JAFZA Offshore — Dubai, UAE
The only offshore company
that can own Dubai property
Approved by the Dubai Land Department to hold freehold real estate directly in the company name.
JAFZA Offshore is built for holding assets, owning property, international trading and wealth structuring. TFZ is a registered agent-partner and manages the entire process for you.
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Minimum shareholder
2
Minimum directors, must be individuals
0%
Corporate and personal tax on qualifying income
1–3 wks
Typical incorporation time
Why Choose a JAFZA Offshore Company?
What a JAFZA Offshore Company Can and Cannot Do
| Permitted Activities | Not Permitted |
|---|---|
| Own freehold property in Dubai (approved areas) | Trade with customers inside the UAE |
| Hold shares in UAE and foreign companies | Rent a physical office in the UAE |
| International trading outside the UAE | Sponsor employee or investor residence visas |
| Hold intellectual property, investments and bank accounts | Carry out banking, insurance or financial services |
| Act as a holding or investment vehicle | Obtain a UAE trade licence for local business |
| Ship consultancy and international advisory | Deal with UAE residents for commercial purposes |
Key Features of a JAFZA Offshore Company
Step-by-Step JAFZA Offshore Registration
Documents Required
Timeline for Formation
| Stage | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| Document collection and KYC | 2 – 5 working days |
| Name approval and application | 2 – 3 working days |
| Signing of documents | 1 day in person, or 1–2 wks via POA |
| JAFZA approval and incorporation | 3 – 7 working days |
| Bank account opening | 2 – 6 weeks |
| Total (typical, excluding bank) | 1 – 3 weeks |
Cost of a JAFZA Offshore Company
Indicative costs in UAE Dirhams (AED).
| Cost Item | Indicative Amount (AED) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| JAFZA total registration fee | 21,000 | One-time |
| JAFZA annual licence renewal | 8,000 | Annual |
| Registered agent fee (TFZ) | Quoted on request | Annual |
| Audit of financial statements | 3,000 – 6,000 | Annual |
| Certificate of good standing / incumbency (optional) | 500 – 1,000 | As needed |
| Dubai Land Department property registration | 4% of property value plus admin fees | Per transaction |
| Bank account opening assistance | Quoted on request | One-time |
How TFZ Helps
A JAFZA Offshore company is a powerful tool for holding Dubai property and international assets when set up and maintained correctly. TFZ provides registered agent services and end-to-end support.
Compliance Requirements for JAFZA Offshore Companies
Annual renewal
Renew the offshore licence through the registered agent
AnnualAudited accounts
Prepare audited financial statements and file with JAFZA
AnnualCorporate tax registration
Register with the FTA and file a return, even if 0% applies
Annual, within 9 months of year endEconomic Substance Regulations
Notification and report if carrying out a relevant activity such as holding company business
AnnualUBO register
Maintain a register of beneficial owners with the registered agent
OngoingRegisters of members and directors
Kept at the registered office
OngoingKYC updates
Refresh documents when passports expire or details change
OngoingAnti-Money Laundering
Registered agent screening of shareholders and transactions
OngoingJAFZA Offshore vs RAK ICC vs Ajman Offshore
| Feature | JAFZA Offshore | RAK ICC | Ajman Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Own Dubai freehold property directly | Yes | Only via a free zone entity or approved structures | No |
| Minimum directors | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Audit required | Yes | No (records must be kept) | No |
| Set-up cost | Higher | Medium | Lowest |
| Best for | Dubai property holding, prestige | International holding, flexible structuring | Low-cost asset holding |
Everything You Need to Know About JAFZA Offshore
From Dubai property to visas and tax, here are answers to the questions investors ask most.
Fees, timelines and rules quoted on this page are indicative, change from time to time and depend on the authority, licence type and activity chosen. TFZ confirms exact figures in writing before any engagement begins.
Talk to TFZ Today
Get a free consultation on JAFZA Offshore company formation.