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 |
Compliance & Documentation
| Aspect | Dubai (JAFZA) | RAK ICC |
| Audit Requirement | Mandatory annual audit | Audit optional (can be requested by RAK ICC) |
| Annual Filing | Yes, must file audited accounts | Simplified annual return; audit not always required |
| Confidentiality | High (no public register) | High (no public register) |
| Substance Requirements | Must comply with UAE Economic Substance Regulations if applicable | Must comply with UAE Economic Substance Regulations if applicable |
Reputation & Use Cases
| Use Case | Dubai (JAFZA) | RAK ICC |
| Prestige / International Recognition | Higher – JAFZA is widely recognized and linked to Dubai’s strong reputation | Moderate – respected but considered a more economical jurisdiction |
| Holding Company for International Structures | Excellent choice | Excellent choice |
| Intellectual Property Holding | Common use | Common use |
| Real Estate Holding in Dubai | Allowed (JAFZA offshore can own property in designated Dubai areas) | Not allowed directly (can only own property in RAK or via approval from developer/DLD) |
| Tax Residency Certificate Eligibility | Not eligible (offshore companies cannot obtain) | Not eligible (same rule) |
| Double Tax Treaty Access | No | No |
Comparative analysis
| Category | Best Option |
| Prestige / International Recognition | Dubai (JAFZA) |
| Cost Efficiency | RAK ICC |
| Property Ownership in Dubai | Dubai (JAFZA) |
| Holding / IP / Trading Abroad | Both |
| Ease of Incorporation & Maintenance | RAK ICC |
Choose Dubai (JAFZA Offshore) if you want higher prestige, property ownership in Dubai, and strong international credibility.
Choose RAK ICC if you want lower cost, simpler maintenance, and a reputable but practical offshore structure.
Recent Advantages of UAE
Advantages of UAE Being Removed from FATF Grey List
Enhanced International Reputation
Signals strong AML/CTF compliance.
Boosts trust among global investors and partners.
Improved Banking & Financial Operations
Easier access to correspondent banking.
Reduced due diligence burdens and compliance costs.
Smoother cross-border transactions and trade finance.
Increased Foreign Investment
Attracts more foreign direct investment (FDI).
Supports real estate, financial services, and non-oil sectors.
Lower Risk Perception
Reduces the risk premium for doing business with UAE entities.
Encourages international partnerships and joint ventures.
Economic Diversification Support
Strengthens financial services, trade, and non-oil economic growth.
Aligns with UAE’s long-term strategic reforms and governance improvements.
The United Arab Emirates is the most attractive country for incorporating a company for doing business within the country and abroad. Apart from unique tax advantages the UAE is an attractive place for business due to its favorable geographical location, and stable economic and political situation.
The United Arab Emirates is one of the world’s largest centers for doing local, regional and international business. This country provides great opportunities for doing business in the areas of production, trade, logistics and any other business activities.
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.
