Offshore company UAE cost in 2026

An offshore company is not a cheaper version of a free zone company. It is a different vehicle: it holds assets or trades internationally, and it is not issued a business licence. People often compare the two on price alone and then discover the offshore structure cannot do what they bought it for.

The price below is a typical October 2026 market range, not a quote. The rules come from Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), which runs one of the best-known UAE offshore regimes. Other jurisdictions, such as Ras Al Khaimah, have their own rules and fees, so confirm with the authority that governs the company you want.

What you pay for and what you do not need

Typical market ranges, October 2026. Registered agent and annual renewal charges vary by provider; ask for both in writing.

Offshore company vs free zone company

Quick rule: If you need visas, an office, or local customers, a free zone or mainland company is the vehicle to price. Offshore suits holding and international activity only.

What an offshore company in Dubai can and cannot do

Jafza states that an offshore company is issued a certificate of incorporation, not a business licence, and cannot conduct any commercial activity with persons in the UAE. It may conduct lawful business activities as the Registrar permits from time to time, and its guidance lists international trade, holding companies, real estate ownership, intellectual property registration and international consulting as typical uses. Liability is limited to paid-up capital.

Who can form one and what you need

Jafza requires at least one shareholder, one director and one secretary, and one person may hold both the director and secretary roles. Shareholders can be individuals, companies, or both, with no maximum number. A registered agent must be appointed to handle dealings with Jafza on the company's behalf.

• Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association
• Incorporation application with supporting documents
• Three proposed company names (Jafza recommends submitting three)

Offshore plus a free zone company

Some providers combine an offshore holding company with a licensed free zone operating company. For example, RAK ICC describes a structure in which a RAK ICC holding company owns a RAKEZ subsidiary, and says the individual is added as a shareholder of the subsidiary for an investor visa. The subsidiary is a separate licensed entity with its own licence, visa and office costs, so add those from the free zone range rather than expecting them inside the offshore price.

Does an offshore company pay UAE corporate tax?

Jafza's 2021 guidance describes offshore companies as tax-exempt. That article predates UAE corporate tax, which applies to financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023, so do not rely on it alone. Whether and how corporate tax applies to a particular offshore company depends on its structure and where it operates. This is general information, not tax advice; take advice before you form one.

How an offshore company is formed

1. 1

   Confirm offshore is the right vehicle

   Check that you do not need visas, a UAE office or UAE customers.

2. 2

   Appoint a registered agent

   The agent handles administration and communication with the authority.

3. 3

   Prepare names and constitutional documents

   Three proposed names, a Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association.

4. 4

   Submit the application

   The agent files it with the application documents and the registration fee.

Things to weigh up

• It cannot trade with persons in the UAE, so it does not replace a licensed company.
• A plain offshore company has no residence visa allocation.
• Annual renewal and registered agent fees are not in the registration price.
• Tax treatment needs professional advice; older guidance may predate UAE corporate tax.
• Banks decide independently whether to open an account.