OffshoreOverview
Offshore Company Formation
An offshore company is registered with a UAE offshore registry rather than licensed to trade inside the country. It is used to hold shares, intellectual property and investments, to own property in permitted areas, and to trade internationally.
Offshore companies cannot trade with UAE customers, lease office space or sponsor residence visas. In return they offer low running costs, confidentiality and a stable, well-regarded jurisdiction for international structures.
- Ownership
- 100% foreign
- Trade inside UAE
- No
- Residence visas
- Not available
- Office
- Registered agent address
Key benefits
- 100% foreign ownership
- No physical office required
- Confidential register of shareholders
- Hold shares, IP and international assets
- Own property in permitted freehold areas
- Low annual renewal costs
Offshore registries
How setup works
- Choose the registry that fits your purpose
- Appoint a registered agent and complete KYC
- Name approval
- Draft the Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Certificate of incorporation issued
- Corporate bank account introductions
Documents you will need
- Passport copies of all shareholders and directors
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
- Bank reference letter
- Short CV or business profile
- Purpose of the company and source of funds
- For corporate shareholders: attested incorporation documents and board resolution
Use the cost calculator for an indicative figure, then ask us for a confirmed, itemised quote.
Frequently asked questions
Can an offshore company trade in the UAE?
No. It may hold assets and do business outside the UAE, but it cannot trade with UAE customers or lease commercial premises in its own name.
Does an offshore company give me a visa?
No. If you need residence in the UAE, a free zone or mainland company, or a combination of structures, is the better choice.
Can an offshore company own property in Dubai?
Some offshore registries are approved to hold property in designated areas of Dubai. We confirm which ones before you incorporate.