Company Formation · RAK ICC

RAK ICC Offshore Company Formation, Done Right

Incorporate a UAE-based offshore company with 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax, and no minimum capital. One team handles incorporation, registered agent and office, and UAE bank account introductions end to end.

Licensed CSP
50+ yrs combined experience
15+ jurisdictions

Waterfront in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

Setup time: 3-5 business days
Foreign ownership: 100%
Min. capital: No minimum
Corporate tax: 0%
Annual renewal: Registry + registered agent
Residence visa: Not available (offshore)

Why Choose RAK ICC for Company Formation?

RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) is a UAE-based offshore registry in Ras Al Khaimah. It pairs the benefits of a traditional offshore jurisdiction with the advantages of being inside the UAE:

Zero Corporate Tax. No corporate tax, income tax, capital gains tax, or withholding tax at the offshore level

UAE Banking Access. Easier UAE bank account opening than traditional Caribbean offshore jurisdictions

100% Foreign Ownership. Full foreign ownership with a minimum of one shareholder of any nationality

No Minimum Capital. No minimum paid-up capital requirement to incorporate

Fast Incorporation. Typically incorporated within 3-5 business days

English Common Law. A familiar legal framework based on English common law principles

Regional Gateway. A practical hub for Middle East, Africa, and Asia structuring

Simple Compliance. Straightforward ongoing requirements with no mandatory audit for most companies

RAK ICC Company Types

International Business Company (IBC)

Min. capital: No minimum
Shareholders: 1 minimum (any nationality)
Best for: International trading, consulting, and general offshore use

Holding Company

Min. capital: No minimum
Shareholders: 1 minimum (any nationality)
Best for: Asset holding and group structuring across subsidiaries

Restricted Purpose Company

Min. capital: No minimum
Shareholders: 1 minimum
Best for: Single defined purpose, often used in financing transactions

Segregated Portfolio Company

Min. capital: No minimum
Shareholders: 1 minimum
Best for: Segregating assets and liabilities across separate portfolios

Common Uses for RAK ICC Companies

International Holding

Hold shares in subsidiaries across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, with access to UAE treaty benefits and banking.

Asset Protection

Ring-fence assets within a stable, English common law framework for international families and groups.

International Trading

Import, export, and trading operations supported by UAE banking and trade finance relationships.

IP and Consulting

Hold intellectual property and provide international consulting and management services in a tax-efficient structure.

Note: Costs are indicative and may change with your requirements and regulations. Contact us for a tailored quote.

How RAK ICC Incorporation Works

RAK ICC companies are incorporated through the RAK International Corporate Centre registry and must act through a licensed registered agent, who also provides the registered office. Incorporation is governed by RAK ICC's own regulations under English common law principles. There is no minimum capital, a single shareholder and a single director of any nationality are permitted, and most companies have no mandatory audit. A RAK ICC company is an offshore vehicle: it cannot trade within the UAE mainland and does not provide residence visas, but it can hold UAE and international bank accounts.

Common Company Types

International Business Company (IBC). The standard vehicle for international trading, consulting, and general offshore use.

Holding Company. Used to hold shares in subsidiaries and for group structuring.

Restricted Purpose Company. Limited to a single defined purpose, often used in financing transactions.

Segregated Portfolio Company. Segregates assets and liabilities across separate portfolios.

Core Requirements and Documents

Shareholder and director documents: passport copies and proof of address for each individual, plus bank or professional references
Licensed registered agent and office: a RAK ICC company must appoint a licensed registered agent who provides the registered office
Ongoing records: proper accounting records and ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) information must be maintained; certain activities may fall within UAE economic substance requirements

Last reviewed: June 2026. Reflects current RAK ICC offshore registry requirements.

RAK ICC Company Formation Process

From confirming the right structure to incorporation, banking, and ongoing renewals, here is the step-by-step path.

Confirm RAK ICC Is the Right Fit

We begin with a consultation to understand your structuring objectives and confirm whether RAK ICC suits your needs, considering UAE banking access, double tax treaty benefits, and your target markets. We advise on the appropriate company type for holding, trading, or consulting.

Reserve the Company Name

We submit your preferred company name to the RAK International Corporate Centre registry and confirm availability and compliance with naming rules before incorporation.

Prepare Documentation and Due Diligence

We prepare the required documents (passport copies, proof of address, bank references, and a business profile), complete KYC and AML checks, and assemble the incorporation package for submission through your registered agent.

Incorporate with RAK ICC

We manage incorporation with RAK ICC, including the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the appointment of a licensed registered agent and registered office, typically completed within 3-5 business days.

Arrange Corporate Services and Banking

We put your registered agent, registered office, and corporate secretarial services in place and support UAE bank account opening, where RAK ICC's UAE base is a practical advantage over Caribbean offshore jurisdictions.

Maintain Compliance and Renewals

We set up your ongoing compliance framework, including beneficial ownership records and accounting records, and manage annual renewals (registry fee plus registered agent) so the company stays in good standing.

Total time3-5 business days to incorporate (indicative)

Have questions about the process?

Our experts are here to guide you through each step and answer your questions.

Why Choose AURNÉ for RAK ICC Formation?

Our UAE-based team combines local access with international structuring experience:

Local Presence. Based in Dubai with direct access to RAK ICC and licensed registered agent services

Banking Expertise. Strong relationships with UAE banks to support account opening for offshore entities

Multi-Jurisdiction Experience. Able to coordinate RAK ICC with free zone or mainland structures where needed

Compliance Support. Ongoing corporate maintenance, beneficial ownership records, and annual renewals

Regional Knowledge. Practical understanding of the GCC business and structuring environment

Integrated Solutions. Company formation combined with accounting, tax, and compliance services

RAK ICC Company Formation - Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about RAK ICC offshore company formation, banking access, uses, and compliance requirements.

Related Services

Offshore Company Formation

Compare offshore jurisdictions including BVI, Cayman, Mauritius, RAK ICC, and Seychelles for holding and asset protection.

Learn more

Company Formation in Dubai

Dubai free zone and mainland company formation with residence visa and banking support.

Learn more

Company Formation in BVI

British Virgin Islands company formation for international holding structures and asset protection.

Learn more

View all services

Related Insights

Advisory Note · Jun 2026

SAMA's Open Banking Initiative: Strategic Implications for UAE Financial Businesses

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) is officially licensing Open Banking providers, creating significant market opportunities for UAE fintechs and necessitating adaptation for traditional financial institutions. Understand the strategic impact and compliance requirements.

Read article

Advisory Note · Jun 2026

SAMA's Consumer Finance Expansion: Implications for UAE Businesses

The Saudi Central Bank's licensing of 'jak almuqaddimah Company' boosts the finance sector to 75 firms. Explore how this impacts UAE businesses, fostering competition and new opportunities.

Read article

Advisory Note · Jun 2026

MAS Clarifies Single Family Office Exemptions: What UAE Businesses Need to Know for Singapore Operations

MAS has clarified its Single Family Office (SFO) licensing exemption framework. Understand criteria, notification, and obligations for UAE businesses with

Read article

View all related articles

Begin Your Journey

Ready to explore how AURNÉ can support your business objectives? Let's discuss your specific requirements.

Learn About Our Approach

RAK ICC Offshore Company Formation, Done Right

Licensed CSP

50+ yrs combined experience

15+ jurisdictions