United Arab Emirates
Offshore Incorporation Services
Why Incorporating in Dubai
Dubai is one of the world’s top business hubs — offering 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, tax advantages, world-class infrastructure, and strategic access to markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Business Structure Options
You can register your company in one of three main jurisdictions:
Mainland (Onshore)
Licensed by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Allows you to trade anywhere in the UAE and internationally.
Some sectors allow 100% foreign ownership.
Free Zone
100% foreign ownership.
Fast setup with minimal paperwork.
Ideal for e-commerce, consulting, media, and tech firms.
Examples: DMCC, IFZA, Meydan, Dubai Internet City.
Offshore
Used for holding or international trading companies.
Cannot trade within the UAE.
Popular for asset protection and tax planning.
Steps to Incorporate
Choose your jurisdiction and activity (Mainland, Free Zone, Offshore).
Reserve your company name with the relevant authority.
Submit incorporation documents:
Passport copies of shareholders and manager
Application form and business plan (some Free Zones)
Pay license fees and receive your Trade License.
Open a corporate bank account in the UAE.
Obtain visas for yourself and employees (if needed).
After Incorporation
You can register your domain (e.g., .ae or .com) and create your company website.
Use your trade license number and registered company name in your website’s footer to comply with UAE business laws.
Dubai offshore vs. RAK offshore
Dubai Offshore (specifically JAFZA Offshore) and RAK Offshore (Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre – RAK ICC), are the two main offshore company jurisdictions in the UAE:
| Feature | Dubai Offshore (JAFZA Offshore) | RAK Offshore (RAK ICC) |
| Regulator / Authority | Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) | Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) |
| Location | Emirate of Dubai | Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah |
| Reputation | Prestigious, well-known internationally | Cost-effective, reputable regionally |
| Formation Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Maintenance Cost | Higher | Lower |
Corporate Structure & Operations
| Aspect | Dubai (JAFZA) | RAK ICC |
| Legal Form | Limited Liability Offshore Company | Limited Liability Offshore Company |
| Shareholders | Minimum 1, maximum 50 | Minimum 1, maximum 50 |
| Directors | Minimum 2 | Minimum 1 |
| Secretary | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Registered Office | Must be with an approved JAFZA registered agent | Must be with an approved RAK ICC registered agent |
| Physical Office | Not permitted to rent office space in the UAE | Not permitted to rent office space in the UAE |
| Local Operations | Not allowed to trade within the UAE | Not allowed to trade within the UAE |
| Bank Account | Can open UAE and international bank accounts | Can open UAE and international bank accounts |
Set up your Business Entity today!
Our Business Development Team is ready to guide and assist you to discuss all options you have and to provide you with all the support you need to enable you to take the right decision facing your specific needs!
All our Consultancy and Advisory services are completely FREE!
Packages and Prices!
Inclusions
Year 1 Incorporation and service fees.
Optional Services (Bank Account opening, Nominee services, Certification of documents, amongst others).
Annual Renewal service fees for year 2 and subsequent years, to keep your company in good standing and full Compliant at all times.
