Offshore company setup in the UAE, for holding & international trade.
Register a JAFZA, RAK ICC or Ajman Offshore company from India — 100% ownership, 0% tax, full confidentiality, and no physical office required. Built for holding structures, asset protection and international trading, not local UAE operations.
Get your Offshore quote
Fixed pricing, no hidden fees. Our India desk replies within one business day.
What is a UAE Offshore company?
A UAE offshore company is a corporate entity registered in a jurisdiction like JAFZA, RAK ICC or Ajman Offshore, designed for holding assets, international trading and wealth structuring — not for conducting business or renting office space inside the UAE. It’s set up and maintained through a licensed registered agent, requires no physical office, and offers a level of confidentiality that free zone and mainland companies don’t.
Offshore is a popular choice for Indian entrepreneurs and investors who want a stable, zero-tax holding structure for international assets, intellectual property or shareholdings — separate from an operating company that might sit in a free zone or mainland instead.
Benefits of a UAE Offshore company.
What makes offshore the right structure for holding, trading internationally and protecting assets.
100% Foreign Ownership
Full ownership with no local shareholder or UAE national partner required.
0% Corporate Tax
Offshore companies with no UAE-sourced income are not subject to UAE corporate tax.
Full Confidentiality
JAFZA and RAK ICC do not maintain a public register of shareholders or directors.
No Physical Office Needed
Registered through a licensed agent — no office lease or Ejari required.
100% Repatriation
Move capital and profits freely, with no currency or repatriation restrictions.
Low Annual Maintenance
Lower ongoing costs than free zone or mainland companies, with simpler annual compliance.
What an Offshore company is built for.
Holding Company
Hold shares in other companies or business assets under one structure.
International Trading
Invoice and trade with clients outside the UAE through a neutral jurisdiction.
Asset Protection
Separate personal or business assets into a protected corporate structure.
UAE Property Holding
JAFZA Offshore companies can hold freehold property in approved Dubai areas.
Wealth Structuring
Structure investments and intellectual property for long-term planning.
Compare the top Offshore jurisdictions.
| Jurisdiction | Starting Cost | Annual Renewal | Registered Agent | UAE Property Ownership | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAFZA OffshorePrestige | AED 15,000 | ~AED 8,000 | Required | Yes, approved areas | Property holding, high-credibility trading |
| RAK ICC | AED 13,000 | ~AED 7,000 | Required | Limited | International trading, cost-effective holding |
| Ajman Offshore | AED 12,000 | ~AED 6,500 | Required | Limited | Budget-friendly holding companies |
*Indicative starting and renewal costs in AED; final pricing depends on structure, number of shareholders and registered agent fees. We confirm an exact, itemised quote before you commit.
Not sure if Offshore is the right structure? We’ll help you decide, free.
Offshore vs. Free Zone vs. Mainland.
| Factor | Offshore | Free Zone | Mainland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | 100% | 100% | 100%* |
| UAE Market Access | Not permitted | Limited | Full |
| UAE Residence Visa | Not available | Available | Available |
| Office Requirement | Not required | Flexi-desk OK | Physical required |
| Corporate Tax | 0% | 0% on qualifying income | 9% above AED 375k profit |
| Setup Time | 3–5 days | 2–5 days | 4–10 days |
*100% mainland ownership applies to most activities under current UAE Commercial Companies Law; a few strategic sectors still require a local partner.
Documents you’ll need.
- ✓Passport copy of all shareholders and directors (valid 6+ months)
- ✓Passport-size photograph, white background
- ✓Proof of address — utility bill or bank statement, within 3 months
- ✓3 proposed company name options for approval
- ✓Business activity / purpose of the offshore company
- ✓Shareholding structure between partners, if any
- ✓Registered agent appointment — we act as yours
- ✓Specimen signature, collected digitally
Is an Offshore company right for you?
Holding & Investment Groups
Structuring shareholdings, subsidiaries or investments under one entity.
International Traders
Invoicing and trading with clients outside the UAE through a neutral jurisdiction.
Property Investors
Holding UAE freehold property through a JAFZA Offshore structure.
Founders Wanting Confidentiality
Consultants and business owners who value a private, non-public shareholding structure.
Offshore company setup — questions Indian founders ask.
Ready to register your Offshore company? Let’s talk.
Or WhatsApp us directly at +971 50 864 3999 for a same-day response.