Dubai is the commercial capital of the United Arab Emirates and is the business capital of the Middle East. In 2003, Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) which manages one of the largest free zone in the region, promulgated JAFZA Offshore Companies Regulation which permits setting up of an offshore company.

Characteristics of an offshore company registered in the JAFZA are as follows:

Shareholders:

Minimum of one shareholder is required. Corporate shareholders are permitted. Shareholders will decide capital structure of the Company. Single class of shares permitted and bearer shares are not permitted.

Directors:

A minimum of two directors are required and corporate directors are not permitted. Shareholder can be a director as well.

Secretary:

Every company must have a secretary. Director can be a secretary as well.

Restrictions on Name & Activity:

Names must end with Limited. The following words and their associated activities cannot be used: Assurance, Bank, Building Society, Chamber of Commerce, Chartered, Co-operative, Fund, Imperial, Insurance, Municipal, Mutual Fund, Royal, Consultants and Trust.

Local Requirements:

Company must appoint an approved registered agent. A registered agent’s office in the UAE or in the Jebel Ali Free Zone can also be used as the registered office.

Timescale:

Registration of the JAFZA Offshore will take approx. 7 days. Shareholders or their authorized attorneys need to visit in person to sign in presence of JAFZA officials for incorporation of the company.

Annual Reporting:

Every company must keep accounting records & get same audited. These must be approved by the shareholders. The accounts / audit report however do not need to be filed with the Offshore Authority.

Taxation:

JAFZA Offshore pays no taxes in UAE.

Confidentiality:

Details of shareholders & directors need to be filed with authorities but are not available for public record.

Limitations:

JAFZA offshore cannot:

a. Carry out business (or provide services) with a UAE based customer / supplier

b. Have a physical office in UAE

c. Sponsor UAE residence visas for employees / directors / shareholder

d. Not entitled to tax residency certificate

Company Renewal:

Renewals for JAFZA Offshore companies falls every anniversary date of incorporation. Failure to do so would result in penalties of AED 120/- per month.
In the event that the company is not renewed within 6 months of the renewal due date, the company will be struck off by the registrar of the companies.

Latest valid passport copy and recent utility bill for address proof of shareholder/director are required to be submitted at every renewal as a part of enhanced due diligence. If shareholder is a corporate entity, then latest certificate of incumbency and above stated docs of directors would be required.

Documents Required:
Individual's KYC Docs:

1. Passport Copy (clear copy with clear photo)

2. UAE Visa Copy, if applicable

3. UAE Entry Stamp, if applicable

4. N.O.C. from UAE Sponsor, if applicable

5. Address Proof (original recent utility bill for residence)

6. Bank Reference letter (original)

7. Professional Reference letter (original)

8. CV / Profile

9. 2nd Director Passport copy & address proof

Corporate Shareholder's KYC Attested upto UAE/Consulate Ministry:

1. Certificate of Incorporation

2. Memorandum / Articles of Association

3. Board Resolution

4. Power of Attorney

5. Certificate of Incumbency

All shareholders (or authorized attorney in case shareholder is a corporate entity) are required to personally visit and sign in presence of JAFZ Offshore Authority before incorporation of the company. Alternatively they can issue a POA duly attested by UAE consulate in their country of residence & thereafter attested by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (which may cost approx.. AED 2,500/- per POA).

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the details contained herein are correct and up-to-date, it does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice. We do not accept any responsibility, legal or otherwise, for any errors or omissions.