RAK International Corporate Centre
RAKICC Offshore
The UAE's fastest and most cost-effective offshore vehicle.
100%
Foreign ownership
0%
Corporate tax*
1
Minimum shareholder
Full
Confidentiality
Overview
Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) has developed a set of unique regulations for incorporating international companies, similar in concept to a classic offshore company. Incorporation must be processed through a registered agent — a licensed firm of accountants or lawyers permitted to act as agent for the company and provide its registered office.
RAK ICC is the most cost-effective and fastest of the main UAE offshore zones, typically completing incorporation in 3 to 7 working days. Evolva is a registered agent with RAK ICC and can assist with the full process, from choosing the right structure to opening a UAE bank account.
Salient Features of a RAK ICC International Company
RAK ICC was designed to make international company formation as simple and flexible as possible.
Limited Liability Status
Companies carry limited liability status, with permitted name suffixes of "Limited" or "Incorporated".
One Shareholder Minimum
Companies can be formed with a minimum of one shareholder, with no restriction on the maximum number of shareholders.
One Director Minimum
A minimum of one director is required, and one person may hold both shareholder and director capacities.
Corporate Directors Allowed
Both corporate directors and corporate shareholders are permitted, useful for group holding structures.
No Minimum Capital
There is no minimum share capital requirement for a RAK ICC company.
Multiple Share Classes
Shares can be issued in different classes to reflect varying rights and entitlements among shareholders.
No Personal Attendance
Shareholders and directors are not required to appear before the authorities in person, only before the registered agent to sign documents.
Choice of Governing Law
Shareholders and members can apply the applicable law of their choice to the company's constitution.
90-Day Name Reservation
Company names can be reserved for up to 90 days during the pre-incorporation period on payment of the prescribed fee.
No Personal or Corporate Income Tax*
RAK ICC companies are not subject to UAE personal or corporate income tax on non-UAE-sourced income, subject to case-by-case assessment.
No Mandatory Annual Audit
It is not mandatory to submit audited accounts annually, though financial records must still be maintained.
Foreign Characters Permitted
Foreign names and characters may be included in the company name, subject to authority approval.
What a RAK ICC Company Can and Cannot Do
RAK ICC international companies are built for cross-border holding and trade, not for operating inside the free zone or the wider UAE market.
Permitted Activities
Hold contacts with UAE-based legal consultants, lawyers, accountants and auditors; hold a UAE bank account; become a shareholder in a new or existing UAE company; and hold shareholder and director meetings within the UAE.
Restricted Activities
Cannot conduct business with persons inside the RAK ICC zone itself, cannot carry out banking business, and cannot operate as an insurance or re-insurance company, insurance broker or insurance agent.
Holding Company Structures
Widely used to act as a holding company, holding investments either in the UAE or in foreign countries under a single, well-regulated entity.
International Trading
Suited to international trading activity and cross-border commercial structures where the company does not need a physical UAE presence.
Property Holding
Can hold properties in foreign countries and, in RAK ICC-approved developments, certain properties within the UAE.
RAK ICC vs JAFZA Offshore vs Ajman Offshore
RAK ICC is the fastest and most cost-effective UAE offshore vehicle for holding and international trade.
| Factor | RAK ICC | JAFZA Offshore | Ajman Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup cost (from) | AED 10,000–14,000 | AED 20,000–28,000 | AED 8,000–12,000 |
| Incorporation time | 3–7 days | 2–4 weeks | 3–7 days |
| Minimum directors | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Dubai property ownership | Approved projects | Yes, anywhere permitted | No |
| Audit requirement | Records kept, no filed audit | Audit required | Records kept |
| Best for | Holding + international trade | Property + prestige | Low-cost holding |
Figures are indicative and subject to authority changes — confirm current fees with your consultant. See our dedicated JAFZA / Dubai Offshore page for more detail on that jurisdiction.
How to Set Up a RAK ICC International Company
RAK ICC incorporation is processed entirely through a registered agent and typically completes within a week.
- 1
Choose your structure
Decide on shareholder type (individual or corporate), share classes and whether corporate directors are required.
- 2
Reserve the company name
Submit your preferred name, ending in "Limited" or "Incorporated", for reservation with the RAK ICC registry — valid up to 90 days.
- 3
Prepare KYC documents
Passport copies, proof of address, bank reference and CV for each shareholder and director, filed by Evolva as your registered agent.
- 4
Sign the incorporation documents
Shareholders and directors sign the Memorandum and Articles of Association before the registered agent — no need to appear before the authority in person.
- 5
Receive your certificate of incorporation
Once approved, RAK ICC issues the certificate of incorporation, typically within 3–7 working days of complete documentation.
- 6
Open your UAE bank account
Evolva prepares the compliance file and introduces you to UAE banks that accept RAK ICC offshore structures.
What Documents Do You Need for RAK ICC Incorporation?
Requirements depend on whether the shareholder is an individual or a corporate entity.
Individual Shareholders & Directors
- Valid passport copy (all pages)
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, under 3 months old)
- Bank or professional reference letter
- Short CV or business profile
Corporate Shareholders
- Certificate of incorporation of the parent company
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Board resolution approving the new RAK ICC company
- Passport copies of all directors and shareholders of the parent company
RAK ICC Tax & Compliance
RAK ICC companies are not subject to UAE personal or corporate income tax on income sourced outside the UAE, though offshore entities are juridical persons and generally must register with the Federal Tax Authority. A non-resident company earning no UAE-sourced income typically has no corporate or income tax to pay, subject to a one-time assessment against its planned activities.
Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) filing requirements were cancelled by Cabinet Decision No. 98 of 2024 for financial years ending after 31 December 2022, so RAK ICC companies no longer file ESR notifications or reports. Record-keeping duties under RAK ICC's business company regulations still apply — accounts must be maintained, even though a filed annual audit is not mandatory for most structures.
Why Choose Evolva for Your RAK ICC Setup?
RAK ICC incorporation is fast, but getting the structure, documents and bank introduction right the first time still requires an experienced registered agent.
Registered RAK ICC Agent
As a registered agent, Evolva files directly with the RAK ICC registry — no third-party delays.
Structure Guidance
We advise on share classes, corporate director structures and governing law choices tailored to your goals.
Fast Turnaround
Most RAK ICC incorporations complete within 3–7 working days of receiving complete documentation.
Banking Introductions
We prepare your compliance file and introduce you to UAE banks that accept RAK ICC offshore structures.
Transparent Pricing
Government fees and our service fee are itemised clearly before you commit — no hidden costs.
Ongoing Compliance Support
We help you maintain statutory records and renew your registered agent agreement each year.
RAK ICC Offshore FAQs
Ready to start your RAK ICC Offshore setup?
Speak to an Evolva consultant for a tailored quote and a clear timeline.
خدمات ذات صلة
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