Registration of an offshore company in the UAE
An offshore company is a company registered in the UAE offshore zone and operating, as a rule, outside the UAE.
Why do you need an offshore company in the UAE?
- To perform the functions of a holding company: the company owns shares and stakes in other companies, receiving dividends and managing subsidiary legal entities.
- To own intellectual property rights, including copyrights and trademarks.
- To own property rights. However, only the JAFZA free zone allows you to register an offshore company that can own property in Dubai.
"Offshore companies do not disclose the list of their founders (with the exception of offshore holding companies, which can be opened in the DIFC or ADGM) and are a cheaper option than opening a regular company in the Free Zone or Mainland. The downside is that offshore companies cannot issue visas for their employees or founders" Ivan Egorov, юрист
Features of offshore companies
- Offshore companies cannot operate in the UAE.
- The list of founders of an offshore company is closed. At the same time, companies must submit information to the register of beneficial owners, which is also not disclosed publicly.
- Visas cannot be issued for shareholders and employees.
- It is possible to open a bank account in the UAE.
- No office is required to register a company.
- A special agent is needed to conduct business.
Documents required for registration
If the founder or shareholder is an individual:
- Scan of foreign passport.
- Proof of residential address in the UAE (e.g. utility bill).
- Photograph on a white background of the established format.
If the founder or shareholder is a legal entity:
- The constituent documents of this legal entity.
- A resolution containing a decision to establish a legal entity – an offshore company.
Registration procedure
Company registration period: 2-4 weeks depending on the composition of the founders and the speed of document submission.
Stage 1
Preparing and submitting an application
It is necessary to prepare and submit an application along with the required documents.
The application is submitted online to the offshore zone administration.
Stage 2
Based on the results of the application review, a decision is made on registration. The company receives a registration certificate.
Company registration
A business license is not issued because the company cannot operate in the UAE.
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