WhatsApp quoteAn IFZA Offshore company is a non-resident entity designed for holding assets, owning shares and trading outside the UAE, with no office, no visas and minimal annual compliance. Many of our clients pair an IFZA Offshore holding company with a free zone operating company, keeping ownership and operations neatly separated. As we tell every client, the most common businesses Canadians open through GoldenKey are in education, engineering, healthcare and technology, although IFZA Offshore supports almost any activity. GoldenKey has Canadian customers from Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, and our consultants understand the supporting documents issued in Canada and how to attest them for the UAE.
Why IFZA Offshore
An IFZA Offshore company cannot rent an office, sponsor visas or trade inside the UAE, which is precisely why its fees are so low. No minimum share capital is prescribed. Many Canadian company owners run IFZA Offshore companies alongside an existing business in Canada, using the UAE entity for international invoicing and regional sales.
How IFZA Offshore works with GoldenKey
Step 1Structure and name
Day to day, we agree the shareholders, directors and share capital and reserve a name with the IFZA Offshore registry. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to an IFZA Offshore company for Canadians.
Step 2Documents and KYC
GoldenKey prepares the know-your-customer file for the IFZA Offshore registry from your passport, address proof and business summary.
Step 3Incorporation
The registry issues the certificate of incorporation, memorandum and share certificates, generally within 5 working days. Nothing is submitted for an IFZA Offshore company for Canadians until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 4Banking and maintenance
GoldenKey connects you with banks comfortable with IFZA Offshore companies and tracks the yearly renewal on your behalf.
Documents required
For an IFZA Offshore company for Canadians the issuing authority asks for the following documents, and we tell you exactly how each must be formatted.
- Attested corporate papers if a company will be the shareholder
- A bank reference letter or recent bank statement
- A CV or professional profile for each shareholder
- A brief description of the intended activities and source of funds
- Passport copies for each shareholder and director
- Educational certificates attested by the Canada authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
Pricing
As we tell every client, the figures below for an IFZA Offshore company for Canadians are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. All prices for an IFZA Offshore company for Canadians are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing ahead of payment.
- Trade licence & registration
- Upgrade to visas anytime
- GoldenKey full assistance
| Annual renewal | AED 10,000 |
|---|
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-05.
Why the UAE
Just as important, the UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for an IFZA Offshore company for Canadians. To be clear, english is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies an IFZA Offshore company for Canadians for international entrepreneurs.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with an IFZA Offshore company for Canadians, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. Most of our IFZA Offshore customers come to us through referrals from other business owners, which is why we take pride in keeping every promise we put in writing. Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for an IFZA Offshore company for Canadians happen the same day they are ready.
In practice, start your IFZA Offshore journey with a free consultation: share a few details about your business and we will map out the fastest route to your licence.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can an IFZA Offshore company be set up?
From day one, with complete documents, incorporation typically takes 5 working days.
Does an IFZA Offshore company get residence visas?
No. Offshore companies do not sponsor visas. If you need residency, we combine the offshore holding company with a free zone company that does.
Is there an audit or tax filing for an IFZA Offshore company?
Most IFZA Offshore companies have no audit requirement, but corporate tax registration and economic substance rules may apply depending on activities. GoldenKey reviews this at incorporation.
Is there a double taxation agreement between Canada and the UAE?
Yes, it can. The UAE and Canada have a double taxation agreement, and a UAE tax residency certificate lets you claim treaty relief on qualifying income. GoldenKey can obtain the certificate once your company is established.
Can a Canadian citizen own 100% of a company in IFZA Offshore?
It can. Canadians can own the full share capital of a IFZA Offshore company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
