Overview About Jebel Ali Offshore Company (JAFZA) in Dubai
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In 2003, Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) introduced specific regulations for forming offshore companies in Jebel Ali Free Zone.
- JAFZA offshore is a well-known jurisdiction for German investors looking to expand globally.
- 100% foreign ownership is allowed, perfect for German entrepreneurs to have full control of their Dubai based offshore company.
- A JAFZA offshore company can open multi-currency bank accounts, for smooth international trade from Germany.
- A registered agent is mandatory to form a JAFZA offshore company and Flyingcolour Business Setup assists German clients.
- JAFZA offshore companies cannot lease physical offices in the UAE, ideal for German investors focused on holding structures or international trade.
- Shareholders must visit JAFZA in person to complete the company formation. Flyingcolour helps German nationals with travel arrangements and required documents.
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JAFZA offshore companies are not allowed to do banking or insurance business, suitable for German entities looking for asset holding or investment vehicles.
- JAFZA companies can own freehold property in Dubai as approved by Dubai Land Department, for German investors to have a legitimate structure for real estate investments.
- These offshore companies can hold shares in onshore UAE companies, for German entrepreneurs to expand in the UAE with clear legal separation.
- As per UAE Ministry of Economy regulations, all offshore entities must submit ESR notifications from January 2019. Our advisors ensure full compliance for German clients.
- JAFZA offshore companies are exempt from UAE VAT, beneficial for German businesses involved in cross-border trade.
Key Benefits of Forming Offshore Company in Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) in Dubai
Asset protection
Succession planning
Privacy and Anonymity
Low operational cost
Owning shares in other onshore companies
Operational bank account in multi currency
Invoicing internationally for trading and services businesses
Owning freehold real estate in Dubai
Owning shares in mainland LLC
Popular Business Activities in an Offshore Company Registered with JAFZA Dubai
Property holding
Asset or share holding
Investment holding in form of stocks, precious metals and funds
International trading
International consultancy services
Holding IP rights
Documents Required to Register Dubai Offshore Company
Passport copy
Clear copy of the valid passport for each shareholder.
Utility bill
Not older than 90 days, showing name and address—applies to German residents applying for offshore formation.
Bank reference letter or bank statement
Can be issued by a German or international bank to show financials.
CV of the shareholder
Detailed resume showing professional and business experience.
Business plan
Overview of the intended activity—especially for German investors expanding globally.
Filled in application form
Standard registration form filled with correct data.
Other compliance documents
Includes notarized KYC/AML documents as per Dubai authority requirements.
JAFZA Offshore Company Registration Requirements in Dubai
At least one shareholder is required
A German individual or a corporate entity can be the shareholder.
Corporate shareholders are allowed
German companies can be shareholders if all incorporation documents are attested and notarized.
Director requirement
One director is mandatory; identity is confidential.
Company secretary is compulsory
One person can be both the director and the secretary.
Confidentiality of shareholders
Shareholder names are not disclosed in public records.
Special Note
Minimum one shareholder is required.
A corporate company can also be a shareholder in an offshore company. However, all attested documents are required for a foreign corporate company.
Flyingcolour Business Setup assists in all types of company formation across UAE—Mainland, Free Zone and Offshore—for German entrepreneurs. We also help in opening UAE bank accounts and coordinate with local authorities for a smooth process.