RAK ICC (RAK ICC) Company Formation UAE: Guide 2026

RAK ICC lets foreign investors set up an offshore company in just 1–2 days, fully remotely, without the need for a local office, UAE residency, or a trade license.

RAK ICC companies benefit from 100% ownership, zero percent tax, and can operate from anywhere in the world. It is a strong fit for wealth protection, holding assets, succession planning, and international trade. The RAK ICC Business Companies Regulations 2018 provide clear regulatory guidelines for structuring, shareholder powers, and liquidation. Furthermore, breaking rules can attract fines ranging from AED 1,000 to AED 20,000, depending on the violation. 

Dubiz Business Setup offers complete guidance on RAK ICC offshore company formation, and this guide breaks down the setup and its details theoretically. 

Here is what most guides will not tell you: a standard RAK ICC company usually cannot do business inside the UAE at all. But there are two lesser-known workarounds – the Global Product and the Premium Product – that can get you UAE residency, a trade license, and even local operations. Both are well explained here. 

What is RAK ICC in UAE? 

RAK ICC stands for Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre which is an offshore corporate registry (for IBCs, foundations, holding companies) located in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.  

If you plan to hold assets, manage wealth, or do international trading, you can start an offshore company in RAK ICC with full ownership, favourable tax policies, and corporate bank accounts with USD functional currency.  

Watch out: Many clients ask whether RAK ICC is a free zone. There is a major difference between RAKICC offshore and RAK free zone/mainland. While the latter can trade in the UAE, RAKICC companies cannot do business locally in the UAE unless it is RAK ICC’s Premium Product. It must also appoint a registered agent, whose address serves as the company’s registered address in the UAE. 

If you are more interested in doing business inside the UAE, Dubiz Business Setup (a RAK recognised business setup consultant) also assists with RAK mainland and RAKEZ free zone company setup, on which our consultants can guide you further. 

Quick facts about RAK ICC offshore company setup in 2026 

Why should investors choose RAK ICC in 2026?

RAK ICC is the UAE’s largest offshore registry with over 40,000 registered entities across 160+ nationalities. But that is not why investors pick it up. 

Rather, here are the distinguishing benefits that RAKICC provides to offshore companies in 2026: 

• No minimum share capital requirement.
• 100% foreign ownership without interference from local sponsors.
• 100% profit and capital repatriation permitted.
• 0% corporate and income tax on offshore activities.
• Access to the UAE double tax treaty network.
• No financial reporting, owner disclosure, or audit requirements.
• Flexible entity types accommodating distinct purposes.
• Migration and continuation are permitted in other jurisdictions.
• Lower cost of setup as compared to JAFZA offshore.

• Can hold shares in UAE free zone, mainland, and global companies. 

RAK ICC is transforming from a simple offshore registry into a full private wealth hub for Ras Al Khaimah. Many businesses registered with RAK ICC also run separate entities in other parts of Ras Al Khaimah, such as through RAKEZ.  

Through its structing tools (holding companies, foundations), RAKICC helps investors manage their wealth when they sell a business, go through a family transition, or pass assets to the next generation.  

RAK ICC also opened a new Business Centre in Ras Al Khaimah on 1 July 2026, creating a more connected ecosystem for investors. 

Eligibility and documentation for RAK offshore company setup 
The shareholder of an RAKICC company can be a natural person or a corporate entity and based on that, correct documents are as follows: 

Different situations include a specific set of paperwork. In case of changing domicile, the company must also provide certificates of good standing from current registry. 

What is the cost of RAK ICC offshore company setup?  

The cost of offshore company formation in RAK ICC starts at AED 12,000*. 

Cost items include: 

• Incorporation and government fees
• Registered agent fee
• Document preparation and attestation 

To get personalised quotes and cost guidance, we advise you to contact our business setup experts at Dubiz Business Setup. 

Step by step process of Ras al Khaimah offshore company formation 

Wondering how to start an offshore company in RAKICC in 2026? Just follow these 4 basic steps: 

Step 1 – Choose your RAK ICC structure 

Based on your planned activity and ownership, choose the ideal offshore structure for your company. Structuring is one of the most important aspects. Reversing it later on can cost you time and money. 

Step 2 – Partner with a registered agent (mandatory) 

RAKICC registered agents facilitate applications, bank procedures, and legal compliances matters. 

Step 3 – Submit for company registration 

Company registration in RAKICC includes a few key steps: 

• Trade name reservation: Your name must include “Limited” or “Ltd,” should not be restricted, and must follow RAK naming rules.
• Prepare documents: Submit your full scanned passport copy and other documents, usually filed by the registered agent only. MOA and AOA are drafted by the agent. You can sign these digitally.
• Collect your certificate: After 4-5 days your incorporate certificate will be issued, and you can download the copy online. 

Step 4 – Open corporate bank account 

A RAK offshore company can, in fact, open a corporate bank account within the UAE’s strong banking sector. Many banks offer offshore account openings where physical presence is also not required. However, KYC can be lengthy, but our experts will handle filing and banking compliance and sort it out in 2 – 4 weeks. 

What types of business structures can be registered in RAK ICC? 

RAK ICC offers sophisticated structures that support succession planning, governance, and long-term wealth preservation for advisors, entrepreneurs, family offices, and international families. 

Here is a detailed explanation of each: 

Company Limited by Shares (CLS) 

A corporate vehicle where the liability of shareholders is limited to the amount of capital that they have committed or have agreed to commit. 

Features: 

• At least one shareholder and one director.
• Can issue bonus shares, partly paid shares, or nil paid shares.
• Shares can be held jointly. 

Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) 

A RAK company where at least one member acts as guarantor and promises to pay a small, fixed amount only if the company shuts down. 

Features: 

• May or may not be authorised to issue shares.
• Liability of the guarantor member is stated in the MOA and AOA.
• Member stays as a guarantor for 1 year after leaving. 

Restricted Purpose Company (RPC) 

A special purpose vehicle (SPV) set up to do only the one specific activity stated in its memorandum, nothing else. 

Features: 

• Used for one specific purpose.
• Gives stakeholders extra confidence when dealing with it.
• It is a limited company. 

Segregated Portfolio Company (SPC) or Protected Cell Company 

A single company that splits itself into separate “cells” or “portfolios,” each holding its own assets and liabilities, protected from the others. 

Features: 

• Each portfolio’s debts stay within that portfolio. Other portfolio assets cannot be touched, except in rare cases.
• Keeps assets protected.
• Can set up a subsidiary in a free zone. 

Unlimited Company (UC) 

If the company shuts down and does not have enough assets to pay its debts, members must personally cover the rest, together and individually with no limit. 

Features: 

• Shares may or may not be issued.
• Can hold assets in its own name. 

Intellectual Property Holding Company (IPHC) 

A subsidiary or sister company set up by a larger group to hold its trademarks, patents, and copyrights. 

Features: 

• Separates IP from risk and trading activity.
• Easy assignment at a centralised level.
• Easier IP authorisation and inventory management. 

Premium Product 

A premium product is a special corporate structure where a RAK ICC company has a subsidiary in the RAK free zone (RAKEZ). 

Features: 

• Both offshore and free zone structure benefits.
• The first company is RAK ICC, followed by RAKEZ.
• Unlocks staffing, office premises, free zone trade license, and residence visa. 

Transfer of domicile/continuation/migration with RAK ICC 

A company can move its official “home” registration from one country to RAK ICC without dissolving or forming a new company. 

Features: 

• Keep the same legal identity, history, and contracts intact.
• RAKICC registered agents help international enterprises. 

RAK ICC foundation 

A company created to hold assets, particularly for succession planning and asset protection, which is run by a council on behalf of the founder. 

Features: 

• Minimum of 2 members in council.
• Minimum capital: USD 100.
• Perpetual existence continues even after the death of the founder. 

Holding Company (HoldCo) 

Holds controlling stocks or membership interests in other companies (subsidiaries) without engaging in any manufacturing or trading activities. 

Features: 

• Can hold 100% of a subsidiary.
• Each operating company (subsidiary, OpCo) has its own day-to-day business.
• Access to lower interest rate loans. 

Global product 

A free zone company that lets you register a new legal entity (or migrate one), through RAKICC’s registered agents. 

Features: 

• Eligible for UAE residence visa.
• Eligible for tax domicile certificate.
• Choice for facility: coworking, serviced offices, or executive offices.
• Permitted activities: e-commerce, services, media, commercial, educational. 

Difference between RAK ICC company, RAKEZ company, and RAK mainland company 

If you are comparing RAK ICC company formation options, here is a quick comparison between RAK ICC company, a RAKEZ free zone company, and a RAK mainland company: 

Not sure which option fits your business best? Our best business setup experts in UAE can guide you to the right choice. 

Start your RAK ICC company with Dubiz 

Dubiz Business Setup, an experienced and RAK ICC recognised offshore company setup service provider, helps you launch seamlessly. Whether you are planning to visit in person or proceed remotely where possible, we are with you every step of the way. 

From your documents and Certificate of Incorporation to setting up corporate banking, our consultants offer step-by-step guidance to keep you fully UAE law compliant. 

Contact us today: 

📞 Call: ‪+971 56 369 5485      

💬 WhatsApp: ‪+971563695485      

📧 Email: info@dubiz.co 

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