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RAK International Corporate Centre

RAK ICC offshore company setup — holding, wealth & succession

RAKEFZ is the only all-in-one agent that covers every RAK jurisdiction. For offshore holding, asset protection and family succession,RAK ICC offers a common-law registry, confidentiality and fast incorporation — supported by your dedicated human Relationship Manager.

Start your RAK ICC setup →Family office services

What is RAK ICC?

RAK ICC is the UAE offshore registry in Ras Al Khaimah. It is not a free zone and does not issue UAE trade licences or visas. It is the preferred jurisdiction for holding companies, foundations, SPVs and asset-protection structures.

Why set up in RAK ICC?

  • 100% foreign ownership — no local sponsor
  • No physical office or UAE visit required
  • Common-law framework and DIFC/ADGM court access
  • Ideal for holding companies, IP and foundations
  • Fast incorporation, often 2–4 working days

Structures available in RAK ICC

International Business Company

Company Limited by Shares — the standard offshore trading and holding vehicle.

Foundation

Common-law foundation for succession, legacy and asset protection planning.

Segregated Portfolio Company

Hold multiple portfolios or assets under one legal entity with ring-fenced risk.

Restricted Purposes Company

A special-purpose vehicle for a defined transaction or holding structure.

Company Limited by Guarantee

Typically used for non-profit or membership-based structures.

Premium Product

RAK ICC holding company + RAKEZ subsidiary for onshore operations and visas.

RAK ICC setup cost and timeline

Government fee from
AED 6,900
Annual registered agent fee applies
RAKEFZ service fee from
AED 2,900
Flat Essential service fee
Typical setup time
2–4 days
No physical visit required

How to set up an offshore company in RAK ICC

RAK ICC incorporation is fully remote. RAKEFZ acts as your registered agent and handles the statutory filings, KYC review and document delivery.

1

Pick the right RAK ICC structure

Choose an IBC for trading or holding, a foundation for succession, an SPC for ring-fenced portfolios, or the Premium Product if you need UAE onshore operations and visas.

2

Reserve a name and appoint directors

Submit 2–3 proposed names for availability. Decide on directors, shareholders, beneficial owners and a company secretary if required.

3

Prepare KYC and corporate documents

Provide passport copies, proof of address and source-of-funds details. If a corporate shareholder is involved, provide incorporation documents, good standing and board resolutions.

4

File through your registered agent

RAKEFZ submits the application to RAK ICC, pays the government fee and tracks approval. Most standard IBCs are issued in 2–4 working days.

5

Receive your corporate documents

You receive the Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association, share register and first board minutes.

6

Open a bank account and structure operations

If needed, apply to a bank that accepts offshore companies or pair the entity with a RAKEZ subsidiary via the Premium Product. Ensure economic substance requirements are met.

7

Maintain annual compliance

Pay the registered agent fee, renew the RAK ICC licence, keep statutory registers current and file any required economic substance returns.

Important: RAK ICC companies cannot trade inside the UAE or issue UAE residence visas. If you need either, consider the Premium Product (RAK ICC + RAKEZ) or a separate mainland/free-zone company.

RAK ICC offshore contingencies to plan for

No UAE market access

RAK ICC is for offshore activities only. Any UAE operations, local invoicing or staff on the ground need a free-zone or mainland licence, often paired as the Premium Product.

No UAE residence visas

A standalone RAK ICC company does not provide visa eligibility. Use the Premium Product with a RAKEZ subsidiary if you or your team need Emirates ID and residence visas.

Banking can be selective

UAE retail banks often prefer onshore licences and Emirates IDs. Offshore banking may require a strong business plan, source-of-wealth evidence and, in some cases, a personal visit.

Economic substance rules

If the RAK ICC company carries out a relevant activity such as holding, finance, IP or shipping, it must demonstrate adequate substance in the UAE and file an annual return.

Annual registered-agent requirement

RAK ICC companies must keep a registered agent and registered office every year. Missing renewal can lead to strike-off and loss of good standing.

Name and structure restrictions

Some words (bank, insurance, trust, royal, government) need regulator approval. A structure with corporate shareholders takes longer to verify and document.

Frequently asked questions

Start your RAK ICC structure today

Set up an offshore company or foundation in RAK ICC with full agent support. Your dedicated Relationship Manager handles incorporation, documents and ongoing compliance.

Start RAK ICC setup →