Offshore company formation in Dubai has become one of the most attractive options for global entrepreneurs, investors, and high net worth individuals looking to protect assets, reduce tax exposure, expand internationally, and maintain financial privacy. Dubai offers a stable legal environment, world class infrastructure, and a business friendly regulatory framework that makes it one of the leading offshore jurisdictions in the world.
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This detailed guide explains how offshore company formation in Dubai works, who it is for, the exact steps involved, required documents, costs, timelines, and compliance obligations. As a global law firm serving clients across the Middle East, Dewey & LeBoeuf provides end to end legal support for offshore structures in JAFZA, RAK ICC, and other approved offshore jurisdictions in the UAE.
What is an Offshore Company in Dubai
An offshore company in Dubai is a legal entity incorporated within an approved offshore jurisdiction in the UAE. The two most recognized offshore jurisdictions are:
- JAFZA Offshore
- RAK ICC Offshore
These companies are registered for the purpose of conducting business outside the UAE while enjoying tax advantages, confidentiality, and simplified compliance. Offshore companies cannot trade inside the UAE mainland, but they can hold assets, open bank accounts, own properties in approved areas, and conduct international business with full legal protection.
Why Entrepreneurs Choose Dubai for Offshore Companies
Dubai has become a global hub for offshore formation due to several practical advantages that are rarely found in other jurisdictions.
Tax-Friendly Environment
Offshore companies in Dubai enjoy zero corporate tax on international income, zero income tax, and no capital gains tax. This makes Dubai one of the safest and most compliant low tax jurisdictions globally.
Complete Foreign Ownership
Founders can own 100 percent of the company without needing a local sponsor or partner.
High Level of Confidentiality
Shareholder and director details are protected and are not publicly searchable. This protects both privacy and asset holding structures.
Strong Banking and Financial Ecosystem
Dubai’s world class banking system allows offshore companies to open multi currency corporate accounts, hold global assets, and receive international payments with strong compliance protections.
Asset Protection and Wealth Planning
Offshore companies are often used for:
- Holding global assets
- Inheritance planning
- Protecting personal wealth from liabilities
- International investment structures
Easy Global Expansion
With an offshore company in Dubai, founders can open subsidiaries or branches in other countries, sign international contracts, and manage multi region operations.
Who Should Consider Offshore Company Formation in Dubai
The structure is ideal for:
- Entrepreneurs running international or online businesses
- Investors managing properties or global portfolios
- Families seeking asset protection and inheritance planning
- Startups looking for a tax efficient holding company
- Traders and import export businesses
- Owners who require high privacy
- Companies restructuring for international expansion
Types of Offshore Companies in Dubai
JAFZA Offshore Company
Considered the most premium offshore jurisdiction in the UAE. Allows offshore companies to own property in Dubai freehold zones. Known for strong regulations and excellent credibility.
RAK ICC Offshore Company
Highly flexible, cost effective, and suitable for most global businesses. RAK ICC offers modern regulations, quick approvals, and strong international recognition.
Requirements for Offshore Company Formation in Dubai
To incorporate an offshore company, founders must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum of one shareholder
- Minimum of one director
- Registered agent approved by the jurisdiction
- No minimum capital requirement
- Passport copies of all shareholders and directors
- Proof of address of all parties
- Bank reference letter or professional reference in some cases
Dewey & LeBoeuf can act as your registered agent and handle all legal, compliance, and documentation requirements.
Step-by-Step Process for Offshore Company Formation in Dubai
1. Consultation and Structure Planning
The first step is to understand your business goals and determine whether JAFZA Offshore or RAK ICC Offshore is the right fit. Our legal team reviews your purpose, ownership structure, asset plans, and tax obligations to design an optimized offshore model.
2. Choose a Company Name
Your company name must be unique and compliant with offshore naming rules. Dewey & LeBoeuf performs a full name availability check and reserves the name for you.
3. Prepare Documents
You will need:
- Passport copies
- Proof of address
- KYC form
- CV or business profile
- Board resolution if corporate shareholders are involved
Our team prepares all legal documents, incorporation forms, and resolutions.
4. Submission and Approval
We submit the full application to JAFZA or RAK ICC. Approvals are usually granted quickly once all compliance checks are complete.
5. Certificate of Incorporation Issued
Once approved, you will receive:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Share certificates
- Company registry documents
Your offshore company is now legally registered.
6. Opening a Corporate Bank Account
We support you in preparing bank compliant documents, business plans, and KYC requirements to open a corporate bank account. Offshore companies in Dubai can open accounts in major local and international banks.
7. Ongoing Compliance
Offshore companies enjoy simplified compliance but must still maintain basic records and follow KYC standards.
Documents Needed for Dubai Offshore Company Formation
- Passport copies of all shareholders
- Proof of residential address
- Passport sized photos
- Bank reference letter or professional reference
- Completed KYC forms
- Company name options
- If corporate shareholder: Certificate of incorporation, MOA, board resolution
Dewey & LeBoeuf handles notarization, attestation, and preparation of all legal documents.
Cost of Offshore Company Formation in Dubai
Costs vary depending on jurisdiction, banking needs, and optional services. However, typical costs include:
- Government registration fees
- Registered agent fees
- Document notarization
- Bank account setup assistance
- Compliance and legal drafting
To receive an accurate quote, our firm provides transparent cost breakdowns based on your selected offshore structure.
Timeline for Offshore Company Formation in Dubai
The entire process usually takes:
- Name approval: 1 to 2 days
- Document preparation: 1 to 3 days
- Company registration: 3 to 7 days
- Bank account opening: 1 to 4 weeks depending on the bank
Our legal team ensures faster processing by preparing all documents flawlessly.
What Offshore Companies in Dubai Are Allowed to Do
- Conduct business outside the UAE
- Hold global assets
- Open corporate bank accounts
- Own property in approved freehold zones (JAFZA Offshore only)
- Operate international trading and consulting services
- Perform global investment activities
What Offshore Companies Cannot Do
- Trade inside the UAE mainland
- Rent office space in the UAE
- Apply for UAE residency visas
- Conduct activities requiring mainland licensing
Why Work with Dewey & LeBoeuf for Offshore Formation
Offshore formation requires strict compliance and precise legal structuring. Dewey & LeBoeuf provides:
- Full end to end offshore formation in Dubai
- Legal advice on selecting the right jurisdiction
- Structuring for asset protection and tax efficiency
- Preparation and drafting of all incorporation documents
- Registered agent services
- Corporate bank account assistance
- Ongoing compliance and annual maintenance
Every detail is handled by international corporate lawyers to ensure your offshore structure is compliant, secure, and optimized for your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I own 100 percent of my offshore company in Dubai?
Yes. Full foreign ownership is allowed in both JAFZA Offshore and RAK ICC Offshore.
Can a Dubai offshore company open a bank account?
Yes. Offshore companies can open accounts with UAE and international banks, subject to KYC requirements.
Can offshore companies rent office space in Dubai?
No. Offshore companies cannot lease offices or operate inside UAE mainland.
Can offshore companies buy property in Dubai?
JAFZA Offshore companies can buy property in approved freehold areas. RAK ICC company property ownership depends on developer and authority approval.
Can an offshore company get a UAE residence visa?
No. Offshore companies are not eligible for visas. If you need visas, consider forming a free zone company instead.
Start Your Offshore Company with Dewey & LeBoeuf
Dewey & LeBoeuf Dubai provides professional legal assistance for complete offshore company formation including planning, registration, documentation, compliance, and banking support.
If you want to set up a Dubai offshore company for global expansion, asset holding, trading, or investment, our lawyers will ensure a smooth, compliant, and strategic setup.
Contact our Dubai office today to receive a custom offshore package and legal consultation tailored to your goals.
E-mail: info@deweyleboeuf.com
Phone: +971 58 690 9684
Address: 26B Street, Mirdif, Dubai, UAE