05 Jan Establishing offshore companies in Dubai – advantages and conditions
Establishing offshore companies in Dubai! What are offshore companies? How can offshore companies be established in Dubai? Why do investors want to establish offshore companies in Dubai? What are the conditions for establishing an offshore company in Dubai? We will learn the answers to all of these question marks in this article about establishing offshore companies in Dubai.
Dubai is a global commercial center full of attractive investment opportunities, the most important of which is the possibility of establishing offshore companies. Through a stable legal environment and advanced infrastructure, Dubai provides an ideal environment for companies wishing to expand their business to new markets without the need for a physical presence within the country.
What are offshore companies?
The meaning of an offshore company as a literal translation: the far coast, or meaning outside the borders of the country, and all of these words mean outside the borders of the state. Offshore companies are companies that are registered in accordance with the law of the countries in which they perform their commercial activities, which are the ones in which the company registrar resides, who undertakes the task of establishing an offshore company. Shore in Dubai for investors.
It is also a group of legal commercial entities or some companies specialized in manufacturing and providing commercial services outside the borders of their country, and it is possible to include offshore companies companies that invest in the field of mining or oil and extracting gas from seas far from their countries, and there is a big difference between Local companies and foreign companies.
Establishing offshore companies in Dubai
In all investment transactions, the UAE is keen to provide flexibility and smoothness in all procedures for investors, legislate stimulating investment facilities, and provide integrated services to carry out their foreign commercial activities.
Therefore, large and medium companies turned to investing in the UAE and establishing offshore companies in Dubai, as the government allows investors to establish offshore companies in Dubai outside the countries where the parent companies are located.
What are the offshore companies in Dubai?
Offshore companies: Companies that are registered in accordance with the law of the country in which they conduct their commercial activity. They are companies registered in an area with facilitating tax and commercial laws. This term is given to companies that conduct their activities in countries other than their nationality, and investors seek to establish offshore companies in Dubai because of what it offers. The state has advantages.
Advantages of offshore companies in Dubai
Why do investors want to establish offshore companies in Dubai?
There are many advantages of establishing offshore companies in Dubai, which are as follows:
- Tax Exemption: Dubai exempts offshore companies from taxes on income and profits, reducing operational costs
- Significantly, when establishing offshore companies in Dubai, the investor receives a 100% tax exemption.
- Confidentiality: Dubai maintains the confidentiality of offshore company information, providing a safe environment for business.
- Ease of establishment: Dubai provides easy procedures for establishing offshore companies, which saves time and effort. The government provides facilities
- In clearance procedures and conducting business.
- Flexibility of business systems.
- Global Potential: Dubai allows offshore companies to access new global markets, enhancing opportunities for growth and expansion.
- Strategic location: Dubai is located in a strategic location linking the East and the West, which facilitates access to global markets.
- Advanced infrastructure: Dubai offers advanced infrastructure that provides all the needs of companies, from equipped offices to fast communications services.
- Stable legal environment: Dubai provides a stable legal environment that enhances business confidence.
April 08 What are offshore companies?
With economic transformations and globalization, offshore companies have become an important part of the business strategies of large and medium-sized companies. These companies provide organizations with opportunities for international expansion and realize financial and tax advantages. However, this type of activity also raises some challenges and debates about ethics and corporate social responsibilities. In this article, here is everything you need to know about what offshore companies are, their features and advantages.
With increasing globalization and the development of technology, offshore companies have become one of the important and popular options for individuals and companies wishing to expand their business across national borders. These companies play a vital role in achieving financial stability and reducing taxes, along with providing other benefits such as confidentiality and privacy.
In this comprehensive article, we will explore the world of offshore companies in cooperation with Itqan Company, where we will shed light on the concept of offshore companies and their importance, in addition to reviewing the services provided by Itqan Company in this context.
In this article, we will discuss the information necessary to understand the types of offshore companies, how to establish and operate them, in addition to the benefits and challenges that you may face. We will also provide practical advice to those who are considering taking advantage of these options to develop their business and further achieve their financial goals.
With Itqan Company, you will be in specialized hands providing you with professional support and advice to help every step of the way in establishing and managing your offshore company successfully. Let’s explore the world of offshore companies together and discover how this strategic move could be key to your future success.
What are offshore companies?
Offshore companies refer to companies that are established or incorporated in a country or region outside the country in which the parent company is located or headquartered. Such companies are often chosen to take advantage of local legislation that provides a specific business environment that enables economic opportunities and tax advantages. Offshore companies are typically limited in the scope of their offshore operation and may be used for various purposes including tax mitigation, asset protection, and financial privacy. It is often preferable to establish such companies in areas that provide laws and regulations that allow financial secrecy and provide tax advantages.
Steps required to establish an offshore company
Research and planning
Before establishing an offshore company in Dubai, it is necessary to conduct careful research and feasibility study to determine if this move is the right choice for you. Start by defining the company’s activity and strategic objectives, and inquire about local laws and regulations regarding the establishment and operation of foreign companies. Analyze the market and understand the regulatory and financial requirements associated with setting up an offshore company in Dubai. This careful planning and research helps ensure that your decisions are informed and increases your company’s chances of success in Dubai’s dynamic business environment.
Cooperating with a legal advisor
Cooperating with the experienced legal advisors of Itqan Company can be a decisive step to ensure the establishment and operation of your offshore company in Dubai efficiently and perfectly. The legal advisor can provide the necessary advice on required legal procedures and compliance with local laws and regulations, in addition to providing support in preparing legal documents and dealing with government agencies. This cooperation helps you avoid potential legal obstacles and ensure that the incorporation process runs smoothly, allowing you to focus on growing and developing your business with confidence and reassurance.
Choose a company name
When choosing a name for your business in Dubai, you should take into consideration several important factors. First, make sure that the name you choose for your company does not conflict with the names of other companies that already exist in the local market. This requires searching the local database to ensure your company name stands out. Second, the chosen name must be compatible with local laws and regulations for company registration. The law usually requires that a company name contain an indication of its legal type (such as “limited company” or “joint stock company”), as well as its main address in Dubai. Ultimately, it is advisable to ensure that the name you choose for your company properly reflects its business and matches its identity and mission.
Determine the business activity
When determining your company’s business activity in Dubai, you must precisely determine the type of activity you wish to engage in. You should note that the specific activity must be permitted in accordance with local laws and regulations. You can check the list of activities permitted in Dubai by contacting the relevant authorities or consulting a legal advisor. It is important to choose a business that suits your company’s goals and takes into account local market demand. Accurately defining the business activity facilitates the company registration process and reduces potential legal problems in the future.
Choose the legal form
When establishing your foreign company in Dubai, you must choose the appropriate legal form that suits your business activity and investment objectives. You can choose between several legal forms such as limited company, joint stock company and sole proprietorship. Each of these types of legal forms has its own advantages and uses, and you should choose the option that best suits your business activities and legal and tax needs.
Providing the required documents
When establishing a foreign company in Dubai, you will need to submit a number of required documents. Among these documents, you may need the passports of shareholders and directors and financial documents that prove your ability to finance the company, in addition to the commercial registry and financial statements that reflect the company’s financial position, and the contracts and agreements required to prove commercial activity and contract with customers and suppliers. Providing these required documents is an essential step to successfully completing the company establishment process in accordance with local laws.
Submit a license application
After preparing all the required documents, you can submit a license application to establish your company to the relevant government agencies in Dubai, such as the Department of Economic Development (DED) if the company operates outside the free zones, or to the General Free Zones Regulatory Authority (DAFZA) or the specific free zone if the The company will operate within a free zone. The application is examined and documents are reviewed by the relevant authority, and after approval, the final license is issued to your company. You must ensure that you follow the procedures and requirements specified by the relevant authority to ensure that the company licensing process goes smoothly.
Open a bank account
After obtaining the necessary license, you must open a bank account for your company in the local authorized bank in Dubai. You will need to provide required documents, such as a copy of the license, passports of shareholders and directors, company address, financial statements, and any other documents that banks may request. You will also need to comply with anti-money laundering requirements and provide the necessary information in this regard. After completing these steps, you will be able to open a bank account for your company and start managing the company’s financial affairs with ease.
Establishing a virtual office
When establishing your company in Dubai, you may need to establish a virtual office to meet the needs of official communications and manage the administrative operations of the company. A virtual office is an ideal solution for companies that do not need a physical office in Dubai, but would like to have a local address and receive official correspondence. Through a virtual office, you can direct correspondence and manage incoming calls, as well as get administrative support for daily tasks such as bookings and meetings. You can use a virtual office as a flexible and cost-effective way to stay in touch with your business in Dubai without having to invest in a physical office.
Licenses to establish an offshore company:
Offshore company establishment licenses are important in order to complete the incorporation process correctly.
There are 5 types of licenses that can be issued in order to establish an offshore company in Dubai, specifically in the free zone, and these licenses are as follows:
Industrial license: for small industrial activities.
Logistics license: This license is only issued in the logistics services area, in order to carry out logistical services.
General Trading and Trading License: This license is specific to importing, exporting, storing and distributing the types of products mentioned in the license, as well as selling them in the UAE markets through local distributors.
Service license: These licenses are for the services mentioned in the license in the Dubai South Free Zone and other places within the borders of the United Arab Emirates.
Education license: This type of license is used for social, training, and educational services, as well as educational consulting services. This license is a must when starting to establish an offshore company in Dubai.
What is the difference between onshore companies and offshore companies?
| Element | Onshore companies | Offshore companies |
|---|---|---|
| the site | Be within the country (in this case, Dubai) | Be outside the country (outside Dubai) |
| Laws and regulations | Subject to local laws and regulations in the country | May be exempt from some local laws |
| Taxes | There may be local taxes on profits | There may be tax deductions or exemptions |
| Administrative procedures | They may be more complex and social | It can be less complicated and more discreet |
| the cost | Costs may be higher due to compliance with local laws and regulations | Costs may be lower due to tax credits, rebates and administrative flexibility |
| Confidentiality | Confidentiality may be less due to public disclosure requirements | Confidentiality may be greater due to the privacy available and the lack of need for public disclosure |
| Investments and expansion | Onshore companies can provide opportunities for local investments and expansion into the local market | Offshore companies can provide opportunities for investments globally and expansion into global markets |
Types of offshore companies in Dubai:
1. Commercial companies:
Partnership companies: These companies are suitable for small companies with a small number of shareholders.
Simple partnership companies: These companies are similar to joint liability companies, but they distinguish between two categories of shareholders: general partners and limited partners.
Limited Liability Companies: These companies are among the most common types of offshore companies in Dubai.
Public joint stock companies: These companies are suitable for large companies that want to raise capital from the public.
2. Service companies:
Consulting companies: These companies provide consulting services in various fields such as management, marketing, and finance.
Marketing companies: These companies provide marketing and promotion services for products and services.
Information technology companies: These companies provide information technology services such as website design and software development.
3. Holding companies:
Investment companies: These companies are used to invest in different companies and projects.
Asset management companies: These companies are used to manage assets such as real estate and stocks.
4. Other types:
Finance companies: These companies provide financing services such as loans and credit.
Insurance companies: These companies provide insurance services for various risks.
note:
Choosing the type of offshore company depends on the business activity and the goals to be achieved.
Different types of offshore companies can be combined into one company.
Tips for choosing the type of offshore company:
Consult a lawyer specialized in offshore company laws.
Determine the business activity that the company will practice.
Determine the capital to be invested in the company.
Determine the number of shareholders in the company.
Determine the goals to be achieved by establishing the company.
additional information:
Dubai offers several incentives to attract offshore companies, such as exemption from taxes on income and profits.
Dubai provides advanced infrastructure and a stable legal environment to ensure a safe environment for businesses.
An offshore company can be established in Dubai within a short period.
What is the validity of offshore companies?
The offshore company has the same rights and privileges as a natural person, and the authority of the offshore company is not limited to any provisions mentioned in its articles of association, nor is it limited to any actions performed by the company members.
- An offshore company is not entitled to conduct business with individuals residing in the country.
- It is not entitled to own an interest in real estate in the United Arab Emirates, with the exception of lease contracts mentioned in the regulations or as approved by the competent authorities.
- The offshore company may not engage in any banking business after the investor completes the stages of establishing an offshore company in Dubai.
- The offshore company may not engage in insurance or reinsurance business, and it may not act as an agent or insurance broker.
- The offshore company is not permitted to engage in any other business that is prohibited in the regulations established by the authorities, or under the law.
- Do not treat offshore companies as if they are conducting business with individuals residing in the UAE.
- If an offshore company wants to conduct commercial business or any other business in the free zone or in other places within the UAE, it must obtain licenses from the competent authorities.
If you intend to establish an offshore company in Dubai, you must follow the procedures and steps for registering this company, and we will explain this to you in our next paragraph.
Procedures for registering offshore companies:
When establishing an offshore company in Dubai, the registrar has the right to refuse to register offshore companies if he has any reason that he believes is valid for refusing this registration.
If the Registrar refuses to grant his approval to register the offshore company, he is not required to provide any reasons for the refusal and his decision is not subject to review or appeal.
In the event that the Registrar grants approval to establish an offshore company, registration of the company’s bylaws is made, and the company registrar does the following when registering the offshore company’s bylaws:
Submitting an offshore company registration certificate.
Determine a number for the offshore company and this number will be registered to it.
After you have learned about the procedures for registering offshore companies, your mind will come to mind: what are the documents required to establish an offshore company, and this is what we explain to you in the following paragraph, and for more details about registering companies.
Types of license to establish an offshore company in Dubai
In order to be able to establish a company, you must obtain one of the licenses that are compatible with your investment, and the most prominent of these licenses are as follows: –
1- Industrial license
It is a license for construction and small industrial activities.
2- Logistics license
This license is only issued in the logistics area in order to perform this type of service.
3- General trade license
This license is for the import, export, storage and distribution of items mentioned in this license, and you can also sell them throughout the Emirates.
4- Service license
It is specific to the services mentioned in this license. These services can be provided within the free zone or other places within the borders of the Emirates.
5- Teaching license
This type is for training and social services, and this license in particular is required when starting to establish an offshore company in Dubai.
It is worth that there are some distinct powers that distinguish offshore companies from other companies in the Emirates.
Costs of establishing a company in the UAE:
When you want to establish an offshore company in Dubai, you must know that the most important step in developing a business plan that can be applied is determining the initial costs for establishing or establishing an offshore company. The advantage of tax exemption in Dubai is one of the most important factors that attract many entrepreneurs, and you must take into account Keep in mind that there are fees that will be required from you in order to issue new business licenses, and the Department of Economic Development website allows company owners to estimate the licensing fees that will be required to pay to issue their business licenses.
Steps required to establish an offshore company
Research and planning
Before establishing an offshore company in Dubai, it is necessary to conduct careful research and feasibility study to determine if this move is the right choice for you. Start by defining the company’s activity and strategic objectives, and inquire about local laws and regulations regarding the establishment and operation of foreign companies. Analyze the market and understand the regulatory and financial requirements associated with setting up an offshore company in Dubai. This careful planning and research helps ensure that your decisions are informed and increases your company’s chances of success in Dubai’s dynamic business environment.
Cooperating with a legal advisor
Cooperating with the experienced legal advisors of Itqan Company can be a decisive step to ensure the establishment and operation of your offshore company in Dubai efficiently and perfectly. The legal advisor can provide the necessary advice on required legal procedures and compliance with local laws and regulations, in addition to providing support in preparing legal documents and dealing with government agencies. This cooperation helps you avoid potential legal obstacles and ensure that the incorporation process runs smoothly, allowing you to focus on growing and developing your business with confidence and reassurance.
Choose a company name
When choosing a name for your business in Dubai, you should take into consideration several important factors. First, make sure that the name you choose for your company does not conflict with the names of other companies that already exist in the local market. This requires searching the local database to ensure your company name stands out. Second, the chosen name must be compatible with local laws and regulations for company registration. The law usually requires that a company name contain an indication of its legal type (such as “limited company” or “joint stock company”), as well as its main address in Dubai. Ultimately, it is advisable to ensure that the name you choose for your company properly reflects its business and matches its identity and mission.
Determine the business activity
When determining your company’s business activity in Dubai, you must precisely determine the type of activity you wish to engage in. You should note that the specific activity must be permitted in accordance with local laws and regulations. You can check the list of activities permitted in Dubai by contacting the relevant authorities or consulting a legal advisor. It is important to choose a business that suits your company’s goals and takes into account local market demand. Accurately defining the business activity facilitates the company registration process and reduces potential legal problems in the future.
Choose the legal form
When establishing your foreign company in Dubai, you must choose the appropriate legal form that suits your business activity and investment objectives. You can choose between several legal forms such as limited company, joint stock company and sole proprietorship. Each of these types of legal forms has its own advantages and uses, and you should choose the option that best suits your business activities and legal and tax needs.
Providing the required documents
When establishing a foreign company in Dubai, you will need to submit a number of required documents. Among these documents, you may need the passports of shareholders and directors and financial documents that prove your ability to finance the company, in addition to the commercial registry and financial statements that reflect the company’s financial position, and the contracts and agreements required to prove commercial activity and contract with customers and suppliers. Providing these required documents is an essential step to successfully completing the company establishment process in accordance with local laws.
Submit a license application
After preparing all the required documents, you can submit a license application to establish your company to the relevant government agencies in Dubai, such as the Department of Economic Development (DED) if the company operates outside the free zones, or to the General Free Zones Regulatory Authority (DAFZA) or the specific free zone if the The company will operate within a free zone. The application is examined and documents are reviewed by the relevant authority, and after approval, the final license is issued to your company. You must ensure that you follow the procedures and requirements specified by the relevant authority to ensure that the company licensing process goes smoothly.
Open a bank account
After obtaining the necessary license, you must open a bank account for your company in the local authorized bank in Dubai. You will need to provide required documents, such as a copy of the license, passports of shareholders and directors, company address, financial statements, and any other documents that banks may request. You will also need to comply with anti-money laundering requirements and provide the necessary information in this regard. After completing these steps, you will be able to open a bank account for your company and start managing the company’s financial affairs with ease.
Establishing a virtual office
When establishing your company in Dubai, you may need to establish a virtual office to meet the needs of official communications and manage the administrative operations of the company. A virtual office is an ideal solution for companies that do not need a physical office in Dubai, but would like to have a local address and receive official correspondence. Through a virtual office, you can direct correspondence and manage incoming calls, as well as get administrative support for daily tasks such as bookings and meetings. You can use a virtual office as a flexible and cost-effective way to stay in touch with your business in Dubai without having to invest in a physical office.
Steps to establish an offshore company in Dubai:
1. Choosing a company name:
The company name must be unique and not used by any other company in Dubai.
The company name must include the word “Limited”.
2. Determine the type of business activity:
The type of business activity the company will engage in must be determined. The business
must be permitted in Dubai.
3. Appointment of a licensed registered agent:
A registered agent licensed by the Ministry of Economy in Dubai must be appointed .
The registered agent will provide assistance throughout the company formation process.
4. Submitting incorporation documents:
Incorporation documents must be submitted to the Dubai Ministry of Economy.
Incorporation documents include:
Incorporation application form.
A copy of shareholders’ passports.
A copy of the certificate of incorporation.
A letter from the bank confirming the existence of a bank account for the company.
5. Pay registration fees:
Registration fees must be paid to the Dubai Ministry of Economy.
6. Obtaining a commercial license:
After the incorporation application is approved, the company will obtain a commercial license from the Ministry of Economy in Dubai.
Conditions for establishing offshore companies in Dubai
1. General conditions:
The company name must be unique and not used by any other company in Dubai.
The company name must include the word “Limited”.
The business activity that the company will carry out must be permitted in Dubai.
A registered agent licensed by the Dubai Ministry of Economy must be appointed.
All required documents must be submitted to the Dubai Ministry of Economy.
Registration fees must be paid to the Dubai Ministry of Economy.
2. Special conditions for some types of offshore companies:
Solidarity companies: All partners must be jointly responsible for the company’s obligations.
Limited partnerships: There must be at least one joint partner who is jointly responsible for the company’s obligations.
Limited Liability Companies: The company’s capital must be divided into shares.
Public Joint Stock Companies: The company’s shares must be offered for public subscription.
3. Additional terms:
Some free zones in Dubai may require additional conditions for establishing an offshore company.
The conditions for establishing offshore companies in Dubai may change from time to time.
Tips for establishing an offshore company in Dubai:
Choosing an experienced registered agent:
The registered agent is responsible for providing assistance throughout the company formation process.
You must choose a registered agent with experience and knowledge of offshore company laws in Dubai.
A list of registered agents can be obtained from the Ministry of Economy in Dubai.
Submit all required documents:
All required documents must be submitted to the Dubai Ministry of Economy.
Required documents include:
Incorporation application form.
A copy of shareholders’ passports.
A copy of the certificate of incorporation.
A letter from the bank confirming the existence of a bank account for the company.
A complete list of required documents can be obtained from the Ministry of Economy in Dubai.
Pay registration fees on time:
Registration fees must be paid to the Dubai Ministry of Economy.
Registration fees vary depending on the type of company and the specific free zone.
Compliance with Dubai laws and regulations:
Dubai laws and regulations relating to offshore companies must be adhered to.
Information about Dubai’s laws and regulations can be obtained from the Dubai Ministry of Economy.
Get legal advice:
It is recommended to obtain legal advice from a lawyer specialized in offshore company laws in Dubai.
The lawyer will provide assistance in choosing the appropriate type of company, develop a business plan for the company, and ensure that all terms and conditions are met.
Choosing the appropriate free zone:
Dubai offers several free zones that offer different benefits to offshore companies.
You must choose the free zone that suits your needs and business activity.
Information about free zones in Dubai can be obtained from the Dubai Ministry of Economy.
financial planning:
A financial plan must be drawn up for the company before its establishment.
The capital required to establish and operate the company must be determined.
Profits and expenses must be forecast.
Marketing for the company:
The company must be marketed to attract customers.
Various marketing channels can be used, such as the Internet, advertising, and participation in trade shows.
Examples of areas for establishing offshore companies in Dubai:
Dubai is an ideal destination for establishing offshore companies, as it provides a stable legal environment, advanced infrastructure, and many incentives to attract offshore companies.
The areas in which offshore companies can be established in Dubai are varied, and here are some examples:
1. Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC):
It is considered a global financial center that provides a stable legal environment and advanced infrastructure for offshore companies.
The DIFC offers many benefits to offshore companies, such as:
exemption from taxes on income and profits.
Access to global markets.
Safe environment for business.
Comprehensive support services.
2. Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA):
Establishing a company in the Jebel Ali Free Zone , which is a free zone that provides tax exemptions and business benefits to offshore companies, is a must .
JAFZA offers many benefits to offshore companies, such as:
exemption from taxes on income and profits.
Access to global markets.
Safe environment for business.
Comprehensive support services.
Advanced infrastructure.
3. ICT Free Zone (TECOM):
It is a free zone that provides an ideal environment for offshore companies working in the field of information and communications technology.
TECOM offers many benefits to offshore companies, such as:
exemption from taxes on income and profits.
Access to global markets.
Safe environment for business.
Comprehensive support services.
Advanced infrastructure.
Access to a wide network of companies working in the field of information and communications technology.
4. Other areas:
Dubai Media City (DMC): It is an ideal destination for offshore companies working in the media field.
Dubai International Airport Free Zone (DAFZA): It is an ideal destination for offshore companies working in the field of logistics and trade.
Dubai Investment Free Zone (DIIC): It is an ideal destination for offshore companies operating in various fields.
Do you have a question about establishing offshore companies in Dubai?
Do not hesitate to contact our team and one of our experts will assist you with all necessary procedures.