FTANew companies must register for Corporate Tax within 3 months of incorporation. Late registration costs AED 10,000.

+971 56 505 9557 info@balancebrite.ae
Balance Brite Tax and Accounting Services LLC
+971 56 505 9557
Ras Al Khaimah Mainland
Offshore

Offshore Company Setup

Holding companies, property vehicles and international structures through RAK ICC, JAFZA Offshore, Ajman Offshore, the BVI, the Cayman Islands and Mauritius.

  • 3UAE registries
  • 3International
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UAE offshore

RAK ICC, JAFZA Offshore and Ajman Offshore

RegistryWhat to know
RAK ICCRas Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre. Most popular UAE offshore registry; can own Dubai freehold property in approved areas; no audit requirement in most cases.
JAFZA OffshoreOffshore companies registered by Jebel Ali Free Zone. Often used to hold property and shares; can own Dubai property in approved areas.
Ajman OffshoreOffshore companies registered through Ajman Free Zone. A lower cost option for holding purposes.

UAE offshore guide

Tax position

A UAE offshore company is a UAE resident person for corporate tax and must register and file, even if it only holds assets. It cannot be a Qualifying Free Zone Person in the way an operating free zone company can, so advice on its income is important before you form it.

Hassam Abbasi, Manager at Balance Brite, outside a glass office building
Hassam AbbasiManager, Balance Brite. Advises on holding and offshore structures
Offshore guides

Choose a jurisdiction

UAE Offshore
UAE

UAE Offshore

A UAE offshore company is a holding and asset vehicle, not a trading licence.

From AED 14,999
British Virgin Islands
International

British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands are one of the most widely used offshore jurisdictions for holding companies, joint ventures and investment vehicles, with a familiar common law framework..

From AED 14,999
Cayman Islands
International

Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are a leading jurisdiction for investment funds and holding structures.

From AED 14,999
Mauritius
International

Mauritius

Mauritius is a well regulated international financial centre with a wide treaty network, often used for investment into Africa and India..

From AED 14,999
Process

How offshore incorporation works

  1. Structure

    Choose the registry and the purpose of the company.

  2. Registered agent and KYC

    Agent appointed and due diligence completed.

  3. Incorporation

    Name approved and incorporation documents issued.

  4. Bank and filings

    Bank account support and tax registrations.

Checklist

Documents

  • Passport copies of shareholders and directors
  • Proof of residential address
  • Bank reference letter or CV for each shareholder (some registries)
  • Business plan or description of the company’s purpose
  • For corporate shareholders: attested incorporation and good standing documents
FAQ

Offshore questions

What is an offshore company used for?

Holding shares, property in approved areas, intellectual property and investments. It cannot trade inside the UAE or sponsor visas.

Which UAE offshore registry is best?

RAK ICC is the most common and can hold Dubai freehold property in approved areas. JAFZA Offshore suits groups in Jebel Ali. Ajman Offshore is lower cost.

Do offshore companies need corporate tax registration?

UAE offshore companies are UAE resident for corporate tax and must register and file.

Can I open a bank account for an offshore company?

Yes, UAE and international banks open accounts for offshore companies with strong documentation.

Hassam Abbasi, Manager at Balance Brite, by a marble doorway

Talk to our setup manager about offshore

Hassam Abbasi manages company setup at Balance Brite. Share your activity, the visas you need and where your customers are, and he will recommend a jurisdiction and give you a written quote.