Offshore company formation in Abu Dhabi has become one of the preferred options for investors and entrepreneurs who want asset protection, international tax efficiency, global banking access, and a confidential corporate structure in a stable Middle Eastern jurisdiction. Abu Dhabi offers an investor-friendly environment, and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has emerged as a world class offshore and international business jurisdiction that combines English common law foundations with modern regulatory standards.
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As Dewey & LeBoeuf, a global law firm operating in Dubai, we regularly assist clients from Asia, Europe, the GCC, and Africa with offshore company formation in Abu Dhabi. This guide explains everything you need to know including legal requirements, documents, compliance, benefits, timelines, and costs. It also highlights how our firm can support you at every step to ensure a smooth, compliant, and risk free formation.
What Is an Offshore Company in Abu Dhabi
An offshore company in Abu Dhabi is a legal business entity registered within a designated jurisdiction of Abu Dhabi that allows foreign investors to conduct international business activities outside the UAE while enjoying confidentiality, asset protection, and simplified taxation. In Abu Dhabi the primary jurisdiction that handles offshore style entities is the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) located on Al Maryah Island.
ADGM operates fully on an English common law framework. It is internationally recognized for its strong regulatory environment and investor protection systems. Offshore companies established here can conduct global trading, consulting, asset holding, investment activities, and international commercial operations while benefiting from financial stability and flexible corporate rules.
Why Choose Abu Dhabi for Offshore Company Formation
Abu Dhabi has built a highly respected reputation as a safe and secure place for global investments. Key advantages include:
Political and economic stability
Abu Dhabi is one of the most financially stable jurisdictions in the Middle East, supported by strong sovereign reserves and government backed financial institutions.
English common law environment
ADGM is the first jurisdiction in the region to apply English common law directly, providing investors predictability, transparency, and globally familiar legal systems.
Zero corporate and personal income tax for offshore activities
Most offshore structures in ADGM do not pay corporate tax on income generated outside the UAE. This creates tax planning flexibility for international investors.
100 percent foreign ownership
Investors can own their offshore companies completely. No local sponsor is required.
Full repatriation of profits
Offshore companies can freely move profits, dividends, and capital without restrictions.
Strong banking flexibility
Abu Dhabi based entities can open accounts in UAE and international banks, enabling easy global transactions.
High level of confidentiality
Beneficial ownership information remains protected. Offshore regulations support privacy and secure asset management.
No physical office required for offshore entities
Unlike mainland companies, offshore entities are not required to maintain physical office space.
Who Should Consider an Offshore Company in Abu Dhabi
An offshore company in Abu Dhabi is ideal for:
- International consulting firms
- Global traders and import export businesses
- Wealth management and asset protection structures
- Holding companies for global assets or shares
- Investors managing international real estate portfolios
- Family offices and inheritance planning
- Online and digital businesses
- Intellectual property holding companies
- Entrepreneurs seeking stable non taxed jurisdictions
If your operations target markets outside the UAE and you want a secure and confidential structure, offshore formation in Abu Dhabi is a strong option.
Types of Offshore Structures in Abu Dhabi
Though ADGM is the primary jurisdiction for offshore style entities, several structures fall under offshore classification:
ADGM Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs)
Popular for asset holding, investments, IP protection, and corporate restructuring.
ADGM Private Companies Limited by Shares
Used for international trading, consulting, and global business operations.
Foundations
Ideal for wealth management, succession planning, and asset protection.
Holding Companies
Used to hold shares of companies across multiple countries for tax and governance benefits.
Our legal team helps you select the right structure based on your business goals, tax planning preferences, and long term operational strategy.
Requirements for Setting Up an Offshore Company in Abu Dhabi
To establish an offshore company, the following requirements typically apply:
- Minimum one shareholder
- Minimum one director
- No local UAE resident shareholder requirement
- Registered agent or approved corporate service provider
- Registered Abu Dhabi address (through a service provider)
- Due diligence and KYC verification
- Clear source of funds
- Business plan for certain activities
- Compliance with anti money laundering regulations
No minimum share capital is usually required, unless the business activity demands otherwise.
Documents Needed for Offshore Company Formation in Abu Dhabi
For individuals:
- Passport copy of each shareholder and director
- Recent proof of address
- CV or business profile
- Bank reference letter (in specific cases)
- Source of wealth or source of funds confirmation
For corporate shareholders:
- Certificate of incorporation
- Memorandum and articles of association
- Board resolution authorizing investment
- Certificate of incumbency
- Passport copy of the authorized signatory
Our firm prepares, verifies, and submits all documents on your behalf ensuring compliance with ADGM regulatory standards.
Step-by-Step Process for Offshore Company Formation in Abu Dhabi
1. Consultation and structure selection
We analyze your business goals, tax planning needs, and asset protection preferences to recommend the most suitable offshore structure.
2. Name reservation
We reserve your desired company name through the ADGM Registry.
3. Document preparation
We prepare incorporation documents including resolutions, shareholder agreements, KYC packs, and compliance forms.
4. Submission to ADGM
All company documents are submitted for approval. ADGM typically processes applications quickly when submissions are compliant.
5. Issuance of incorporation certificate
Once approved, the ADGM issues a certificate of incorporation, business license, and company number.
6. Corporate bank account opening
We assist you in opening accounts with UAE and international banks. Banks may require a compliance interview or additional financial documents.
7. Post-incorporation compliance
We help with ongoing filings, economic substance assessments where required, and annual compliance reports.
Offshore Company Activities Allowed in Abu Dhabi
Offshore companies are permitted to conduct global activities such as:
- International trading
- Holdings of shares and global assets
- Investment management
- Fund and wealth management
- Consulting and advisory services
- Online businesses
- Royalty and intellectual property licensing
- Real estate holding outside the UAE
- Capital markets and financial activities (with additional licensing)
Offshore companies cannot directly trade within UAE mainland unless proper licensing is obtained.
Banking for Offshore Companies in Abu Dhabi
Opening a bank account is crucial for any offshore entity. Abu Dhabi offers access to both conventional and digital banking options. Requirements typically include:
- Certified company documents
- Passport and KYC of all shareholders
- Proof of existing business operations
- Source of funds documentation
- Physical or virtual meeting with bank compliance team
We assist with bank selection, preparation for compliance interviews, and required documentation.
Costs for Offshore Company Formation in Abu Dhabi
Costs vary based on business activity, structure, and banking requirements. Typical cost components include:
- Government registration fees
- Registered agent fees
- Legal drafting and compliance
- Annual license renewal
- Optional office address fees
- Bank account application fees
We provide fixed fee quotations after assessing your business needs so you know exactly what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an offshore company in Abu Dhabi legal?
Yes. Offshore companies formed in ADGM follow internationally recognized regulations and fully comply with UAE laws.
Can I own 100 percent of my offshore company?
Yes. Foreign investors can own offshore entities entirely without UAE national partnership.
Do I need to live in Abu Dhabi to open an offshore company?
No. Offshore companies can be owned and managed remotely.
Can an offshore company open a bank account in the UAE?
Yes. Most offshore companies can open corporate accounts after meeting compliance and KYC requirements.
Is there corporate tax for offshore companies in Abu Dhabi?
Offshore entities with international operations generally do not pay corporate tax in the UAE, provided they satisfy economic substance rules.
Why Choose Dewey & LeBoeuf for Offshore Company Formation
At Dewey & LeBoeuf, our international corporate law team provides end-to-end support for offshore company formation in Abu Dhabi. Our services include:
- Full advisory on selecting the right offshore structure
- Preparation of all incorporation and compliance documents
- Assistance in name reservation and registry approvals
- Registered agent and local address arrangements
- Bank account opening support with strategic banking partners
- Drafting shareholder agreements, resolutions, and governance documents
- Ongoing compliance, renewals, and annual filings
- Wealth management and asset protection planning
Our goal is to make your offshore formation process smooth, compliant, and risk free while protecting your assets and business interests.
E-mail: info@deweyleboeuf.com
Phone: +971 58 690 9684
Address: 26B Street, Mirdif, Dubai, UAE