Structure Assessment
Confirming whether an offshore company is the right vehicle compared with free zone or mainland alternatives.
Business Setup · Offshore
Offshore Company Setup in the UAE
Establish a UAE offshore company for holding assets, international trade or structuring investments — with clear advice on what an offshore entity can and cannot do.
Overview
A structuring tool, not an operating company
A UAE offshore company is registered with an offshore registry — such as those operated within certain free zone authorities — and is designed for activities conducted outside the UAE. It is commonly used as a holding company, to own shares in other entities, to hold certain assets or to conduct international business.
Offshore companies do not hold a licence to trade within the UAE, do not typically require office space and are not eligible to sponsor residence visas. Used for the right purpose, they can be an efficient part of a wider group structure.
MMAS Advisory helps you assess whether an offshore entity supports your objectives, which registry suits your structure, and how the company should sit alongside operating companies, banking relationships and reporting obligations.
What We Do
How we support your offshore setup
Advice on whether offshore is the right vehicle — and, if it is, a well-documented incorporation.
Registry Selection
Comparing offshore registries on permitted activities, property ownership rules, costs and administration.
Incorporation & Documentation
Preparing constitutional documents, shareholder and director information and registered agent arrangements.
Holding Structures
Designing holding arrangements for subsidiaries, intellectual property or investments.
Banking Preparation
A clear business rationale and complete documentation for bank due diligence.
Ongoing Administration
Annual renewals, registered agent coordination and changes to shareholders or directors.
Is It Right for You?
Is an offshore company right for you?
Often well suited to
- Holding companies for UAE or international subsidiaries
- Investors structuring international assets
- International business conducted outside the UAE
- Families and groups consolidating ownership
Worth considering
- Cannot trade within the UAE onshore market
- Not eligible to sponsor UAE residence visas
- Bank account applications face enhanced due diligence
- Beneficial ownership and tax obligations still apply
The Process
Your offshore setup, step by step
Step 1: Objectives Review
What the entity needs to achieve within your wider structure.
Step 2: Registry & Structure
Selecting the registry and confirming the ownership design.
Step 3: Documentation & KYC
Constitutional documents and due diligence information.
Step 4: Incorporation
Registration and issuance of your company documents.
Step 5: Banking & Administration
Bank preparation, renewals and ongoing registered agent matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Offshore
Can't find what you're looking for? Every business is different — we're happy to answer your questions directly.
Ask an AdvisorOffshore companies are typically used to hold shares in other companies, own certain assets, manage international investments and conduct business outside the UAE. They are not intended for trading within the local UAE market.
No. Offshore companies are not eligible to sponsor residence visas. If you need visas for yourself or your team, a free zone or mainland company is usually required — sometimes alongside an offshore holding entity.
Offshore companies can apply for corporate bank accounts, but banks apply thorough due diligence and each makes its own decision. A clear business rationale and complete documentation make a significant difference.
Some offshore registries permit ownership of property in designated areas, subject to the rules of the registry and the relevant land department. We confirm the position before you select a registry.
Begin With Clarity
Your UAE Chapter Starts With the Right Conversation.
Speak with an MMAS advisor about your plans. We will help you understand your options, choose the right structure and move forward with confidence.