changes in directors or management details must be updated with the offshore authority.

Company Record

Incorporation documents and company records must be properly maintained as per offshore regulations.

Structural Change

Any change in company name, ownership, or structure requires prior approval from the offshore authority.

Economic Substance

Offshore companies must assess and comply with economic substance rules if their activities fall under the regulations.

Authority Rule Compliance

Offshore companies must follow all circulars and rules issued by the offshore jurisdiction to avoid penalties or strike off.

 Restrictions and Limitations of Offshore Companies in UAE

  • Offshore companies are not allowed to conduct business activities within the UAE local market.

  • They cannot issue invoices or provide services to UAE based customers or companies.

  • Offshore companies are not permitted to rent office space or maintain a physical presence in the UAE.

  • They are not allowed to hire employees or apply for residence visas in the UAE.

  • Certain regulated activities, such as banking, insurance, and financial services, are not permitted.

  • Offshore companies must operate strictly within the scope allowed by the offshore authority.

 Why Choose Offshore Company Setup in UAE? 

International Business

Offshore companies are designed for global operations without local market involvement.

Full Foreign Ownership

Offshore structures allow complete ownership without any local partner requirement.

Asset Holding Benefits

Offshore companies are commonly used for holding assets and international investments.

Compliance Structure

Offshore companies have limited local compliance compared to other UAE entities.

 Step-by-Step Process for Offshore Company Setup in UAE 

1

Jurisdiction selection

2

Registered agent appointment

3

Documentation submission

4

Authority approval

5

Company registration

 How Ebizfiling Supports Offshore Company Setup in UAE ?

  • We help you choose the correct offshore jurisdiction such as JAFZA Offshore or RAK ICC based on your business purpose.

  • We guide you on whether offshore setup is suitable for your intended activities and ownership structure.

  • We handle documentation, application preparation, and registration through approved offshore authorities.

  • We coordinate with registered agents to ensure smooth incorporation and regulatory approval.

  • We assist with post-registration compliances such as renewals, changes, and ongoing offshore requirements.

FAQs

FAQs on Offshore Company Setup in UAE 

Get answers to all your queries

  • What is an offshore company in the UAE?

    An offshore company in the UAE is a legal entity registered in a designated offshore jurisdiction for international business and asset holding purposes.

  • Can an offshore company operate within the UAE market?

    No, offshore companies are not allowed to conduct business or issue invoices within the UAE local market.

  • Which offshore jurisdictions are available in the UAE?

    The main offshore jurisdictions in the UAE are JAFZA Offshore and RAK ICC Offshore.

  • Who can set up an offshore company in the UAE?

    Foreign individuals, investors, and corporate entities can set up an offshore company in the UAE without any residency requirements.

  • Is full foreign ownership allowed in UAE offshore companies?

    Yes, offshore companies in the UAE allow full foreign ownership with no requirement for a local partner.

  • What activities are permitted for offshore companies in the UAE?

    Offshore companies can hold assets, own shares, manage international trade, and conduct overseas business activities.

  • Are offshore companies allowed to own property in the UAE?

    Certain offshore jurisdictions allow property ownership in designated areas, subject to approval from the relevant authority.

  • Do offshore companies need a physical office in the UAE?

    No, offshore companies are not required to maintain a physical office or business premises in the UAE.

  • Can offshore companies hire employees in the UAE?

    No, offshore companies are not permitted to hire employees or sponsor residence visas in the UAE.

  • Is a registered agent mandatory for offshore companies?

    Yes, offshore companies must operate through an approved registered agent at all times.

  • What is the validity of an offshore company registration?

    Offshore company registrations are generally valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

  • Are offshore companies subject to audit requirements?

    Audit requirements depend on the offshore jurisdiction and the nature of activities, but many offshore companies are exempt.

  • Can an offshore company open a bank account?

    Yes, offshore companies can open bank accounts, subject to bank due diligence and compliance checks.

  • Is minimum capital required for offshore company setup in UAE?

    Most offshore jurisdictions do not require paid up minimum capital unless specifically prescribed by regulations.

  • Can an offshore company be converted into a mainland or free zone company?

    No, offshore companies cannot be directly converted and must be re registered under a new business structure.

  • What happens if annual renewal is missed?

    Failure to renew on time may lead to penalties, late fees, or strike off by the offshore authority.

  • Are offshore companies required to file taxes in the UAE?

    Offshore companies are generally not subject to UAE corporate tax as they do not operate within the local market.

  • Is offshore company setup suitable for startups?

    Offshore company setup is suitable for holding and international operations, but not for active local business startups.

  • How long does offshore company setup in UAE take?

    The setup timeline varies by jurisdiction but is usually completed within a few working days if documents are ready.

  • How does Ebizfiling help with offshore company setup in UAE?

    Ebizfiling assists with jurisdiction selection, documentation, registration, renewals, and ongoing offshore compliance support.

Reviews

  • Ebizfiling

    Akanksha Kakwani

    19 Nov 2021

    It was a great experience with Anitha from ebizfiling who guided me for doing the IEC renewal.

  • Abhishek Pandey

    Abhishek Pandey

    04 Mar 2024

    It was great experience with ebiz to get my filing done I especially want to thanks Mr.Parth Nai who was there to assist and solve all our queries.He make entire process very smooth.Kudos to entire Ebiz team.

  • Client Review, Ebizfiling

    Aditya Dufare

    24 Aug 2021

    Prompt service.They value your time. Professional and experienced staff to guide you. offer services at very competitive price. I would like to continue with them in future. must try.

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