Potentially suitable for
- Holding shares in other companies
- Eligible international business activities
- Succession and ownership structuring
- Holding eligible intellectual property or assets
UAE Offshore Company Formation
Structure international business with clarity.
Compare RAK ICC and JAFZA Offshore for international holding and cross-border structures—with clear guidance on permitted uses, restrictions and ongoing compliance.
100% ownership optionsRegistered agent supportCompliance guidance
UAE Offshore Jurisdictions
Compare the structure before you incorporate.
The right jurisdiction depends on the intended use, ownership, banking expectations and any UAE assets involved. Incorporation should follow a review of the complete structure.
RAK
ICCRas Al Khaimah
ICCRas Al Khaimah
RAK ICC
An international corporate registry used for eligible holding, investment and cross-border structures.
- International business structures
- Holding shares or eligible assets
- Registered agent incorporation process
DubaiJAFZA Offshore
A Dubai-based offshore structure for eligible international, holding and investment purposes.
- International holding structures
- Dubai-based offshore registration
- Registered agent incorporation process
Is Offshore Right for You?
Use the right vehicle for the right purpose.
An offshore structure can be useful, but it should not be presented as a substitute for a UAE operating company.
Not designed for
- Obtaining UAE residence visas
- Operating a physical UAE retail business
- Employing a UAE-based workforce directly
- Replacing required mainland or free zone licences
Compliance Matters
Incorporation is only the beginning.
Offshore companies remain subject to registry rules and applicable UAE and international requirements. We help coordinate formation and explain the records, renewals and filings relevant to your structure.
Request a Structure ReviewBeneficial OwnershipMaintain accurate ownership and control information.
Company RecordsKeep appropriate corporate and financial records.
Annual RenewalKeep the registration and agent appointment current.
Applicable FilingsAssess regulatory and tax-related obligations case by case.
Formation Process
A structure-led incorporation process.
Document and approval requirements vary by jurisdiction, shareholder profile and intended company use.
Review the purpose
Confirm the intended transactions, assets and countries involved.
Select jurisdiction
Compare RAK ICC and JAFZA Offshore requirements.
Prepare due diligence
Collect shareholder, address and source-of-funds documents.
Register and maintain
Complete incorporation and plan renewals and compliance.
Offshore Company FAQs
What investors need to know.
Suitability depends on the complete ownership and transaction structure. Obtain legal and tax advice where appropriate.
What is a UAE offshore company?
It is a registered corporate vehicle generally used for international business, holding assets or shares, and cross-border structuring. It is not the same as a mainland or free zone operating company.
Does an offshore company provide residence visas?
An offshore company does not normally provide UAE residence visas. Investors requiring visas should compare mainland or free zone structures.
Can it trade inside the UAE?
An offshore company is generally not intended for ordinary commercial operations in the UAE local market. The proposed activity should be reviewed before incorporation.
Can it open a bank account?
An incorporated company may apply, but account approval is always subject to the bank's independent compliance and risk assessment.
Does it require annual compliance?
Yes. Applicable obligations can include record keeping, beneficial ownership information, renewals, registered agent requirements and regulatory or tax-related filings.
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