Jebel Ali Offshore Business Setup
Established in 1985 and managed by DP World, JAFZAis the Arab world’s first and largest free zone, spanning 57 square kilometres adjacent to Jebel Ali Port.A JAFZA offshore company is the only UAE offshore structure permitted to own freehold property in Dubai in designated areas approved by the Dubai Land Department.
Dubai Property Ownership
The only UAE offshore jurisdiction that allows holding freehold property in designated Dubai areas under a corporate structure.
International Trade and Holding
Use a JAFZA offshore entity for cross-border trading, holding shares in other companies, and structuring international corporate groups.
Asset Protection
Separate ownership of valuable assets from operational risk through a regulated, internationally recognised UAE offshore structure.
IP and Investment Structures
Hold intellectual property rights, investment portfolios, and financial assets through a credible Dubai registered offshore company.
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Why Choose JAFZA Offshore
With over 8,000 companies from more than 150 countries operating within its ecosystem, and JAFZA and its tenants contributing over 36% of Dubai's total trade value, a JAFZA offshore registration carries significant credibility.
JAFZA offshore stands apart in two ways. It is the only offshore jurisdiction in the UAE where a company can hold freehold property in Dubai, and it carries the reputational weight of the JAFZA ecosystem, which is accepted by international banks and partners.
JAFZA Offshore Companies Regulations 2018
Established 1985, managed by DP World, adjacent to one of the world's busiest container ports.
- The only UAE offshore structure legally permitted to own freehold property in Dubai in designated areas
- Backed by the credibility of DP World and one of the world's top shipping and logistics hubs
- JAFZA and its tenants account for over 36% of Dubai's total trade value
- 100% foreign ownership with no UAE national partner required
- Zero corporate tax on qualifying offshore income and zero personal income tax
- No import or export duties
- No restriction on currency movement or capital repatriation
- Company registration process is 100% digital through the JAFZA portal
- Registration typically completed in 3 to 14 working days
- No minimum share capital requirement, though capital must be sufficient for the intended activities
- Can hold shares in UAE free zone and mainland companies
- Access to UAE double taxation treaty network covering more than 110 countries
- Multi-currency corporate bank accounts available in the UAE and internationally
- No physical office or UAE residency required for the offshore structure
Key Rules and Structure of JAFZA Offshore
JAFZA offshore companies are governed by the JAFZA Offshore Companies Regulations 2018. Understanding the structural rules ensures your company is properly formed from day one.
Key Rules and Structure
7- Minimum of one shareholder required with no maximum limit. Shareholders can be individuals, corporate entities, or a combination.
- No minimum share capital prescribed, though capital must be sufficient for the intended licensed activities.
- A JAFZA approved registered agent must be appointed. The agent provides the registered office address and acts as the official liaison with JAFZA.
- Every JAFZA offshore company must submit an Economic Substance Report annually as required under Ministerial Decision No. 100 of 2020.
- The company operates as a limited liability structure, with shareholder liability limited to paid-up capital.
- The business licence is valid for one year and must be renewed annually. UBO details must be registered and maintained accurately.
- The company cannot conduct business inside the UAE mainland, operate physical UAE premises independently, or sponsor UAE residence visas.
JAFZA Licence Types for Offshore
4- Trading Licence: import, export, distribution, and general trading activities conducted internationally.
- Holding Licence: holding shares in other companies, real estate ownership, and investment management.
- Investment Licence: managing financial investments, portfolios, and structured international investment vehicles.
- Certain regulated activities including banking, insurance, oil and gas, media, transport and financial services may require pre-approval from relevant UAE ministries before the licence is issued.
Own Dubai Freehold Property
JAFZA is the only offshore jurisdiction in the UAE permitting ownership of property in designated Dubai freehold areas. Ideal for corporate real estate holding.
International Trading
Conduct cross-border trading operations, manage import and export activity internationally, and invoice global clients through a UAE registered entity.
Hold Company Shares
Own shares in UAE free zone companies, mainland LLCs, and other international entities. Useful as a group holding structure.
IP and Royalty Management
Hold intellectual property, trademarks, patents, software licences, and collect royalties from licensing arrangements internationally.
Multi-currency Banking
Open and operate multi-currency corporate bank accounts in the UAE, enabling efficient international financial management.
Wealth and Estate Structuring
Create a regulated holding vehicle for wealth management, family asset protection, and inter-generational asset transfer planning.
Our Process for JAFZA Offshore Company Formation
Seven steps from confirming JAFZA is the right structure to your Certificate of Incorporation and annual Economic Substance Report.
Consultation and Licence Review
We assess your intended activities, asset holding objectives, and banking requirements to confirm JAFZA offshore is the right structure for your goals.
Registered Agent Appointment
We arrange the appointment of a JAFZA approved registered agent. All JAFZA offshore companies must operate through an approved agent listed in the official JAFZA agent directory.
Formation Type and Licence Selection
We confirm the appropriate offshore formation type (individual or corporate shareholder) and select the correct licence type for your activities.
Document Preparation
We compile and review all required documents including passport copies, proof of address, bank reference letters, business plan, Memorandum and Articles of Association, KYC forms, and UBO information.
Application Submission via JAFZA Portal
JAFZA company formation is 100% digital. We submit your complete application through the official JAFZA portal on your behalf.
Certificate of Incorporation
Upon approval, JAFZA issues your Certificate of Incorporation and company documents digitally. The process typically takes 3 to 14 working days.
Economic Substance Report and Compliance
We advise on your annual Economic Substance Report obligation, UBO maintenance, bank account opening support, and annual licence renewal.
JAFZA Offshore Application Checklist
JAFZA applies full KYC and requires an EHS policy acknowledgement form for all formations. Have these ready before applying.
Passport copies of all shareholders and directors
Proof of residential address for all shareholders and directors
Bank reference letter from current bank for each shareholder
Proposed company name options
Business activity description and intended licence type
Memorandum and Articles of Association details
KYC forms and UBO information for all beneficial owners
For corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation, MOA, share register and board resolution
Why Work With Us for JAFZA Offshore Setup
Total setup cost typically ranges from AED 18,000 to AED 25,000 depending on the registered agent, documentation complexity, and optional services. Registration completes in approximately 3 to 14 working days from complete document submission.
As company setup consultants in Dubai, we confirm JAFZA is genuinely the right fit before you commit, appoint the approved agent, and manage the digital filing end to end.
Structure Advice
We confirm whether JAFZA offshore meets your specific goals or whether Ajman or RAK ICC would be a better fit before you commit.
Document Accuracy
Our team reviews all KYC, shareholder, and corporate documents before submission to minimise rejections and delays.
Registered Agent Coordination
We identify and appoint a JAFZA authorised registered agent from the official list and manage the coordination throughout your setup.
Ongoing Compliance Support
We assist with annual Economic Substance Reports, UBO record maintenance, bank account applications, accounting, and annual renewal.
Dubai Real Estate Holding
JAFZA offshore companies can own freehold property in designated Dubai Land Department approved areas. Not available under RAK ICC or Ajman offshore.
Ecosystem Credibility
Registered under the JAFZA umbrella, managed by DP World, giving your company an address accepted by international banks and partners.
Share Holding in Other Companies
A JAFZA offshore entity can hold shares in other free zone companies, mainland LLCs, and offshore entities, making it a versatile holding structure.
Economic Substance Compliance
JAFZA ensures all companies comply with UAE Economic Substance Regulations, positioning them well for OECD aligned reporting standards.
Compare JAFZA With Other UAE Offshore Options
If Dubai property ownership is not a requirement, RAK ICC or Ajman offshore will usually be faster and cheaper.
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JAFZA Offshore Business Setup FAQs
What is a JAFZA offshore company?
A JAFZA offshore company is a legal entity registered under the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority for international business operations. It is governed by the JAFZA Offshore Companies Regulations 2018 and is primarily used for asset holding, international trading, and Dubai property ownership.
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Tell us your asset holding objectives and whether Dubai property ownership matters, and we will confirm whether JAFZA is the right offshore structure. Book a free consultation today.
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