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Offshore Company Formation in UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a global hub for business, attracting entrepreneurs and investors from around the world with its strategic location, robust economy, and business-friendly environment. Among the many options available, offshore company formation stands out as a highly advantageous way to manage and expand your international business operations.
At Rubab, we specialize in guiding businesses through the intricacies of offshore company formation in the UAE. Whether you’re an entrepreneur seeking to optimize your tax strategy, a multinational corporation looking to protect your assets, or an investor aiming to expand your global footprint, our expert team is here to provide you with tailored solutions that meet your unique needs.
Offshore companies in the UAE offer a host of benefits, including zero corporate taxes, enhanced privacy, and the flexibility to conduct business internationally without the restrictions faced by onshore companies. These companies are designed for global trade, asset protection, and holding investments, making them an ideal choice for those looking to capitalize on the UAE’s advantageous regulatory environment.
With Rubab, the process of setting up an offshore company is streamlined and efficient. We handle everything from the initial consultation and planning to the registration, legal compliance, and ongoing support. Our deep understanding of UAE’s offshore regulations, combined with our commitment to client satisfaction, ensures that your offshore company is established quickly and operates smoothly, allowing you to focus on achieving your business goals.
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What We Offer
- Tax-Free Environment: Enjoy complete exemption from corporate and income taxes, along with benefits like no VAT, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax.
- Strategic Global Location: Dubai’s position as a trade hub between East and West allows for easy access to international markets.
Foreign-owned: 100% ownership allowed, no local sponsor needed.
- Full Ownership & Control: Maintain 100% foreign ownership and control over your business without the need for a local partner.
- Flexible Capitalization: Start your business with a capital amount that suits your needs, as there’s no minimum share capital.
Offshore Packages
We have a range of business-specific packages for offshore company formation in Dubai. So, you can easily pick the one that’s perfect for your business needs. Our solutions have all the essential aspects for operating your offshore business. This includes company registration, office space, and expert assistance in the process of opening a bank account in the UAE. Your dream offshore business turns into reality with our tailored packages.
Start Your Offshore Venture in Dubai and Sail Into Success!
You can have your offshore company setup in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA Dubai), in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) and the Ajman Offshore (AFZ). These “tax-free” jurisdictions specialize in offshore businesses. But note that you can carry out your business activities only outside the UAE. As you go for an offshore company incorporation UAE, you can gain from a greater business scope, smooth setup processes, great logistics, prime locations, and 100% ownership.
Offshore company formation in Dubai can cost between AED 10,000 and AED 40,000. The exact cost depends on what kind of business you want, and where it’s located in Dubai(JAFZA), Ras Al Khaimah(RAK) or Ajman (AFZ), and other factors. You’ll also have to lease an office space. Plus, to follow the local rules, legal assistance might cost extra.
Licenses Available For Your Offshore Firm in Dubai
An offshore company setup in Dubai can choose from many licenses. Having different license types helps all kinds of offshore firms work how they want. This makes their start and growth easier. To gain from a flexible and lively business environment, take a look at licenses for offshore business.
General Trading License
General Trading License
This license lets you do trading activities. You need this if your firm trades many types of goods and services.
Holding License
Holding License
This license is designed for companies registered outside the UAE. With this license, they can own assets, subsidiary companies, property, and intellectual property.
Investment License
Investment License
This license enables companies to hold and trade a wide range of international investment instruments such as foreign currencies, futures, options, etc. This includes listed and unlisted shares in other companies, bonds, commodities, etc.
Business Legal Structures for UAE Offshore
You can base your offshore company formation in Dubai on various legal structures to fit your needs. This variety helps you pick a suitable setup. And you can gain from various perks. For example, you can have asset protection. You also save on taxes. Or simply do business around the world! But whatever structure you pick for your offshore firm, you’re in for some big perks!
An offshore LLC is made to give business owners a key perk: limited liability. As a result, your personal assets will be different from your firm’s debts and legal obligations. Plus, your LLC’s income may get favorable tax treatment.
IBCs are set up in the UAE for conducting business activities outside of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). They don’t do much business operations in the UAE itself. One of the key perks of an IBC is tax and duty exemptions. This can greatly decrease the financial load on firms doing international trade or investment activities.
Required Documents
Find below the list of documents required for Mainland Company Formation in Dubai and the UAE.
Note* The list of document requirements is subject to change as per the desired license activity and respective license issuing authority.
Timeline
An estimated timeline for freezone company formation in UAE is mentioned below for your reference.
Immigration Card & E-channel Application Issued
Entry Permit, Change Status, Medical, Emirates ID Issued
Investor Visa Issued
Dubai Mainland Business Setup Process
Steps to Start a Business in Dubai Mainland
Setting up a company in Dubai may seem daunting, but we’re here to guide you through the process step by step. Here is your checklist for Mainland Company Formation in Dubai.
1. Select Your Business Structure
2. Submit Documents
3. Open an Offshore Bank Account
1. Select Your Business Structure
Select Your Business Structure
Choosing the right legal structure is vital for offshore firms. It decides your management needs and paperwork rules. So, pick a suitable setup from Offshore Foundation, Offshore Trust, LLC, and IBC.
2. Submit Documents
Submit Documents
Make the needed papers ready. Then, you can submit them to the officials in your jurisdiction. Note that paperwork needs vary with each jurisdiction. So, check their specific criteria.
3. Open an Offshore Bank Account
Open an Offshore Bank Account
An offshore bank account will ease incorporating and carrying out business transactions for your offshore firms. It makes financial operations and business activities smooth.
Why Rubab for Your Offshore Business Setup?
Rubab knows that starting a business can be very tricky. But we’re here to make offshore company formation in Dubai easy. We are a certified business setup consultant and auditing firm in Dubai. Our customized packages and services have been supporting entrepreneurs from all over the world in setting and expanding their offshore businesses in AAFZA, RAK and JAFZA. We have a great team to make every step of offshore company formation in Dubai easy for you. From business registration to getting licenses, we make sure you get a stress-free experience.
- Time Efficiency
- Tailored Solutions
- Ethical Practices
Still Confused about taking your decision?
Comprehensive Support
Our services are not limited to registration and permits. We also offer continuous support services throughout your firm’s tenure in the UAE. This includes accounting, auditing, and visa processing. We are dedicated to keeping your offshore company formation in Dubai trouble-free and compliant.
Comprehensive Support
Our services are not limited to registration and permits. We also offer continuous support services throughout your firm’s tenure in the UAE. This includes accounting, auditing, and visa processing. We are dedicated to keeping your offshore company formation in Dubai trouble-free and compliant.
Industry Network
Since we’ve been working in the industry for a substantial time, Rubab has a strong and vast network of contacts and partnerships in Dubai and beyond. So, we can help you with helpful connections for your offshore firm’s growth and development.
Industry Network
Since we’ve been working in the industry for a substantial time, Rubab has a strong and vast network of contacts and partnerships in Dubai and beyond. So, we can help you with helpful connections for your offshore firm’s growth and development.
Proven Track Record
We have a significant track record of successful offshore company formation in Dubai and other cities in the UAE. This way, we can assure you of our reliability and commitment to client success.
Proven Track Record
We have a significant track record of successful offshore company formation in Dubai and other cities in the UAE. This way, we can assure you of our reliability and commitment to client success.
What our Valuable Client Says About Us
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Top-Rated Business Setup Consultancy in Dubai
Rubab Business Setup | 432 Google Reviews | 4.8 Rating
Top-Rated Business Setup Consultancy in Dubai
Rubab Business Setup | 432 Google Reviews | 4.8 Rating
Trusted by 100+ Major Brands Worldwide
Incorporation
Mainland
Freezone
Offshore
Incorporation
To start a business in Dubai, you have to follow these steps.
- First, choose an industry and the business activity you will engage in.
- Next, you must identify the legal structure of your business. Take help from a consultant or lawyer in this step.
- Choose a location, such as the Mainland or a Free Zone, whatever suits your business.
- Apply for a legal trade name.
- Finalise the paperwork.
- Apply for a licence and get initial approvals.
- Register your business and open a bank account.
The cheapest option to register a company is the IFZA (International Free Zone Authority). The location offers the cheapest Free Zone and General Trading Licence. You can start your company with AED 12,900* here.
There are plenty of benefits to starting a company in Dubai, but the key benefit is a Strategic location as Dubai is a trade city that connects different continents, which simplifies the import and export of goods. Therefore, the high-class infrastructure that comes with low corporate tax is a major advantage for investors who want to set up a company in Dubai. Additionally, 100% foreign company ownership is another boost for foreign entrepreneurs because of Dubai’s friendly business environment.
The timeframe of opening a company in Dubai is 4 to 5 working days but it all depends on different factors such as your industry and requirements of each licensing authority. Some business activities are quicker than the others but in general, it takes only a few days to setting up a new company in Dubai.
Yes, you can own 100% of your business in Dubai. In the past, only Free Zones have allowed 100% foreign ownership of businesses in Dubai. However, with a recent amendment, now foreigners can 100% own an LLC business in Dubai Mainland, too. For more information on this topic, you can visit our complete guide.
These are the most profitable businesses to start in Dubai –
- E-commerce stores
- Digital payments
- IT solutions
- Real estate development
- Tourism services.
Starting a company in Dubai offers many benefits that are not accessible in other countries. A few major reasons to set up a business in Dubai are:
- Global trading hub allowing you to start an international trading business instantly
- Easy to start a business
- 100% ownership for foreigners
- Low corporate tax and zero individual income tax
- Full profit repatriation is allowed
- Strategic location for business with advanced infrastructure
- Business-friendly laws with a government that supports entrepreneurship
If I set up a company in Dubai and obtain a residence permit, can I travel to other emirates freely?
Yes, the visa issued in Dubai is valid throughout the UAE and allows you to travel to other emirates freely.
To obtain an investor/partner visa, you must set up your own company in Dubai. You must fulfill all the company registration requirements and obtain a trade license. Next, you have to complete all the immigration authority’s formalities to receive your residency visa.
You can set up any business in Dubai as long as it’s not illegal as per the country’s law. UAE’s Ministry of Economy allows you to choose from more than 2,000 business activities for your business. You need one of these six licenses to start a company in the UAE:
- Industrial license
- Commercial license
- Crafts license
- Tourism license
- Agricultural license
- Professional license
No, you can’t include all the business activities in a single business license, as they might require different licenses to operate. You will need a trading license if you are trading goods or products. For manufacturing, a manufacturing license is compulsory, and so on. However, a business owner trading multiple products can also get a general trading license in Dubai. Therefore, different business activities require different licenses in Dubai.
Yes, you have to renew your trade license in the UAE annually. It is also worth noting that you must apply 30 days before the expiry date of the license.
Yes, all types of businesses require a license to operate legally in the UAE. Operating without a business license is against the law in Dubai.
Yes, it is mandatory for businesses to have an office space for a successful business registration process in Dubai Mainland. However, Dubai Economic Development (DED) has offered some leniency to investors and entrepreneurs by issuing virtual office licenses where you don’t need a physical space. Flexi desks are also a good alternative, as you can save a lot of rental costs and have physical space from the beginning. Another option is to get an instant license issued by DED, which does not require office space for the first year.
Mainland
The answer is both yes and no. You do not require a local partner for certain licenses and activities; a foreigner can hold 100% of the company shares. Some examples include professional service providers or small businesses such as coffee shops, consultancy, and salons. However, general trading companies or businesses that require a trading license must have a local sponsor who owns at least 51% of the shares in the company.
Dubai Mainland offers more than 2000 business activities from which to choose. These business activities fall into various categories and require respective business licenses to operate, including professional, commercial, industrial, and tourism. However, certain activities are not allowed in the UAE. You must consult with an expert before applying for a business license in Dubai.
Foreign employees in the UAE require a standard work visa sponsored by the employer. There are certain conditions that the employer and employer must meet to obtain a standard work visa.
- The employer has a valid operating license
- The employer has no violations
- Employee’s expertise and work is relevant to the company’s business activity
- The employee has a high school diploma
The company setup in Dubai Mainland can be done within 5 days. However, depending on the nature of the business and its requirements, it may take a few weeks in certain scenarios.
Yes, you can convert your Free Zone company to a Dubai Mainland company. However, the process is complex, and you must not proceed without expert consultation. As there is no direct transfer option available, you have to cancel your Free Zone license and apply for a new license with DED. You also have to obtain visas, register for VAT, and complete the business registration process again.
Freezone
It depends on the nature of your business and the business activity. Every Free Zone has its own set of regulations and provides certain benefits for specific business activities. You must choose a Free Zone that is the most advantageous for your business operations and requirements. For instance, IFZA is a good choice for ecommerce businesses. On the other hand, DMCC is best for global trading.
Yes, you can own 100% of your Free Zone company as a foreign investor in Dubai.
Yes, Free Zone companies cannot trade with the UAE Mainland. Business operations of Free Zone companies are limited to their jurisdictions only. However, you can engage with a local consultant if you wish to expand your activities on the Mainland. Our expert consultants can provide you with the right guidance regarding this issue.
No, you do not need to be physically present in Dubai or the UAE to set up a Free Zone company. You can easily register and operate your business remotely in a Free Zone without the need for a local partner.
You must register with the Customs Office to import or export goods in the UAE. For import, you need certain documents such as an import permit, certificate of origin, import goods declaration form, bill of lading/airway bill, etc. Similarly, to export goods, you need documentation that includes an export permit, declaration of customs clearance, and sales invoice.
Offshore
Offshore companies are not legally allowed to trade within the UAE mainland. However, they become shareholders in any of the Mainland companies.
Offshore companies are exempt from annual audits in Dubai. They do not have to submit their audited financial statements, which helps maintain their confidentiality.
Yes, you can open a corporate bank account for your offshore company in Dubai. However, the chances of success are slim, and it is recommended that you engage a business consultant to help you out.
The annual renewal fees associated with maintaining an offshore company depend on the jurisdiction, visa renewal charges, and bank account maintenance costs. For instance, a company in RAK ICC has to pay approximately $2200 in annual renewal costs, which includes a Certificate of Good Standing, a formal proof of the company’s renewal.
Offshore companies are not allowed to trade in the UAE. However, certain activities are permitted for offshore companies to do in Dubai, such as shareholding in other companies or purchasing and managing real estate. Offshore companies are also allowed to offer wealth management, advisory, consultancy, and brokerage services.
