What documents does a Filipino national need to start a building maintenance business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Philippines passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Philippines, attested documents via Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and a business plan for your building maintenance venture.

How long does it take for a Filipino citizen to set up a building maintenance company in JAFZA Offshore?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 5–8 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 15–25 business days.

How long does it take to get a Building Maintenance licence in JAFZA Offshore?

The typical processing time for a building maintenance licence at JAFZA Offshore is 5 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. Since this is a non-regulated activity, the process is straightforward and typically completed within the standard timeframe.

How much does it cost to set up a Building Maintenance business in JAFZA Offshore?

The total setup cost for a Building Maintenance business in JAFZA Offshore starts from approximately AED 18,000 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 0 per visa), office space, and establishment card fees. IBA provides a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation.

What documents do I need to set up a Building Maintenance business in JAFZA Offshore?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

Can I get a residence visa with my Building Maintenance licence from JAFZA Offshore?

Offshore companies in JAFZA Offshore do not include residence visa allocation. If you require a UAE residence visa, consider a free zone or mainland licence instead.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my JAFZA Offshore Building Maintenance licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from JAFZA Offshore, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Offshore companies can open corporate accounts, though the choice of banks may be more limited. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

OffshoreServices

Building Maintenance in JAFZA Offshore

Starting From

AED 18,000

Setup Time

5 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Dubai

About Building Maintenance

As a Filipino national looking to establish a Building Maintenance business in JAFZA Offshore, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. Philippines has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of Filipino professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As an offshore entity regulated under Dubai's commercial laws, your Building Maintenance business will benefit from zero tax on all income and full capital repatriation. The JAFZA Offshore licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 18,000.

With over two decades of experience in UAE business formation, IBA International provides end-to-end support for your building maintenance setup in JAFZA Offshore. Our dedicated advisors handle the paperwork, government liaisons, and compliance requirements, so you can focus on building your business from day one.

Why JAFZA Offshore for Building Maintenance?

There are several compelling reasons why JAFZA Offshore continues to attract building maintenance entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers zero tax on all income, which is particularly valuable for building maintenance operations. Additionally, full capital repatriation ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. The offshore structure provides maximum confidentiality and is ideal for holding assets, intellectual property, and international trade operations. Many international businesses choose the offshore route for its streamlined compliance requirements and ability to open multi-currency bank accounts with leading UAE banks. Corporate bank account access further enhances the appeal of JAFZA Offshore for building maintenance professionals. Furthermore, no physical office required positions your building maintenance business for long-term success in the region. With Dubai continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, JAFZA Offshore remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established services enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Filipino nationals specifically, the Dubai government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Filipino business community.

Zero tax on all income

Full capital repatriation

Corporate bank account access

No physical office required

Asset protection

Visa Requirements for Filipino Nationals

Filipino nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. Once your building maintenance licence is issued by JAFZA Offshore, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 10–17 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Filipino Business Owners

Filipino entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation. A solid business plan helps expedite the process. For your building maintenance business in JAFZA Offshore, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Filipino business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Philippines-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Filipino Nationals

Filipino nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for building maintenance), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to JAFZA Offshore.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Philippines passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport-sized photographs with white background

5Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

6Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

7Detailed business plan or activity description

8Notarised power of attorney (if applicable)

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	18,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 18,000

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your building maintenance business plan and the best JAFZA Offshore licence options for Filipino nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Philippines through Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the building maintenance licence application to JAFZA Offshore. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official JAFZA Offshore trade licence within 5–8 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Filipino nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Filipino entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation.

Start Operations

Your building maintenance business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 5 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. JAFZA Offshore allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Filipino nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Building Maintenance in Other Jurisdictions

DIC

From AED 15,000

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750

DSO

From AED 12,000