Estimated Setup & Support Costs

Thanks for sharing. Here’s an indicative cost estimate for setting up and supporting your Offshore business. Final pricing will depend on your chosen structure, activity, and jurisdiction.

 

Offshore Trade License

Estimated Cost Range: AED 7,750 – AED 12,500 per year

What this includes:

  • Offshore company registration in a UAE jurisdiction
  • Business activity registration (holding/international trade)
  • Registered agent & address

What affects cost:

  • Jurisdiction selected (eg: JAFZA, RAK ICC)
  • Business activity scope (holding vs trading)
  • Number of shareholders/structure complexity
  • Additional services (nominee, compliance support)

In practice:
Offshore companies are designed for international business and asset holding. They do not allow direct trading or visa allocation.

Bank Account Opening (Optional)

Estimated Cost Range: AED 1,500 – AED 10,000

What this includes:

  • Bank selection guidance based on your business model
  • Documentation preparation & submission support
  • Coordination with banking partners

What affects cost:

  • Business activity & risk profile
  • Number of shareholders/structure complexity
  • Bank requirements & compliance checks

In practice:
Structured preparation significantly improves success rates. However, approval is subject to the bank’s criteria.

Corporate Tax Registration (Optional)

Estimated Cost Range: AED 1,000 – AED 1,500

What this includes:

  • Registration with the Federal Tax Authority
  • Entity classification and compliance setup

What affects cost:

  • Entity structure & ownership model
  • Financial readiness and documentation

In practice:
All UAE businesses must register, regardless of profitability. Early compliance avoids penalties and operational disruption.

VAT Registration (Optional)

Estimated Cost Range: AED 1,500 – AED 2,000

What this includes:

  • VAT eligibility assessment
  • Registration with the Federal Tax Authority
  • Documentation preparation & submission

What affects cost:

  • Business turnover & structure complexity
  • Availability and quality of financial records

In practice:
Registration is mandatory if annual taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000. Early registration can support input VAT recovery where applicable.

Outsourced HR Services (Optional)

Estimated Cost Range: Requirement-dependent

What this includes:

  • Employment contracts aligned with UAE Labor Law
  • HR documentation, policies, and compliance support
  • Ongoing advisory and employee lifecycle management

What affects cost:

  • Number of employees (headcount)
  • Level of support required (eg, compliance vs advisory)
  • Inclusion of HR systems and automation tools

In practice:
HR management is critical, even for small businesses. Expert advice, on demand, ensures compliance, strengthens operations, and enables sustainable growth.

AML Compliance Services (Optional)

Estimated Cost Range: AED 1,500 – AED 2,500

What this includes:

  • AML applicability assessment (DNFBP &/or regulated activities)
  • Policy & procedure setup
  • GoAML registration & reporting support

What affects cost:

  • Business activity (regulated vs non-regulated)
  • Complexity of transactions & risk exposure
  • Level of ongoing monitoring required

In practice:
AML reporting is mandatory for specific business types from day one. Structured setup reduces risk and protects bank relationships.

Next Step

One of our business setup advisors will be in touch shortly to provide expert guidance and answer any questions you may have.

Your free consultation will help you:

  • Confirm the right license and jurisdicion
  • Refine your cost model
  • Avoid common setup and compliance risks
  • Accelerate your time to launch