Incorporate · Offshore

Company Formation in RAK ICC (UAE)

UAE offshore company for holding and structuring, backed by a UAE registry. Review the legal form, tax position, treaty network and indicative cost, then talk to one team that structures it end to end.

Licensed CSP
50+ yrs combined experience
15+ jurisdictions

Corporate tax: 0% at the RAK ICC level; note UAE corporate tax may apply if the company has a UAE taxable nexus
VAT / GST: Not applicable to a pure offshore holding company (UAE VAT is 5% where registrable activity exists)
Formation: 2-5 days
Foreign ownership: 100% permitted
Tax treaties: 0+
Setup cost: USD 2,000 - 4,500

At a glance

Common entity: International Business Company (IBC)
Formation time: 2-5 days
Setup cost: USD 2,000 - 4,500
Annual cost: USD 1,500 - 3,500
Foreign ownership: 100% permitted
Tax treaties: 0+

Holding companyIP and licensingTrading

Best for

Holding UAE and international assets
Structuring and joint-venture vehicles
Owning shares in UAE free zone or mainland companies

Less ideal for

Businesses needing UAE treaty access
Companies wanting to trade directly inside the UAE market

Legal and formation

Legal system	Common law (RAK ICC registry)
Common entity types	International Business Company (IBC)
Formation timeline	2-5 days
Minimum capital	None
Foreign ownership	100% permitted
Minimum shareholders	1
Minimum directors	1
Local presence	Registered agent and registered office in the UAE required
Public registry	Directors and shareholders not on a public register
Audit	No statutory audit for most companies (records must be kept)

Tax profile

Corporate income tax	0% at the RAK ICC level; note UAE corporate tax may apply if the company has a UAE taxable nexus
VAT / GST	Not applicable to a pure offshore holding company (UAE VAT is 5% where registrable activity exists)
Withholding, dividends	0%
Withholding, interest	0%
Withholding, royalties	0%
Capital gains	Not taxed at the offshore level
Territorial system	Yes
CFC rules	No
Participation exemption	Not applicable at the offshore level

Every figure above is indicative. Rates, thresholds, minimum capital, ownership rules and timelines change and vary by activity, licence and structure. They are confirmed with the relevant authority and in a tailored quote before you rely on them. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.

How to set up in RAK ICC

1
Engage a RAK ICC registered agent and complete KYC
2
Confirm the International Business Company name and structure
3
File the memorandum and articles of association
4
Receive the certificate of incorporation and issue shares
5
Maintain a registered agent and address, then arrange banking

Banking reality

A RAK ICC offshore company can approach UAE banks and EMIs, but banks apply strict KYC and often prefer a link to an onshore or free zone presence, so account opening is selective and can take time.