Offshore in Dubai · International business company
LorcaBase is the legal and tax advisory firm based in Dubai, specialised in opening offshore companies for Spanish-speaking and international founders in the Emirates. RAK ICC, JAFZA Offshore or Ajman Offshore: 100% foreign ownership, free capital repatriation and a fully remote process. Standard UAE Corporate Tax regime (0% up to 375,000 AED, 9% above). Operational in 2 to 5 days.
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How we form your company offshore in the Emirates.
Eleven structured steps: from choosing the optimal jurisdiction (RAK ICC, JAFZA or Ajman) to bank account opening. Operational in 2 to 5 days.
- 01
Initial consultation
We analyse your project, profile and objectives. We determine whether an offshore is the best option compared with Free Zone or Mainland.
- 02
Jurisdiction selection
We recommend RAK ICC, JAFZA Offshore or Ajman Offshore based on the goal: holding, SPV, foundation, international trade or asset ownership.
- 03
Personalised quote
Tailored proposal with registration costs, registered agent, licence and additional services depending on the jurisdiction.
- 04
Name reservation
You propose up to three names; we verify availability and compliance with each jurisdiction's naming rules.
- 05
Documentation
We prepare passport, proof of address and digital photograph. Everything is accepted remotely with no need to travel.
- 06
Legal structure
We define the activity and the structure: IBC, SPV, Holding, Foundation or Trust depending on the asset goals.
- 07
Legal documentation
We prepare the Memorandum of Association (MOA), articles of association, shareholder resolutions and official forms.
- 08
Payment and official application
We pay the fees and submit the application to the competent authority (RAK ICC Registrar, JAFZA or Ajman).
- 09
Certificate of Incorporation
You receive the Certificate of Incorporation and the corporate licence confirming the legal existence of the company.
- 10
Bank account opening
We accompany the KYC and AML process at UAE banks experienced in offshore structures.
- 11
Company ready to operate
Your offshore is fully operational in 2 to 5 business days from complete documentation.
What documents do you need to open an offshore?
List of the documentation we request from clients at each stage of the process. Everything is provided remotely, with no need to travel.
Company name
Three options in order of preference. Each jurisdiction (RAK ICC, JAFZA, Ajman) has its own naming rules.
- Minimum 2 words and consistent with the declared activity.
- Mandatory ending: Limited, Ltd, Incorporated or Inc depending on the jurisdiction.
- References to banking, insurance, government or funds prohibited unless regulated.
- No registered international trademarks, religious or offensive terms.
- RAK ICC offers more flexibility and allows names in languages other than English.
Per shareholder and director
- Passport in colour, scanned with all relevant pages visible.
- National ID additional document, scanned both sides.
- Proof of address: utility bill or recent bank statement in your name.
- Digital photo passport-size, white background.
- CV or professional profile summary for banking due diligence.
- Bank or professional reference at certain banks for account opening.
Corporate structure
- Number of shareholders and directors (RAK ICC allows corporate directors).
- Authorised and issued share capital (no initial deposit required).
- Share distribution per shareholder.
- Main activity and geography of operation.
- UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) identification.
For bank account opening
Additional documentation requested by UAE banks based on the offshore profile.
- Business plan and projected cash flows.
- Source of funds and bank reference for the last 6 months.
- Commercial contracts or sample invoices if the activity is already running.
- List of main clients and suppliers.
Important clarifications
RAK ICC and Ajman do not require minimum paid-up capital. JAFZA Offshore requests a symbolic capital declared in the articles. Shares can be issued in any currency.
Offshores do not issue visas. If you need UAE residency, combine the offshore with a Free Zone or apply for the Golden Visa via investment.
Advantages of forming offshore in the Emirates.
100% foreign ownership
Offshores allow full ownership by foreign investors, with no need for a local Emirati partner.
Confidentiality and protection
High level of privacy on the identity of owners and protection from international legal claims or seizures.
Fast incorporation
Streamlined process, less documentation than Free Zone or Mainland, operational in 2 to 5 business days.
International reputation
Dubai is established as a secure offshore jurisdiction, with transparent legislation and international agreements that build trust.
Top offshore jurisdictions we handle directly.
LorcaBase handles incorporation, registered agent and bank account opening directly in RAK ICC (RAK International Corporate Centre), the most-used offshore jurisdiction in the United Arab Emirates. If your case requires another jurisdiction, we also cover it.
| Jurisdiction | Ideal for | Tier | Banking reputation |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAK ICC Recommended | Asset holding, SPVs, foundations, holdings, international trade and international business. Administrative flexibility, corporate directors and faster processes. | High | High |
Average setup time: 2 to 5 business days. Banking reputation conditions the speed of corporate account opening.
Request a personalised recommendation →Types of offshore company you can set up.
Holding company.
Parent entity that consolidates shares of international subsidiaries. RAK ICC is the most-used jurisdiction for international holdings thanks to its flexibility and recognition. Optimises dividends and corporate control.
Special Purpose Vehicle.
Special-purpose company to isolate an asset, an operation or a project. Frequent in real estate transactions, investment funds and corporate restructurings. Available in RAK ICC and ADGM.
UAE Foundation.
Structure with no shareholders and its own legal personality, ideal for succession planning and multi-generational wealth management. Available in RAK ICC, ADGM and DIFC.
Trading IBC.
International Business Company to invoice international clients without a physical office in the UAE. Leverages UAE banking, double taxation treaties and free capital repatriation.
Property holding.
RAK ICC Holding consolidates your Dubai properties under a single offshore company. Optimises succession taxation, simplifies multi-generational wealth management and reduces costs compared to other jurisdictions.
IP structure.
To manage licences, royalties and copyrights centrally. RAK ICC allows registration of trademarks, patents and intellectual property with tax benefits and robust legal protection.
Who is an offshore ideal for?
| Profile or situation | Reason to choose offshore |
|---|---|
| Holding or family wealth | Consolidate shares, 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. |
| Intellectual property | Manage licences, royalties or copyrights centrally and with tax benefits. |
| Foreign trade and global services | Invoice international clients without local office, leveraging UAE banking and tax treaties. |
| Real estate investment in Dubai | Hold and manage properties under a single company (via RAK ICC Holding), optimising taxation and succession. |
| Corporate restructuring | Isolate operational risks, protect assets and facilitate future mergers, sales or transfers. |
How much does it cost to open an offshore in Dubai?
from 2,500 USD.
Ajman Offshore. Basic structure for simple holdings, personal asset management or consulting without local UAE operations. Affordable annual renewal.
from 4,500 USD.
RAK ICC, the most balanced option and the one recommended by LorcaBase. International holding, SPV, foundations and international trade with flexibility and solid banking reputation.
from 7,500 USD.
JAFZA Offshore. Indicated for companies that need a physical warehouse, logistics distribution or access to Jebel Ali Port. Premium reputation with UAE banks and solid international recognition.
Indicative figures. Each case is quoted individually based on jurisdiction, structure, number of shareholders and required banking services.
Taxation of an offshore company in Dubai.
Corporate Tax
- General rate
- 0% up to 375,000 AED · 9% above that threshold.
- Dividends and personal income
- 0% at federal level, not because it is offshore.
- Withholdings
- No withholdings on capital transfers abroad.
- Economic substance
- ESR repealed by Cabinet Decision 98/2024 for financial years from 2023. Substance requirements remain under the Corporate Tax regime and to avoid CFC rules in the beneficiary jurisdiction.
VAT and compliance
- VAT 5% applicability
- Not applicable · the offshore cannot operate within the UAE market.
- FATCA
- Information exchange with the United States.
- CRS
- Automatic information exchange with OECD countries.
- KYC and AML
- Mandatory for structure, directors and shareholders.
Spain vs Offshore Dubai: a tax and corporate comparison.
Key differences between operating a Spanish company and an offshore company in Dubai. Indicative and simplified figures; each case depends on the activity, tax residency and structure.
| Concept | Spain | Offshore Dubai |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate income tax | 25% | 0% up to 375,000 AED · 9% above that threshold |
| Dividend taxation | up to 28% | 0% |
| VAT | 21% | 5% UAE (does not apply to offshore as it cannot operate in the local market) |
| Setup time | 4 to 8 weeks | 2 to 5 business days |
| Mandatory audit | based on turnover and headcount | generally no, unless Corporate Tax or QFZP thresholds apply |
| UBO confidentiality | public commercial registry | 100% private, only registrar and CSP |
| Capital repatriation | with restrictions | 100% free |
Simplified figures. Source: Spanish Corporate Income Tax Law 27/2014, Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 (UAE), RAK ICC and JAFZA Offshore regulations.
Let's talk about your case →
Why Dubai over other offshore jurisdictions?
Dubai has consolidated as one of the most solid and respected offshore jurisdictions in the world. Unlike traditional destinations like Seychelles, Belize or the British Virgin Islands, the UAE offers regulatory transparency, political stability and international recognition.
The country's financial and logistics infrastructure facilitates the global management of companies and investments, with access to top-tier banks and an international network of double taxation treaties covering over 130 countries, including Spain and most of Latin America.
This combination of legal certainty, reputation and tax advantages makes Dubai a strategic choice for those seeking a stable, modern structure aligned with international standards, without the negative perception that other classic offshore jurisdictions carry.
Compare your case →Annual obligations of an offshore.
Although offshore companies in Dubai enjoy simplified management and flexible operations, they must comply with obligations to maintain active status.
Annual licence renewal
Each year the registration must be renewed before the competent authority (RAK ICC, JAFZA or Ajman) to confirm the company's legal validity.
Directors and shareholders
Keep owner and administrator information updated according to current KYC and AML standards.
Financial statements
Keep clear accounting records reflecting international operations. Audit is not always mandatory, but records always are.
Economic substance
The former ESR was repealed by Cabinet Decision 98/2024 for financial years from 2023. Substance requirements remain under Corporate Tax to keep Qualifying Free Zone Person status and to avoid CFC rules in the beneficiary jurisdiction.
FATCA and CRS reporting
In certain cases, reports aligned with international standards for automatic exchange of financial information must be filed.
UBO registry
UAE authorities require an updated registry of the Ultimate Beneficial Owners of every offshore company.
Common mistakes when opening an offshore in Dubai.
The 6 mistakes we see repeatedly in those trying to open an offshore on their own. If you know them in advance, you save time and money.
Confusing offshore with Free Zone
An offshore does not operate in the local UAE market and does not issue residence visas. If you need to live in Dubai, hire employees or sell within the UAE, you need a Free Zone or Mainland.
Choosing Ajman for premium banking
Ajman Offshore is the most affordable jurisdiction, but its banking reputation is lower. If you need an account at ENBD, ADCB or Mashreq, RAK ICC or JAFZA have better acceptance.
Not declaring the UBO correctly
Ultimate Beneficial Owner registration has been mandatory since 2020. Errors or omissions block licence renewal and may lead to administrative penalties.
Ignoring economic substance under Corporate Tax
The former ESR was repealed by Cabinet Decision 98/2024 for financial years from 2023, but economic substance is still critical under the Corporate Tax regime and to avoid CFC rules in the beneficiary jurisdiction. The offshore must demonstrate offices, personnel and real decision-making in the UAE.
Failing KYC and AML banking
UAE banks are strict on KYC and AML. Incomplete documentation, unsupported source of funds or weak banking references block corporate account opening.
Trying to operate inside the UAE market with offshore
An offshore cannot invoice within the local UAE market; it is designed only for extraterritorial operations. If you need to sell or hire inside the UAE, also open a Free Zone or Mainland.
Why choose LorcaBase for your offshore Dubai.
If you are about to open an offshore, we accompany you every step of the way. These are the reasons our clients value most:
No abusive contracts
Most clients trying to switch to us have problems doing so because their previous providers impose abusive clauses that hinder the change. With LorcaBase no such clause exists: your company is always yours.
Strategic jurisdiction selection
We compare RAK ICC, JAFZA Offshore and Ajman Offshore based on your goal: holding, SPV, foundation, international trade or real estate ownership. No commercial bias toward any jurisdiction.
100% remote process
We set up your offshore without you needing to travel to the UAE. Digital document management, electronic signatures and legal representation certified by LorcaBase as Registered Agent.
Established banking access
Direct relationships with ENBD, Mashreq, ADCB and international banks experienced in offshore structures. We prepare your KYC professionally to reduce rejections.
End-to-end substance, UBO and compliance
We manage economic substance under Corporate Tax and QFZP, UBO declarations, FATCA and CRS so your offshore maintains regulatory compliance year after year without surprises.
Service in English and Spanish
Each document, meeting and delivery in your language, without rough translations or misunderstandings on operations that move significant assets.
Prefer a different structure?
Company formation.
Overview of all structures available in the UAE: Free Zone, Mainland, Offshore, Holding, Freelance.
Discover → VII · Free ZoneFree Zone company.
To operate internationally or within the zone, with residence visas available. IFZA, DMCC, RAKEZ, Meydan.
Discover → IX · HoldingHolding structure.
Parent entity that consolidates subsidiary shares and assets, optimising taxation and corporate control.
Discover → X · FoundationUAE Foundation.
Succession structure with no shareholders for multi-generational wealth planning. Available in RAK ICC, ADGM and DIFC.
Discover →Key terms for opening an offshore.
Dictionary of technical terms you will see during the process of setting up an offshore in the UAE. If anything is unclear, we explain it.
Offshore▸
Company registered in a special jurisdiction with no mandatory physical office and no operations in the local UAE market. Subject to the standard UAE Corporate Tax regime (0% up to 375,000 AED, 9% above). Designed for asset ownership, holding and international trade.
RAK ICC (RAK International Corporate Centre)▸
Offshore registrar of Ras Al Khaimah. The most-used jurisdiction for holdings, SPVs, foundations, international trade and international business thanks to its flexibility, contained costs and reputation.
JAFZA Offshore▸
Offshore jurisdiction of the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority in Dubai, next to Jebel Ali Port. Indicated for companies that need a physical warehouse, logistics distribution or port access. Higher cost than RAK ICC.
Ajman Offshore▸
Offshore jurisdiction of Ajman. The fastest and most affordable option for simple structures with no need for real estate ownership in Dubai.
IBC (International Business Company)▸
International company registered in an offshore jurisdiction. Common designation in RAK ICC for companies operating exclusively outside the local UAE market.
SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle)▸
Special-purpose company used to isolate an asset, an operation or a project. Frequent in real estate transactions, funds and restructurings.
Holding▸
Company whose main activity is to hold shares in other companies. RAK ICC is the most-used jurisdiction for international holdings.
UAE Foundation▸
Structure with no shareholders and its own legal personality, used for succession planning and wealth management. Available in RAK ICC, ADGM and DIFC.
MOA (Memorandum of Association)▸
Founding legal document defining shareholders, share capital, share distribution and company activity.
Registered Agent▸
Company authorised to handle the incorporation and maintain the official record of the offshore before the authority. LorcaBase acts as accredited Registered Agent.
UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner)▸
Natural person who ultimately controls the company at the end of the ownership chain. Mandatory disclosure in all UAE jurisdictions since 2020.
ESR (Economic Substance Regulations)▸
Regulation requiring certain offshore companies (banking, holding, intellectual property) to demonstrate real economic activity in the UAE.
FATCA▸
Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act. Information exchange agreement with the United States. Applies to offshores with US-linked holders.
CRS (Common Reporting Standard)▸
OECD standard for automatic exchange of tax information between countries. Applies to bank accounts of offshore companies.
KYC and AML▸
Know Your Customer and Anti-Money Laundering. Mandatory processes to identify shareholders, directors and beneficiaries of the offshore.
AED▸
UAE Dirham, official currency of the UAE. Fixed exchange rate of approximately 1 USD = 3.67 AED.
What we get asked most.
How much does it cost to open an offshore company in Dubai?
Costs vary by jurisdiction. Ajman Offshore starts from 2,500 USD (most affordable). RAK ICC from 4,500 USD (recommended for holdings, SPVs, foundations, international trade and Dubai real estate ownership via RAK ICC Holding). JAFZA Offshore from 7,500 USD (when you need a physical warehouse or access to Jebel Ali Port). See full table at cost ranges.
Note: figures are indicative; each case varies.
Which offshore jurisdiction does LorcaBase recommend?
For most cases we recommend RAK ICC: asset holding, SPVs, foundations, holdings, international trade, international business and Dubai real estate ownership via RAK ICC Holding. JAFZA Offshore only if you need a physical warehouse or access to Jebel Ali Port. Ajman Offshore for very simple and budget structures.
How long does it take to open an offshore company?
The process takes 2 to 5 business days, depending on the chosen jurisdiction and the speed at which the required documentation is provided. Bank account opening can add 2 to 4 additional weeks depending on the bank.
Do I need to travel to Dubai to open an offshore company?
No. Incorporation is fully remote through legal representation and remote identity verification. Only if you require physical bank account opening, depending on the bank, may a trip be necessary.
Can I open a bank account in Dubai with an offshore company?
Yes, but the process requires strict compliance with KYC and AML, and the account must be operated as a non-resident account if the person opening it is not a UAE resident. It is advisable to do so through banks experienced with international structures such as ENBD, Mashreq or WIO. JAFZA Offshore has the best banking reputation; RAK ICC is accepted at most banks; Ajman Offshore has more limited acceptance.
What is the difference between offshore, Free Zone and Mainland?
Offshore operates outside the local UAE market, with no physical office, no residence visa, focused on asset holding and international trade. Free Zone operates inside the zone or internationally, with flexi desk and visas available. Mainland operates across the entire UAE, requires a physical office and allows public-sector contracts.
Does an offshore company allow residence visas?
No. Offshores do not issue residence visas. If you need UAE residency, also open a Free Zone or Mainland that does allow visas, or apply for the Golden Visa via real estate or capital investment.
What taxes does an offshore company pay in Dubai?
An offshore pays the same Corporate Tax as any UAE company: 0% up to 375,000 AED of profit and 9% above that threshold. There is no specific exemption for being offshore. The 5% VAT does not apply because the offshore cannot invoice within the UAE market. It does keep 0% on dividends and 0% personal income tax (UAE federal regime). The former Economic Substance Regulations were repealed by Cabinet Decision 98/2024 for financial years starting from 2023; substance requirements now sit within the Corporate Tax regime for Qualifying Free Zone Persons and to avoid CFC rules in the beneficiary jurisdiction.
Can an offshore have multiple shareholders or directors?
Yes. UAE laws allow individual and corporate shareholders, residents and non-residents, with multiple directors. RAK ICC also allows corporate directors and nominee services with full legal guarantees.
The trust of those who already work with us
Your offshore company, structured with precision from day one.
Schedule an initial consultation with no commitment. You will receive a tailored diagnosis on the optimal jurisdiction (RAK ICC, JAFZA or Ajman), structure and taxation for your project.
Book a consultation →Dubai Marina, UAE