Go Global: Establish Your UAE Offshore Entity
Protect assets, optimize tax structures, and conduct global business with a secure, tax-neutral corporate vehicle registered in RAK ICC, JAFZA, or Ajman.
Unrivaled Benefits of UAE Offshore Structures
A UAE offshore company is a highly respected international corporate structure that provides asset safety, legal optimization, and operational flexibility.
0% Corporate & Income Tax
Enjoy a completely tax-neutral jurisdiction. There are zero taxes on foreign-sourced business revenues, capital gains, wealth, or corporate profits.
100% Asset Protection
Protect your global business assets, real estate, and intellectual property. The offshore structure acts as an impenetrable holding entity.
Utmost Privacy
The registries of UAE offshore jurisdictions are completely confidential. Names of shareholders, directors, and UBOs are never made available to the public.
No Local Physical Overhead
Operate without the cost of leasing a physical office, hiring local employees, or paying high annual utilities. Setup requires only a registered office address.
Choose Your Offshore Jurisdiction
The UAE hosts three primary offshore authorities. Each caters to specific commercial and investment requirements.
Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre
Best for General Holding & Global Trading
- Highly modern corporate law framework
- Fast-track digital registration
- Cost-effective renewal fees
- Ideal for IP and international trading portfolios
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority
Best for Dubai Real Estate Holding
- Only offshore entity allowed to own Dubai real estate
- Prestige of being registered in Dubai city proper
- Strong compliance rules and high banking credibility
- Excellent for multinational joint ventures
Ajman Free Zone
Best Entry-Level Holding
- Lowest initial incorporation cost
- Minimal corporate reporting rules
- Simplest documentary submission
- Good for single-asset holding purposes
The Offshore Incorporation Path
A seamless 5-step corporate launch path managed end-to-end by Delphi's registration experts.
Jurisdiction & Scope Alignment
We analyze your business objectives to select the optimal offshore authority (RAK ICC vs. JAFZA vs. Ajman) and define the legal scope of your international entity.
Agent Appointment & Name Approval
By UAE law, offshore companies must be formed through a registered agent. Delphi reserves your company name and submits the initial charter files.
Drafting Charter & KYC Verification
We draft your Memorandum & Articles of Association (MoA) and gather shareholder documents (utility bills, CVs, passport copies) for direct compliance checks.
Registry Filing & Incorporation
Delphi files the complete docket with the chosen offshore registrar. Once approved, the authority issues your Certificate of Incorporation.
Compliance setup & Banking Intro
We register your Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO), establish tax compliance folders, and introduce your entity to prime UAE corporate banks.
Required Documentation Checklist
UAE registries require detailed KYC information. Depending on your shareholder type, prepare the following documents.
1Individual Founder
Certified Passport Copy
Must be valid for at least 6 months
Proof of Address
Utility bill or bank statement (less than 3 months old)
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Showing professional background
Bank Reference Letter
Original letter issued by your personal bank
2Corporate / Holding Entity
Certificate of Incorporation
Attested copy of parent company registry
Memorandum & Articles (MoA)
Attested corporate charter docs
Board Resolution
Authorizing the setup and appointing the signee
Certificate of Good Standing
Verifying the parent entity is active
Legal Document Verification
All documents originating outside the UAE must be notarized and attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin.
Essential Offshore Compliance
UAE offshore registries align with international tax transparency standards. Compliance with local regulations is mandatory to avoid severe administrative fines.
Economic Substance Regulations (ESR)
Offshore companies engaging in 'Relevant Activities' (such as Shipping, Holding Company business, Intellectual Property, and Distribution/Service centers) must maintain actual economic substance in the UAE and submit an annual ESR report.
We analyze your operations to determine if you fall under ESR scope and manage all filings.
FTA Corporate Tax Registration
Following the UAE's introduction of Corporate Tax, all registered businesses (including JAFZA and RAK ICC offshore companies) are legally required to obtain a Tax Registration Number (TRN) from the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).
We handle your tax registration and coordinate zero-tax qualifying filings on your foreign income.
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) declaration
UAE Cabinet Decision No. 58 of 2020 requires all entities to maintain registers of Partners/Shareholders, Directors, and Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO). These records must be submitted to the registrar.
We structure your UBO registers in compliance with the latest Cabinet rules to maintain active standing.
Offshore Setup FAQs
No, UAE offshore companies are strictly prohibited from conducting commercial operations directly within the UAE mainland or domestic market. They are designed for international trading, holding company setups, or holding overseas assets. However, they are permitted to open local bank accounts and own shares in local Freezone/Mainland companies.
No. Offshore companies (unlike Freezone or Mainland entities) do not sponsor UAE residence visas or establishment cards for founders and employees. If you require UAE residency, a Free Zone or Mainland company is required.
Only JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority) offshore companies are permitted to hold freehold real estate properties in Dubai, subject to approval from the Dubai Land Department (DLD). RAK ICC and Ajman offshore companies are restricted from owning real estate directly in Dubai.
No, physical presence is not required for incorporation. As an approved registered agent, Delphi Consultancy can handle the entire application, draft all document filings, and secure your registration remotely.
Free Zone companies can lease physical offices, hire local staff, conduct local trade (within their specific zone or via distributors), and sponsor UAE residence visas. Offshore companies cannot lease physical offices, cannot sponsor visas, and cannot conduct trade with UAE residents, acting strictly as international holding vehicles.
Establish Your Offshore Entity Today
Unsure whether RAK ICC or JAFZA fits your investment structure? Set up a free consultation with our senior incorporation specialists.
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