An offshore company in the UAE is a company registered with RAK ICC, JAFZA Offshore or Ajman Offshore. It is typically used to hold shares, intellectual property, investments or approved real estate, and to run international business that does not trade inside the UAE.
Offshore companies are recognised as juridical persons under UAE Corporate Tax law. They must register with the Federal Tax Authority and meet ongoing filing obligations. Juno BizHub helps you choose the right registry, set up the company, and stay compliant from day one.
UAE has three major offshore jurisdictions: RAK (RAKICC), JAFZA, and Ajman.
Quick Answer
A UAE offshore company is a legal entity registered with an offshore registry (RAK ICC, JAFZA or Ajman). It cannot trade within the UAE, cannot sponsor residence visas, and is mainly used for holding and international activities. It must register for UAE Corporate Tax.
Key Facts
- 100% foreign ownership
- Must register for UAE Corporate Tax with the FTA
- Shareholder details held by the registry and the UBO register, not publicly listed
- Cannot trade within the UAE or sponsor residence visas
Offshore vs Free Zone
| Feature | Offshore Entity | Free Zone Entity |
|---|---|---|
| Residency Visas | Not Eligible | Eligible |
| Physical Office | Not Allowed (Registered Address only) | Allowed & Required for Visas |
| Local Trading | Strictly Prohibited | Prohibited without distributor |
| Primary Purpose | Holding and international activities | Active Business Operations |
Offshore Setup Process
Select Jurisdiction
Choose between JAFZA, RAKICC, or Ajman Offshore based on your needs (e.g., JAFZA is required to own Dubai property).
Document Collation
Gather passport copies, utility bills, CVs, and a bank reference letter for the shareholders.
Application & Due Diligence
Submit the application through Juno BizHub as your registered agent.
Incorporation
Receive your Certificate of Incorporation, register for Corporate Tax, and apply for a bank account with our support (approval is at the bank's discretion).
Documents Required
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End-to-end visa processing and government liaison services for your entire team.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Key Advantages
- Quick, document-light setup
- 100% foreign ownership
- Suited to holding shares, IP and international investments
- No physical office required
- Shareholder details kept off public registers
- Repatriation of capital and profits
- Bank account support (subject to bank approval)
- Corporate Tax registration handled for you
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