A holding structure without a UAE footprint
For asset holding, international trade and group structuring. No UAE office, no residency, and no trading inside the Emirates.
Prefer to talk it through? A consultant can answer in minutes.
Included in this route
International operations
Conduct business globally without UAE onshore trading rights.
Efficient structuring
Structure legitimately for a clean effective rate across jurisdictions.
Asset protection
Hold assets inside a recognised and stable legal framework.
Confidentiality
Strong privacy protections for shareholders and directors.
No physical presence
No UAE office or residency required to incorporate or maintain.
Multi-currency accounts
Hold balances in several currencies for international settlement.
IBC structure
International Business Company form, recognised worldwide.
Nominee services
Optional nominee director and shareholder arrangements.
Where this route wins
The trade-offs that usually decide it one way or the other.
No UAE trading obligations
The entity holds and invests rather than trading inside the Emirates.
Global reach
Operate internationally from a credible UAE-registered vehicle.
Asset protection
Ring-fence holdings inside a robust legal structure.
Privacy
Beneficial ownership information is held confidentially by the registry.
Low maintenance
Minimal annual compliance and straightforward renewal.
From first call to trading
- 01
Consultation and planning
We map your international goals and design the shareholding structure around them.
- 02
Document preparation
Incorporation documents, nominee agreements where used, and full KYC.
- 03
Incorporation
Filed with the offshore registry, returning your certificate of incorporation.
- 04
Banking setup
We prepare and support the international corporate account application.
Get a written quote for offshore
Send a few details and a consultant comes back within one business day with the route, the documents you need and a full first-year cost.
- No obligation and no pressure
- A named consultant, not a call centre
- One number covering licence, visas and compliance
Asked most often about this route
What is the difference between an offshore and a free zone company?
Offshore companies cannot trade inside the UAE and need no physical presence or residency. Free zone companies operate within their zone, can sponsor visas and may have office requirements. Offshore suits holdings and asset protection.
Do I need to visit the UAE to form an offshore company?
No. Offshore formation can be completed remotely. All documents are processed through our team without you travelling, subject to notarised and attested KYC.
Can a UAE offshore company open a bank account?
Yes, though the process is more stringent than for an onshore entity. We work with partner banks and prepare the file, including evidence of the underlying business activity.
Is a UAE offshore company legitimate?
Yes. UAE offshore companies are legally registered entities recognised internationally and widely used for international trade, holding structures and asset protection. They are subject to UBO disclosure and AML rules.
Does an offshore company give UAE residency?
No. An offshore company does not carry a visa quota. If you need UAE residency, a free zone or mainland structure is the right route, and the two can be combined.
The other routes
Free Zone Company
100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions and fast-track setup in any of the 25+ UAE free zones.
Mainland Company
Trade directly in the UAE market with full access to local customers and government contracts.
DIFC & ADGM
Common-law jurisdictions with their own courts - the route for holding structures, SPVs, foundations and family offices.
Tell us what you want to build. We will tell you the fastest legal route to it.
A 30-minute call gives you a jurisdiction recommendation, a document checklist and a full first-year cost breakdown. No charge, no obligation.
Or call +971 55 779 9873 · Monday to Saturday, 09:00 – 18:00 Gulf Standard Time