Business setup
RAK ICC & UAE offshore companies
Flexible, low-cost companies for holding assets, international trade and IP. As approved RAK ICC Registered Agent No. 0122, we incorporate directly with the registry and act as your agent every year after.
At a glance
Registered agent
RAK ICC No. 0122
Shareholders
From 1
Physical presence
Not required
Setup time
Typically 3–7 working days
Overview
RAK ICC: the UAE’s leading offshore registry
The Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) is the offshore corporate registry of the Government of Ras Al Khaimah. Its Business Companies Regulations are modelled on leading international offshore laws, giving you a flexible company that banks, lawyers and investors already understand.
RAK ICC companies are used to hold shares in other companies, property, intellectual property and investments, and to trade internationally. They cannot trade inside the UAE, lease UAE office space or sponsor residence visas. If you need those, a RAK ICC company can own your free zone or mainland operating company.
Every RAK ICC company must be formed and maintained through an approved registered agent. Emford Global DMCC is RAK ICC Registered Agent No. 0122, so we incorporate directly with the registry, act as your registered agent and registered office, and manage every annual renewal.
RAK ICC also offers foundations, under the RAK ICC Foundations Regulations 2019, and allows companies from other jurisdictions to transfer in by continuation. That makes it a practical home for holding structures, family wealth and groups moving their parent company to the UAE.
Key advantages
Emford is approved RAK ICC Registered Agent No. 0122
One shareholder and one director is enough
No UAE residency or office needed
Incorporation often completed within days
Companies can transfer in or out by continuation
Can own UAE free zone and mainland companies
Who it is for
What RAK ICC companies are used for
01
Holding companies
A parent company that owns your UAE and overseas operating companies under one roof.
02
Property holding
Holding real estate outside your personal name, subject to the rules of the country or emirate where the property is located.
03
Intellectual property
Owning trademarks, software and other IP, and licensing it to group companies.
04
International trading
Trading with customers and suppliers outside the UAE.
05
Family & succession structures
Companies owned by a RAK ICC foundation for long-term family planning.
06
Joint ventures & investments
A neutral vehicle for partners from different countries to invest together.
What we handle
Incorporation and ongoing agent services.
Registry advice
RAK ICC, Ajman or JAFZA: we compare costs, uses and bankability.
Name & incorporation
Name approval, KYC and incorporation filings.
Registered agent & office
Statutory registered agent and office address provided by us.
Constitutional documents
Memorandum, articles and share certificates issued.
Bank account introduction
Support opening UAE or international accounts.
Annual renewals
We track and file renewals so your company stays in good standing.
Options
Offshore registries
RAK ICC
Registered agent
Holding companies, asset protection, IP ownership and foundations. Formed directly by Emford as registered agent.
Price on application
Ajman Offshore
Low cost
A simple, confidential vehicle for international business and investment holding.
Price on application
JAFZA Offshore
Property
Jebel Ali offshore companies can hold real estate in designated Dubai freehold areas.
Price on application
Compare
RAK ICC entity types
RAK ICC offers several types of entity. Most clients need a company limited by shares or a foundation.
Entity
What it is
Typical use
Company limited by shares
A standard company; owners’ liability is limited to their shares
Holding, trading and investment
Company limited by guarantee
Members guarantee a set amount instead of holding shares
Associations and non-profit purposes
Restricted purposes company
A company whose activities are limited by its constitution
Special purpose and financing vehicles
Segregated portfolio company
Assets and liabilities ring-fenced in separate portfolios
Investment and fund structures
RAK ICC foundation
A separate legal entity with a founder, council and beneficiaries
Family wealth and succession
Compare
RAK ICC, Ajman Offshore or JAFZA Offshore?
All three are UAE offshore registries. RAK ICC is the most flexible, and it is the one where Emford is the registered agent.
RAK ICC
Ajman Offshore
JAFZA Offshore
Authority
Government of Ras Al Khaimah
Ajman Free Zone Authority
Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority
Emford’s role
Approved registered agent; we incorporate directly
We coordinate with an authorised agent
We coordinate with an authorised agent
Known for
Flexible regulations, wide choice of entities, foundations
A simple, low-cost vehicle
Holding property in designated Dubai areas
Relative cost
Low
Lowest
Higher
Best for
Holding companies, IP and family structures
Straightforward international business
Dubai property holding
Costs explained
What your total cost is made of
Every quote we issue is itemised, with government and third-party fees shown separately from our own professional fees.
RAK ICC registration and annual fees
Set by the RAK ICC registry
Government
Price on application
Registered agent and registered office
Required by RAK ICC; renewed each year
Emford
Price on application
Incorporation and constitutional documents
Memorandum, articles, share certificates and registers
Emford
Price on application
Certified and apostilled documents
Only if needed for banks or overseas use
Third party
Varies
Bank account support
File preparation and introduction
Emford
Quoted
How it works
Four clear steps, one point of contact.
01
1–2 days
Choose registry
We recommend the right registry for your purpose.
02
2–5 days
KYC & due diligence
Documents collected and verified.
03
3–7 working days
Incorporation
Company registered with the authority.
04
1–2 weeks
Documents delivered
Certified corporate documents couriered to you.
Key considerations before you start
Points we review with every client before recommending a structure.
No trading inside the UAE
A RAK ICC company cannot invoice UAE customers, hire staff in the UAE or sponsor visas. Pair it with a free zone or mainland company if you need these.
Banks expect a clear purpose
UAE and international banks review offshore companies closely. A clear business rationale, ownership chart and source-of-funds evidence are essential.
Corporate tax may apply
A RAK ICC company managed and controlled in the UAE may be a UAE tax resident and need to register with the Federal Tax Authority. We assess this for you.
Property rules depend on location
Whether a RAK ICC company can hold a particular property depends on the land registry where it is located. We confirm before you buy.
After setup
Ongoing obligations we manage for you
Setting up is only the start. These are the recurring requirements that keep your structure valid and in good standing.
Annual renewal
Filed through Emford as your registered agent
Registered office
Maintained with Emford
Beneficial ownership
Records kept current and changes filed promptly
Accounting records
Kept for the company’s activities
Director and shareholder changes
Filed with the registry
Corporate tax position
Reviewed and registered where required
What you will need
Typical documents. Your specialist confirms the exact list for your case.
Passport copies of shareholders and directors
Proof of address (under 3 months old)
Bank reference letter
CV or professional profile
Source of funds declaration
Why clients choose Emford
Licensed by DMCCA as a Corporate Service Provider (DMCC-211871)
Approved RAK ICC Registered Agent No. 0122
Forming companies and structures since 2012
One dedicated advisor from setup to renewal
Frequently asked questions
Can an offshore company trade in the UAE?
No. Offshore companies cannot trade onshore, sponsor visas or lease office space. For those you need a free zone or mainland company.
Does UAE corporate tax apply?
Offshore companies may fall within the scope of UAE corporate tax depending on their activities and where they are managed. We assess your position.
Can I open a bank account?
Yes, subject to the bank’s due diligence. Banks look for a clear business purpose and substance, which we help you document.
Can my RAK ICC company own my free zone company?
Yes. A RAK ICC company can be the shareholder of UAE free zone and mainland companies, which is a common holding structure.
Can I move my existing company to RAK ICC?
Yes. RAK ICC allows companies from many jurisdictions to transfer in by continuation, keeping their history, assets and contracts.
Do I need to file accounts with RAK ICC?
There is generally no requirement to file accounts with the registry, but the company must keep proper accounting records. Banks or corporate tax rules may also require financial statements.
Do I need to visit the UAE?
No. RAK ICC companies can be formed entirely remotely, using certified copies of your documents.
Related services
Talk to a specialist today
Free, no-obligation consultation with a clear, itemised quote.
Visit us
Our office in JLT
Address
Unit 1402-34, Swiss Tower, Cluster Y
Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, UAE
Office hours
Monday to Friday, 12pm – 8pm
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Phone
Emford Global · Swiss Tower
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Cluster Y, Jumeirah Lakes Towers