
Incorporate in JAFZA (Dubai, UAE)
Establishing an offshore company in Dubai
JAFZA offshore companies, established under the jurisdiction of Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, offer a specialized corporate structure for individuals and businesses looking to operate internationally while maintaining a presence in a highly regarded financial center. These companies are designed exclusively for activities outside the UAE mainland and are not permitted to engage in local business, except under specific conditions, such as owning property in designated areas. As entities limited by shares, shareholders’ liability is confined to the capital invested, and a flexible governance framework allows for different classes of shares and tailored rights concerning dividends and control, so long as these are laid out in the constitutional documents.
Formation of a JAFZA offshore company requires at least one shareholder and one director, with no restriction on the nationality or residency of those involved. There is no mandatory minimum share capital, although at least one share must be issued upon incorporation. While these companies cannot engage in UAE mainland commercial activities, they serve a wide range of permitted functions such as international trade, asset protection, holding foreign real estate or intellectual property, and managing global investments. However, they are restricted from undertaking financial services like banking or fund management unless separately licensed under the UAE’s broader financial regulatory regime.
With the UAE’s introduction of federal corporate tax in 2023, JAFZA offshore companies are now subject to taxation on profits exceeding AED 375,000 at a rate of 9%, while income below that threshold remains tax-free. Certain forms of income—like dividends and capital gains from qualifying shareholdings—can be exempt if stringent conditions are met, including minimum ownership thresholds, holding periods, and ensuring the underlying entity is sufficiently taxed in its own jurisdiction. In some cases, companies based in countries with tax treaties with the UAE may benefit from reduced tax exposure through provisions that prevent double taxation.
Compliance requirements include the maintenance of accurate accounting records for at least five years, filing annual tax returns, and, for those engaged in “Relevant Activities” under the UAE’s Economic Substance Regulations, demonstrating sufficient economic presence in the UAE. These regulations aim to ensure that companies conducting activities like holding equity, shipping, or intellectual property management have real operational substance within the jurisdiction. Offshore companies must also appoint a registered agent and maintain a local office in JAFZA, ensuring they remain in good standing with the authorities. Overall, JAFZA offshore companies provide a credible, adaptable platform for cross-border business, offering both operational efficiency and access to a stable, compliant financial environment.
Learn more about incorporating a Dubai Offshore Company:
JAFZA Offshore Company(Dubai, UAE) Formation and First-Year Corporate Services – USD 5,300.00 (All included)
Note that our incorporation and annual fees are all “all-included fees”, and cover all the required services, duties, disbursements, and procedures to incorporate a JAFZA Offshore Company, and keep it in good standing.
- All Applicable Registration and Government Fees
- Preparing and filing the Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Preparing the Director’s acceptance letter
- Preparing and executing appointment of director by the Registered Agent
- Providing Certificate of Incorporation and Filed Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Preparing First Board Meeting Minutes resolving the Allotment of Shares, Appointment of Directors, Registered Office and other Corporate Matters
- preparing the Register of Directors and Register of Shareholders
- Preparing Share Certificates
- Providing Registered Office Service, including business address, for the calendar year
- Providing Registered Agent Service for the calendar year
Nominee Services (Optional)
- Nominee Director Services – USD 2,500.00
- Nominee Shareholder Services – USD 2,500.00
Bank Account Opening Services (Optional)
We can assist you in open bank accounts for companies in the following offshore jurisdictions:
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Andorra Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Andorra Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsMORABANCUSD 500,000YesUSD, EUR, CHF, CAD, AUD, SEK, NOK, NZDYesPrivate Bank with focus on wealth management. If they open a corporate account for an active company, they would need that either the account has a substantial amount on the account, or that the UBO himself opens an account for wealth management.Credit Andorra (Creand)EUR 300,000NoEURYesMinimum Initial Deposit requirements for countries outside of the European Union is EUR 1,000,000 or equivalent.
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Antigua Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Antigua Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsDBankUSD 10,000YesUSD, EURYesIn Euros they processes only via SEPA. In dollars at the moment only with correspondents in the US, through FEDWIRE (not ACH at the moment). Cash Secured Visa Credit Card available.Global Bank of CommerceUSD 25,000YesUSD, EUR, GBPYesCash Secured Visa Credit CardNorth International BankUSD 5,000YesUSD, EURYesUnionPay Cards work without inconvenience in the USA.
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Armenia Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Armenia Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsOJSC UnibankUSD 50,000YesEUR, USD, RUB, AMDYesBusiness connection to Armenia is required. The annual outgoing turnover of the client should be at least 10 mln USD per year. The annual number of outgoing transfers should be at least 60 per year. Note that the banks considers smaller companies is well on case-by-case basis, but they could charges additional fees.
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Bahamas Bank Account - USD $ 500.00Bahamas Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsCapital Union BankUSD 1,000,000NoUSDYesFamily Offices, Fund Managers and Asset Managers only.CitibankUSD 10,000,000NoMulticurrencyYesPrimary focus with physical presence in Bahamas. Business interest in the Bahamas. The company needs to have been in existence for a minimum of 3 years.DeltecUSD 1,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesCredit Card available on a case by case basis.EFG BankUSD 1,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesRemote account opening is possible, but the bank will visit the client within first year after opening.Equity BankUSD 500,000YesUSD, EURYesPrepaid debit card available.
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Belize Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Belize Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBelize Bank InternationalUSD 4,000NoEUR, GBP, USDYesCaye BankUSD 1,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, CHF, AUD, AED, CNY, SEK, NOKYesPrepaid Visa cards available.Heritage BankUSD 3,000YesMulticurrencyYes
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BVI Bank Account - USD $ 900.00BVI Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBVI Bank AccountUSD 20,000NoUSD, GBP, HKDYesBank of Asia does not onboard corporations who have a connection in US and Russia.VP BankUSD 500,000NoMulticurrencyYesVP Bank offers services to local BVI residents as well as international clients who have BVI companies, trusts or fund structures. It is primarily focused on financing, investment management, custodial and securities trading accounts. No Commercial Activity, only for asset management business.
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Cayman Islands Bank Account - USD $ 900.00Cayman Islands Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsCayman National BankUSD 250,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, SEK, CHFYesNCB Cayman LimitedUSD 100,000YesUSD, EUR, CAD, GBP, AUD, MulticurrencyYesNCB Cayman Bank offers trading, private and investment bank accounts
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Cook Islands Bank Account - USD $ 600.00Cook Islands Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsCapital Security BankUSD 250,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, NZD, AUD, SGD, HKDYesClients can have a corporate account for operational purposes only if they open an investment account as well.
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Curaçao Bank Account - USD $ 500.00Curaçao Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsExprinter International Bank N.V.USD 100,000NoMulticurrencyYesInternet Banking only for viewing the account, not for operatingUnited International BankN/AYesMulticurrencyYes
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Cyprus Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Cyprus Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank of CyprusN/AYesMulticurrencyYesSupports large Cypriot and international groups, preferably operating from Cyprus and international companies in their expansion and operations in Cyprus.
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Dominica Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Dominica Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsDominica Bank AccountUSD 15,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CHFYesEqiBankUSD 15,000YesUSD, EUR, GBPYesJetonbankN/ANoMulticurrencyYesSWIFT transactions are carried out only through a pool account in the name of the bank.Dominica Bank AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesThe Kingdom BankN/ANoEUR, USDYesSWIFT transactions are carried out only through a pool account in the name of the bank.
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Gibraltar Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Gibraltar Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsGibraltar Bank AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesGibraltar Bank AccountUSD 20,000YesUSD, EUR, GBPYesFor wealth management and brokerage accounts minimum relationships start from USD 250,000. Cards are dependent on jurisdictions.
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Hong Kong Bank Account - USD $ 1,400.00Hong Kong Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank of ChinaHKD 100,000YesMulticurrencyNoA business nexus in Hong Kong is strictly required, in the form of clients, suppliers, employees or other counterparties.DBS BankHKD 200,000YesHKD, USD, MulticurrencyNoA business nexus in Hong Kong is strictly required, in the form of clients, suppliers, employees or other counterparties.
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Isle of Man Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Isle of Man Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsIsle of Man Bank AccountN/ANoUSD, AUD, EUR, CZK, DKK, HUF, SGD, JPY, NOK, GBP, ZAR, ILS, NZD, PLN, CHF, SEK, CAD, BGNYes
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Labuan Bank Account - USD $ 500.00Labuan Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsLabuan Bank AccountUSD 10,000NoUSD, JPY, SGD, EUR, GBPYesFor businesses operating offshore or non-resident companies seeking to establish corporate banking relationships in Labuan, we collaborate with a mid-size financial institution renowned for its expertise in serving international clientele. With decades of industry experience, this bank has positioned itself as a key player in supporting global businesses across a variety of sectors. This bank welcomes companies incorporated in numerous offshore jurisdictions without the stricter requirements, such as business nexus in the South Asia - East Asia regions, unlike larger institutions within Labuan. Catering to a diverse range of industries, the bank is well-versed in supporting investment and asset holding companies, as well as businesses engaged in sectors such as trade, professional services, e-commerce, among others. Whether you operate in consultancy, marketing or international trade, this bank offers tailored services to meet your corporate banking needs. Their corporate accounts are available in various major currencies, such as USD, JPY, SGD, EUR and GBP and the bank supports SWIFT transactions. Transactions will be carried out with the assistance of a dedicated personal relationship manager. In addition to traditional banking services, the bank also offers Islamic banking options, including Shariah-compliant investment products and Islamic trade financing solutions. Minimum relationships start from USD 10,000. The account opening process can be handled entirely remotely, eliminating the need for travel to Labuan. We will guide you through the preparation of the necessary KYC documentation and provide comprehensive support to ensure a seamless and efficient bank account application process. If you are interested in opening a corporate bank account in Labuan, contact us today to assess your eligibility and initiate the account opening process!CitibankUSD 250,000NoMulticurrencyYesMayBank International Labuan BranchUSD 25,000NoUSD, EUR, CAD, CHF, GBP, HKD, SGD, JPY, THB, AEDYesThey focus more on Labuan incorporated entities.
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Liechtenstein Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Liechtenstein Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBendura BankUSD 500,000NoMulticurrencyYesEvery active NFE needs to have a substance.
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Mauritius Bank Account - USD $ 600.00Mauritius Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank OneUSD 50,000NoMulticurrencyYesInvestecUSD 50,000YesMulticurrencyYes
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Nevis Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Nevis Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBONIUSD 20,000NoUSD, EUR, GBPYesHamilton Reserve BankUSD 100,000NoUSD, EUR, GBP, CHF, AUD, CAD, AED, JPY, SGD, HKDYesNevis Bank AccountUSD 25,000NoMulticurrencyYesNevis Bank AccountUSD 10,000NoUSDYes
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Panama Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Panama Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsPanama Bank AccountUSD 50,000YesUSD, EUR, CADYesPanama Bank AccountUSD 10,000YesUSD, EUR, CHF, GBP, CADYesPanama Bank AccountUSD 1,000NoUSDYesAccounts can be opened remotely on case-by-case basis.
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Puerto Rico Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Puerto Rico Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsPuerto Rico Bank AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesCB International Bank LLCN/AYesUSD, HKD, AUD, CAD, CHF, CNY, DKK, EUR, GBP, JPY, NOK, NZD, SEK, SGD, TRL, XAF, ZARYesUnionpay Merchant service for clients.Elite International BankUSD 25,000NoUSDYesTheir main focus is on commercial type, trade finance.Medici BankUSD 10,000NoMulticurrencyYesStrategic BankUSD 150,000NoUSDYes
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Saint Lucia Bank Account - USD $ 300.00Saint Lucia Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsPROVEN BANK (Former BOSLIL)USD 5,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, HKD, Multicurrency, CAD, CHF, AED, AUD, NZD, NOK, SEK, THB, JPY, ZARYes
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Seychelles Bank Account - USD $ 500.00Seychelles Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsAl SalamUSD 25,000NoUSDYesInternet banking is in view mode only, all transactions are carried out via email or by phone.
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Singapore Bank Account - USD $ 900.00Singapore Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank of ChinaSGD 100,000NoUSD, SGD, EUR, GBP, NZD, RMB, AUD, JPY, HKD, CHF, CADYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.Credit SuisseUSD 3,000,000NoUSD, SGDYesDBS BankSGD 250,000NoMulticurrencyNoNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.HSBCSGD/USD 30,000NoSGD, AUD, CAD, RMB, EUR, HKD, JPY, NZD, GBP, USDYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.RHBSGD/USD 30,000NoMulticurrencyYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.OCBC BankUSD 30,000NoUSD, SGD, AUD, CAD, HKD, NZD, GBP, EUR, JPY, CHFYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.UOB BankSGD 250,000NoMulticurrencyYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.
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Switzerland Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00Switzerland Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsAmina BankCHF 500,000YesEUR, GBP, CHF, CAD, AUD, JPY, SGD, PLN, HKD, NOK, SEK, ILS, MXN, DKK, TRL, NZD, AEDYesAmina Bank does not open accounts with a pure transactional business nexus.Credit SuisseCHF 1,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesMaerki BaumannCHF 500,000YesMulticurrencyYesmBaer BankCHF 5,000YesMulticurrencyYesCompanies must have an expected turnover of at least CHF 3,000,000.SygnumCHF 3,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesDeposit must be maintained in crypto assets held through the bank's custody services. Minimum Average Balance for high risk jurisdictions should be 1-2Mio CHF.
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USA Bank Account - USD $ 1,400.00USA Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsUSA Bank AccountUSD 100,000NoUSDYesmin deposit USD 100k and more AND/OR with revenues of USD 1MUSA Bank Accountfrom 10,000 but preferred 250K-300KYesUSD, MulticurrencyYesThey tend to focus more on technology/startup companies that are focused on growing and scaling through future equity raises and subsequent debt facilities.USA Bank AccountUSD 5,000YesUSDYesDebit cards can be delivered to overseas address, however, credit card could ONLY be delivered to a USA physical address (non-PO box).Metropolitan Commercial BankTypically USD 25,000 - USD 50,000, for high risk USD 500,000YesUSDYesAt least one US based signatory is required. Purpose to open an account in US is required.USA Bank AccountN/A (USD 250,000 preferred)NoUSDYes
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Vanuatu Bank Account - USD $ 500.00Vanuatu Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsPacific Private Bank1,500 EURNoEUR, GBP, USDYesOutgoing USD transactions cannot be facilitated.
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EMI Account - USD $ 300.00EMI AccountsEMIMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteDNBC (CA) (former DSBC)N/ANoEUR, CAD, GBP, CHF, HKDYesSepagaN/AYesMulticurrencyYesAirwallexN/AYesMulticurrencyYesCurrenxieN/AYesMulticurrencyYesStatrysN/AYesMulticurrencyYesCollect & PayDepending on category.NoMulticurrencyYesBankeraN/AYesEURYesConnect PayN/AYesMulticurrencyYesDNBC (former DSBC)N/ANoEUR, CAD, GBP, CHF, HKDYesGurupayN/ANoEURYesIBSettleN/ANoEURYesMistertangoN/AYesEURYesNEXPAYN/ANoMulticurrencyYesPayswixN/ANoMulticurrencyYesSettleDeskN/ANoEURYesValyuzN/ANoEUR, USD, GBP, SEK, JPY, HKDYesVerifoN/ANoEURYesVialetN/AYesEURYes3SMoneyN/ANoMulticurrencyYesAspireN/AYesSGD, USDYesWorldfirstN/ANoMulticurrencyYesBilderlingsN/AYesEUR, GBPYesBVNKN/ANoMulticurrencyYesEQUALS MoneyN/AYesMulticurrencyYesIFXN/ANoMulticurrencyYesInterpolitan MoneyDepending on category.NoEUR, GBPYesMontifyN/ANoMulticurrencyYesMultiPassN/ANoEUR, USD, GBPYesPaysetN/ANoMulticurrencyYesTRANSFERRAN/AYesMulticurrencyYesXaceN/AYesMulticurrencyYes
Our bank account opening service is not just a mere introduction to the bank. We assist you in filling out the business plan forms appropriately and help you understand and provide business details, commercial information, and purpose/use of the bank account that a given bank wants to know in order to approve your account application.
Banks want certainty and clarity on how the account will be used. Everything must be watertight. We will work with you to make sure there is minimal ‘back and forth’ and a smooth account opening process.
JAFZA Nonresident Company Annual Corporate Services and Government Fees – USD 4,800.00 (payable one year after incorporation, and annually thereafter)
- All Applicable Annual Government Fees
- Advising on completion of and filing the Economic Substance Return, if applicable
- Maintaining the Minute Book, Registers and Statutory Records
- Providing Registered Agent Service for one year
- Providing Registered Office Service, including business address, for one year
Annual Audit Services (Optional)
All JAFZA Non-resident companies are required by law to have their annual accounts audited. The following annual audit are estimates, including the audit procedures and producing the audit report.
- Up to 25 transactions per month – ~USD 3,500 per year
- From 26 transactions to 100 transactions per month – ~USD 4,500 per year
- More than 100 transactions per month – +USD 6,000 per year
*Estimated costs. Price may vary according to the type of transactions, reporting frequency, account complexity, etc