Offshore Company in the UAE
What an offshore company can do
| Use | Detail |
|---|---|
| International trade | Allowed, with customers outside the UAE |
| Holding company | Holding shares in other companies |
| Real estate | Owning property, where the land registry accepts it |
| Intellectual property | Registering copyrights and patents |
| Consulting | International consulting services |
Source: Jafza: How to set up an offshore company2
A Jafza offshore company cannot conduct commercial activity with persons within the UAE. It can open a bank account with a UAE bank or a bank abroad, in the currency it chooses.1
An offshore company has no licence to trade locally, so it does not suit a business that needs an office, staff visas or UAE customers. For that, use a free zone or mainland company.
Jafza and RAK ICC
| Feature | Jafza offshore | RAK ICC |
|---|---|---|
| Emirate | Dubai | Ras Al Khaimah |
| How to apply | Register interest, choose a registered agent, then file the signed application | Only through a registered agent |
| People | At least one shareholder, one director and one secretary; one person can be both director and secretary | Set by the company type chosen |
| Company types | Offshore company | Limited by shares, limited by guarantee, restricted purposes, segregated portfolio, unlimited |
| Time to incorporate | Not published | 2 working days after documents are submitted |
Source: Jafza: How to set up an offshore company; Jafza: What you need to know about an offshore business; RAK ICC: New incorporation FAQs2,1,3
Owning property in Dubai
The Dubai Land Department does not let foreign companies own Dubai property directly. A foreign company can buy through a company registered in a Dubai free zone approved by the Land Department, such as Jafza or DMCC, within the areas designated for foreign ownership.4
The Land Department's company registration service accepts foreign companies registered in free zones in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah. For a purchase, it asks for a no-objection certificate from the licensing body.5
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a UAE offshore company trade inside the UAE?
No. A Jafza offshore company gets a certificate of incorporation, not a business licence, and cannot conduct commercial activity with persons within the UAE.
Sources
- Jafza: What you need to know about an offshore business
- Jafza: How to set up an offshore company
- RAK ICC: New incorporation FAQs
- Dubai Land Department: Know your rights
- Dubai Land Department: Company registration application
- UAE Government Portal: Running a business in a free zone
Figures checked 21 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.