An offshore company is built to hold assets and trade internationally — not to trade inside the UAE. It gives you 100% ownership with no office or visa requirement. It does not give you a tax exemption — that is the most common misconception about the structure, and we set it out below. Here's what it costs, who it suits, and how it compares.
A clean, low-cost vehicle to hold and protect assets or trade internationally — with no UAE market access and no residence visa. Here's where it fits, and where it doesn't.
An illustrative starting point for an offshore incorporation with a registered agent. Your final figure depends on:
We build a written quote around your exact structure so you see the full breakdown before you commit — no surprises later.
Split payments Setup fees can be paid in instalments with Tamara. Your advisor confirms eligibility and terms with your quote.
| Offshore | Free Zone | Mainland | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign ownership | 100% | 100% | 100% (some strategic-impact activities still require Emirati participation) |
| Trade in the UAE | Not permitted | Distributor, or a Dubai mainland permit | Anywhere + government |
| Residence visas | None | 1–6+ | Unlimited* |
| Physical office | Not required | Flexi-desk ok | Required |
| Setup from | AED 8,000 | AED 6,000 | AED 15,000 |
| Best for | Holding assets | Cost & 100% ownership | UAE market & teams |
In short: choose offshore only to hold assets or trade internationally with no UAE market and no visa need. The moment you want to invoice UAE clients or sponsor a visa, you need a free zone (cheapest with 100% ownership) or mainland (full local-market access).
An offshore incorporation typically starts from around AED 8,000 including the registered agent, with an annual renewal. The exact figure depends on the jurisdiction (JAFZA, RAK ICC or Ajman) and whether you need bank introductions or attestations — we send a full written breakdown first.
No. An offshore company is for holding assets and international business — it cannot invoice or trade inside the UAE market. If you need local trade, you'd form a mainland or free-zone company instead.
No. Offshore companies don't grant residence visas or Emirates IDs. If residency matters, a free-zone or mainland company is the route — we'll advise the cleanest option.
In many cases yes — certain offshore structures (notably JAFZA) can hold property in designated freehold areas. It depends on the developer and area, so we confirm eligibility for your specific case.
No, and this is the point most pages get wrong. A JAFZA Offshore, RAK ICC or Ajman Offshore company is a juridical person incorporated in the UAE, which makes it a Resident Person under Article 11(3)(a) of Federal Decree-Law 47 of 2022 — taxable on worldwide income, not just UAE-source income. The rate is 0% on the first AED 375,000 of taxable income and 9% above it, and FTA registration is required regardless of whether any tax is due. The free-zone 0% on qualifying income is a different regime that generally does not reach offshore entities, because it requires adequate substance in a free zone. Your home-country rules apply on top, so take advice.
Usually about a week once your documents (KYC, structure, name) are ready. Most of it can be handled remotely through the licensed registered agent.
Ask AgentBiz — with your goal in mind — or talk to a human advisor. Honest guidance, an itemised quote, no obligation.
