Offshore Company Registration in Dubai: Everything You Need to Know (2025)

Dubai skyline with overlay text highlighting the disadvantages of free zone companies in Dubai, including limited mainland access and higher business costs.

Offshore company registration in Dubai allows global investors and entrepreneurs to establish a tax-efficient, fully owned business entity without requiring a physical office or local sponsor. It’s a strategic choice for international trading, asset protection, and wealth structuring, all within a secure, legally compliant UAE jurisdiction.

Dubai’s offshore setup offers privacy, fast incorporation, and access to international banking, making it ideal for non-resident businesses operating outside the UAE.

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    Benefits of Offshore Company Registration in Dubai 

    • Full foreign ownership with no local sponsor
    • No corporate or income tax on global earnings
    • Bank account eligibility in UAE and abroad
    • Protects assets, IP, and investments with legal clarity
    • Complete confidentiality : shareholder details are private
    • Easy holding of international shares, trademarks, or property
    • Flexible corporate structure with minimal reporting

    UAE Offshore Jurisdictions

    1. RAK ICC Offshore

    • Fast registration
    • Cost-effective
    • Popular for startups and holding companies

    2. JAFZA Offshore

    • Allows real estate ownership in Dubai
    • Recognized by major international banks
    • Ideal for high-net-worth individuals and wealth structuring

    Required Documents for Offshore Company Formation

    • Passport copies of all shareholders and directors
    • Proof of residence (e.g, utility bill)
    • Proposed company names (at least three)
    • Business plan or activity outline
    • CV or professional profile of shareholders
    • Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association
    • Shareholder resolution (where applicable)
    • Once approved, you’ll receive the Certificate of Incorporation, official MOA, and a company registry certificate.

    Offshore Company vs Free Zone Company: Differences

    Feature

    Offshore Company

    Free Zone Company

    Business within UAE

    Not permitted

    Allowed in Free Zone

    Office space

    Not required

    Required

    Visa eligibility

    Not available

    Available

    Tax status

    0% corporate & income tax

    0%, subject to substance rules

    Ownership of UAE property

    Only via JAFZA

    Yes, depending on freezone

    What Can You Do with an Offshore Company in Dubai?

    • International trading or e-commerce
    • Holding shares in global subsidiaries
    • Owning trademarks or other intellectual property
    • Wealth and asset protection
    • Property ownership in designated areas (via JAFZA)
    • Family office setup or trust-based structuring
    •  

    How Quickplus Helps You Register Your Offshore Company

    • Free consultation: We assess your needs and recommend the right jurisdiction
    • Document preparation: We assist with KYC, MOA, and shareholder resolutions
    • Name reservation & due diligence: We submit your documents to RAK ICC or JAFZA
    • Company incorporation: Certificate of Incorporation within 3 to 5 business days.
    • Bank account setup: We help you open multi-currency accounts with top banks
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    Start Your Offshore Company in Dubai with Quickplus

    Quickplus Business Consultants offers expert guidance, full confidentiality, and legal compliance to help you set up your offshore business in Dubai. Whether your goal is to expand globally, protect assets, or reduce tax liability. We’re here to help.

    Contact us today for a free consultation and get your offshore company registered in just a few days.

    FAQ’s

    Which is the cheapest offshore company in Dubai?

    RAK ICC (RAK International Corporate Centre) and Ajman Offshore are generally considered the most affordable options for setting up an offshore company in Dubai and the UAE. Both jurisdictions offer competitive pricing and straightforward processes for company formation.

    Do offshore companies pay taxes in Dubai?

    In most cases, offshore companies in Dubai and the UAE are exempt from corporate and income taxes. This tax-free status is one of the key benefits of setting up an offshore company in the UAE.

    What is an offshore company in the UAE?

    An offshore company in the UAE is a legal entity established in specific jurisdictions such as Jebel Ali Free Zone or RAK ICC, primarily intended for conducting international business outside the UAE mainland. It's essentially a way to conduct business globally without needing a physical presence or engaging in local UAE market activities.

    What is the difference between a Free Zone company and an offshore company in Dubai?

    In Dubai, the key difference between Freezone and offshore companies lies in their operational capabilities and geographical restrictions. Free Zone companies are permitted to operate within their designated Free Zone and, in some cases, across the UAE with specific restrictions. On the other hand, offshore companies are established for international business purposes and are not permitted to carry out direct commercial activities within the UAE.

    How much does it cost to set up an offshore company in Dubai?

    The cost to form an offshore company in Dubai can range from AED 10,000 to AED 50,000, depending on the specific type of business, location (like JAFZA, RAK, or AFZA), and the services included. This cost typically covers registration fees, service provider fees, and basic administrative costs.

    How to set up an offshore company in Dubai?

    To establish an offshore company in Dubai, you'll need to follow a structured process involving company name selection, document preparation, application submission, and bank account opening. It's crucial to choose a reputable company formation specialist like Quickplus Business Consultants to guide you through the specific requirements of your chosen jurisdiction.
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