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. Crucially, if you need a clean, low-cost vehicle to hold investments or invoice overseas customers, IFZA Offshore is one of the most practical options in the UAE. For most clients, holding Company in IFZA Offshore means owning shares in subsidiaries, property and investments under one parent entity, and it is licensed as a commercial activity. In our experience, holding structures are commonly set up in free zones or as offshore companies to consolidate ownership, simplify succession and benefit from the UAE's 0% corporate tax on qualifying dividends and capital gains.
Why IFZA Offshore
Importantly, offshore companies registered in the UAE benefit from the country's reputation, which is stronger with banks than many traditional offshore jurisdictions. Among its advantages, IFZA Offshore offers Dubai jurisdiction and reputation and Strong bank acceptance for IFZA structures, which keeps the running cost well below a licensed operating company. GoldenKey has licensed holding company in IFZA Offshore for clients ranging from solo business owners to groups opening a regional branch, so we know which sub-activities to list.
Documents required
Gather these paperwork and GoldenKey will take care of the rest of holding company through an IFZA Offshore company.
- A bank reference letter or recent bank statement
- Passport copies for each shareholder and director
- A CV or professional profile for each shareholder
- Attested corporate documents if a company will be the shareholder
- A brief description of the intended activities and source of funds
- Proof of residential address dated within the last three months
Pricing
The figures below for holding company through an IFZA Offshore company are updated by GoldenKey whenever the registrar changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Use the table below to compare packages for holding company through an IFZA Offshore company; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.
- Trade licence & registration
- Upgrade to visas anytime
- GoldenKey full assistance
| Annual renewal | AED 10,000 |
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Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
Banking, logistics, telecoms and digital government services in the UAE are among the most advanced in the region, which keeps the running costs of holding company through an IFZA Offshore company predictable. From day one, there are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from holding company through an IFZA Offshore company can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely.
Why GoldenKey
Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for holding company through an IFZA Offshore company happen the same day they are ready. Crucially, if a document is missing or an approval is delayed on your IFZA Offshore file, we tell you immediately and explain the fix, rather than letting the file sit. For most clients, after your IFZA Offshore licence is issued, the same team handles renewals, visa additions, amendments and tax registrations, so you never have to explain your business twice.
Day to day, tell us about your plans for holding company through an IFZA Offshore company and GoldenKey will come back to you shortly with a clear price, a document checklist and a realistic timeline.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can an IFZA Offshore company be set up?
With complete paperwork, incorporation usually takes 5 business 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.
Can I open a UAE bank account for an IFZA Offshore company?
Yes, several UAE banks accept IFZA Offshore companies, subject to their compliance review. A clear business purpose and source-of-funds documentation make approval more likely.
What approvals does holding company need?
None; economic substance rules may apply. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
Is holding company allowed in IFZA Offshore?
Yes. Holding Company is an available activity in {ent}, and {brand} lists the exact sub-activities on your licence. None; economic substance rules may apply.
