Trust
Offshore companies in the UAE
A UAE offshore company is a company registered with an international registry, mainly used to hold assets rather than to trade in the UAE. The two main registries are RAK ICC in Ras Al Khaimah and JAFZA Offshore in Dubai. Both kinds of company must be formed through a registered agent. [1][2][3]
What an offshore company is used for
- holding shares in other companies, in the UAE or abroad
- holding property, including freehold property in Dubai under the conditions set by the Dubai Land Department
- holding intellectual property
- family wealth and succession, alongside a foundation or will
[1][3][4]
What it can't do
- It needs the appropriate UAE licence before doing business in the UAE.
- Banking, insurance and other regulated financial activity need their own licence from the relevant regulator.
[1][3]
RAK ICC and JAFZA Offshore compared
| RAK ICC | JAFZA Offshore | |
|---|---|---|
| Registry | RAK International Corporate Centre, Government of Ras Al Khaimah | Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai |
| Formed through | A RAK ICC registered agent | A JAFZA-approved registered agent |
| Dubai freehold property | Yes, under the 2019 Dubai Land Department agreement, with a no-objection letter | Yes, in designated freehold areas |
| Business in the UAE | Only with the appropriate licence | Lawful activities permitted by the Registrar, with any licences needed (2023 regulations) |
Sources: [1][3][4][5].
Ownership records
Offshore companies record their real owners. RAK ICC keeps a register of beneficial owners and charges for certified extracts of it, and its registered agents must collect anti-money-laundering details from shareholders. For companies on the mainland and in the commercial free zones, Cabinet Decision 109 of 2023 requires the real owners, and anyone acting as a nominee, to be recorded. An offshore company is a legitimate holding vehicle. It isn't a way to keep ownership private from the authorities. [1][6][7]
Corporate tax
A UAE offshore company must register for UAE corporate tax. How it is taxed depends on its income and structure. Take advice before assuming any rate. [8] According to PwC, a July 2026 Cabinet Resolution made RAK ICC a free zone for corporate tax, backdated to June 2023. A RAK ICC company can pay 0% on qualifying income only if it meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions. [10]
How Marlborough Gulf helps
What we do:
- We advise on whether an offshore company, a free zone company or a foundation fits what you want to hold.
- As a RAK ICC registered agent, we form and administer RAK ICC companies, and handle their annual renewal and records.
Questions people ask
What is an offshore company in the UAE?
A company registered with an international registry such as RAK ICC or JAFZA Offshore. It's used mainly to hold shares, property or intellectual property, not to trade in the UAE. [1][3]
Can a UAE offshore company buy property in Dubai?
Yes, in freehold areas, subject to the Dubai Land Department's conditions. For RAK ICC, these include a no-objection letter. [4][5]
Does an offshore company give me a UAE visa?
RAK ICC's route to an office, staff and residence visas is its Premium Product, which adds a RAKEZ free zone subsidiary to the RAK ICC company. [9]
This page is general information. Registry rules and fees change.
Marlborough Gulf does not give investment, pension or insurance advice. Regulated services are provided by licensed firms, who contract with you directly.
Sources
- RAK ICC Business Companies Regulations 2018, Regulations 6, 40, 92 and the share-transfer rules on anti-money-laundering details (third-party copy). https://uae.shushin.io/corporatelaw/rak-icc/RAK-ICC-Business-Companies-Regulations
- JAFZA home page, read 28 Oct 2026 ("Offshore Company"). https://www.jafza.ae/
- LY Lawyers, "Changes to JAFZA Offshore Regulations", 27 Oct 2026. https://lylawyers.com/changes-to-jafza-offshore-regulations/
- RAK ICC, Holding Company (Internet Archive copy, 24 Mar 2026). https://web.archive.org/web/20260324082613/https://www.rakicc.com/services/holding-company/
- Dubai Land Department, "DLD strengthens ties with Ras Al Khaimah government entities", 16 Jul 2019 (Internet Archive copy). https://web.archive.org/web/2020/https://dubailand.gov.ae/en/news-media/dld-strengthens-ties-with-ras-al-khaimah-government-entities/
- RAK ICC, Fee Schedule 2026 (UBO register extracts listed) (Internet Archive copy). https://web.archive.org/web/20260324061225/https://www.rakicc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/RAK-ICC-Fee-Schedule-2026.pdf
- Cabinet Decision No. 109 of 2023 Regulating the Beneficial Owner Procedures, English version, Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Articles 3, 9 and 10. https://www.moet.gov.ae/documents/20121/0/Cabinet+Decision+109-2023+English+Version+06062024.pdf/f7138fc2-fe12-cef3-077b-b4c49c12eabd?t=1718181974877
- Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 (Corporate Tax Law). https://mof.gov.ae/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Federal-Decree-Law-No.-47-of-2022-EN.pdf
- RAK ICC, Premium Product (Internet Archive copy, 18 Mar 2026). https://web.archive.org/web/20260318174115/https://www.rakicc.com/services/premium-product/
- PwC Middle East, "RAK ICC recognised as a Free Zone for UAE Corporate Tax purposes", 13 Sep 2026 (on Cabinet Resolution No. 109 of 13 July 2026). https://www.pwc.com/m1/en/services/tax/middle-east-tax-news-alerts/2026/rak-icc-recognised-as-a-free-zone-for-uae-ct-purposes.html