Home » Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre

Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC): Tax-Free, Hassle-Free Offshore Formation

A modern offshore jurisdiction designed for international business, asset protection, and maximum flexibility under UAE law.

Key Facts about setting a company in Dubai Free Zone

Setup from

5,555 AED

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Registration from

5 DAYS

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Bank Account

GUARANTEED

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Residence Visas for

2 YEARS

RAK ICC is an offshore company registry established in 2015 in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. It serves as the exclusive authority for incorporating International Business Companies (IBCs) under a modern legal framework designed for international business activities. The registry allows companies to engage in global operations such as asset holding, investment structuring, consulting, and wealth management, while restricting business activities within the UAE mainland.

The registry is highly attractive to international investors due to its streamlined incorporation process, 100% foreign ownership allowance, no minimum capital requirements, and no need for physical office space.

Governed by common law principles and RAK ICC Business Companies Regulations, it offers flexible legal structures and share classes. Companies benefit from the UAE’s extensive double tax treaty network and access to local and international banking facilities, making RAK ICC a world-class jurisdiction for global business growth and investment.

Why Choose RAK ICC for Offshore Company Setup?

✔ 0% corporate and personal tax on offshore income

✔ 100% foreign ownership allowed, no local partner required

✔ No minimum capital requirement for company setup

✔ Full repatriation of profits and capital permitted

✔ No requirement for local office or employees

✔ High privacy and confidentiality for shareholders and directors

✔ Quick and simple incorporation process

✔ No annual financial statements or audits needed

✔ Strong asset protection and legal framework

✔ Access to UAE’s double tax treaty network

We handle it all – so you don’t have to.

Steps for Setting Up a Ras Al Khaimah – ICC Offshore Company

Setting up a company through RAK ICC involves a systematic process that requires careful attention to regulatory requirements and documentation. The incorporation process is designed to be efficient while maintaining high standards of compliance and transparency.

Working with a licensed registered agent is mandatory and ensures that all legal requirements are met throughout the establishment process.

Step 1: Business Name Selection and Reservation

Select a distinctive company name that adheres to RAK ICC naming conventions and regulations. The chosen name must not contain restricted terms, sensitive words, or conflict with existing registered entities.

Once you have identified a suitable name, submit a name reservation request through your registered agent to secure it for your intended company. This reservation protects your chosen name during the incorporation process and prevents other applicants from using it.

Step 2: Business Activity Definition

Clearly define and document the primary business activities that your offshore company will conduct. These activities must fall within the permissible scope under RAK ICC regulations and should align with your business objectives.

Consider the nature of operations such as holding assets, investment management, consulting services, or wealth management activities. Ensure that all proposed activities comply with offshore company restrictions and do not involve prohibited business practices.

Step 3: Registered Agent Appointment

Engage a licensed RAK ICC registered agent who will serve as your company’s official representative and intermediary with the registry. The registered agent is mandatory for all incorporations and cannot be bypassed through direct applications.

This professional will provide the required registered office address within RAK ICC jurisdiction, handle all official correspondence, manage regulatory filings, and ensure ongoing compliance with local requirements.

Step 4: Documentation Preparation and Submission

Gather and prepare all necessary documentation for your incorporation application:

Valid passport copies and current proof of address for all proposed shareholders and directors
Completed Memorandum and Articles of Association outlining company structure and governance
Detailed shareholder and director information including personal and professional backgrounds
Comprehensive business plan or detailed description of intended activities
Bank reference letters and personal or business profiles when required for specific cases
Any additional supporting documents as requested by your registered agent

Step 5: Incorporation Document Execution

Complete the execution of all incorporation documents with proper signatures and attestations. UAE residents typically sign documents at the registered agent’s office in the presence of authorized personnel.

Non-UAE residents may need to have their signatures notarized or apostilled in their home country before sending original documents via secure courier to the registered agent. Ensure all signatures are properly witnessed and authenticated according to RAK ICC requirements.

Step 6: Application Submission and Fee Payment

Your registered agent will compile and submit the complete application package along with all supporting documentation to RAK ICC for review.

Pay all required registration fees, incorporation charges, and agent fees through the accepted payment methods. The registered agent will coordinate the submission process and serve as the primary point of contact with RAK ICC during the review period.

Step 7: Approval and Certificate Issuance

RAK ICC will conduct a thorough review of your application and supporting documents to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements. Upon successful review and approval, you will receive the official Certificate of Incorporation, which legally establishes your company and grants it corporate status.

This certificate serves as proof of your company’s legal existence and authorization to conduct business within the permitted scope.

Step 8: Bank Account Setup and Business Operations

After receiving your Certificate of Incorporation, proceed to establish a corporate bank account either within the UAE or internationally, depending on your business needs and banking preferences.

The account opening process may require additional documentation and typically takes 5-15 working days or longer. Once your company and bank account are fully established, you can begin conducting business activities within your authorized scope.

Ensure ongoing compliance with RAK ICC requirements, including annual renewals, regulatory filings, and maintaining good standing with your registered agent.

Successfully incorporating through RAK ICC provides you with a robust corporate structure for international business operations. The established company benefits from the UAE’s favorable regulatory environment, extensive tax treaty network, and professional business infrastructure.

Maintaining compliance with ongoing requirements ensures your company remains in good standing and can continue to operate effectively in the global marketplace.

Office Requirements in RAK ICC

No physical office required – RAK ICC offshore companies are not obligated to maintain a physical office space or premises within the jurisdiction, eliminating rental costs and operational overhead expenses.
Registered office address is mandatory – Every company must have an official registered address provided by the licensed registered agent, serving as the legal correspondence point for regulatory communications.
No local presence requirements – Directors and officers can be located anywhere globally without needing to reside in or frequently visit the UAE, offering maximum operational flexibility.

This structure supports confidentiality, cost efficiency, and ease of setup for international business operations.

Cost Structure for Setting Up an RAK ICC Offshore Company

The cost structure for RAK ICC company formation involves several components, with competitive market rates offering flexibility for different business needs and budgets:

Cost Category	Amount	Description
Formation Package	USD 3,000 (average)<br>USD 1,950 (starting)	Covers incorporation process, official documentation including certificate of incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association, and registered office address provision
Annual Renewal	USD 2,000	Includes company registration renewal and continued registered agent address services for ongoing compliance
Government Charges	AED 7,200 – 13,600<br>(USD 2,000 – 3,700)	Official registration and licensing charges varying based on selected package and additional services
Registered Agent Services	USD 1,000 – 2,000 annually	Mandatory professional services typically included within setup and renewal packages for regulatory compliance

Additional Services:

Extra documentation such as certificate of incumbency requires separate ordering and payment beyond the standard incorporation package.
Banking establishment represents an optional service that may involve supplementary charges depending on chosen financial institution and requirements.
Expenses may rise when engaging nominee director services or requesting enhanced compliance assistance and ongoing regulatory support.

RAK ICC incorporation costs are competitive and transparent, with comprehensive packages covering essential services. While basic formation averages USD 3,000 with USD 2,000 annual renewals, optional services and enhanced compliance support may increase total expenses based on specific business requirements.

Share Structure and Company Requirements

RAK ICC offshore companies offer a flexible and straightforward share structure and company setup. Here are the main requirements and features:

Share Structure

RAK ICC provides exceptional flexibility in share capital and ownership arrangements, accommodating diverse business needs and investment strategies:

Minimum Shareholder: RAK ICC requires only one shareholder for company formation, providing maximum flexibility for solo entrepreneurs and small businesses. This shareholder can be either an individual person or a corporate entity from any jurisdiction worldwide.
Share Capital: Companies enjoy complete freedom in capital structuring with no mandatory minimum share capital requirements, allowing founders to determine their investment levels based on business needs and financial capabilities rather than regulatory constraints.
Types of Shares: RAK ICC permits companies to issue shares with or without predetermined par values, including fractional shares for precise ownership distribution. Shares can be denominated in any international currency to accommodate global business operations.
Classes of Shares: Multiple share classes are permitted, enabling companies to create different voting rights, dividend preferences, and ownership privileges. This flexibility supports complex investment structures and succession planning for diverse shareholder arrangements.
Bearer Shares: Bearer shares are explicitly prohibited under RAK ICC regulations to ensure transparency and compliance with international anti-money laundering standards. All shares must be registered and traceable to specific beneficial owners.
Treasury Shares: Companies may hold treasury shares subject to their articles of association and applicable regulations. This provision allows for flexible capital management, employee stock options, and strategic share buyback programs.
Joint Shareholding: Multiple individuals can hold shares jointly, facilitating family wealth management, succession planning, and estate planning strategies. This arrangement provides flexibility for inheritance and ownership transfer between related parties.

Company Requirements

Essential structural and operational requirements establish clear legal frameworks for RAK ICC companies while maintaining maximum business flexibility.

These requirements cover basic corporate structure, naming conventions, director appointments, and ongoing compliance obligations, ensuring regulatory standards are met without imposing unnecessary administrative burdens on international business operations.

Company Name

Must end with “Limited” or “Ltd” and avoid restricted terms.

Directors

Minimum one director required; shareholder can serve as director.

Registered Agent

Licensed RAK ICC registered agent appointment is mandatory.

Registered Office

No physical office needed; agent provides official address.

Ownership

100% foreign ownership permitted without local sponsor requirements.

Confidentiality

Shareholder and director details remain private and undisclosed.

Record Keeping

Must maintain shareholder and beneficial owner registers as required.

Company Types

RAK ICC offers various corporate structures to suit different business purposes:

Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG)
Restricted Purposes Company
Segregated Portfolio Company
Unlimited Company

These requirements make RAK ICC offshore companies highly attractive for international business, asset holding, and investment purposes, providing flexibility in share structure and minimal administrative obligations.

Visas in RAK ICC Offshore Company

RAK ICC offshore companies do not qualify for UAE residency visa sponsorship. Shareholders, directors, and employees cannot obtain or sponsor UAE residence visas through RAK ICC entities. This differs significantly from UAE free zone or mainland companies, which provide visa sponsorship capabilities for owners and personnel.

Individuals seeking UAE residency must establish a Free Zone company or secure a Mainland business license instead. RAK ICC offshore companies are specifically structured for international operations, asset management, and investment activities, excluding UAE domestic business operations and residency benefits.

Key considerations:

UAE residency visas are unavailable through RAK ICC offshore structures.
Domestic UAE business activities are prohibited; limited to international operations only.
Free Zone or Mainland company formation is required for visa eligibility and local business activities.

Licenses in RAK ICC Offshore

RAK ICC offshore companies do not require traditional business permits for UAE operations. Upon incorporation, they receive a Certificate of Incorporation, which serves as the official document confirming legal existence.

This certificate enables international business activities but prohibits trading or commercial operations within the UAE market.

Key points regarding permits in RAK ICC offshore:

No UAE operational permit: RAK ICC offshore companies cannot conduct business within UAE mainland or free zones.
Certificate of Incorporation: Primary document received, allowing international business, asset holding, and banking services.
No commercial permits required: Unlike free zone or mainland companies, offshore entities do not apply for or maintain these permits.
Recent Developments: RAK ICC has been authorized to issue Free Zone Commercial Permits for International Business Companies under certain structures, distinct from standard offshore entities. Businesses requiring UAE operational permits must pursue this separate route.

A standard RAK ICC offshore company operates internationally with only a Certificate of Incorporation and does not obtain UAE business permits for local operations. If UAE operational authorization is needed, a different company structure should be considered.

Conclusion

RAK ICC offers a compelling offshore solution for international entrepreneurs seeking tax-efficient, flexible business structures. With 100% foreign ownership, no minimum capital requirements, streamlined incorporation processes, and robust privacy protections, it provides an ideal platform for global operations, asset holding, and investment activities.

While not suitable for UAE residency or local business operations, RAK ICC remains an excellent choice for businesses focused on international markets and wealth management strategies.

How MenaHerald Can Help You?

Dubai South is rapidly emerging as a hub for logistics, aviation, and e-commerce; but navigating the setup process can still be overwhelming without the right guidance.

At MenaHerald, we simplify the route for you. Whether you’re a startup, SME, or international investor, our experts: