RAK Offshore Company Formation
Established under Decree No. 12 of 2015, RAK ICCis recognised as one of the world’s most respected offshore registries, operating under a modern common law framework with high international compliance standards.It is a preferred choice for founders, family offices, wealth managers, and international investors seeking a cost effective, private, and compliant UAE offshore structure.
Wealth and Asset Management
A leading jurisdiction for family offices, high net worth investors, and wealth managers structuring international portfolios and inter-generational asset protection.
International Business Holding
Hold shares in UAE free zone companies, mainland LLCs, and international entities through a cost effective and compliant RAK ICC structure.
IP and Technology Ventures
Own and license intellectual property, software, SaaS models, blockchain and digital assets, and media rights through a RAK ICC entity.
Cross-border Trading
Manage international trade flows, invoice global clients, and structure cross-border supply chains efficiently.
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Why Choose RAK ICC for Offshore Company Formation
RAK ICC merged two former registries, RAK International Companies and RAK Offshore, previously under RAKIA. Today it is one of the fastest growing offshore jurisdictions globally.
It operates as a common law offshore jurisdiction within the UAE, aligning with international legal frameworks and giving access to DIFC and ADGM courts for international dispute resolution.
Decree No. 12 of 2015
A modern common law offshore registry, compliant with OECD standards and Economic Substance Requirements.
- Official government corporate registry established under Decree No. 12 of 2015
- Recognised as a modern world class offshore registry with high international compliance standards
- Common law offshore jurisdiction within the UAE, aligning with international legal frameworks
- 100% foreign ownership with no UAE national partner required
- Zero personal income tax and no mandatory share capital deposit required
- No requirement for annual audit or financial statement filing with RAK ICC (records must be kept for 7 years)
- Incorporation completed in 2 to 4 working days remotely
- All documentation and processes available in English
- Accepted by a large number of UAE and international banks
- UAE double taxation treaty network covering more than 137 countries
- Can hold shares in UAE free zone and mainland companies
- Full repatriation of capital and profits with no currency restrictions
- Registered agent provides company address, so no physical UAE office is required
- Shareholder and director information kept at a high level of confidentiality, with the registry not publicly accessible to third parties
- Access to DIFC and ADGM courts for international dispute resolution
RAK ICC Company Structures
RAK ICC offers several legal structures to suit different business and asset holding objectives. Choosing the right structure is important because it affects governance, liability, and compliance obligations.
RAK ICC Company Structures
4- International Business Company (IBC): the most common RAK ICC structure, used for holding, trading, consulting, IP ownership and investment management. Can have one or more shareholders, individual or corporate.
- Foundation: a separate legal entity not owned by shareholders but governed by a council. Commonly used for estate planning, philanthropic purposes, and asset protection across generations.
- Special Purpose Company (SPC): a limited liability vehicle used for a specific defined purpose, such as holding a single asset, managing a project, or structuring a joint venture.
- Restricted Purpose Company: a company incorporated with restrictions on its activities or shareholders, used for specific commercial or structuring needs.
Key Governance Rules
7- Minimum of one shareholder with no maximum limit. Shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities.
- At least one director required, and at least one must be a natural person.
- No minimum share capital required. Companies can be incorporated without depositing any minimum capital.
- All RAK ICC companies must be incorporated through a registered agent accredited by RAK ICC. No in-person attendance is required.
- A UBO register must be maintained and updated whenever ownership or control changes, in line with UAE AML requirements.
- Companies must register for corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority. Qualifying companies may apply for a 0% rate under Free Zone Person criteria.
- A 30-day grace period applies from expiry before late renewal penalties begin, scaling from 10% to 50% before strike-off.
International Trade
Invoice international clients, manage global trading operations, and conduct cross-border supply chain activities outside the UAE.
Hold UAE Company Shares
Own stakes in UAE free zone companies and mainland LLCs. A RAK ICC offshore entity is widely used as a holding company for UAE business interests.
IP and Royalty Management
Own patents, trademarks, software licences, and content rights. Collect royalties and licence fees from international usage.
Multi-currency Bank Accounts
Access UAE and international banking with multi-currency corporate accounts. RAK ICC companies are accepted by a large number of banks globally.
Wealth and Estate Planning
Structure family wealth, manage inter-generational asset transfer, and establish foundations for long-term estate planning purposes.
Digital and Tech Ventures
SaaS companies, media businesses, blockchain projects, e-commerce platforms, and digital consulting firms commonly use RAK ICC as their offshore holding jurisdiction.
Our Process for RAK ICC Offshore Company Formation
Seven steps from choosing the right RAK ICC structure to your Certificate of Incorporation and post-formation compliance.
Consultation and Structure Review
We review your business objectives, asset holding needs, and banking requirements to determine the right RAK ICC structure (IBC, Foundation, SPC, or other) before any application is filed.
Registered Agent Appointment
We identify and appoint a RAK ICC accredited registered agent. All RAK ICC companies must incorporate through an approved agent from the official RAK ICC Agents Directory.
Company Name Submission
We submit three preferred company name choices to RAK ICC for approval. Names must comply with UAE offshore naming regulations and must be unique.
Document Preparation
We review and compile all required documents: passport copies, proof of address, bank reference letters, KYC forms, UBO details, and corporate documents for any company shareholders.
Application Submission
Your registered agent submits the complete application to RAK ICC. No in-person visit is required and the entire process is handled remotely.
Certificate of Incorporation
RAK ICC reviews and approves the application. Your Certificate of Incorporation is issued digitally, typically within 2 to 4 working days of complete submission.
Post-formation Compliance
We assist with corporate tax registration, UBO record setup, bank account applications, ESR assessment, accounting records, and annual renewal.
RAK ICC Offshore Application Checklist
RAK ICC applies full AML compliance, including source of funds information. Have these ready before applying.
Passport copies of all shareholders and directors
Proof of residential address for all shareholders and directors
Bank reference letter from current bank for each party
Three proposed company name choices
Business activity description and intended structure type
KYC forms and UBO information
For corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation, MOA, share register and board resolution
Personal CV or business profile for each shareholder, and source of funds information
Why Work With Us for RAK ICC Offshore Formation
Total first-year cost typically ranges from AED 8,000 to AED 15,000, inclusive of RAK ICC government fees and registered agent professional fees, with incorporation completed in 2 to 4 working days.
As company setup consultants in Dubai, we help you pick the correct RAK ICC structure first, appoint an accredited agent, and manage the setup end to end.
Structure Selection Guidance
We help you choose between an IBC, Foundation, SPC, or other RAK ICC structure based on your asset holding, trading, and compliance objectives.
Document Accuracy
Our team reviews all KYC details, shareholder information, and corporate documents before submission to minimise rejections and delays.
Registered Agent Coordination
We identify and appoint an accredited RAK ICC agent from the official directory and manage the setup process end to end.
Ongoing Compliance Support
After incorporation, we support corporate tax registration, UBO maintenance, ESR assessment, bank account applications, accounting records, and annual renewal.
Incorporation Timeline
Completed in 2 to 4 working days from complete document submission, handled entirely remotely through an accredited agent.
Annual Renewal
Required before the company expiry date. A 30-day grace period applies before late renewal penalties begin.
Late Renewal Penalties
Penalties apply on a graduated scale from 10% to 50% before strike-off. Restoration is possible within 3 years at a flat AED 550 fee plus outstanding dues.
Corporate Tax
Registration with the Federal Tax Authority is required. Qualifying companies may apply for a 0% rate under Free Zone Person criteria.
Compare RAK ICC With Other UAE Offshore Options
RAK ICC leads on cost and banking acceptance. If Dubai property ownership matters, JAFZA is the only route that provides it.
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RAK ICC Offshore Formation FAQs
What is RAK ICC?
RAK ICC stands for Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre. It is the official government corporate registry in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, responsible for offshore company formation and international business company registration. It was established under Decree No. 12 of 2015.
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