What Is a UAE Offshore Company?
A UAE offshore company is a legal entity registered in a UAE offshore jurisdiction (RAK ICC or JAFZA Offshore) that is permitted to operate internationally but cannot conduct business within the UAE directly. Offshore companies do not require a physical office in the UAE and are typically not eligible for UAE residence visas.
They are commonly used for:
- Asset protection — hold property, investments, and intellectual property
- International trading — invoice and receive payments from global clients
- Holding structures — own shares in UAE mainland or free zone subsidiaries
- Succession planning — estate and inheritance structuring for HNWI
- IP holding — own patents, trademarks, and software licenses
UAE Offshore Jurisdictions
RAK ICC — Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre
The most popular UAE offshore jurisdiction. RAK ICC (formerly RAK Offshore) is a modern, internationally compliant offshore regime that replaced the old structure in 2019.
Key features:
- Full foreign ownership (single shareholder allowed)
- No requirement for UAE-resident directors
- Shares can be held by individuals or corporate entities
- Access to UAE banking (selective — not all banks accept offshore accounts)
- Low annual maintenance fees
- Complies with FATF and international transparency standards
JAFZA Offshore — Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority
Older, well-established offshore jurisdiction. Particularly suited for businesses that:
- Need to hold shares in JAFZA onshore entities
- Require a UAE bank account with stronger institutional relationships
- Are structured for real estate ownership in Dubai
Offshore vs. Free Zone vs. Mainland
| Feature | Offshore | Free Zone | Mainland |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE Business Operations | Not permitted | Within free zone | Anywhere in UAE |
| UAE Bank Account | Selective | Yes | Yes |
| UAE Residence Visa | No | Yes | Yes |
| Confidentiality | High | Moderate | Lower |
| Annual Cost | Low | Moderate | Higher |
| Physical Office | Not required | Flexi-desk/virtual | Required |
| Best Use Case | Holding, IP, trading | Operations | Operations + local market |
What We Handle
- Jurisdiction selection advice (RAK ICC vs. JAFZA based on your structure)
- Company name search and reservation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association preparation
- Registered agent appointment (required for all UAE offshore)
- Share certificate and corporate documentation
- Annual renewal and compliance filing
- Banking introduction (subject to bank KYC approval)
Important Compliance Notes (2026)
UAE offshore entities are subject to:
- Economic Substance Regulation (ESR) if conducting a relevant activity (holding, IP, finance, headquarters, etc.)
- Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) register — beneficial ownership must be declared to the authority
- Corporate Tax — offshore companies with UAE-sourced income or permanent establishment may be in scope for CT
We advise on ESR, UBO, and CT obligations during setup to ensure your structure is fully compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an offshore company open a UAE bank account? Yes, but it is harder than for mainland or free zone companies. A small number of UAE banks accept offshore clients. We introduce you to banks that work with offshore structures — subject to their KYC requirements.
Can I use an offshore company to own Dubai property? Yes — both RAK ICC and JAFZA Offshore can hold UAE property. This is a common use case for estate planning and property ownership privacy.
Can I get a UAE visa through an offshore company? No. Offshore companies cannot sponsor UAE residence visas. If you need a UAE visa, a free zone or mainland entity is required.
How much does annual renewal cost? RAK ICC annual renewal: approximately AED 3,000–5,000 (government fees + registered agent). We provide exact quotes based on your structure.
Office 225, Oud Metha Offices, Dubai Healthcare City +971 50 380 7565 | support@hashmibusinessconsultant.com