Forming an offshore company in the UAE: 5 options to consider

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FORMING AN OFFSHORE COMPANY IN THE UAE
5 OPTIONS TO CONSIDER
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INTRODUCTION
The UAE is one of the best locations for the
formation of an offshore company because of the
policies it offers, its geographical position,
and its reliable legal system. A UAE offshore
company setup has many advantages, such as tax
exemption, confidentiality, and a
business-friendly environment.
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1. Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
2. International Business Company (IBC) of Ras Al
   Khaimah
3. Ajman Offshore
4. Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)
5. Sharjah International Airport Free Zone, or SAIF
   Zone

FIVE MAJOR FACTORS TO LOOK AT WHEN STARTING AN
OFFSHORE COMPANY IN THE UAE
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JEBEL ALI FREE ZONE (JAFZA)
Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) is among the most
preferred jurisdictions to register an offshore
company in the UAE. JAFZA was incorporated in
1985 and is a stable environment, providing
excellent infrastructure and access to Jebel Ali
Port, a global hub. Some advantages of doing
business here include 100 foreign ownership, no
corporate taxes, and no import or re-export
duties. JAFZA offshore companies are suitable for
operations in holding, trading, and
investment. The registration process of a
business in the JAFZA can be facilitated by
business setup consultants in the UAE who will
help complete the process following the law.
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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANY (IBC) OF RAS AL
KHAIMAH
Another popular choice of offshore business
location in the UAE is the Ras Al Khaimah
International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC). RAK ICC
provides a good environment for companies there
are no taxes, full foreign ownership, and the
identities of shareholders and directors are not
disclosed.
It is particularly popular among international
business people, owners of assets that they would
like to shield from creditors, and those who
would like to plan their estates. The efficient
and fast registration process of RAK ICC,
together with the presence of professional
business setup consultants in the UAE, make the
jurisdiction highly popular among many business
people.
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AJMAN OFFSHORE
Ajman Offshore is one of the youngest and, at the
same time, one of the most dynamically developing
offshore zones in the UAE. It is an affordable
service for those who wish to set up an offshore
company with little capital and recurring charges.
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DMCC is a free zone specialising in trading
commodities and has also become a preferred
jurisdiction for registering an offshore company.
DMCC provides modern infrastructure, a favourable
location in Dubai, and a vast number of companies
in the global market. Some advantages of doing
business in DMCC include zero taxes, 100 foreign
ownership, and a sound legal system. DMCC is
suitable for use in trading, investment, and
holding operations.
DUBAI MULTI COMMODITIES CENTRE (DMCC)
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SHARJAH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FREE ZONE, OR SAIF
ZONE
The second option for offshore company formation
in the UAE is the Sharjah International Airport
Free Zone (SAIF Zone). SAIF Zone enjoys good
connections since it is near Sharjah
International Airport and the major seaports in
the region. Offshore companies are allowed 100
foreign ownership no corporate taxes are levied
on offshore companies and offshore companies in
SAIF Zone can undertake almost all types of
businesses. It is suitable for trading,
logistics, and distribution companies. It is
recommended to address any offshore company
registration issues with professional business
setup consultants in the UAE, and they will help
to maintain compliance with the rules and
requirements of the SAIF Zone.
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CONCLUSION
Setting up an offshore company in the UAE has its
benefits, ranging from tax exemptions and privacy
to the facilitation of global business
operations. All the free zones, such as JAFZA,
RAK ICC, Ajman Offshore, DMCC, and SAIF Zone,
have their benefits that depend on the nature of
the business.
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