UAE Offshore Companies — TFZ
The offshore framework,
explained precisely
RAK ICC, JAFZA Offshore and Ajman — regulated holding vehicles for assets, shares and international business.
A UAE offshore company may hold assets, own shares, hold real estate where permitted, and transact internationally — but it may not carry on business within the UAE market. Within those boundaries, it's the most cost-efficient structure the UAE offers.
Get a quote from AED 8,000 →The Three Registries and Their Governing Regulations
RAK ICC
The UAE's most active offshore registry, hosting tens of thousands of companies. Modern features include different share classes, migration of foreign companies, and access to common-law dispute resolution via DIFC/ADGM courts. The default recommendation for general holding.
JAFZA Offshore
The prestige Dubai registry — and the offshore vehicle recognised by the Dubai Land Department for ownership of real estate in designated freehold areas. The correct instrument where the objective is holding Dubai property.
Ajman Offshore
The lowest-cost entry point for straightforward international holding and invoicing purposes.
Characteristics & Benefits
Governed by modern regulations with full beneficial-ownership transparency to the authorities — not a legacy secrecy jurisdiction.
100% foreign ownership, no minimum capital deposit
Capital is stated in the memorandum without a mandatory paid-up requirement.
No physical premises requirement
The registered office is provided through a licensed registered agent, which TFZ acts as.
Confidentiality with lawful transparency
Registers aren't public, but are maintained and disclosed to the registrar and competent authorities under Cabinet Decision No. 109 of 2023 and Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018.
Succession and asset-protection utility
Shares pass to heirs or transferees; RAK ICC additionally interfaces with foundations and the DIFC Wills Service for non-Muslim succession planning.
Speed and remoteness
Incorporation typically within 3–7 working days, executed remotely through the registered agent.
Permitted and Prohibited Activities
Permitted
Prohibited
Breach of the business-restriction rules is a compliance event with real consequences — the boundary is respected, not managed around.
AED 8,000
All-inclusive starting cost
3–7 days
Typical incorporation time
140+
Countries in the UAE's double tax treaty network
7 years
Accounting records retention period
Banking, Tax and Compliance
Bank account
The most scrutinised of the three structures. Banks apply enhanced due diligence under Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2018. Accounts are regularly opened for well-documented companies — preparation is the determining factor.
Corporate tax
Within the scope of Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, but an offshore company with no UAE-source income typically has no positive liability. Share-holding commonly benefits from the participation exemption under Article 23.
Economic substance
ESR filing obligations were discontinued for financial years ending after 31 December 2022 under Cabinet Decision No. 98 of 2024, though historic-period filings should be verified once.
None — by design
Offshore registries confer no immigration sponsorship rights. Founders requiring UAE residence pair the offshore holding company with a free zone operating company (packages with one visa from AED 12,000), or obtain residence independently.
If the company's purpose is to own — shares, property, IP, investments — and to invoice internationally, offshore is the efficient instrument. If it must operate, hire or sponsor, it is not.
RAK ICC for general purposes, JAFZA Offshore where Dubai real estate is involved, Ajman where budget governs. Where both ownership and operation are needed, the offshore-holding-plus-free-zone-operating structure delivers both.
Everything You Need to Know About Offshore Companies
From governing regulations to property ownership and tax filing, here are answers grounded in the current legal position.
This page provides general legal information current at the time of publication, not legal advice for your specific circumstances. Legislation and executive decisions are amended from time to time; TFZ confirms the current position for every client engagement.
Hold it properly. Document it precisely.
Tell us what the company should own — we'll recommend the registry and quote from AED 8,000.