Offshore Company Formation in Dubai: RAK ICC, JAFZA and Ajman (2026)

Set up a UAE offshore company fast—bank‑ready paperwork, UBO filings handled, and a dedicated manager from day one. Built for holding, IP, and international trade with clear, fixed fees.

Prices checked October 2026 · Reviewed by Aysh, Business Consultant
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Offshore business setup in Dubai UAE
Offshore company formation in UAE Dubai
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UBO filings handled, and banking support

Your Offshore Journey Starts Here

Let’s get your Dubai offshore company off the ground with clear guidance, seamless paperwork, and support for every step.
Accelerate Your Global Expansion

Launch your Dubai offshore company in record time —get expert guidance at every step, transparent paperwork, and bank-ready documentation right from the start.

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offshore company formation in dubai uae
Setup your offshore business in Dubai
Built for founders—by founders.
No hidden fees, only upfront packages that cover everything: setup, compliance, and ongoing support. Upgrade anytime as your business grows.

Start Your Dubai Offshore Company with Full Ownership

An offshore company is a UAE-registered company built for business outside the UAE. Founders use it to hold shares, property and intellectual property, to invoice international clients, and to keep assets separate from a trading business. It gives you 100% foreign ownership, with no office to rent and no staff to relocate. It cannot trade inside the UAE or sponsor residence visas; for those you need a free zone or mainland company.

The UAE has three offshore registries. RAK ICC in Ras Al Khaimah starts from AED 12,500 and is registered in 3 to 5 working days. Ajman Offshore is the lowest-cost option, from AED 8,400 in 5 to 9 working days. JAFZA Offshore in Dubai starts from AED 18,000 and takes 5 to 12 working days, and suits founders who want a Dubai-registered company. Yearly renewals start from AED 6,400.

We help you choose the right registry, then handle the whole setup: name reservation, KYC and documents, and filing through a registered agent, plus a bank-ready file to support your account application. We set up your UBO register, manage your renewals and tell you about rule changes before they become a problem. If your plans change, we can move you to a free zone or mainland company for local trading and visas.
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RAK ICC Offshore Company Setup Guide

Offshore UAE company advantages that matter. Built for global growth and Lower costs

Protect assets globally with ring‑fenced holding structures that separate operating risk from ownership.
Keep costs predictable with no office lease, light annual filings, and streamlined renewals.
Maintain founder control with 100% foreign ownership, flexible shares, and clean cap‑table management.
Low renewal cost in UAE. You can renew it as low as 6,400 AED every year and it will increase as per your offshore requirement.
Open multi‑currency banking with a bank‑ready KYC dossier that shortens compliance back‑and‑forth.
Stay penalty‑free with UBO updates, corporate tax registration and a proactive compliance calendar.
Optimize cash movement with efficient dividend distributions and cleaner intercompany charging, per home‑country rules.
Future‑proof operations with optional VAT and e‑invoicing readiness if adding an on‑shore presence later.
Scale internationally faster with digital incorporation, notarised documents, and remote sign‑off workflows.
Pivot when needed with redomiciliation options and clear upgrade paths to free zone or mainland.
Build marketplace credibility with verifiable corporate documents accepted by banks, PSPs, and enterprise buyers.
Hold and license IP centrally for clear royalty flows, easier valuations, and simpler audits.
Setup offshore company in dubai UAE
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Three UAE Offshore Jurisdictions

Types of offshore companies in the UAE

The UAE offers three true offshore jurisdictions designed for activity outside the country—All three give you a clean, low‑maintenance company for holding assets, owning IP, and billing clients abroad without leasing an office or hiring a local team. These entities cannot trade inside the UAE or sponsor visas. See free zone vs mainland vs offshore compared.
  • RAK ICC : A modern offshore registry with flexible structures and fast turnarounds.
  • JAFZA Offshore (Dubai) : The offshore arm linked to the Jebel Ali free zone ecosystem in Dubai.
  • Ajman Offshore : Best for Founders who want clean governance and lower annual costs.
Offshore Business Setup in UAE
Business setup in Dubai
We're here to help you choose the right jurisdiction as per your requirement.
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Offshore company setup in UAE cost
About us

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Offshore and holding entities formed across RAK ICC, JAFZA, and Ajman

A dedicated relationship manager guides every step, we prepare a bank‑ready dossier, and we keep fees transparent.

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The Difference

Freezone vs Offshore Companies in UAE

Here’s a simple breakdown showing the comparison between Freezone and Offshore companies side by side. This will give you a better idea of what each option offers, their key benefits, and their limitations — so you can decide which one fits your business needs best.

Freezone

What it does
Trade internationally and inside the free zone, hire staff, and sponsor visas.
Licence
Commercial/professional/industrial licence tied to activities.
Banking
Easier—local activity plus office lease helps with due‑diligence.
Office
Required (flexi‑desk or physical office, depending on activity).
Taxes & compliance
Corporate tax rules may apply; VAT/e‑invoicing if registered; routine filings.
Best for
International trade, services and online businesses that need visas and an office.
Cost (First year)
12,800 AED
Renewal Cost
9,920 AED/year

Offshore

What it does
Hold assets, own IP, invoice international clients—outside the UAE.
Licence
No UAE trading licence; certificate of incorporation only.
Banking
Harder: banks want a bank‑ready KYC file and proof of real overseas activity.
Office
Office is not required.
Taxes & compliance
Light annual renewals; UBO register kept up to date; corporate tax registration and a yearly return; no local VAT unless you add an on‑shore presence.
Best for
Holding company, SPV, royalties, cross‑border invoicing without a local operation.
(First year) Cost
8,400 AED
Renewal Cost
6,400 AED/year
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Here’s how offshore registration process work

How it works

Getting started is quick and simple. Three steps and you’ve got a clean UAE offshore company without the paperwork headache. Most offshore companies are registered in 3 to 12 working days, depending on the registry, once your documents are cleared.
Step 1
We start your application
After a quick call, we pick the right offshore registry, reserve your company name, and send a two‑minute checklist.
Selecting the best zone
For your business
Step 2
KYC and documents
We draft the documents, compile KYC plus the UBO register, and file through our registered‑agent network. You just review and e‑sign.
We'll prepare everything for you
You just need to e-sign
Step 3
Incorporate and go bank‑ready
You receive the full pack—COI, MOA/AOA, resolutions. We assemble a bank‑ready dossier and set your renewal calendar.
We get you incorporated
With bank account in uae

Offshore Company Formation Cost: RAK ICC, JAFZA and Ajman (2026)

See how RAK ICC, JAFZA Offshore, and Ajman Offshore compare on costs and value. Everything upfront with no hidden fees, so you can pick confidently.
Transparent Registration Cost

RAK ICC

12,500 AED
RAK ICC is the UAE’s modern offshore registry in Ras Al Khaimah—great for clean holding, IP ownership, and cross‑border invoicing without local overheads.
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What’s included?
  • Registered Agent Filing
  • Full Incorporation Pack
  • Bank‑ready KYC dossier
  • Year one compliance checklist
  • Future Proof for continuation
  • Renewal cost @8,000 AED
Registration time: 3-5 days if documents get cleared.

Ajman Offshore

8,400 AED
Ajman Offshore keeps things simple and affordable—ideal for straightforward holding companies and SPVs that need a quick, tidy setup. Renewals are predictable, turnarounds are brisk, and most steps can be handled remotely.
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What’s included?
  • Registered Agent Filing
  • Full Incorporation Pack
  • Simple Structure
  • Bank‑ready KYC dossier
  • Low Cost Renewal @6,400 AED
  • Clear upgrade paths to Freezone or Mainland
Registration time: 5-9 Days if documents get cleared.
Most popular

JAFZA Offshore, Dubai

18,000 AED
JAFZA Offshore sits inside the Jebel Ali ecosystem, so the “Dubai” stamp carries weight with banks and enterprise buyers. Pick it when credibility with large counterparties matters most
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What’s included?
  • Registered Agent
  • Full Incorporation Pack
  • Incorporated in Dubai
  • Optional virtual office add-on
  • Well known to UAE banks
  • Renewal cost @8,000 AED
Registration time: 5-12 Days if documents get cleared.

Offshore document checklist: what to prepare and what banks check before opening your account.

Guide

Check what documents required for offshore business registration in UAE.

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Why offshore business setup
Offshore company formation in UAE Dubai
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Helping you run, grow, and stay compliant

Your partners in business, not just incorporation

We don’t just help you start your business - we stick with you as it grows. From renewals and compliance to strategy and everyday challenges, you’ll always have someone to call who actually understands how things work.
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Setup
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Fast, clean incorporation
We set up your offshore entity, get the documents in order, and handle filings while you focus on your company and vision.
Post Setup
Post-setup support
Got a question about your first payment, a bank issue, or a confusing email from some government department? You can reach us on WhatsApp, by phone, or through email - whatever works best for you. We’ll guide you through renewals, help with UBO filings and corporate tax registration, and make sure you’re in the loop about rule changes—before they turn into problems.
Research
Market research + practical growth
Ready to get your business moving? We’ll help you understand your market, share useful insights, review your contracts, and point out any risks you should know about.
Growth
Advanced advisory
If you’re growing, we’ll help with share transfers, board updates, or moving your setup to a free zone or onshore, all with a clear plan that makes sense. Need accountants, tax help, legal support, or a notary? You’ll deal with real people who actually listen and understand your query, not a call centre.
Beyond
Beyond: Ongoing partnership
You’ll get reminders before anything expires, small updates to keep you penalty-free, and a yearly check-in to make sure everything’s running smoothly. And if you ever feel stuck or have a new idea you want to talk through, we’re always around for a straight, honest chat—sometimes that’s all you need.
Learn more
Learn more
The Other Business Setup Options

The Right Setup for your Business in Dubai, UAE.

Explore Free Zone, Mainland, and Holding Company routes built for Dubai and the UAE, with clear steps and a steady hand from start to license.
Schedule a free meeting
Schedule a free meeting
Freezone business setup in UAE
Freezone Business Setup. Launch fast with cost‑efficient licensing and 100% foreign ownership in leading UAE free zones.
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How to start a business in DubaiBusiness setup in Dubai, UAE
Mainland Business Setup. Trade across the UAE with a license that builds local credibility and access.
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Low cost business setup in Dubai UAE
Holding Company Setup. Own assets, shares, and IP under one roof with a clean, investor‑friendly structure
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Frequently asked questions

Who can open an offshore company in Dubai or the UAE?
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Anyone over 18, of any nationality, can start an offshore company here. No UAE residency is required—international founders are most welcome.
What types of businesses are allowed under an offshore company?
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Most offshore companies in the UAE focus on international trading, holding shares, managing assets, or intellectual property. Direct business inside the UAE (mainland) isn’t allowed.
What is the difference between offshore, free zone, and mainland companies?
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Offshore: for international business, tax-friendly but no local market access. Free zone: operate within a designated UAE zone, limited mainland access. Mainland: full UAE market access, but with more rules.
Can I get a UAE residency visa with my offshore company?
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No—offshore company setups do not allow for UAE residency visas. For that, free zone or mainland options are needed.
What documents are required for offshore business registration?
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Typically: valid passport, proof of address, bank reference letter, CV, and sometimes a business plan. All must be notarised and, in many cases, attested. Contact us for the full checklist for your registry.
Do I need to be in Dubai to form an offshore company?
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You don’t have to show up in person. Most steps, including signing, can be managed remotely with certified documents. We'll align the complete setup for you, all you need to e-sign it.
Can my offshore company open a UAE or international bank account?
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Yes, you can open corporate accounts in the UAE or abroad. Banks may require owner presence for final steps, though some international banks allow remote setup.
Is audit or annual tax filing required for UAE offshore companies?
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A tax return is required; an audit usually is not. Every UAE offshore company counts as a UAE resident for corporate tax, so it must register with the Federal Tax Authority, usually within 3 months of incorporation, and file a return every year within 9 months of its financial year end, even when no tax is due. Late registration carries an AED 10,000 penalty. An audit is not normally required for a simple holding company with revenue under AED 50 million, but you must keep proper accounting records, and some banks ask for financial statements. We handle the registration and connect you with a tax adviser for the return.
What is the minimum share capital for offshore business setup in UAE?
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There is no mandatory minimum share capital for most offshore structures. You set the amount based on your business plan.
Can I have 100% foreign ownership?
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Yes—offshore companies in Dubai and the UAE offer 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor required.
What privacy or confidentiality protections do UAE offshore firms offer?
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Shareholder details are not on a public register. They are held by the registry and your registered agent, and the beneficial owners are reported to the authorities under the UAE’s UBO rules.
Can my offshore company own property in Dubai or the UAE?
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Yes, in some cases. JAFZA Offshore is the established route: its companies can own freehold property in Dubai with a no-objection certificate and registration at the Dubai Land Department. RAK ICC companies can also hold Dubai property, subject to Dubai Land Department approval and conditions that have changed in recent years, so we confirm the current route before you buy. Ajman Offshore companies generally cannot own property in Dubai. Foreign offshore companies, such as BVI companies, cannot register Dubai freehold property directly.
What is a registered agent and why do I need one?
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A registered agent is a locally licensed company that acts on your behalf. Offshore authorities only accept company registrations through these agents.
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How much does an offshore company cost in the UAE?
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With us, from AED 8,400 for the first year: Ajman Offshore costs AED 8,400, RAK ICC AED 12,500 and JAFZA Offshore AED 18,000. The price covers the registry fee, the registered agent and registered office, and the full incorporation documents. Yearly renewals run from AED 6,400 to AED 8,000, depending on the registry.
How long does it take to set up an offshore company?
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RAK ICC takes 3 to 5 working days, Ajman Offshore 5 to 9, and JAFZA Offshore 5 to 12, counted from the day your documents are cleared. Opening the bank account is a separate step and usually takes a few more weeks.
RAK ICC, JAFZA Offshore or Ajman Offshore: which should I choose?
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Choose by what the company is for. RAK ICC is modern and flexible, good value, and accepts foreign companies that want to move to the UAE. JAFZA Offshore is registered in Dubai, is the longest established of the three, and is the usual choice for holding Dubai property; it also costs the most. Ajman Offshore has the lowest setup and renewal cost and suits a simple holding company. We compare all three against your plans before you pay.
Do UAE offshore companies pay corporate tax?
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They are inside the UAE corporate tax system, so an offshore company is not automatically tax free. The rate is 0% on the first AED 375,000 of taxable profit and 9% above it. For holding companies, dividends and capital gains from a qualifying shareholding, generally 5% or more held for at least 12 months, can be exempt. Every offshore company must still register and file a yearly return, even when no tax is due.
What happened to ESR (economic substance) filings?
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They were cancelled. Cabinet Decision No. 98 of 2024 ended ESR notifications and reports for financial years ending after 31 December 2022. Two other duties are separate and still apply: keeping your beneficial owner (UBO) details up to date, and corporate tax registration and filing.
What are the UBO rules for an offshore company?
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Every offshore company must keep a register of its real owners (ultimate beneficial owners) and file it with its registry. Any change must be reported within 15 days. The register is not open to the public; it is available to UAE authorities. Penalties for ignoring the rules rise to AED 100,000.
Why do banks reject offshore companies, and how do you avoid it?
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Banks reject files they cannot understand. The usual reasons are incomplete or inconsistent documents, an unclear business activity, a complicated ownership chain, and weak proof of where the money comes from. We prepare a bank-ready file for every client: a clear description of the business, complete documents for each owner, proof of funds and the expected transactions. We also apply to banks that accept your type of company, which matters more than applying to many.
Can an offshore company own shares in a UAE free zone or mainland company?
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Yes. Holding shares is one of the main uses of a UAE offshore company. It can own shares in free zone companies, mainland companies and companies abroad, and act as the holding company for a group. It still cannot trade in the UAE itself; the companies it owns do that.
What happens if I do not renew my offshore company?
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Late fees are added first, and if the company stays unrenewed the registry strikes it off. Restoring a struck-off company costs more than renewing on time, and it can cause problems with your bank. Renewals cost AED 6,400 to AED 8,000 a year, and we remind you before the date.
Can I move an existing foreign company to the UAE?
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Yes, to RAK ICC. A company registered in a jurisdiction such as the BVI, the Cayman Islands or Seychelles can continue as a RAK ICC company. It keeps its incorporation date, contracts and assets, so nothing has to be liquidated or re-signed. The original jurisdiction must allow companies to move out, which most do.
Offshore company or free zone company: which is better for me?
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Choose offshore if you only need to hold shares, property or IP, or to invoice clients outside the UAE, and you do not need a visa or an office. Choose a free zone company if you want a UAE residence visa, staff, an office, or a trade licence to show clients. Both give 100% foreign ownership. Offshore costs less to run; a free zone company does more.
You’ll find clear answers on our dedicated offshore business setup page, or you can connect directly with our team by clicking the button below. All guidance on this website is based on hands-on experience from 900+ UAE company registrations and verified against official UAE government sources. We focus on sharing accurate, real-world insights backed by actual case studies.

Sources: UAE Ministry of Finance and Federal Tax Authority (corporate tax rules), RAK ICC, JAFZA and Ajman Free Zone (registry rules), and BusinessDubai.ae package prices. Reviewed October 2026 by Aysh, Business Consultant.
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Building a business takes time, trust, and teamwork. Since 2013, we have been helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful companies. Together, we make the process simple and help you establish a strong foundation in Dubai’s dynamic market.
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