Offshore Business Setup in JAFZA, Dubai
JAFZA Offshore Company Formation
Offshore business setup in JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority) allows investors to register a company under JAFZA’s own offshore regulations, without needing office space or a physical presence in the UAE. JAFZA, established in 1985 as one of Dubai’s largest free zones, was granted the right to offer offshore company formation in 2003 and has since become one of the most established offshore jurisdictions in the region.
A JAFZA offshore company is incorporated in Dubai under JAFZA’s Offshore Companies Regulations, distinct from a free zone or mainland licence. It cannot trade directly within the UAE market, but it’s well suited to holding assets, structuring international business, and, uniquely among UAE offshore jurisdictions, owning property in designated areas of Dubai.
At FAR Consulting Middle East, we manage JAFZA offshore company formation from registration through to bank account opening, backed by advisory experience in the UAE since 1985.
Registered Agent for JAFZA Offshore Companies
Every JAFZA offshore company must be set up through an approved registered agent, since offshore companies do not deal directly with JAFZA authorities on their own behalf. The registered agent manages your application, documentation, and ongoing filings with the authority.
As part of our JAFZA offshore company formation services, we act as your registered agent contact point and manage this requirement throughout the incorporation process and beyond, so your company stays compliant from day one.
Requirements for JAFZA Offshore Company Registration
Setting up a JAFZA offshore company requires a defined set of documents, prepared and submitted through your registered agent:
- Proof of trade name reservation
- Proof of initial approval for the intended activity
- Passport copies of shareholders
- Passport copy and CV of the manager
- Personal information sheet for each shareholder and manager
- Notarized and attested Power of Attorney appointing your consultant as legal representative
- Certain activities may require third-party or authority pre-approval, which can involve additional cost and processing time
Unlike mainland or free zone applications, a JAFZA offshore company does not require a lease agreement or physical office, since offshore entities are not permitted to maintain a physical operational presence in the UAE.
Process of JAFZA Offshore Company Formation
- Choose your registered agent. JAFZA requires offshore applications to be submitted through an approved agent.
- Reserve your trade name. Submit and secure approval for a name that meets JAFZA’s naming rules.
- Submit your documents. Provide shareholder and manager documentation, which your registered agent manages with JAFZA on your behalf.
- Receive your Certificate of Incorporation. Your company is officially registered, along with your Memorandum of Association and share certificates.
- Open your UAE bank account. Once incorporated, we support offshore bank account opening with UAE banks.
The overall process typically takes a few weeks, depending on your activity and how quickly documents are prepared and approved.
Cost of JAFZA Offshore Company Setup
| Business Registration and Licensing Cost | Fees |
| Application Fee | AED 525.00 |
| Knowledge Fee & Innovation Fee | AED 20.00 |
| Registration Fee (Starting from) | AED 5,000.00 |
| Specimen Signature | AED 100.00 |
| Board Resolution | AED 200.00 |
| Cost by Trade Licence Type (Select one of the following) | |
| Trading License Fee (Starting from) | AED 5,500.00 |
| Service License Fee | AED 5,500.00 |
| General Trading License Fee | AED 30,000.00 |
| Logistics License Fee | AED 30,000.00 |
| Industrial License Fee (Starting from) | AED 9,000.00 |
| Setting up a branch office (Starting from) | AED 5,500.00 |
| Setting up a Branch of a Foreign Company | AED 5,500.00 |
| Additional Fees for Business Registration | |
| Miscellaneous Fees (Electricity & Water connection; Telephone and Fax connection; Name Plate and Office Locks) | AED 1,500.00 |
| Establishment Online Application | AED 2,500.00 |
| Computer Immigration Card | AED 2,000.00 |
| Chamber of Commerce Fees | AED 2,200.00 |
| Visa Processing Cost | |
| Bank Guarantee / Employee Visa deposit | 1.5% of basic salary + one-way ticket |
| Emirates ID Application and Medical Test | AED 1,240.00 |
| Employment/Residence Visa (Select one of the following) | |
| Employment / Residence Visa – In Country | AED 4,809.00 |
| Employment / Residence Visa – Out of the Country | AED 4,021.00 |
Support Services for JAFZA Offshore Setup
We manage the practical steps involved in JAFZA offshore company formation, so you can focus on your business objectives. Our support includes:
- Applying for and following up on your Certificate of Incorporation
- Representing you in front of JAFZA authorities
- Assisting with offshore bank account opening
- Assisting with document notarization and attestation
- Introducing a registered agent or local service provider where required
We stay involved after incorporation too, including ongoing compliance and renewal support.
AFZA Offshore vs RAK ICC and Free Zone Setup
JAFZA offshore differs from RAK ICC, the UAE’s other main offshore jurisdiction, mainly in one respect: JAFZA allows offshore companies to own property in designated areas of Dubai, while RAK ICC is generally known for lower setup costs and faster incorporation. Both require a registered agent and don’t permit direct UAE trading.
If your business needs a physical UAE presence, visas, or the ability to trade locally, a free zone or mainland licence is the better fit. See UAE Free Zone Business Setup or Business Setup in Dubai for those routes, or UAE Offshore Company Formation for a full comparison of UAE offshore jurisdictions.
Related UAE Business Setup Services
- Business Setup in Dubai – mainland, free zone, and offshore options in Dubai
- Dubai Free Zone Business Setup – compare Dubai’s free zone options
- UAE Offshore Company Formation – compare JAFZA against other UAE offshore jurisdictions
- Company Liquidation Services – guidance if you ever need to close or restructure your offshore entity
- PRO Services – government liaison and document clearing support
- Corporate Bank Account Opening – banking support for your newly incorporated offshore company
Frequently Asked Questions
A JAFZA offshore company is a business entity incorporated in Dubai under JAFZA’s own offshore regulations, used for holding assets, international trade, and structuring, without a physical UAE presence.
No. JAFZA offshore companies cannot conduct business directly within the UAE market.
Yes. JAFZA requires all offshore applications to be submitted through an approved registered agent, who manages the process on your behalf.
No. JAFZA offshore companies do not require office space or a physical presence in the UAE.
Yes. JAFZA offshore companies can own property in designated areas of Dubai, which is one of the features that sets JAFZA apart from other UAE offshore jurisdictions.
The process typically takes a few weeks, depending on your activity and how quickly documents are prepared and approved.
Yes. We assist with offshore bank account opening as part of our JAFZA offshore company formation services.