dubai offshore company registration

A Complete List of Freezones in the UAE All Business Setup Related Services: Contact Tycoon Documents, Dubai Apply Online Contact us More Than 40 Multidisciplinary Free Zones in the UAE The UAE offers investors more than 40 multidisciplinary free zones, in which expatriates and foreign investors can have full ownership of companies. These zones are characterised by their highly efficient infrastructure, and distinct services that facilitate smooth workflows, saving businesses considerable time and effort. List of UAE Free Zones There are 46 Free Zones operating in the UAE, which include the following: List of Free Zones in Dubai There are more than 28 Free Zones operating in Dubai, which include the following: Free Zones Highlights International Free Zone Authority (IFZA) One of the most economical free zones for business setup Offers e-commerce license No requirement for a physical office Provision for virtual office Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) Named world’s number 1 free zone by Financial Times’ fDi Magazine One of two free zones that allows crypto-commodities trading Offers dual license Allows upto six activities under the same group Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) Rated as one of the top economic zones Offers dual license Offers a variety of facilities ranging from flexi-desk to warehousing Offers e-commerce license Dubai Auto Zone (DAZ) World’s most comprehensive marketplace for the auto industry Ideal for import, export and car maintenance Dubai Cars and Automotive Zone (DUCAMZ) Largest free zone dedicated to the used cars industry Various facility options ranging from office spaces to showrooms Dubai Design District (D3) Region’s first and largest design district dedicated to art, design and fashion industry Part of TECOM group Issues freelancer permits Dubai Flower Centre (DFC) Hub for the floriculture industry The world’s best cool chain management Gold and Diamond Park (DGDP) Largest free zone dedicated to gold and diamonds business Offers e-commerce license Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) Region’s largest integrated healthcare free zone Dubai Industrial City (DIC) One of the largest industrial hubs in Dubai. Part of TECOM group Home to global MNCs such as Facebook and LinkedIn Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) Largest higher education free zone in the world. Issues freelancer permits Part of TECOM group Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Fastest growing international financial centre Unlike other jurisdictions, this follows the English law instead of Sharia law Well known for its stock trade Dubai Internet City (DIC) Largest IT hub in the Middle East and North Africa Offers e-commerce license Part of TECOM group Dubai Knowledge Park (DKP) World’s only free zone dedicated to learning excellence and human resource management Offers freelancer license Part of TECOM group Dubai Logistics City (DLC) World’s first multi-modal integrated logistics platform Offers education license Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) First location to be established to solely cater to the maritime industry in the UAE Consists of six districts, each of which focuses on a specific maritime operation Dubai Media City (DMC) MENA’s largest integrated media hub Part of TECOM group Offers a range of facilities across various locations Dubai Outsource City (DOC) First free zone in the world dedicated to the outsourcing industry Part of TECOM group Dubai Science Park (DSP) First free zone established to specifically cater to companies in different science sectors Part of TECOM group Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) Home to Dubai’s first smart city, Silicon Park. Offers an array of facilities Dubai Studio City (DSC) A global hub for production, broadcast and entertainment Offers freelancer permit Part of TECOM group Dubai Techno Park (DTP) Home to some of the most high-profile companies in the technology sector Member of Economic Zones World Dubai Textile City (DTC) One of the largest and most convenient textile centre in the region Established as a joint venture between TEXMAS, Dubai Port, and Customs Authorities Energy and Environmental Park (Enpark) Designed and dedicated to environmental technology and clean energy Part of TECOM group International Humanitarian City (IHC) Global humanitarian and aid hub Independent free zone authority created by the Government of Dubai Offers various facilities ranging from office space to warehouses Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza) Oldest free zone in the UAE Named the flagship free zone of Dubai Ports (DP) World Offers e-commerce license Holds ISO certification Dubai Production City (DPC) Region’s leading media production hub. Offers freelancer permit Part of TECOM group Dubai Wholesale City Region’s first fully integrated wholesaler trade hub Part of TECOM group List of Abu Dhabi Free Zones Free Zones Highlights Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Award-winning international financial centre Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) One of the most economical free zones in Abu Dhabi Has one of the highest quality warehouses in the UAE Allows entrepreneurs to have up to 5 similar business activities twofour54 Media and entertainment hub Offers freelancer license Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) One of the most technologically advanced free zones Contains 5 clusters to cater to different industries ZonesCorp Largest operator for purpose-built industrial zones in the UAE Masdar City Free Zone A sustainable economic and urban development free zone Recognised as the best free zone for renewable energy by Financial Times fDi Magazine in 2016 List of Sharjah Free Zones Free Zones Highlights Sharjah Media City (Shams) One of the fastest-growing free zones in the UAE Not restricted to only media-related activities. Offers freelancer permits Can register business without attested documents Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF) Has one of the largest customer bases in the world Home to some of the most prestigious companies based in the UAE Offers high quality facilities at the lowest costs Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) 2nd largest industrial free zone in the UAE Variety of facilities ranging from executive offices to customisable plots of industrial land Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPCFZ) First printing and publishing free zone in the world Can conduct up to 5 activities under 1 license without any additional fee Offers dual license Not restricted to just printing and publishing Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) Offers a variety of facilities ranging from

A Complete Guide for Offshore Business Setup in the UAE All Business Setup Related Services: Contact Tycoon Documents, Dubai Apply Online Contact us Mainland Freezone offshore Mainland companies are licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the respective emirate. They can operate both within and outside the UAE. Local Market Access: Mainland companies can do business anywhere in the UAE, including the local market. Office Location: Flexibility to open an office anywhere in the UAE. Business Activities: No restrictions on the types of business activities. Government Contracts: Eligibility to bid for government projects and contracts. Local Sponsorship : Not Mandatory for all Business Freezone companies are established in designated areas that offer specific economic benefits. Full Ownership: 100% foreign ownership is allowed. Tax Benefits: Often enjoy tax exemptions, such as no personal or corporate income taxes. Repatriation: 100% repatriation of capital and profits. Simplified Procedures: Easier and faster company setup procedures. Customs Duty Benefits: Exemption from import and export duties within the freezone. Specific Activities: Some freezones are specialized and restrict the type of business activities. Offshore companies are set up for international business operations outside the UAE. Full Ownership: 100% foreign ownership is allowed. Privacy: High level of confidentiality and privacy. Tax Benefits: No taxes on income earned outside the UAE. Cost-Effective: Lower setup and operating costs. No Physical Presence: Cannot have a physical office in the UAE or conduct business within the UAE. Restrictions: Limited to international business activities, primarily for holding, asset protection, and international trading. How to Setup Offshore in Dubai and the UAE Setting up a UAE offshore company has become a popular choice for investors seeking to expand their foreign trade opportunities. A Dubai offshore company offers an ideal combination of tax efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Often referred to as non-resident “paper” companies, offshore entities in the UAE allow entrepreneurs in the MENA (Middle East & North Africa) region to operate with minimal administrative responsibilities. These businesses are structured as Limited Liability Companies, offering full ownership with tax exemptions and no annual accounting or tax obligations. Offshore companies are commonly used for: International trading Holding company functions Shipping operations Real estate ownership Registering copyrights and patents Providing international consulting services Regulations for International Company Registration While the UAE offshore company registration process is relatively straightforward, there are important considerations to keep in mind: No minimum share capital is required. At least one shareholder and one director are necessary. Shares must be fully paid at the time of allocation; bearer shares and differential share classes are not permitted. Capital does not need to be deposited in a bank. 100% foreign ownership is allowed, with full exemption from taxes and duties. You can open a corporate bank account in Dubai. A registered agent, such as a legal firm or consultant from an approved list, must be appointed. UAE offshore companies fall under the jurisdiction of UAE free zones. Incorporation can be done remotely, but documents must be signed at the registered agent’s office. Authorities may request audited financial statements if needed. Offshore vs. Free Zone Company Setup UAE offshore companies differ from UAE free zone companies. Offshore companies are set up primarily to operate outside their registered jurisdiction or ultimate ownership location. In contrast, free zone companies are onshore entities allowed to conduct business within the UAE and offer UAE residency for shareholders and employees. Benefits of Registering an Offshore Company in Dubai Foreign entities have several reasons for choosing a UAE offshore company, including: Access to international market expansion Stability and a favorable legal system Flexible regulatory environment Tax neutrality on international earnings, depending on the jurisdiction Increased access to global funding Asset protection and separation, including intellectual property The UAE offers three main jurisdictions for offshore company formation: Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Ajman Free Zone Of these, RAK and JAFZA are particularly popular. Both provide tax-free environments and permit 100% foreign ownership. Additionally, the UAE has Double Tax Treaty agreements with over 90 countries. Offshore companies can also open multi-currency accounts for international transactions, though they may not conduct business with UAE residents or maintain physical premises in the UAE. While both RAK and JAFZA have their advantages, Ras Al Khaimah is generally more cost-effective, whereas JAFZA allows for property ownership in Dubai. Both jurisdictions require an approved registered agent. JAFZA Offshore Company Incorporation: Features & Benefits Established in 2003 under the Jebel Ali Free Zone Offshore Companies Regulations, JAFZA offers: A minimum of 1 shareholder is required, and corporate shareholders are allowed. International corporate shareholders must provide attested company documents. At least two directors are needed, and corporate directors are not permitted. Director details are not publicly disclosed. A company secretary is mandatory; a director can also serve as the secretary. No minimum share capital is required. Accounting records must be maintained for up to 10 years, with annual audits required from approved auditors. Benefits of JAFZA Offshore Incorporation: 100% foreign ownership Ability to own real estate in Dubai (subject to free zone and developer permissions) Can own shares in free zone and onshore LLC companies Multi-currency bank account availability for international transactions Shareholders and directors can remain confidential RAK Offshore Company Incorporation: Features & Benefits Introduced in 2006 under the Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone Authority International Companies Regulations, RAK offers: A minimum of 1 shareholder is required, with corporate shareholders permitted. International corporate shareholders need attested company documents. At least one director is required, and corporate directors are not allowed. Director details are not publicly accessible. A company secretary is necessary; a director can also act as the secretary. No minimum share capital is required. Accounting records must be kept for up to 7 years, though they do not need to be filed with RAK authorities. Benefits of RAK Offshore Incorporation: 100% foreign ownership Ability to own shares in free zone and onshore LLC companies Fast incorporation process, typically within a week Multi-currency bank account availability for international transactions Confidentiality for shareholders