A JAFZA offshore company is a legal entity incorporated under the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, the only UAE offshore jurisdiction authorised to own freehold property in Dubai through the Dubai Land Department. It offers 100% foreign ownership, zero tax on offshore income, and strong international banking acceptance. Setup takes 5 to 10 working days. Riz & Mona Consultancy manages the full process from name reservation to bank account introduction.
A JAFZA offshore company is incorporated under the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority. It is Dubai's premier offshore jurisdiction for international business, wealth structuring, and Dubai property ownership.
JAFZA is the only UAE offshore jurisdiction permitted to own freehold property in Dubai through the Dubai Land Department. For investors structuring a Dubai property portfolio offshore, JAFZA is the only viable route.
UAE Corporate Tax registration is mandatory for JAFZA companies since June 2023. Property-owning JAFZA entities must also appoint a UAE resident contact person per DLD requirements.
JAFZA is the premium UAE offshore jurisdiction. It costs more and takes longer than RAK ICC but delivers advantages no other offshore structure in the UAE can match.
JAFZA offshore companies are incorporated as limited liability international business companies. The entity type determines permitted activities and asset holding capacity.
JAFZA offshore companies operate on a Certificate of Incorporation for specific international activities, including the unique right to own Dubai freehold property.
JAFZA costs more and takes longer than other UAE offshore options. It is worth the difference for specific situations. This checklist tells you when JAFZA is the right jurisdiction and when it is not.
Not sure which jurisdiction fits? Riz & Mona provides a free jurisdiction assessment covering JAFZA, RAK ICC, and Ajman based on your structure and goals.
JAFZA formation must go through a licensed registered agent A UAE visit is required for director signature verification. Cannot be done remotely.
Submit your preferred name to JAFZA through a registered agent. Names must be unique and meet JAFZA rules.
Gather passport copies, proof of address, and MOA. All documents must be notarised before JAFZA submission.
JAFZA conducts due diligence on all shareholders and directors. Additional documents may be requested.
At least one director must visit the UAE to sign incorporation documents. This cannot be done remotely.
JAFZA issues the Certificate of Incorporation, MOA, and share certificates. DLD registration follows.
Register with the Federal Tax Authority. JAFZA's reputation aids tier-1 bank account approval significantly.
JAFZA requires more documentation than RAK ICC and Ajman. Documents must be notarised and in some cases legalised. Prepare everything before starting the application to avoid delays.
JAFZA requires notarisation of key documents. Passport copies and the MOA at minimum. Documents from outside the UAE may require apostille or legalisation. Riz & Mona reviews and prepares your full document file before any submission to JAFZA or any bank.
JAFZA carries a higher cost than RAK ICC and Ajman offshore jurisdictions. The premium reflects its unmatched banking acceptance, Dubai property ownership rights, and international prestige.
From AED 18,000
Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum of Association, share certificates, company stamp, registered agent for one year, and registered office address for one year.
From AED 22,000
Everything in Basic plus document notarisation, FTA corporate tax registration, annual audit coordination, and company secretarial services for the first year.
From AED 25,000+
Everything in Standard plus DLD property registration support, NOC application, UAE resident contact person arrangement, and bank account introduction.
Unlike RAK ICC, JAFZA requires an annual audit for most entity types. Audit fees vary by company complexity and typically range from AED 3,000 to AED 8,000 per year.
Passport copies and the MOA must be notarised for JAFZA submission. Documents originating outside the UAE may also require apostille or legalisation, adding cost and time.
Registering Dubai property under a JAFZA entity involves DLD fees, NOC application costs, and a UAE resident contact person requirement. Exact costs depend on property value.
JAFZA annual renewal fees currently stand at AED 2,500 for the authority fee. Registered agent and audit fees add to this. Total annual cost ranges from AED 10,000 to AED 18,000.
All costs are indicative. Exact fees vary by structure, shareholders, property plans, and audit requirements. Riz & Mona provides a personalised quote before engagement.
UAE Corporate Tax changed the offshore compliance landscape from June 2023. JAFZA companies have additional requirements beyond RAK ICC due to the annual audit obligation.
UAE Corporate Tax applies to all JAFZA offshore companies. FTA registration is mandatory even at zero tax. If your company has no UAE-source income, offshore income generally falls outside the taxable base.
JAFZA requires an annual audit for most company types. Financial statements must be audited by a UAE-registered JAFZA-approved auditor. This is a key difference from RAK ICC which has no audit requirement.
Property-owning JAFZA companies must appoint a UAE resident contact person. This person serves as a local DLD point of contact and is distinct from the company director.
ESR applies to JAFZA companies in banking, insurance, investment fund management, lease finance, HQ, shipping, holding, IP, and distribution.
Three UAE offshore jurisdictions compared. JAFZA is the premium option. Confirm it matches your goals or find where another serves you better.
JAFZA Offshore | RAK ICC | Ajman Offshore |
|---|---|---|
From AED 18,000 | From AED 12,500 | From AED 8,000 |
5 to 10 days | 2 to 4 days | 1 to 3 days |
Excellent | Good | Limited |
Full DLD access | Subject to approval | Not available |
Excellent | Strong | Moderate |
Required | Not required | Not required |
Yes | No | No |
Premium jurisdiction | Best overall value | Entry level only |
Costs are indicative ranges for 2025 to 2026. All three jurisdictions require FTA corporate tax registration.
Dubai's only offshore jurisdiction with full property ownership rights. Riz & Mona handles JAFZA registration, DLD coordination, FTA registration, and bank account introduction from start to finish.
