Offshore companies in the UAE have become one of the most popular choices for international investors who want a safe, flexible, and tax-efficient structure. Two names stand out in this field: JAFZA Offshore and RAK ICC. Both are well-established registries and both allow you to hold assets, operate internationally, and enjoy the security of the UAE jurisdiction.
But which one is right for you? Let us walk you through the differences and help you choose the right option.
An offshore company in the UAE is a legal entity that is set up for business activities outside the country. These companies are usually used for international trading, asset protection, holding investments, or buying property. They cannot trade inside the UAE, sponsor employees, or lease a retail office.
However, they can own shares, open bank accounts, and operate globally while enjoying confidentiality and flexibility.
JAFZA Offshore is registered under the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority in Dubai. It is one of the oldest offshore structures in the UAE and is well known for property ownership in Dubai. A JAFZA Offshore company can hold real estate in certain approved areas of Dubai, subject to Dubai Land Department approval. This makes it a common choice for investors who want to buy and hold property in Dubai under a corporate structure.
The setup cost is higher compared to other offshore registries and the process can take a little longer. However, the JAFZA name carries strong credibility, and for real estate investors, it remains one of the most reliable options.
RAK ICC stands for Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre. It is one of the most modern and efficient offshore registries in the UAE. The setup process is quick, and the costs are generally lower compared to JAFZA. RAK ICC companies are widely used for holding international investments, intellectual property, and running cross-border trading operations outside the UAE.
RAK ICC has also signed agreements with Dubai Land Department, which allows property ownership in Dubai under certain conditions. This makes it an alternative for real estate holding, though approvals are required for each property. Its flexibility and lower entry cost make it attractive for entrepreneurs who want a simple and effective offshore structure.
The choice between JAFZA Offshore and RAK ICC depends on your objectives. If your main purpose is holding property in Dubai and you want the comfort of a long-established registry, JAFZA may be the right fit. If you want a faster, more cost-effective setup for global operations, then RAK ICC is often the better option.
In both cases, you need to maintain accounting records and meet compliance requirements such as Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) filing. Neither structure allows you to conduct business inside the UAE or apply for employee visas. If you want to trade in the UAE market or hire locally, you will need a Free Zone or Mainland company.
For property investors, JAFZA Offshore still holds a strong position because of its history and acceptance with Dubai real estate. For entrepreneurs looking for international holding, intellectual property management, or low-cost structures, RAK ICC is usually the best choice.
At CSPzone, we always start by understanding your purpose. Are you holding Dubai property? Are you restructuring a group of companies? Or are you simply looking for a secure offshore vehicle for international trade? Once we know your goals, we can recommend the right structure, help with approvals, and ensure your company remains fully compliant.
JAFZA Offshore and RAK ICC are both excellent choices for international investors, but each suits a different type of business strategy. JAFZA is known for property holding in Dubai, while RAK ICC is recognised for its efficiency and cost advantage in global structures. With CSPzone, you can confidently set up the right offshore company, open bank accounts, and protect your assets in one of the world’s most stable jurisdictions.
If you are ready to explore offshore company formation in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah, get in touch with CSPzone today. We will guide you step by step and make sure your business is set up the right way.
