Universus Consulting

Universus Consulting Service Universus Consulting Service
Universus Consulting Service

Advantage

Why Dubai Is a Leading Choice for Offshore Company Setup?

  • 100% Foreign Ownership
  • Tax-Free Operations
  • Enhanced Confidentiality
  • No Office Space Requirement
  • Global Trade Access

Our Process

How to Register an Offshore Company in Dubai

1

Initial Consultation

We guide you in choosing the most suitable offshore jurisdiction (RAK ICC, JAFZA, or Ajman) based on your business goals.

2

Company Structure & Name Approval

Define your company structure, shareholders, and submit preferred company names for approval.

3

Documentation Preparation & Submission

Our team handles all legal paperwork and coordinates with offshore authorities for submission.

4

Company Certificate

Receive your official Certificate of Incorporation along with Articles of Association and other legal documents.

5

Bank Account Assistance

We assist in opening an international or local corporate bank account, ensuring full compliance with banking norms.

Documents Required for Offshore Company Setup in Dubai

Frequently Asked Questions

An Offshore Company in Dubai (e.g., in JAFZA or RAKEZ) is ideal for international business, asset protection, and tax planning. It cannot operate within the UAE but is perfect for holding companies or owning property.

Here is why the Offshore economic zone in Dubai has always been attractive to business:

  • 100% foreign ownership allowed
  • No personal or corporate taxes
  • Asset protection and privacy
  • International business facilitation
  • Easy bank account opening

Yes, offshore companies are eligible to open corporate bank accounts in Dubai, but the documentation and compliance checks are stricter compared to Freezone or Mainland entities.

No. Offshore entities do not require physical office space in the UAE. A registered agent and registered office address are sufficient.

While both offer tax benefits and foreign ownership, Freezones allow for operational presence in the UAE, while Offshore companies are mainly for international transactions and cannot trade within the UAE.

Offshore business setup in Dubai typically involves selecting a jurisdiction like JAFZA or RAK ICC, preparing documents such as passport copies and a business plan, submitting an application through a registered agent, obtaining approvals, and receiving the certificate of incorporation. The process can be completed remotely in 3-5 working days if documents are prepared correctly, followed by opening a corporate bank account which may take up to a month due to due diligence.

Offshore business setup in Dubai offers 100% foreign ownership, full tax exemptions on profits and capital, complete repatriation of funds, and high confidentiality for international operations like asset holding or consulting. It requires no minimum capital, no physical office in the UAE, and provides a respected jurisdiction for global credibility, though it's limited to activities outside the UAE local market.

Offshore companies in Dubai cannot conduct business within the UAE mainland, lease local office space, or sponsor residence visas for owners or employees, as they are designed for international activities only. They also face restrictions on owning commercial property (though residential freehold is allowed in some areas) and must comply with annual renewals, economic substance reporting, and enhanced bank scrutiny.

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Offshore companies in Dubai cannot sponsor residence visas for owners, directors, or employees, as they are designed for international operations without a physical UAE presence. However, investors can pursue alternative visa options like investor visas through mainland or freezone entities, or long-term golden visas if meeting criteria such as property ownership or investment thresholds. The process for these involves submitting passports, financial proofs, and applications via the GDRFA, typically taking 2-4 weeks.

Offshore companies in Dubai benefit from 0% corporate tax on foreign-sourced income and qualifying activities, with no VAT on eligible international transactions, aligning with UAE's tax reforms. However, they are within the scope of corporate tax and may face a 9% rate on UAE-sourced income exceeding AED 375,000 if not qualifying as a Free Zone Person. Personal income tax remains at 0%, but economic substance rules must be met to maintain exemptions.

What is Offshore Business Setup?

Offshore Business Setup in the UAE involves establishing a non-resident company under jurisdictions like Ras Al Khaimah (RAK ICC) or Ajman Offshore (AFZA), designed for international activities such as asset holding, global trading, and intellectual property management. Unlike free zone or mainland setups, offshore companies do not trade within the UAE mainland or issue residence visas, but they offer 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax, and high confidentiality, making them ideal for cost-efficient global operations without a physical office.

Why Choose Offshore Business Setup?

  • 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor required, ensuring full control over your business and profits.
  • Zero corporate and personal income tax at the offshore level, maximizing financial efficiency for international transactions.
  • High confidentiality with shareholder and director details kept off public registers, ideal for privacy-focused structures.
  • Fast and cost-effective setup with minimal documentation, often completed within days, and no need for a physical office in the UAE.

Offshore Business Setup: Steps and Structures

  1. Select the offshore jurisdiction (e.g., RAK ICC or Ajman Offshore) and define business activities, such as holding company, trading, or IP ownership.
  2. Choose a legal structure, typically an International Business Company (IBC) or equivalent, suitable for single or multiple shareholders.
  3. Submit required documents, including passport copies, proof of address, and a business outline, to the offshore authority via a registered agent for approval.
  4. Complete incorporation by paying registration fees, finalizing the Memorandum of Association, and receiving the Certificate of Incorporation.
  5. Open a multi-currency corporate bank account (subject to KYC/AML compliance) to facilitate global transactions; no visas or local office required.

Offshore Business Setup Costs: What to Expect

  • Setup costs typically range from AED 5,000 to AED 15,000, covering registration, agent fees, and standard documentation, depending on the jurisdiction and services.
  • Annual renewals are cost-effective, generally between AED 5,000 and AED 10,000, with minimal ongoing compliance requirements.
  • Additional costs may include bank account opening assistance, document attestation, or certified translations, as needed for international operations.

Offshore License Validity and Renewals

Offshore company registrations are typically valid for one year and renewed annually through the offshore authority, requiring payment of renewal fees and compliance with basic regulations. The process is streamlined, often managed through registered agents, with no need for physical presence or extensive reporting.

What Businesses Fit Best for Offshore Setup?

  • Holding companies managing shares, real estate, or assets across multiple countries, benefiting from tax efficiency and privacy.
  • International trading or consulting firms invoicing global clients, leveraging multi-currency banking and low operational costs.
  • Intellectual property owners protecting patents, trademarks, or copyrights, with flexible structures for licensing or royalty management.

By choosing the right offshore jurisdiction, aligning activities with global goals, and leveraging cost-efficient setups, Offshore Business Setup offers a flexible, private, and tax-optimized platform for entrepreneurs and investors seeking a strategic base in the UAE for international operations.