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Andi Refandi
Andi serves as a Senior Account Executive on Emerhub’s global team.
Setting up an offshore company in Dubai offers a highly efficient structure if you manage international business operations, global assets, or cross-border investments.
It allows you to operate with significant advantages, such as zero local UAE taxes, 100% foreign ownership, full profit repatriation, and enhanced confidentiality within a stable, respected jurisdiction.
In this article, we will walk you through the essentials of how to establish your Dubai offshore company, and the necessary steps you need to take.
Types of Offshore Jurisdictions Available in the UAE
The UAE offers several jurisdictions for setting up offshore companies and selecting the right one depends on your specific business goals. However, the two main offshore jurisdictions in the UAE include:
- JAFZA Offshore (Dubai): Located within the Jebel Ali Free Zone, JAFZA offers high international credibility and is ideal if you need a globally recognized Dubai-based structure, perhaps for holding shares or property.
- RAK ICC (Ras Al Khaimah): The Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre stands out for its cost-effective setup and operational costs. It provides a strong regulatory framework focused on compliance and investor privacy.
- Ajman Offshore: If you’re a startup or small business looking for a simple, affordable offshore setup, Ajman Offshore also offers a suitable entry point with minimal overhead.
It is recommended to discuss your needs and plans with our local experts. We will advise you on the most appropriate offshore jurisdiction based on your needs and handle the setup process on your behalf.
Essential Steps to Register Your Offshore Company in Dubai
In the following section, we have outlined the mandatory steps you need to take to set up your offshore company in Dubai.
Step 1: Prepare the required documents before initiating your offshore company setup
Before initiating your incorporation process, you must prepare and submit a set of mandatory documents. The specific requirements vary depending on whether you’re applying as an individual shareholder or as a corporate entity.
If you are applying as individual shareholders, you will need to provide:
- Passport copies for all shareholders
- Proof of residence, such as a recent utility bill
- A bank reference letter from your existing bank
- A brief business profile outlining your professional background and activities
- Your proposed company name (you may be asked to submit three options)
- A description of the intended business activities of the offshore company
If your application is submitted as Corporate Shareholders, you must prepare:
- A Certificate of Registration for the parent company, attested by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in the company’s home country
- A Certificate of Good Standing, confirming that the parent company is legally active
- The Memorandum and Articles of Association of the parent company
- A bank reference letter for the parent company
- A Board Resolution authorizing the formation of the offshore company, naming the directors, and appointing a Registered Agent to represent the company in the UAE
Emerhub’s local expert can help you prepare the necessary documents and handle the registration process on your behalf.
Step 2: Identify your business activities
Before setting up your offshore company in the UAE, you should identify the core business activities you plan to undertake.
Remember, offshore companies cannot conduct business within the UAE mainland market. They are designed for international purposes, such as:
- Holding shares in foreign or UAE companies (subject to rules).
- Owning intellectual property rights.
- Managing overseas investments.
- International consulting or trading services (outside the UAE).
- Property ownership in designated UAE freehold areas (JAFZA/RAK ICC)
Step 3: Select your company name
You’ll need to propose three company names in order of preference.
The proposed company names must comply with the relevant offshore authority’s regulations and generally end with “Limited” or “Ltd.” Avoid restricted terms like “Dubai,” “UAE,” “Bank,” “Insurance,” etc., without specific approvals.
Once approved, your selected name will appear on all incorporation documents.
Emerhub will handle the name reservation application on your behalf.
Step 4: Define Company Structure (Shareholders, Director, Secretary)
As part of the incorporation process, you need to appoint at least one shareholder and one secretary for your offshore company. This can be an individual or a corporate entity, depending on your preference.
When it comes to capital investment, there is typically no minimum paid-up share capital requirement for UAE offshore companies. However, you must decide on the authorized share capital amount and how shares will be allocated.
Step 5: Sign Incorporation Documents
With your company structure and documentation in place, review and sign the final incorporation documents, primarily the Memorandum and Articles of Association (MoA & AoA).
These documents outline your company’s structure, activities, and internal regulations.
A key advantage is that signing can often be done remotely without needing to visit the UAE. Our local experts can facilitate this.
Step 6: Register your official address
Offshore companies in the UAE are not required to have a physical office space within the UAE. This is a key distinction from mainland or Free Zone companies.
This is because offshore companies are primarily designed for international business activities and are not intended to conduct business directly within the UAE’s local market.
However, the company legally needs an official address for mail and registration purposes. Emerhub will provide you with a registered business address in the appropriate jurisdiction.
Step 7: Receive your Certificate of Incorporation
Once your application is approved and all documents are processed, you’ll receive your Certificate of Incorporation along with the MoA, AoA, and other official company documents.
These documents confirm your company’s legal existence and are used for banking and international transactions.
Step 8: Open your corporate bank account
With your documents in hand, the next step is to open a corporate bank account in the UAE. Some banks accept offshore structures but may require enhanced due diligence.
Because of the stringent compliance checks and approvals, opening an offshore bank account in the United Arab Emirates takes a little longer. In some circumstances, opening a bank account could take nearly a month.
Emerhub leverages its banking relationships to assist clients in navigating the application process and requirements for opening UAE corporate bank accounts.
Set Up Your Offshore Company in Dubai with Emerhub
A UAE offshore company provides a streamlined, tax-efficient, and compliant structure perfectly suited for managing your international business interests, assets, or investments without needing a local operational presence.
At Emerhub, we specialize in establishing UAE offshore companies (JAFZA and RAK ICC) for global entrepreneurs.
Our local experts handle document preparation, guide you through attestation requirements, liaise directly with the offshore authorities, and provide expert assistance with the corporate bank account application process.
For a more tailored consultation, fill out the form below and we will put you in touch with one of our local experts.
FAQs About Setting Up an Offshore Company in Dubai
If all documents are correctly prepared and attested, the offshore company registration process itself often takes only three to five working days. Document preparation and attestation take additional time.
No, your physical presence is typically not required for the company registration itself. The process can be handled remotely.
Note: In some cases, a visit may be required later for the bank account opening.
Yes, you can open a corporate bank account in the UAE under your offshore company. However, the process is more rigorous than for Free Zone or Mainland companies. Banks apply enhanced due diligence to offshore structures, and the timeline may extend up to 30 days or more.
UAE offshore companies are not eligible to apply for residence visas. These entities are considered non-residents under UAE legal and immigration frameworks. Therefore, they are not covered under UAE labor law, VAT regulations, or customs rules and cannot sponsor individuals for residency.
Offshore companies cannot lease or rent office space anywhere in the UAE. Your company will be registered under the official address in the freezone, which serves as the legal correspondence address.
Yes, but with certain conditions. Offshore companies registered with RAK ICC or JAFZA Offshore are allowed to purchase freehold residential property in certain designated areas in the UAE. Commercial property ownership is not permitted under offshore company structures.
Compliance includes maintaining accurate internal records, renewing the company registration annually with the offshore authority (via your agent), and potentially filing Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) reports if applicable activities are undertaken.
Emerhub will act as your liaison with the offshore authority and ensure that your company meets all regulatory requirements on an ongoing basis.
