Offshore Company Formation
An offshore company is a business entity which does not carry out any substantial business activity in its country of origin. It can be owned either by individuals or corporate entities. An offshore company cannot obtain an office space in the UAE.
Advantages of setting up an offshore company in the UAE
- No corporate tax
- No minimum capital requirement
- 100% foreign ownership
- Fast incorporation process
- Guaranteed protection of legal asset and investments
- Safeguarded assets – the strict legal system prevents creditors from seizing assets of an offshore company
- Optimal Privacy
- Option to issue multiple classes of shares
- Only one shareholder and director required
- Proximity to the Gulf and global markets
- No requirement for office space and minimal infrastructural costs
Activities That Can Be Conducted by an Offshore Company in the UAE
- Advisory services
- Buying, holding or selling stakes of companies
- Commission Agents or intermediary brokers
- Consulting services
- General trading activities
Offshore Location Choices in the UAE
UAE offers 3 location choices for offshore companies, which are discussed below:
Jebel Ali Free Zone or JAFZA is the most sought-after destination for
starting an offshore company in the UAE due to several reasons including
reduced operational costs, simple incorporation process, zero personal
and corporate tax policies.
RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) is another preferred
registry for the incorporation of offshore companies. The main advantage
of companies established here is that they can enjoy benefits such as a
single shareholding structure with no restrictions on profits and
capital and minimum capital requirement.
Ajman offshore is another popular offshore business destination in the
UAE, offering many attractive benefits for investors such as low company
setup cost, easy registration process, ability to purchase, and sell the
property.