Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) Offshore Company Formation

A Dubai-based offshore structure for international holding, asset protection, and cross-border business backed by one of the UAE's most established free zones.

Diverse business team discusses strategic planning opportunities available with a JAFZA trade license.

Build business with trusted experts. Achieve the real success.

Build your business with trusted experts. Achieve the real success.

An aerial view of the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) industrial and logistics facilities, highlighting strategic infrastructure available to businesses holding a JAFZA trade license.

Launch Your Offshore Company in JAFZA

Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority is a prestigious UAE jurisdiction established in 1985. Its offshore structure is a non-resident entity designed for international business, asset protection, and holding activities outside the UAE.

Unlike standard free zone licenses, a JAFZA offshore company setup requires no physical office and does not issue residency visas. It provides an entity with access to banking and the ability to hold assets like Dubai property in approved cases.

An aerial view of the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) industrial and logistics facilities, highlighting strategic infrastructure available to businesses holding a JAFZA trade license.

Launch Your Offshore Company in JAFZA

Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority is a prestigious UAE jurisdiction established in 1985. Its offshore structure is a non-resident entity designed for international business, asset protection, and holding activities outside the UAE.

Unlike standard free zone licenses, a JAFZA offshore company setup requires no physical office and does not issue residency visas. It provides an entity with access to banking and the ability to hold assets like Dubai property in approved cases.

Why Choose a JAFZA Offshore Company?

JAFZA's combination of Dubai's regulatory reputation and operational flexibility makes it one of the region’s most established offshore structures.

Key Advantages

100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor

Zero physical office lease required

No public shareholder register for privacy

No minimum paid-up share capital

Access to top-tier UAE banking

Rights to hold Dubai freehold property

Ability to hold global and UAE shares

Robust regulatory framework for credibility

Zero personal income tax on offshore profits

Business partners shaking hands to celebrate a business agreement during a professional gathering at the Dubai International Financial Centre.

What Can a JAFZA Offshore Company Do?

Permitted Activities

The offshore structure is designed for international and holding operations.

Typical permitted activities include:

International trading and general trading conducted outside the UAE

Ownership of shares in UAE free zone companies and foreign entities

Consultancy and professional services provided to non-UAE clients

Intellectual property (IP) holding, licensing, and royalty structures

Property holding in Dubai where approved by the Land Department and relevant developers

Asset and estate planning structures for high-net-worth individuals

Not Permitted

This entity cannot:

Conduct retail or service business with customers in the onshore market

Lease offices or warehouses in the UAE under the offshore structure

Sponsor employees on residency visas directly through the offshore company

Provide banking, insurance, or other regulated financial services

A JAFZA offshore company is not the same as a standard free zone trade licence. If you require a physical office, residency visas, or the ability to trade locally, a free zone or mainland licence would be more appropriate. Our team can advise on the most suitable structure for your business.

What Can a JAFZA Offshore Company Do?

Permitted Activities

The offshore structure is designed for international and holding operations.

Typical permitted activities include:

International trading and general trading conducted outside the UAE

Ownership of shares in UAE free zone companies and foreign entities

Consultancy and professional services provided to non-UAE clients

Intellectual property (IP) holding, licensing, and royalty structures

Property holding in Dubai where approved by the Land Department and relevant developers

Asset and estate planning structures for high-net-worth individuals

Not Permitted

This entity cannot:

Conduct retail or service business with customers in the onshore market

Lease offices or warehouses in the UAE under the offshore structure

Sponsor employees on residency visas directly through the offshore company

Provide banking, insurance, or other regulated financial services

A JAFZA offshore company is not the same as a standard free zone trade licence. If you require a physical office, residency visas, or the ability to trade locally, a free zone or mainland licence would be more appropriate. Our team can advise on the most suitable structure for your business.

JAFZA Offshore Company Structure

Before beginning the registration process, it is essential to understand the structural framework of a JAFZA offshore company. Unlike a standard free zone setup, the offshore model is lean, focusing on asset protection rather than physical operations.

Component

Component

Shareholders

Shareholders

Management

Management

Setup Route

Setup Route

Physical Office

Physical Office

Share Capital

Share Capital

Privacy

Privacy

Requirement

Requirement

1+ (Individual or Corporate)

1+ (Individual or Corporate)

2 Directors + 1 Secretary

2 Directors + 1 Secretary

Approved Registered Agent only

Approved Registered Agent only

None required (Agent address used)

None required (Agent address used)

No minimum (Nominal allowed)

No minimum (Nominal allowed)

Non-public registry

Non-public registry

JAFZA Offshore Company Structure

Before beginning the registration process, it is essential to understand the structural framework of a JAFZA offshore company. Unlike a standard free zone setup, the offshore model is lean, focusing on asset protection rather than physical operations.

Component

Shareholders

Management

Setup Route

Physical Office

Share Capital

Privacy

Requirement

1+ (Individual or Corporate)

2 Directors + 1 Secretary

Approved Registered Agent only

None required (Agent address used)

No minimum (Nominal allowed)

Non-public registry

Required Documents

Individual Shareholders and Directors

Passport copy (valid and clearly legible)

Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement dated within three months)

CV or brief professional profile

Basic information regarding source of funds

Corporate Shareholders

Certificate of Incorporation

Memorandum and Articles of Association

Board Resolution approving the investment

Certificate of Good Standing

Corporate shareholder documents may require notarisation and legalisation depending on the country of incorporation.

A man completing documents for Dubai Mainland License, preparing the required paperwork for business setup
A man completing documents for Dubai Mainland License, preparing the required paperwork for business setup
Two business professionals walk along a modern glass walkway, discussing how to obtain a jafza trade license.

/HOW IT WORKS/

Step-by-Step JAFZA Offshore Company Setup

01

Initial Consultation

BLZ assesses your goals, intended business activities, and structure to confirm that a JAFZA offshore company is the right vehicle for your needs.

02

Proposal and Onboarding

03

Name Reservation and Preliminary Approval

04

Document Preparation

05

Signing of Incorporation Documents

06

Incorporation and Issuance of Corporate Documents

07

Bank Account Opening

Tax and Compliance

JAFZA offshore companies fall within the UAE's corporate tax framework. These are some key points to be aware of:

Renewals, Amendments, and Closure

Annual Renewal

Annual renewal is handled by your registered agent, and no personal attendance is needed. You will then receive a Certificate of Good Standing verifying that your company is active and compliant.

Amendments

All amendments are handled through BLZ as your registered agent. Common amendments include:

  • Share transfers

  • Director changes

  • Company name change

  • Change of business activities

Personal presence in the UAE is generally not required for most amendments, with the exception of share transfers. These can be handled by an authorised agent if a Power of Attorney is granted.

Company Closure

Formal liquidation through the registered agent is advisable if you require documented proof that the company has been closed with no outstanding liabilities. Ensure that all corporate documents are returned to your agent and any corporate bank accounts are closed prior to initiating the process.

Business partners shaking hands to celebrate a business agreement during a professional gathering at the Dubai International Financial Centre.

JAFZA Offshore vs RAKEZ Offshore

Investors commonly compare the two as primary UAE offshore options for company formation.
Below are the key differences:

Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction

Reputation

Reputation

Dubai Property Holding

Dubai Property Holding

Minimum Directors

Minimum Directors

Office and visas

Office and visas

Best For

Best For

JAFZA Offshore

JAFZA Offshore

JAFZA Offshore

Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai

Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai

Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai

Very high; long-established Dubai jurisdiction

Very high; long-established Dubai jurisdiction

Very high; long-established Dubai jurisdiction

Possible in approved projects, subject to regulations

Possible in approved projects, subject to regulations

Possible in approved projects, subject to regulations

2

2

2

Not available via offshore company

Not available via offshore company

Not available via offshore company

Property holding, IP, asset protection, Dubai credibility

Property holding, IP, asset protection, Dubai credibility

Property holding, IP, asset protection, Dubai credibility

RAKEZ Offshore

RAKEZ Offshore

RAKEZ Offshore

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone

High

High

High

Generally more limited

Generally more limited

Generally more limited

1

1

1

Not available via offshore company

Not available via offshore company

Not available via offshore company

International holding and structuring at lower cost

International holding and structuring at lower cost

International holding and structuring at lower cost

JAFZA Offshore

Jurisdiction

Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai

Reputation

Very high; long-established Dubai jurisdiction

Dubai Property Holding

Possible in approved projects, subject to regulations

Minimum Directors

2

Office and visas

Not available via offshore company

Best For

Property holding, IP, asset protection, Dubai credibility

RAKEZ Offshore

Jurisdiction

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone

Reputation

High

Dubai Property Holding

Generally more limited

Minimum Directors

1

Office and visas

Not available via offshore company

Best For

International holding and structuring at lower cost

JAFZA Offshore vs RAKEZ Offshore

Investors commonly compare the two as primary UAE offshore options for company formation.
Below are the key differences:

Jurisdiction

Reputation

Dubai Property Holding

Minimum Directors

Office and visas

Best For

JAFZA Offshore

Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai

Very high; long-established Dubai jurisdiction

Possible in approved projects, subject to regulations

2

Not available via offshore company

Property holding, IP, asset protection, Dubai credibility

RAKEZ Offshore

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone

High

Generally more limited

1

Not available via offshore company

International holding and structuring at lower cost

JAFZA Offshore

Jurisdiction

Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai

Reputation

Very high; long-established Dubai jurisdiction

Dubai Property Holding

Possible in approved projects, subject to regulations

Minimum Directors

2

Office and visas

Not available via offshore company

Best For

Property holding, IP, asset protection, Dubai credibility

RAKEZ Offshore

Jurisdiction

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone

Reputation

High

Dubai Property Holding

Generally more limited

Minimum Directors

1

Office and visas

Not available via offshore company

Best For

International holding and structuring at lower cost

Frequently Asked Questions

Get quick answers to frequently asked questions about free zone license in the UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get quick answers to frequently asked questions about free zone license in the UAE.

What is the difference between an offshore company and a free zone trade license?
icon

The offshore structure is for international holding without local operations. A free zone license allows office leasing, visa sponsorship, and business activity within the UAE.

Can this entity own property in Dubai?
icon

Yes. It can hold title in specific approved developments subject to Dubai Land Department rules. It is a popular choice for real estate investment.

Do I need to visit Dubai to set up the company?
icon

Yes. You must be present to sign documents unless a Power of Attorney is granted to an agent.

Can this company open a UAE bank account?
icon

Yes. Approval depends on the client profile and the bank’s risk assessment. The jurisdiction status supports the application.

Does this structure qualify for UAE residency visas?
icon

No. Offshore entities cannot sponsor residency visas. You would need an onshore license for that purpose.

What is the difference between an offshore company and a free zone trade license?
icon

The offshore structure is for international holding without local operations. A free zone license allows office leasing, visa sponsorship, and business activity within the UAE.

Can this entity own property in Dubai?
icon

Yes. It can hold title in specific approved developments subject to Dubai Land Department rules. It is a popular choice for real estate investment.

Do I need to visit Dubai to set up the company?
icon

Yes. You must be present to sign documents unless a Power of Attorney is granted to an agent.

Can this company open a UAE bank account?
icon

Yes. Approval depends on the client profile and the bank’s risk assessment. The jurisdiction status supports the application.

Does this structure qualify for UAE residency visas?
icon

No. Offshore entities cannot sponsor residency visas. You would need an onshore license for that purpose.

What is the difference between an offshore company and a free zone trade license?
icon

The offshore structure is for international holding without local operations. A free zone license allows office leasing, visa sponsorship, and business activity within the UAE.

Can this entity own property in Dubai?
icon

Yes. It can hold title in specific approved developments subject to Dubai Land Department rules. It is a popular choice for real estate investment.

Do I need to visit Dubai to set up the company?
icon

Yes. You must be present to sign documents unless a Power of Attorney is granted to an agent.

Can this company open a UAE bank account?
icon

Yes. Approval depends on the client profile and the bank’s risk assessment. The jurisdiction status supports the application.

Does this structure qualify for UAE residency visas?
icon

No. Offshore entities cannot sponsor residency visas. You would need an onshore license for that purpose.

Explore More Free Zone Options

Explore More Free Zone Options

Here are additional free zones worth exploring for your business setup.

Here are additional free zones worth exploring for your business setup.

Get in Touch

Dubai

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Abu Dhabi

Aldar HQ, Level 3, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi

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