RAK ICC offshore company formation
Register an international business company with RAK International Corporate Centre for holding, global trade and IP ownership, with 100% foreign ownership and no minimum capital.
Overview
What is a RAK ICC offshore company?
A Ras Al Khaimah offshore company is an international business company registered with RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC). It gives you a UAE-registered entity without a physical presence in the country.
Unlike mainland or free zone companies, it is used for international activity: holding companies, global trading, IP ownership and investment structuring. RAK ICC is a recognised UAE corporate registry with a modern compliance framework.
- At least one shareholder
- At least one director (a shareholder can be the director)
- Corporate shareholders allowed
- A registered agent is required
- Registered address provided by the agent
- No minimum capital requirement
Key benefits
Why choose RAK ICC
Asset protection
Separates personal and business assets.
Privacy
Shareholder records are not public, subject to disclosure rules.
Flexible ownership
Individual and corporate shareholders are both allowed.
Simple compliance
Lighter reporting than an operating company.
Fast incorporation
Typically within days once documentation is ready.
Cost efficiency
Lower set-up cost than many offshore jurisdictions.
Compare
Offshore vs free zone vs mainland
Three routes to a UAE company, built for different jobs.
| Feature | Offshore | Free zone | Mainland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Holding and global trade | Regional business | UAE operations |
| Operate in the UAE market | Not permitted | Limited to the zone | Full access |
| Visa eligibility | Not available | Available | Available |
| Office | Not required | Often required | Required |
| Ownership | 100% foreign | 100% foreign | Up to 100% (most activities) |
Compare
JAFZA vs RAK ICC vs Ajman
Indicative positioning only. Registries and banks assess every structure individually.
| Feature | JAFZA offshore | RAK ICC | Ajman offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost level | Premium | Moderate | Lower |
| Set-up speed | Moderate | Fast | Fast |
| Banking reputation | Very strong | Good | Moderate |
| Structuring flexibility | Advanced | High | Moderate |
| Best for | Larger holding structures | Global founders | SMEs and investors |
Is it right for you?
Who should choose this?
International trading
Import and export conducted outside the UAE.
Holding companies
Hold shares in international entities.
Consultants
Serve clients outside the UAE.
Investors
Hold global assets through one structure.
IP owners
Own trademarks and patents.
Wealth structures
Estate and investment planning.
Permitted activities
- International trade
- Investment holding
- Property holding (approved structures)
- IP holding
- Consulting for international clients
- Asset protection structures
Not permitted
- Local UAE trading
- Banking, insurance and other regulated financial activity
- Immigration services
- Physical office operations
It may not be the right fit if you…
- UAE trading businesses
- Companies that need visas
- Retail operations
- UAE service providers that need an operating licence
Set-up process
How we set it up
- 1
Company name reservation
We submit your proposed name to RAK ICC for approval.
- 2
Initial application
The application is filed through the registered agent.
- 3
Document submission
KYC documents: passports, proof of address and corporate papers if applicable.
- 4
MOA and AOA preparation
We define the structure, shareholders and governance.
- 5
Authority approval
RAK ICC reviews the file and issues incorporation approval.
- 6
Certificate issuance
You receive your Certificate of Incorporation and company documents.
- 7
Bank account preparation
We prepare documents for corporate banking applications.
Documents
What you need to provide
Individual shareholders
- Passport copy
- Proof of address
- Passport photograph
- CV or professional profile
- Bank reference letter (sometimes)
Corporate shareholders
- Certificate of incorporation
- MOA and AOA
- Board resolution
- Corporate structure chart
- Certificate of incumbency
Cost
What affects the cost
There is no single price. Cost depends on the factors below, and we send a written quote with every fee itemised.
Registry fee
Official RAK ICC incorporation charges, paid once.
Registered agent
A mandatory annual agent fee.
Document preparation
MOA, AOA and incorporation paperwork.
Compliance checks
Due diligence and KYC verification.
Annual renewal
Registry maintenance every year.
Banking
Opening a bank account
Approval is the bank's decision and can't be guaranteed. A clear structure and complete documents are what improve your chances.
A clear business model
Banks want to understand exactly what the entity does and where its money comes from.
Complete KYC
Strong identity and ownership documents prevent most delays.
A credible online presence
A professional website and email domain support your profile.
Evidence of activity
Contracts, invoices or investment documents show the structure is real.
UBO clarity
Banks need to see who ultimately owns and controls the company.
Source of funds
A clear, documented explanation of where capital originates.
Compliance
Ongoing requirements
Annual renewal
Renew the registration each year to keep the company in good standing.
Registered agent
Keep your registered agent appointed. It is your legal communication channel.
UBO and KYC updates
Keep ultimate beneficial owner and KYC records current with the registry and agent.
Record keeping
Maintain accurate corporate, ownership and transaction records.
Corporate tax registration
UAE-incorporated companies generally need to register with the Federal Tax Authority. Whether any tax is due depends on structure and activity.
AML checks
Banks and registries run ongoing anti-money-laundering due diligence.
Why set it up with Brightlink
Structure first
We check whether this structure fits your goals before you spend anything.
Jurisdiction comparison
We compare registries on cost, banking acceptance and flexibility.
Banking-ready documents
We build a clean document pack and profile before any bank application.
Ongoing support
Renewals, amendments and compliance handled as your structure evolves.
Explore
Other structures
RAK ICC FAQ
Typically 3 to 7 working days, depending on documentation and approvals.
Yes. There are 100% foreign ownership and no nationality restrictions for shareholders or directors.
Not automatically exempt. Treatment depends on structure and activity, and UAE-incorporated entities generally need to register with the Federal Tax Authority. We review this with your tax adviser first.
Yes, subject to the bank's compliance review of your business, shareholders and source of funds. Approval can't be guaranteed.
No. Offshore companies are for international business only.
No. You need a registered address, which your appointed registered agent provides.
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