Key takeaways
- Offshore companies register through a registered agent, not directly with DET or a free zone.
- JAFZA Offshore lists an AED 10,000 registration fee and 5 to 7 working days.
- RAK ICC allows 1 to 50 shareholders and doesn't require legalised foreign corporate documents.
- An offshore company can't trade inside the UAE without a separate license, and has no visa quota.
- RAK ICC offers renewals of up to three years, with a 30-day grace period after expiry.
Step 1: confirm offshore fits your purpose
Ask three questions. Will you sell to customers in the UAE? Do you or staff need UAE residence? Do you need premises here? If any answer is yes, offshore alone won't work; you need a mainland or free zone company. Offshore suits holding shares or assets and working with clients abroad.
JAFZA's rules allow one visa exception: a company that owns freehold property in a designated area can apply for residence for its members, subject to JAFZA's approval.
Step 2: choose a registry
| JAFZA Offshore | RAK ICC | |
|---|---|---|
| How you apply | Through a JAFZA registered agent on the Dubai Trade portal | Through a RAK ICC registered agent |
| Shareholders | At least one, no maximum; individuals or companies | 1 to 50 |
| Officers | Directors and a company secretary | A UAE-resident director as responsible manager, or the registered agent by default |
| Foreign corporate documents | Notarised and UAE embassy-attested | Legalisation not required |
| Fee and time | AED 10,000; 5 to 7 working days | Set by RAK ICC; ask your agent |
| Renewal | With the registry, before expiry | Up to 3 years at once; 30-day grace period |
Step 3: prepare the documents
For JAFZA, the agent files the application, the memorandum and articles of association, its letter of appointment and passport copies of the directors and secretary. Individual founders provide a CV and specimen signature. Corporate shareholders provide notarised, embassy-attested incorporation documents, a good standing certificate and a board resolution.
RAK ICC companies need at least one activity; selecting more than three adds a fee per activity. Changes to the generated MOA or articles need a lawyer's legal opinion.
Step 4: registration and documents issued
Once approved, the registry issues a certificate of incorporation with the company's registers. RAK ICC makes the certificate and registers available to download from the service request.
There's no trade license. To do business in the UAE, the company needs a separate license or permit from the competent authority, according to JAFZA's offshore rules.
Step 5: bank account and ongoing compliance
Opening a bank account is a separate process with the bank, which applies its own due diligence; RAK ICC provides the incorporation documents for the application. Approval is never automatic.
- Renew with the registry before expiry. RAK ICC sends reminders 30 days before and allows a 30-day grace period.
- Keep share transfers documented: RAK ICC uses an instrument of transfer signed by both parties and a director resolution.
- A RAK ICC company that is struck off is only deemed dissolved after three years, and restoring it means paying the restoration fee, annual fees and penalties.
- Check your tax position with a qualified adviser; Global Sky PRO isn't a tax agent.
How we help
We compare registries for your purpose, prepare the document pack and coordinate registration through the registry's agent route. Read more on offshore company formation, or compare structures in mainland vs free zone vs offshore.
Sources
- JAFZA: new offshore company
- JAFZA: how to set up an offshore company
- JAFZA Offshore Companies Regulations
- RAK ICC: company FAQs
Official sources checked on 7 November 2026. This guide explains published rules in plain English and is not legal or tax advice. Rules change; we check the current position for your case before you act.