Offshore company
RAK ICC offshore company formation in Ras Al Khaimah
RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) is the government-owned corporate registry of Ras Al Khaimah. Its companies are formed under the RAK ICC Business Companies Regulations 2018 and are used for holding shares and assets, investment and international trade. They cannot operate in the UAE market without a separate licence and do not sponsor visas.
At a glance Fact sheet
- Registry
- RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC), Government of Ras Al Khaimah
- Governing rules
- RAK ICC Business Companies Regulations 2018
- Can trade in the UAE
- No. Activity in the UAE needs a separate licence from a UAE licensing authority
- Residence visas
- No
- Company types
- Limited by shares, limited by guarantee, unlimited, restricted purposes, segregated portfolio
- Typical use
- Holding companies, investment and trading abroad, joint ventures, asset protection
Overview
RAK ICC is a corporate registry owned by the Government of Ras Al Khaimah. It does not issue trade licences or lease offices. It incorporates and maintains companies and foundations for owners who need a legal vehicle, and it is the sister organisation of RAKEZ, the emirate's economic zone, which handles licensed operating businesses.
Its regulations follow a common law model, and RAK ICC states that shareholders can choose the DIFC or ADGM courts, or the RAK courts, for disputes. The registry offers several company types, from the standard company limited by shares to restricted purpose and segregated portfolio companies, and it also registers foundations. A company from another jurisdiction can transfer its domicile to RAK ICC and continue as the same legal entity.
An application to incorporate can only be filed by a registered agent approved by RAK ICC. Caliph explains the options, prepares your documents and coordinates the filing with the agent. If you also need visas or a local office, your consultant looks at pairing the RAK ICC company with a RAKEZ free zone subsidiary.
Why choose RAK ICC
A range of company types
You are not limited to one form. A holding company, a joint venture and a single-project company can each use the type that fits.
Redomiciliation
An existing company from another jurisdiction can migrate to RAK ICC and continue as the same entity, without starting again.
Foundations for private wealth
RAK ICC registers foundations, which have a legal personality separate from the founder and are used in succession planning.
Property in Dubai
Dubai Land Department has an agreement with RAK ICC to register freehold property for RAK ICC companies, subject to its conditions.
A link to an operating company
A RAK ICC holding company can own a RAKEZ free zone subsidiary, which is the entity that takes the licence, the office and the visas.
What to have ready
- A certified copy of the valid passport of each shareholder, director and beneficial owner
- Certified proof of current residential address for each of them
- Proposed company names
- The Memorandum and Articles of Association, signed by all shareholders
- A signed letter appointing the registered agent
- Consent letters from the directors and the secretary
- For a corporate shareholder: certified incorporation documents, incumbency and good standing certificates and a resolution approving the new company
Documents in other languages need a certified English or Arabic translation. Your consultant tells you what must be notarised.
How RAK ICC formation works
Purpose and company type
We confirm what the company will hold or do and choose the company type that suits it.
Registered agent
A RAK ICC registered agent is appointed. Only the agent can file the application to incorporate.
Name, shareholders and directors
You settle the name, the share structure and who the directors are. Corporate directors are permitted.
Due diligence and signing
Certified identity and address documents are collected, and the Memorandum and Articles of Association are signed.
Filing through the agent
The agent submits the application through RAK ICC's online portal and deals with any queries.
Incorporation documents issued
RAK ICC registers the company and issues its certificate of incorporation.
Bank account and next structure
Caliph prepares the bank file and, if needed, starts the RAKEZ subsidiary or the property registration steps.
Good to know
- A RAK ICC company may not provide financial services.
- Any activity in the UAE outside the registry's own zone needs the proper licence first. The certificate of incorporation is not a trade licence.
- Property registration in Dubai depends on Dubai Land Department's conditions, including who the shareholders are.
Questions people ask
What is RAK ICC?
RAK International Corporate Centre is the corporate registry owned by the Government of Ras Al Khaimah. It incorporates companies and foundations for holding, investment and international business. It is separate from RAKEZ, which issues licences to operating businesses with offices and visas in Ras Al Khaimah.
Can a RAK ICC company do business in the UAE?
Not on its own. Its regulations say a company must not conduct activities in the UAE unless it first obtains the licences UAE law requires. In practice owners use it to hold assets and trade abroad, and add a licensed free zone or mainland company for local activity.
Can a RAK ICC company own property in Dubai?
Dubai Land Department signed an agreement with RAK ICC to register freehold property for companies on the RAK ICC register. Conditions apply, including on the shareholders and on the documents presented. Your Caliph consultant confirms what applies to you and to the property before you commit.
Does a RAK ICC company give me a residence visa?
No. A RAK ICC company has no visa allocation. If you need residence, the usual structure is a RAK ICC holding company with a RAKEZ free zone subsidiary, or a free zone or mainland company on its own. Your consultant compares these with you.
What is the difference between RAK ICC and JAFZA Offshore?
Both are UAE offshore registries that work through registered agents. JAFZA Offshore is in Dubai and is often chosen for holding Dubai property. RAK ICC is in Ras Al Khaimah and offers several company types, foundations and redomiciliation. The better fit depends on what the company will own and where.
Can I move an existing offshore company to RAK ICC?
Often yes. RAK ICC's regulations let a foreign company continue as a RAK ICC company, keeping its legal identity and history, provided the law of its current jurisdiction allows the transfer. The registered agent checks both sides before the application is made.
- RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC)
- RAK ICC: company limited by shares
- RAK ICC: Premium Product with RAKEZ
Reviewed by Caliph Business Solutions on . Rules differ by activity and by authority. Your Caliph consultant confirms what applies to you.
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