Offshore · LorcaBase

Offshore Company
in the UAE.

Formation in JAFZA, RAK ICC or Ajman: 100% foreign ownership, corporate tax exemption, access to Emirati banking and a fully remote process in 3–7 business days. Ideal for holdings, asset management and international investment.

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Dubai financial district skyscrapers — international offshore jurisdiction
II — Offshore UAE
Step by step

How to set up an offshore company
in Dubai?

Eleven steps from the initial consultation to bank account opening. 100% remote management with certified legal representation.

  1. 01

    Initial contact

    Free consultation to discuss your project and clarify questions about jurisdiction, taxation and requirements.

  2. 02

    Tailored quote

    Custom proposal detailing registration costs, licence, registered agent and additional services.

  3. 03

    Name selection

    Up to three trade name options, checking availability and compliance with each jurisdiction's rules.

  4. 04

    Required documentation

    Passport, proof of address and passport-size photo. All accepted digitally.

  5. 05

    Activity and legal structure

    We define the main activity and structure (Holding, IBC, asset management) according to your objectives.

  6. 06

    Legal process

    We prepare the Memorandum of Association (MOA), articles of association, shareholder resolutions and official forms.

  7. 07

    Fee payment

    Settlement of registration fees and corporate licence with the competent authority.

  8. 08

    Registration and licence

    You receive the certificate of incorporation and the corporate licence confirming the company's legal existence.

  9. 09

    Visas if applicable

    For structures requiring physical presence in the UAE, we process shareholder residence visas.

  10. 10

    Bank account opening

    We guide the KYC/AML process with Emirati banks experienced in offshore structures.

  11. 11

    Ready to operate

    Your offshore is fully operational in 3 to 7 business days from the point when documentation is complete.

Why offshore in the UAE

Advantages of Offshore
companies in the UAE.

01

100% foreign ownership

Offshore companies allow full ownership by foreign investors, with no requirement for a local Emirati partner.

02

Corporate tax exemption

Not subject to Corporate Tax, personal income tax or withholding on dividends, provided operations are carried out outside the UAE.

03

Confidentiality and protection

High level of privacy regarding the identity of owners and protection against legal claims or international seizures.

04

Streamlined formation

Simplified registration process, less documentation and fewer formalities than a Mainland or Free Zone company. 3 to 7 business days.

05

Access to Emirati banking

Opening of corporate bank accounts with UAE banks, with international fund management in a stable jurisdiction.

06

International reputation

Dubai has established itself as a secure offshore jurisdiction with transparent legislation and international agreements that inspire confidence.

Tax framework

Taxation of an offshore
company in Dubai.

CT

Corporate tax

Income generated outside the UAE
0% · exempt if operations are international
Personal income
0% · no tax on dividends or investment returns
International transfers
No withholding on capital transfers abroad
Economic Substance (ESR)
Required for certain relevant activities
VAT

VAT and compliance

VAT 5%
Mandatory registration only if invoicing within the UAE above the threshold
FATCA
Exchange of information with the US on financial accounts
CRS
Automatic exchange of tax information with OECD countries
KYC / AML
Mandatory for the structure, directors and shareholders
Suitable profiles

Who should consider
opening an offshore in Dubai?

Profile or situationReason to choose offshore
Holding or family wealthCentralise shareholdings, dividends and assets, separating risks and facilitating succession planning.
International investorsManage assets or properties across different jurisdictions and channel international income from a stable environment.
Intellectual propertyManage licences, royalties or copyrights centrally with tax advantages.
International trade and global servicesInvoice international clients without needing a local office, leveraging Emirati banking.
Real estate investmentHold and manage properties inside or outside the UAE, optimising taxation and simplifying legal processes.
Corporate restructuringIsolate operational risks, protect assets and facilitate future mergers or transfers.
Available jurisdictions

Offshore zones
in the UAE.

01 JAFZA Offshore

JAFZA Dubai.

Located in Dubai, one of the most prestigious offshore jurisdictions in the country. Allows ownership of real estate in Dubai, offers high international recognition and a solid legal framework. Ideal for companies seeking reputation, stability and banking access.

02 RAK ICC

RAK International Corporate Centre.

Stands out for its administrative flexibility, lower formation costs and streamlined process. High degree of confidentiality and asset protection. A popular choice among international investors and family holdings.

03 Ajman Offshore

Ajman Offshore.

One of the fastest and most cost-effective options in the country. Suitable for small structures, consultants or international asset management companies that do not require physical presence in the UAE.

Dubai financial centre — reference international offshore jurisdiction
Dubai vs the rest

Dubai has established itself as one of the most solid and respected offshore jurisdictions in the world. Unlike traditional destinations such as Seychelles, Belize or the British Virgin Islands, the UAE offers regulatory transparency, political stability and international recognition.

The country's financial and logistical infrastructure facilitates the global management of companies and investments, with 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 — without the negative perception carried by other classic offshore jurisdictions.

Legal maintenance

Annual obligations
of an offshore company.

Although offshore companies in Dubai benefit from simplified management and tax exemptions, they must fulfil certain obligations to maintain their active status.

01

Annual licence renewal

Each year the registration must be renewed with the competent authority (RAK ICC, JAFZA or Ajman), confirming its legal validity.

02

Directors and shareholders

Keep owner and director information updated in accordance with KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) rules.

03

Basic financial statements

Although not all offshore companies require an audit, they must keep clear accounting records reflecting their international operations.

04

Economic Substance (ESR)

If the company carries out relevant activities, it must demonstrate a minimum economic presence in the UAE to comply with current regulations.

05

FATCA / CRS declarations

In certain cases, reports related to international financial information exchange standards must be submitted.

06

UBO register

Emirati authorities require an up-to-date register of Ultimate Beneficial Owners of every offshore company.

Marina R. L. · Founder of LorcaBase
About the firm

The same gap always existed in the Emirati market: local firms that didn't speak Spanish, or Spanish-speaking consultancies operating remotely without a real office in the UAE. LorcaBase was born to close that gap from the inside.

Today the firm serves entrepreneurs, SMEs and Spanish-speaking families from Marina Plaza, Level 27. Every mandate is handled directly by one of the partners — no referrals to juniors, no call centres — and is coordinated across CET / GST dual hours to keep clients in Europe and Latin America aligned with local regulators and counterparties.

M.
Marina R. L.
Founder and Director
Related services

What else do we offer?

Frequently asked questions

What people ask us most.

How long does it take to set up an offshore company?

The process typically takes 3 to 7 business days, depending on the jurisdiction chosen and how quickly the required documentation is provided.

Do I need to travel to Dubai to set up an offshore company?

In most cases no. The formation can be handled remotely through legal representation and remote identity verification.

What is the minimum capital required for an offshore company?

There is no established minimum capital requirement, although some jurisdictions request a symbolic amount registered in the articles of association.

Can I open a bank account in Dubai with an offshore company?

Yes, but the process requires strict KYC and AML compliance. It is advisable to work with banks experienced in international structures. Requirements also depend on whether the applicant (shareholder, director, General Manager) is a UAE resident or not.

Are offshore companies required to file audits?

Not always. Generally it is sufficient to maintain clear accounting records, although some jurisdictions may require audits in specific cases.

What documents are needed to set up an offshore company?

Valid passport, proof of address, proposed company name and description of the main business activity.

How long is the offshore company licence valid?

The licence is valid for one year and must be renewed before expiry to keep the company active.

Can I have multiple shareholders or directors in an offshore company?

Yes. The laws allow both individual and corporate shareholders, and several directors may form part of the board.

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Chapter VI Let's talk

Your offshore in Dubai,
structured with precision
from day one.

Book an initial consultation with no commitment. You will receive a personalised assessment of the optimal jurisdiction (JAFZA, RAK ICC or Ajman), structure, taxation and bank account opening.

Book a consultation
Hours Mon–Fri · 09–18 GST
Office Marina Plaza, Level 27
Dubai Marina, UAE