Skip to main content

Offshore Company Formation in Dubai

Establish an offshore company in the UAE through JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority) — a legal business structure for international holding, invoicing, and asset protection without a physical office in the UAE.

Eligibility

International Holding

Foreign nationals or companies seeking a UAE legal entity for holding shares, intellectual property, or real estate without a physical office.

Invoicing & Trading

Businesses requiring a UAE-based entity for international invoicing, contracts, and cross-border trade documentation.

Asset Protection

Individuals or entities seeking enhanced privacy, wealth management, and legal asset protection through a UAE offshore structure.

Required Documents

Passport copies of all shareholders and directors

Identity verification for JAFZA registration

Proof of residential address for each shareholder

Regulatory compliance — utility bill or bank statement accepted

Board resolution (for corporate shareholders)Optional

Authorises the incorporation of the offshore entity

Certificate of incorporation of parent companyOptional

Required when a corporate entity is a shareholder

Proposed company name (3 options)

JAFZA requires name availability check before registration

Process Timeline

  1. 1

    Consultation & name reservation

    Review your business objectives, select the entity type (LLC or branch), and reserve the company name with JAFZA.

    1–2 business days

  2. 2

    Document submission

    Amer MBS prepares and submits the incorporation documents to JAFZA on your behalf.

    2–3 business days

  3. 3

    JAFZA approval & licence issuance

    JAFZA reviews the application and issues the offshore company certificate and licence.

    5–7 business days

  4. 4

    Bank account opening (optional)

    Assistance with opening a corporate bank account at a UAE bank using the offshore company documents.

    7–14 business days

Google Reviews — Amer MBS Centre

Amer MBS centre exterior, Ras Al Khor, Dubai

Google Reviews

4.9/5

Based on 102 reviews

View on Google Maps
J

Jaz Mie C.

My entire experience with Amer Center is absolutely awesome. The staff are incredibly kind and courteous especially Ma'am Hessa she has a lot of personality, bubbly and a positive vibes that lighten up my day.

a year ago

M

Mohamad M.

I was in urgent need of the establishment card. Miss. Umara answered and helped me immediately in less than a minute. She is kind, fast, and wonderful, and I see her as the perfect example of the best customer service.

a year ago

Compare Your Options

See key differences to choose the best fit for your situation

You’re viewing thisBest for international holdingOffshore CompanyJebel Ali Free Zone Authority
Setup time1–2 weeks
DocumentsLow
Govt. feesAED 10,000–18,000
  • No physical office required in the UAE
  • Asset protection under UAE legal framework
  • Tax-efficient structure for international operations
Best for full market accessMainland LicenceDepartment of Economy and Tourism
Setup time2–4 weeks
DocumentsHigh
Govt. feesAED 15,000–35,000
  • Trade anywhere in the UAE — no geographic restriction
  • Wide scope of licensed business activities
  • 100% foreign ownership with local service agent
  • Full PRO, Tasheel, and legal support included
Best for 100% foreign ownershipFree Zone LicenceDepartment of Economy and Tourism
Setup time1–2 weeks
DocumentsMedium
Govt. feesAED 12,000–25,000
  • 100% foreign ownership — no local partner required
  • Corporate and personal income tax exemptions
  • Simplified setup with zone-specific regulations
  • Visa processing and legal support from zone authority

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an offshore company in Dubai?

An offshore company is a legal entity registered in a UAE free zone (JAFZA) that operates outside the registered jurisdiction. It can hold assets, open bank accounts, and conduct international trade without requiring a physical office.

Which authority registers offshore companies in Dubai?

JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority) is the primary authority that facilitates offshore company registration in Dubai.

Do I need a physical office for an offshore company?

No. Offshore companies operate without a physical office in the UAE. A registered agent address is provided by JAFZA for official correspondence.

What are the tax benefits of a UAE offshore company?

UAE offshore companies benefit from exemptions on corporate and personal income tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax, subject to applicable UAE corporate tax regulations.

Can an offshore company open a UAE bank account?

Yes. JAFZA-registered offshore companies can open corporate bank accounts at major UAE banks. Amer MBS assists with the banking introduction and documentation.

What documents are needed to set up an offshore company?

You need passport copies of shareholders and directors, proof of residential address, and a proposed company name. Corporate shareholders also require a board resolution and certificate of incorporation.

How long does it take to register an offshore company?

The typical timeline is 7–10 business days from document submission to licence issuance, subject to JAFZA processing times.

Information sourced from GDRFA.gov.ae, ICA.gov.ae, MOHRE.gov.ae — verified 2026-03-16

Ready to get started?

Message us on WhatsApp — we typically respond within minutes during business hours (Sun–Thu, 8 AM–6 PM).

Start on WhatsApp