- Monday to Saturday, 9:00 to 18:00 GST
- Business Bay, Dubai, UAE
Offshore company formation in the UAE
A UAE offshore company to hold property, shares or intellectual property, and for international business outside the UAE. We check first that offshore is the right structure for what you want to do.
Response within 15 minutes during working hours
What an offshore company is
A company for holding assets, not for trading in the UAE
An offshore company is registered in the UAE with an offshore registrar, such as RAK ICC or JAFZA Offshore. It's used to own things: property, shares in other companies, trademarks and other intellectual property. It can also do business with clients outside the UAE.
It can't trade inside the UAE, it has no office, and it can't sponsor residence visas. If you need to sell to UAE customers or get a visa, you need a free zone or mainland company instead.
We look at what you want the company to do before anything else. If offshore fits, we handle the full incorporation through a registered agent. If it doesn't, we tell you before you pay.
An offshore company won't get you a visa. Some offers sell it as a cheap way to get UAE residency or a UAE company for trading. It doesn't work for either. Check the purpose first.
Who uses an offshore company
Good for holding, not for day to day trading
- Property investors who want to hold Dubai property through a company
- Business groups that want one holding company above their operating companies
- Owners of trademarks and brand rights who want them held separately
- Traders who buy and sell only outside the UAE
- Families planning succession, so shares can pass on instead of each asset
Offshore, free zone or mainland
A quick comparison
| Offshore | Free zone | Mainland | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade inside the UAE | No | Limited | Yes |
| Residence visas | No | Yes | Yes |
| Office | Not needed | Flexi desk or office | Office with Ejari |
| Main use | Holding assets | International and online business | Local business |
Documents you need for an offshore company
A short file, but detailed ownership checks
Offshore registrars and registered agents check carefully who owns the company and where the money comes from. Clear answers here save the most time.
| Who | Documents |
|---|---|
| Every shareholder and director | Passport copy with at least six months' validity, proof of home address from the last three months, such as a utility bill or bank statement, and a short CV or profile. |
| The company | Three name options, a short description of what the company will do or hold, and how the shares will be split. |
| Source of funds | Bank statements or a bank reference letter, if the registered agent asks for them. |
| A company as shareholder | Certificate of incorporation, memorandum of association and a board resolution approving the new company, attested where issued abroad. |
| Property holding | Details of the UAE property the company will hold. |
We confirm the exact list for your registrar and purpose before any fee is paid.
How offshore company formation works
Six steps, often done without visiting the UAE
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Purpose check | We confirm offshore is the right structure for what you want to do. |
| 2. Registrar and name | We recommend RAK ICC or JAFZA Offshore and reserve the company name. |
| 3. Ownership checks | The registered agent verifies the owners and the source of funds. |
| 4. Company documents | The memorandum, articles and resolutions are prepared and signed. |
| 5. Certificate issued | You receive the certificate of incorporation and share certificates. |
| 6. After setup | We arrange attestation if the documents will be used abroad, and prepare the file for a bank account. |
Timing depends on the registrar and how quickly the ownership checks clear. Some registrars ask directors to sign in person. We tell you before you start. The cost depends on the registrar and your structure, and we confirm it in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers on UAE offshore companies.
Can I get a UAE residence visa with an offshore company?
No. Offshore companies can't sponsor residence visas. If you need a visa, choose a free zone or mainland company.
Can an offshore company do business in the UAE?
It can't trade inside the UAE. It's used for holding assets and for business with clients outside the country.
Can an offshore company own property in Dubai?
Yes, holding property is one of the main reasons people use one. Whether a specific property can be held depends on where it is and the registrar's rules, so we check this before setup.
Do I need to come to the UAE?
Often not. Many offshore companies can be set up remotely. Some registrars ask directors to sign in person, and we tell you which applies before you start.
Is it easy to open a bank account for an offshore company?
It's usually harder than for a free zone or mainland company, because banks look closely at ownership and activity. We prepare the file properly, and we tell you honestly what to expect before you set up.
Tell us what the company needs to hold
We'll confirm whether offshore is the right structure, which registrar suits you, and send you the total cost in writing.
No spam. No follow up calls unless you ask. We are open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm.
