Cheapest offshore company formation in UAE

Company formation package & what’s included

The stated setup price includes:

• The complete set of company registration documents (Memorandum, Certificate of Incorporation, Board Resolution, etc.)
• Application form
• Trade name reservation
• Registered legal address
• Government fees and agent service charges
• Standard delivery of soft copies of documents

Additional costs to be planned:

• Corporate tax registration
• Bank account opening
• Notarization, legal translation, and apostille of documents (if required)
• Courier delivery of hard copies (optional)
• Additional certificates (e.g. Certificate of Incumbency)
• Nominee services (if needed)

Ajman vs. RAK ICC vs. JAFZA Offshore

Key factors that influence the cost of UAE offshore companies

When planning to set up an offshore company in the UAE, several important factors affect the overall cost.

Jurisdiction

• Ajman Free Zone is the most cost-effective option, offering quick and affordable offshore company formation with lower setup costs than in other free zones, but there may be some difficulties with opening bank accounts.
• RAK ICC falls into the mid-range category, offering one of the cheapest company setup, a broad range of business activities, remote company registration procedure and easy banking, as well as the opportunity to own property.
• JAFZA is the most premium and expensive jurisdiction for offshore business setup in Dubai, with higher registration fees, stricter requirements, and a longer setup process.

Document preparation

• Notarization and certification fees for passports, powers of attorney, and incorporation documents.
• Translation costs, if documents need to be translated into English or Arabic.
• Apostille or legalization services, especially for documents issued outside the UAE.
• Drafting and customizing the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association to meet jurisdictional requirements.

Registered agent services

A licensed registered agent based in the UAE is mandatory for offshore company formation. Their fees usually cover:

• Company incorporation and licensing
• Acting as the company’s official contact point with government authorities
• Handling compliance and renewal procedures annually

Bank account opening

Opening a corporate bank account is often one of the most challenging and costly parts of offshore business setup:

• Many banks require thorough due diligence and documentation, which can involve consultancy fees.
• Some providers charge extra for assisting with bank introductions and managing the compliance process.
• For certain nationalities or business types, banks may request higher fees or reject applications outright, which can increase time and cost.

Hidden costs to watch out for

• Bank account opening assistance: Many providers charge a separate fee for helping you open a corporate bank account, especially if it involves compliance support or in-person coordination.
• Courier and document attestation: If your documents need to be notarized, legalized, or sent internationally, these services often come with extra charges.
• Nominee services: If you require nominee directors or shareholders for privacy reasons, this is usually billed annually and not included in basic packages.
• Registered agent renewal fees: Some providers include the first year of registered agent service, but charge separately for annual renewals.
• Document amendments or reissuance: Changes to your company name, structure, or documents after registration often incur administrative costs.
• FTA registration and tax filings: Even if your offshore company pays no corporate tax, you may still need to register with the Federal Tax Authority and submit zero declarations — typically with professional help.

Tips to save money when setting up offshore in the UAE

Establishing an offshore company in the UAE can be cost-effective if you plan carefully. Here are several practical tips to help you minimize expenses during the business setup process:

1. Choose a low-cost jurisdiction — RAK ICC

RAK ICC is widely regarded as the most budget-friendly offshore zone in the UAE for the cheapest company formation. It offers a balanced combination of cost efficiency, ease of registration, and reliable banking options. If you don’t require Dubai registration or advanced features, RAK ICC is often the optimal choice for keeping costs low without compromising quality.

2. Register remotely whenever possible

Many offshore zones, including RAK ICC, allow full remote registration without the need for personal visits to the UAE. Avoiding travel saves on flights, accommodation, visas, and other related expenses. The only major exception is JAFZA offshore, which requires in-person presence for signature verification during company formation.

3. Prepare your documents carefully in advance

One of the most common causes of unexpected costs is incomplete or improperly prepared documentation. Missing papers, incorrect notarizations, or inadequate translations often result in repeated legalizations and additional fees. Ensuring all required documents are accurate and ready from the start can prevent delays and extra charges.

4. Order only the necessary certificates and documents

Some additional documents, such as a Certificate of Incumbency or Good Standing, are not included in basic registration packages and come with separate fees. These should only be requested when specifically needed—for example, when opening a foreign bank account or fulfilling client requirements. Avoid ordering extra certifications unnecessarily to keep costs down.

Benefits of setting up an offshore company in the UAE

Why you may need one — a quick checklist

• Asset protection: If you hold high-value assets such as property, capital, or shares, you can register them under an offshore company rather than in your personal name. This helps safeguard your assets from political instability, economic risks, or potential legal disputes.
• Tax-efficient global business: If you run an online business targeting global markets and want to avoid high taxation in your home country, an offshore company offers a more favorable alternative.
• Cross-border investments: Offshore structures can act as vehicles for investing in international businesses and projects, combining assets under a single holding company and providing a clear, unified entry point for deals.

Additional advantages include:

• Fast registration process
• Centralized and remote management
• No dependency on a specific country
• Access to international banking with unrestricted money transactions
• Full exemption from UAE corporate tax