Offshore company in Dubai
A Dubai offshore company, such as a Jafza offshore company, is incorporated with a certificate of incorporation rather than a trade licence. It is used for international trade, holding companies, owning real estate in designated freehold areas, registering copyrights and patents, and international consulting, and it is formed through a registered agent. It needs a licence from a competent authority to do business in the UAE, so it does not suit a company that needs a UAE office, staff or local customers — that calls for a mainland or free zone company.
What an offshore company is for
International trade
Trading with counterparties outside the UAE.
Holding company
Holding shares, including a stake in a UAE operating company.
Real estate
Owning property in designated freehold areas approved by the authority.
Copyrights and patents
Registering and holding intellectual property.
International consulting
Consulting services delivered to clients outside the UAE.
What the Jafza regulations allow
| Topic | What the regulations say |
|---|---|
| Permitted in the UAE | Engage UAE legal consultants, accountants and management companies; keep books and records and hold directors’ or members’ meetings in the UAE. |
| Property | Lease a registered office or own property in a designated freehold area approved by the authority. |
| Shareholdings | Own a stake in another operating company in the UAE. |
| Banking | Hold an account with a bank in the UAE. |
| Doing business | Must obtain the appropriate licences or permits from competent authorities to carry out business in the zone or any other jurisdiction. |
| Residence visas | A company that owns property in a designated freehold area may apply for residence visas for its members, subject to the authority’s eligibility requirements. |
The company name must end with “Limited”. The regulations replaced the 2018 offshore regulations.
How to register a Jafza offshore company
Register interest
Start online with Jafza; its team verifies the application.
Appoint a registered agent
The registered agent handles all administration and dealings with Jafza on the company’s behalf.
Submit the application
File the signed application with the required documents. Jafza may ask for additional documents.
Offshore or free zone?
| Offshore company | Free zone company | |
|---|---|---|
| Document issued | Certificate of incorporation | Trade licence |
| Office and staff in the UAE | Registered office only | Office options and staff visas under the zone’s rules |
| Typical use | Holding, property and IP | Operating business: trade, services, manufacturing |
Need an operating company? Read free zone company formation or mainland company formation.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Dubai offshore company trade in the UAE?
Not on its own. Under the Jafza regulations an offshore company must obtain the appropriate licences or permits from competent authorities to carry out business in the UAE.
Can an offshore company sponsor residence visas?
Generally no. The exception in the Jafza regulations is a company that owns property in a designated freehold area, whose members may apply for residence visas subject to the authority’s eligibility requirements.
Can an offshore company open a UAE bank account?
The Jafza regulations allow an offshore company to hold an account with a UAE bank. Each bank runs its own due diligence and decides. See corporate bank accounts.
Can an offshore company own property in Dubai?
Yes, in designated freehold areas approved by the authority.
Is an offshore company subject to UAE corporate tax?
Companies incorporated in the UAE are taxable persons under the Corporate Tax Law and must register with the Federal Tax Authority. Take tax advice on your specific structure.
Official sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on 27 October 2026. Rules and fees can change; the authority’s current page always prevails.
- How to set up an offshore company — Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza)
- Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority Offshore Companies Regulations 2023 — Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza)
- Corporate Tax in the UAE — UAE Ministry of Finance
Check whether offshore fits
Tell us what the company will hold or do. We will confirm whether offshore, free zone or mainland suits it.