Overview About Jebel Ali Offshore Company (JAFZA) in Dubai
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In 2003, the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) introduced regulations for JAFZA offshore companies in the Jebel Ali Free Zone.
- International financial authorities consider JAFZA offshore as a trusted jurisdiction for French investors looking to expand globally.
- 100% foreign ownership is allowed, which is a major advantage for French entrepreneurs who want full control of their Dubai entity.
- A bank account for a JAFZA offshore company can be opened in multiple currencies, enabling smooth international trade from France.
- A registered agent is required to register a JAFZA offshore company, and Flyingcolour Business Setup can assist French clients with this requirement.
- JAFZA offshore companies cannot rent an office in the UAE, making them ideal for French investors looking for holding structures or international trading setups.
- Shareholders must visit JAFZA in person to form the company. For French nationals, our team can assist with travel arrangements and documentation support.
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JAFZA offshore companies cannot conduct banking or insurance business, making them suitable for French companies seeking international asset holding or investment platforms.
- Additionally, the Dubai Land Department allows JAFZA offshore companies to own freehold properties in Dubai, providing French high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and investors with a secure legal structure for real estate investments.
- Shareholders’ and directors’ names are not listed on public registers, ensuring greater confidentiality and privacy for French investors.
- As per the Ministry of Economy, all offshore companies are required to submit ESR notifications since January 2019, and our advisors ensure full compliance for French clients.
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 valid passport of each shareholder.
Utility bill showing name and address not more than 90 days old
For Frence residents applying for offshore setup.
Bank reference letter from any bank or bank statement
To verify financials; a letter from an Frence or international bank is acceptable.
CV of the shareholder
Detailed resume showing professional background and experience.
Business plan
Outline of business activity—especially for Franch entrepreneurs targeting the global market.
Filled in application form
Standard offshore company registration form filled with correct information.
Any other compliance process as required by authority or registered agent
KYC/AML or notarized documents as per Dubai authority guidelines.
Minimum Legal Requirements for JAFZA Offshore Company Registration in Dubai
Minimum one shareholder is required.
An French individual or a foreign entity can serve as the sole shareholder.
A corporate company can also be a shareholder in an offshore company. However, all attested documents are required for a foreign corporate company.
French companies can invest as corporate shareholders, provided all incorporation and authorization documents are notarized and attested.
Having a director is a must in an offshore company. Director names are not available in the public domain.
You must appoint at least one director. The director’s identity remains confidential and is not listed publicly.
Appointment of secretary is mandatory in JAFZA offshore.
A company secretary is mandatory. One person can act as both director and secretary.
Shareholders names are not available on public domain.
For privacy and confidentiality, shareholder details are protected and not disclosed publicly.
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 assists with all types of company registrations across the United Arab Emirates. We support Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore company setups in all Emirates of the UAE, and also help with opening bank accounts with leading local banks. Our team works closely with all government departments and financial institutions to ensure a smooth, compliant, and efficient business setup process for French entrepreneurs.