Purpose and jurisdiction
We begin with what the entity will own or do, the countries involved and the requirements of the proposed registry.
Business structures
Connect your plans
across borders.
Explore an Offshore structure for international interests, company ownership and asset holding.
Discuss your plansOffshore Company Formation
International interests.
A considered framework.
An Offshore company may suit the ownership of companies or assets and certain international activities. Its purpose and permitted use need to be clear before a jurisdiction is selected.
We bring together the incorporation requirements, registered-agent arrangements, banking preparation and ongoing administration, with legal and tax specialists involved where needed.
What we help with
Practical support.
Considered at every stage.
Ownership and governance
We help coordinate shareholder information, beneficial ownership documentation and the company’s proposed governance arrangements.
Formation coordination
We organise the incorporation workstream with the relevant providers and help keep the supporting documents and decisions aligned.
Banking and maintenance
We plan the documentation a bank may request and help identify the renewals, records and reporting relevant to the chosen structure.
Jurisdictions & vehicles
Compare the structure behind the name.
Compare offshore registries with an ADGM holding vehicle. Their permitted activities, governance and ongoing requirements need separate consideration.
RAK ICC
An international corporate registry for holding companies and cross-border structures. We assess the proposed ownership, assets and purpose before coordinating the setup.
- Company and ownership structure
- Registered-agent coordination and ongoing records
JAFZA Offshore
An offshore company route with its own registration framework. Incorporation and dealings with the offshore registry are coordinated through a Jafza Registered Agent.
- Permitted purpose and proposed assets
- Agent appointment and incorporation documents
ADGM SPV
A special purpose vehicle for holding assets and separating defined risks. It is a passive structure and cannot conduct operational business or hire staff.
- Asset, investment and ownership purpose
- ADGM requirements and licensed CSP appointment where required
Common objectives
Give each part of your structure a clear role.
Holding Company
Organise ownership of operating businesses through a separate holding entity, with governance and future transfers considered from the outset.
- Shareholding and shareholder agreements
- Connections to the operating companies
Property Holding
Assess whether a company can hold the intended property and how ownership should work for multiple investors or a family.
- Property-registry eligibility
- Ownership, financing and succession considerations
IP Holding
Consider a distinct owner for intellectual property and the agreements needed for operating businesses to use it.
- Ownership and assignment records
- Licensing arrangements and specialist tax review
International Trading
Review an international trading model against the selected registry's permitted activities and the rules where the business is carried on.
- Transaction flows, contracts and counterparties
- Operational permissions and banking requirements
International trading is not an activity for an ADGM SPV. The appropriate entity depends on the actual business model, not simply the offshore label.
Before you decide
Plan the practical boundaries early.
Operating permissions
Check where and how the entity may carry on business. UAE operations can require a separately licensed operating company or additional permissions.
Residency & people
Do not select a holding or offshore vehicle on the assumption that it will sponsor residency or employees. Assess those requirements separately.
Office & representation
Distinguish the registered office and agent or service-provider arrangements from premises for an operating business.
Banking & disclosure
Prepare clear ownership, source-of-funds and business-purpose evidence. Each bank applies its own assessment and may request further information.
Ongoing obligations
Plan renewals, accounting records, beneficial-ownership disclosures and applicable tax obligations. An offshore name does not establish a tax outcome.
A useful starting point
Give the structure
a clear purpose.
- The companies, investments or other assets involved.
- Where the owners and activities are based.
- Your banking, governance and long-term ownership objectives.
Is Offshore the same as a holding company?
The terms describe different things. Offshore refers to a jurisdictional or incorporation framework; holding describes an entity’s purpose. An Offshore company may be used as a holding company if the rules and objectives fit.
Can I use it to run any UAE business?
An Offshore entity should not be assumed to carry the same operating permissions as a Mainland or Free Zone business. The proposed activity must be checked against the chosen framework.
Are banking and tax treatment automatic?
No. Banks make their own onboarding decisions, and tax treatment depends on the applicable rules and facts. These questions should be assessed separately from incorporation.
Holding Structures
Organise business interests and assets around the way you want to own, govern and develop them.
Wealth & Asset Structuring
Offshore trusts, private trustee companies, DIFC foundations and international banking, brought together around your priorities.
Banking Preparation & Support
Clear documentation, relevant introductions and application support for your business or personal banking needs.
Your next chapter starts with a conversation