Offshore Company Formation in the UAE
HOW TO SET UP AN OFFSHORE COMPANY IN DUBAI: STEP BY STEP
Start your company
Initial contact
Request a free consultation with one of our experts to discuss your project and get answers to your questions.
2. Personalized quotation
Receive a tailored proposal that fits your business needs, detailing all costs associated with the process.
3. Name selection
Choose up to three options for your company name, ensuring they are unique and comply with local regulations.
4. Required documentation
Provide the necessary documentation, including a copy of your passport and a passport-size photo.
5. Determination of business activity and legal structure
Define the main activity of your business and choose the legal structure that best fits your goals (LLC, Holding, etc.).
6. Legal process
Our team will prepare all the legal documentation required to establish your company, including the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and other official forms.
7. Payment of fees
Make the corresponding payments for your company registration and the issuance of your commercial license.
8. Company registration and commercial license
Receive confirmation of your company’s registration and obtain your commercial license, allowing you to operate legally.
9. Visa and immigration procedures
We assist you in managing visas and work permits for you and your employees, facilitating immigration processes in the UAE.
10. Corporate bank account opening
We help you open corporate bank accounts, ensuring access to suitable financial services for your business.
11. Ready to operate
Your company will be fully operational within 14 days. Start enjoying the advantages of doing business in Dubai with 0% corporate tax!
Advantages of Offshore Companies in the UAE
100% Foreign Ownership
Offshore companies allow full ownership by foreign investors, without the need for a local Emirati partner.
Tax Exemption
They are not subject to corporate, income, or dividend withholding taxes, as long as operations are conducted outside the UAE.
Confidentiality and Asset Protection
They offer a high level of privacy regarding the identity of owners and protection against legal claims or international seizures.
Administrative Ease and Fast Setup
The registration process is efficient (can be completed within days) and requires less documentation and procedures than a local (Mainland or Free Zone) company.
Access to the UAE Banking System
They can open corporate bank accounts in Emirati banks, enabling international fund management in a stable and well-regulated jurisdiction.
International Recognition and Legal Stability
Dubai has become one of the most secure offshore jurisdictions, with transparent legislation and international agreements that build investor and financial entity confidence.
TAXATION OF AN OFFSHORE COMPANY IN DUBAI
Offshore companies in Dubai benefit from an extremely competitive tax environment. In most cases, they are not subject to corporate tax if they do not generate income within the United Arab Emirates.
In addition, there is no personal income tax, nor any withholding on dividends or international capital transfers.
However, they must comply with certain obligations such as the Economic Substance Regulations (ESR), VAT registration (5%) when applicable, and international FATCA and CRS regulations on financial information exchange.
This framework supports both asset protection and international tax planning.
WHO SHOULD CONSIDER OPENING AN OFFSHORE COMPANY IN DUBAI?
| Type of profile or situation | Reason to choose an offshore company |
|---|---|
| Holding or family assets | Centralize holdings, dividends, and assets, separating risks and facilitating succession planning. |
| International investors | Manage assets or properties in different jurisdictions and channel international income from a stable environment. |
| Brand or intellectual property owners | Manage licenses, royalties, or copyrights in a centralized way and benefit from favorable taxation. |
| Foreign trade or global service companies | Invoice international clients without needing a local office, taking advantage of the Emirati banking system. |
| Investment in properties in or outside the UAE | Manage property ownership and administration inside or outside the Emirates, optimizing taxation and simplifying international legal processes. |
| Companies undergoing restructuring or seeking asset protection | Isolate operational risks, protect corporate assets, and facilitate future mergers or transfers. |
WHO ARE WE?
With a solid track record working with international companies and based in the United Arab Emirates, at LorcaBase we specialize in assisting our clients with the formation, restructuring, and expansion of companies in the Middle East, as well as providing accounting and tax consulting services, with special attention to European businesses.
In addition, we offer specialized advice to clients seeking to invest in real estate in the region, efficiently managing all fiscal and administrative requirements.
At LorcaBase, we take pride in being a driving force for positive change in the business world. Our firm combines strategic vision, innovation, and access to a favorable business environment in Dubai, creating the perfect foundation for business success.
Marina R. L.
OFFSHORE ZONES AVAILABLE IN THE UAE
JAFZA Offshore
Located in Dubai, it is one of the most prestigious offshore jurisdictions in the country. It allows property ownership in Dubai, offers a high level of international recognition, and provides a solid legal framework. It is ideal for companies seeking reputation, stability, and easy access to open bank accounts in the UAE.
RAK ICC
Renowned for its administrative flexibility, lower incorporation costs, and fast registration process. It offers a high degree of confidentiality and asset protection, making it a very popular choice among international investors and family holdings.
AJMAN Offshore
Establishing an offshore company in Ajman is one of the fastest and most affordable options in the country. It is a suitable jurisdiction for small structures, consultants, or companies managing international assets that do not require a physical presence in the Emirates.
ADVANTAGES OF DUBAI OVER OTHER OFFSHORE JURISDICTIONS
Dubai has established itself as one of the most solid and respected offshore jurisdictions in the world. Unlike traditional destinations such as Seychelles or Belize, the United Arab Emirates offer regulatory transparency, political stability, and international recognition.
In addition, the country’s financial and logistical infrastructure facilitates the global management of companies and investments, providing access to top-tier banks and an international network of double taxation treaties.
This combination of legal security, reputation, and tax advantages makes Dubai a strategic choice for those seeking a stable, modern structure aligned with international standards.
ANNUAL OBLIGATIONS OF AN OFFSHORE COMPANY IN DUBAI
Although offshore companies in Dubai benefit from simplified management and tax exemptions, they must comply with certain legal and administrative obligations to maintain their active status and avoid penalties.
1. Annual renewal of the corporate license
Each year, the company’s registration must be renewed with the relevant authority (RAK ICC, JAFZA, or Ajman), confirming its legal validity.
2. Updating directors and shareholders
It is mandatory to keep the information of owners and administrators up to date, following the Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations.
3. Submission of basic financial statements
Although not all offshore companies require an audit, they must maintain clear accounting records reflecting their international operations.
4. Compliance with Economic Substance Regulations (ESR)
If the company carries out relevant activities, it must demonstrate a minimum economic presence in the UAE to comply with current regulations.
5. Annual tax declarations
In certain cases, reports related to international CRS and FATCA standards must be submitted to ensure transparency with the authorities.
REVIEWS OF OUR OFFSHORE COMPANY FORMATION SERVICE IN DUBAI
WHAT OTHER SERVICES DO WE OFFER?
Company formation in the UAE
We assist our clients throughout the entire company incorporation process in the UAE, ensuring full legal and tax compliance from day one.
Corporate solutions
We offer customized corporate solutions including bank account openings, license management, visas, company liquidation, and other related services.
Accounting
We manage financial records, tax compliance, and report preparation according to local regulations. We provide advice to optimize profitability and ensure companies’ legal compliance.
Taxation
We optimize your company’s tax structure, ensuring compliance with tax laws and maximizing the benefits of operating in a tax-free environment.
M&A
We advise on mergers, acquisitions, and company sales, carrying out thorough financial and legal analyses that ensure safe and efficient transactions.
FAQs
How long does it take to set up an offshore company?
The process usually takes between 3 and 7 business days, depending on the chosen jurisdiction and how quickly the required documentation is provided.
Is it necessary to travel to Dubai to create an offshore company?
In most cases, no. The incorporation process can be handled remotely through legal representation and identity verification.
What is the minimum capital required for an offshore company?
There is no fixed minimum capital requirement, although some jurisdictions may request a symbolic amount stated in the company’s articles of association.
Can I open a bank account in Dubai with an offshore company?
Yes, but the process must comply with strict KYC and AML regulations. It is recommended to do so through banks experienced with international structures. The requirements may also depend on whether the applicant (shareholder, director, or general manager) resides in the UAE or not.
Do offshore companies need to submit audits?
Not always. Generally, it’s enough to keep clear accounting records, although some jurisdictions may require audits in specific cases.
What documents are required to set up an offshore company?
A valid passport, proof of address, proposed trade name, and description of the main business activity.
How long is an offshore company license valid?
The license is valid for one year and must be renewed before its expiration to keep the company active.
Can I have multiple shareholders or directors in an offshore company?
Yes. The law allows both individual and corporate shareholders, and multiple directors can be part of the board.