Dubai International Advisory Consultants
- +971 568072491
- AA2 504-03, Al Abbas Building 2, Bur Dubai, Dubai
Dubai International Advisory Consultants
Set up a JAFZA Offshore company in Dubai for approved international holding, asset ownership, investment, and cross-border purposes with 100% foreign ownership.
Setting up a JAFZA Offshore company creates a UAE-registered corporate structure for approved international holding, investment, asset ownership, intellectual property, succession, and cross-border purposes. It is different from an operational JAFZA Free Zone company because it does not provide a standard trade license, office facilities, employee visas, or unrestricted permission to trade inside the UAE.
A JAFZA Offshore company may suit investors who need a Dubai-registered holding or ownership structure without establishing conventional operating premises. Its permitted use, ownership structure, tax position, banking eligibility, property-holding conditions, and compliance requirements should be assessed before incorporation.
At Dubai International Advisory Consultants, we help entrepreneurs establish JAFZA Offshore companies through an approved JAFZA Registered Agent. We review the proposed structure, prepare the documents, coordinate the application, and support post-incorporation requirements, including banking documentation and annual compliance.
Setting up an offshore company in Jebel Ali (JAFZA) comes with a range of benefits, making it an attractive choice for global entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses looking for a cost-effective and flexible corporate structure. Here’s why JAFZA offshore companies are a preferred option:
Unlike mainland businesses, JAFZA offshore companies allow full foreign ownership without the need for a local UAE sponsor. This gives investors complete control over their business operations, making it an ideal choice for international trade, asset management, and holding companies.
The UAE does not impose personal income tax on individuals. However, a UAE-incorporated offshore company is not automatically exempt from Corporate Tax. Its registration, filing, recordkeeping, and final tax treatment depend on its activities, income, tax residence, and any exemption or relief that applies.
A JAFZA Offshore company may conduct permitted international holding, investment, ownership, and cross-border activities. It cannot conduct every activity without restriction, and normal operational trading inside the UAE may require a suitable mainland or free zone license.
Shareholder and director information may not appear in a general public registry search. However, ownership and ultimate beneficial owner information must still be disclosed to JAFZA, the registered agent, banks, and competent authorities when required. The company may support asset-holding plans, but the level of legal protection depends on its structure, contracts, governing laws, and individual circumstances.
| Cost Component | Amount (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
JAFZA Offshore Registration and Incorporation |
AED 14,000 to AED 20,000 per year |
Indicative estimate; confirm the current authority and registered-agent fees |
|
Registered Agent Fee |
AED 3,000 to AED 6,000 per year |
Mandatory; confirm the current agent fee and package inclusions |
|
Annual Renewal Fee |
12,000 – 18,000/yr |
Similar to initial year cost |
|
MOA Preparation |
2,000 – 4,000 |
Legal drafting and JAFZA submission |
|
International Document Certification |
AED 2,000 to AED 6,000 |
Requirements may include notarization, legalization, apostille, attestation, or translation depending on the issuing country |
|
Professional Service Fee |
3,000 – 5,000 |
Our consultant fee for complete management |
|
Total First Year Estimate |
AED 24,000 – 41,000 |
Indicative single-shareholder estimate; exact inclusions must be confirmed |
|
UAE Property Registration, if eligible |
Varies by property |
May hold eligible Dubai property, subject to location, authority, developer, and transaction-specific approval |
Key: JAFZA Offshore generally costs more than RAK ICC, but it may suit eligible Dubai property-holding and other approved structures. These are DIAC’s indicative planning estimates, not fixed authority fees. Request a current itemized quotation to confirm registration, registered-agent, document, attestation, property, and professional fees.
At least one shareholder and one director (can be the same person).
A JAFZA Offshore application must be processed through an approved JAFZA Registered Agent. DIAC coordinates the application through the required registered-agent route.
JAFZA officially confirms that offshore registrations must be processed through a registered agent. See the JAFZA Offshore company registration guidance.
Passport copies of all shareholders and directors. Some cases may require proof of address.
A brief overview of your business activities, objectives, and financial plans.
A letter from your bank confirming your financial credibility.
Legal documents outlining ownership, management structure, and company regulations.
A conventional operating office is generally not required. The company must maintain the registered address provided through its approved registered agent.
A JAFZA Offshore company may apply for a UAE or international corporate bank account. Approval depends on the bank’s KYC, source-of-funds, business-purpose, transaction, and risk review.
Setting up a JAFZA Offshore company follows a defined registered-agent process, and each step requires complete documents and satisfactory compliance review. Here is how DIAC coordinates the application:
Decide on the ownership structure of your company. You can register as an individual owner or a corporate entity. This choice will impact your company’s governance and financial setup.
Pick a unique company name that aligns with JAFZA regulations. Your trade name must not conflict with existing businesses and should reflect your business activity. We help you check name availability and reserve it hassle-free.
Prepare and submit essential paperwork, including:
Our team ensures that all documents are accurate and meet JAFZA’s compliance standards.
The approved JAFZA Registered Agent submits the application for authority and compliance review. This stage forms part of the overall indicative incorporation timeline, which begins after the complete documents and KYC information are ready. If JAFZA requests changes or additional documents, we coordinate the response.
Once the application progresses, the required constitutional documents and shareholder or board resolutions are prepared and signed. Notarization, legalization, or attestation requirements depend on the shareholder type and document origin.
Pay the required company registration, registered-agent, document-processing, and professional fees. The final cost depends on the ownership structure, documents, intended purpose, and additional services. We provide an itemized breakdown before submission.
Once all formalities are complete, you will receive the JAFZA Offshore Company Registration Certificate. This document confirms the company’s legal existence and allows it to conduct activities permitted by its registration and applicable laws.
After incorporation, the company may apply for a corporate bank account in the UAE or another suitable jurisdiction. We help identify potential banking options and prepare the required KYC, source-of-funds, business-purpose, and supporting documents. Final approval remains entirely at the bank’s discretion.
Your JAFZA Offshore company can proceed with its approved international or holding purpose after registration and any required post-incorporation steps. Dubai International Advisory Consultants coordinates the formation process and ongoing support through the appropriate authority, registered-agent, and banking channels.
| Stage | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Document Preparation | 2 – 5 days | Passport copies, MOA draft, attestation coordination |
| Name Reservation | 1 – 2 working days | JAFZA name check and reservation |
| JAFZA Application Submission | Same day | Complete package submitted to JAFZA portal |
| JAFZA Processing | 3 – 5 working days | Authority review and approval |
| Certificate of Incorporation | 1 working day | Issued by JAFZA after approval |
| Total (Incorporation Only) | 5 – 10 working days | From complete document submission |
| Bank Account (Additional) | 4 – 10 weeks | Separate process; begins after certificate receipt |
Remote setup: Many JAFZA Offshore formation stages may be completed remotely through the registered agent. Physical presence, original documents, witnessing, or additional identity verification may still be required depending on the shareholder profile and JAFZA requirements. JAFZA Offshore entities do not issue UAE residence visas.
Start your JAFZA Offshore company in Dubai with application coordination from Dubai International Advisory Consultants. We support structure review, document preparation, registered-agent coordination, company registration, and corporate bank account documentation. Contact us for a current cost and process assessment.
Got Questions? Contact Us
A JAFZA Offshore company may hold eligible property in designated areas of Dubai, subject to Dubai Land Department rules, developer requirements, JAFZA conditions, and transaction-specific approval.
No, JAFZA offshore companies do not require office space within Dubai.
No, offshore companies do not provide eligibility for UAE residence visas.
