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What is an offshore company in the UAE?
An offshore company is registered with an offshore registry, mainly RAK ICC (Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre), and must be set up through a registered agent. It is used to:
- hold shares in other companies, in the UAE or abroad
- hold property, including approved freehold property in Dubai
- trade internationally with clients outside the UAE
RAK ICC offshore company cost
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Incorporation, 1 year (registry) | AED 3,250 |
| Annual renewal (registry) | AED 3,950 |
| Registered agent and setup | Set by the agent; total packages are often AED 13,000 to 18,000 |
Offshore company vs free zone company
| Offshore (RAK ICC) | Free zone company | |
|---|---|---|
| Trade inside the UAE | No | Yes, within the zone's rules |
| Office | No office allowed; registered agent address | Flexi desk or office |
| Residence visas | None | Yes |
| Best for | Holding shares or property, international trade | Operating a business from the UAE |
So what: if you want to live in the UAE or serve UAE clients, choose a free zone or mainland company instead, or pair the offshore company with one.
Corporate tax and bank accounts
- Corporate tax applies. Offshore companies are UAE juridical persons: they must register for corporate tax and file, with 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above it.
- Bank accounts are harder. Banks ask for a clear purpose, source of funds and UAE link. Nobody can guarantee an account for an offshore company.
- UBO register: ultimate beneficial owners must be recorded; see our UBO declaration service.
Check if offshore fits you
Tell us what the company will hold or trade. We tell you whether offshore, free zone or both fits, with a fixed quote.
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General information, not legal or tax advice. Registry fees are from the RAK ICC schedule for 2026 as published by providers in September 2026; agent fees vary. We confirm current fees and tax treatment for your structure before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an offshore company cost in the UAE?
The RAK ICC registry fee starts from AED 3,250 for one year, with renewal at AED 3,950. Registered agent fees are extra, and total packages are often AED 13,000 to 18,000.
Can an offshore company get a UAE visa?
No. Offshore companies cannot sponsor residence visas. You need a free zone or mainland company for a visa.
Do UAE offshore companies pay corporate tax?
They are in scope and must register and file. Taxable income up to AED 375,000 is taxed at 0%, and income above it at 9%.
Can an offshore company own property in Dubai?
RAK ICC companies are commonly used to hold freehold property in Dubai, in areas where the Dubai Land Department allows it.
What is RAK ICC?
The Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre, the main UAE offshore registry. Companies are set up through a registered agent.
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