The cost to set up an offshore company in Dubai is AED 10,000 to AED 22,000. JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority) is the only offshore jurisdiction in Dubai. The annual renewal cost and the type of company structure you choose will affect your total cost.
Offshore Company Setup Cost Breakdown
The total offshore business setup cost breaks down into two components: the government incorporation fee, which is fixed, and the registered agent fee, which varies by provider.
Component | Cost (AED) |
Incorporation fee | 8,000 – 12,000 |
Registered agent fee | Varies by provider |
Registered address (year one, included with agent) | Included |
Document preparation and submission | Included |
Total setup cost | 10,000 – 22,000 |
Annual renewal (government + agent) | 5,000 – 11,000 |
If Dubai is not the right fit for your budget, you have two solid alternatives. RAK ICC (Ras Al Khaimah) starts from around AED 7,000 to set up and is the most popular offshore jurisdiction in the UAE outside of Dubai.
Ajman is the most affordable option overall, with setup costs starting from around AED 6,000. Both come with lower annual renewal fees than JAFZA too. The main thing you give up is the ability to directly own freehold property in Dubai, which is exclusive to JAFZA companies.
What Documents Do You Need for Offshore Business Setup?
The documents required for offshore business setup depend on your company structure and the number of parties involved. Generally, you will be asked to provide passport copies for all shareholders, a list of business activities, proof of address, and a bank reference letter. For corporations, a Certificate of Good Standing and the Articles of Association will also be required.
Types of Offshore Company Structures
Offshore companies are established for specific purposes. The company structure you choose will influence your offshore business setup cost. These are the main types of offshore company structures in Dubai:
- Holding Company: Used to hold shares in other companies, both locally and internationally. It sits as a parent entity above operating businesses, providing a clean ownership layer and facilitating profit distribution.
- Investment Company: Designed for managing portfolios of financial assets, including stocks, bonds, and funds. Income flows through the offshore entity, which acts as the investment vehicle.
- International Trading Company: Enables trade across international markets under a UAE-registered entity. This structure cannot invoice UAE mainland clients, but it is well-suited to businesses transacting with global counterparties.
- Property Holding Company: Offshore companies can own real estate in designated freehold areas of Dubai. This structure allows investors to hold UAE property within a corporate entity rather than in their personal name.
- Intellectual Property Holding Company: Holds patents, trademarks, copyrights, and licensing agreements. Royalties and IP-related income are received and managed through this entity.
- Shipping and Maritime Company: Supports vessel ownership and the management of international maritime operations.
The structure you choose also determines how corporate tax rules for offshore companies apply to your income and reporting obligations.
Benefits of an Offshore Company in Dubai
An offshore company in Dubai is a legal entity incorporated in a designated UAE jurisdiction and designed to operate internationally. It cannot conduct business within the UAE mainland or issue residence visas, but it provides a highly efficient structure for holding assets, managing international investments, and protecting wealth across borders.
The benefits that make offshore business setup in Dubai attractive to international investors include:
- 100% foreign ownership: No local sponsor is required. Foreign nationals retain full ownership and control of the company.
- Favourable tax treatment on qualifying income: Offshore companies operating outside the UAE are generally subject to minimal tax obligations, making them one of the more tax-efficient vehicles available under UAE law.
- Asset protection and confidentiality: Shareholder and director information is filed with the relevant authority but remains private. It is not publicly accessible.
- No physical office requirement: Your registered agent provides the official UAE address. There is no obligation to lease or maintain office space in the country.
- Full repatriation of profits: Capital and profits can be moved internationally without restriction.
- Access to international banking: Offshore companies can open corporate bank accounts in the UAE and overseas, supporting multi-currency operations and global transactions.
Start an Offshore Company in Dubai With Momentum
Momentum is a licensed registered agent for offshore company formation in Dubai and all UAE jurisdictions. Most companies are incorporated within three to five business days.
Momentum handles the entire process from jurisdiction advice, document preparation, authority submission, to bank account support. If you are ready to get started or want a cost estimate for your specific structure, contact us for a free consultation.
