Offshore / RAK ICC

RAK ICC Company Formation: Uses, Documents and Process

RAK ICC is the Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre. It registers international business companies. A RAK ICC company is not RAKEZ, and it is not a free-zone operating licence or a residence-visa product.

What the registry says it is for

RAK ICC’s own FAQ describes common uses as a new entity for international ventures or holding assets, relocating an international business, or converting an existing entity. The 2026 fee schedule lists five company types under the international business company regime: company limited by shares, company limited by guarantee, unlimited company, restricted purposes company, and segregated portfolio company. A restricted purposes company is limited to two activities. Gambling and other illegal activities are not allowed. The centre says it follows UAE federal law and Ras Al Khaimah law.

Shareholders, directors, and the agent

• One to 50 shareholders.
• At least one activity. More than three activities at activity-group level adds a registry charge.
• A UAE-resident director can be the responsible manager. Otherwise the registered agent is the default.
• The current FAQ says foreign corporate documents do not have to be legalised for RAK ICC formation. The agent and registrar can still ask for identity, constitutional, and ownership documents.
• Beneficial-owner particulars are part of the registry record. Adding or removing a beneficial owner or nominee is a priced amendment.

Formation steps

1. Confirm the company will be an international vehicle, not a Ras Al Khaimah operating licence.
2. Choose a RAK ICC registered agent. The registry incorporates a company only through an agent.
3. Agree the company type, name, shareholders, directors, and at least one activity.
4. The agent submits the application and documents.
5. After registration, keep the agent relationship current and file changes, including beneficial-owner updates, through the registry route.

The new-incorporation FAQ says that upon submission of documents an international business company is incorporated within 2 working days. That timing starts after the documents are submitted through a registered agent. The fee schedule also says payment of fees alone is not approval. Registration can be for one, two, or three years.

After registration

The company stays on the register through renewal, still handled with the registered agent. Renewal can be filed from about a month before expiry. There is a grace period after expiry before late charges start. Share transfers, director changes, name changes, and beneficial-owner updates are separate registry services. A bank account is not opened by RAK ICC. The centre provides incorporation documents, and the account application is made to a bank. Registry fees are on the RAK ICC cost page.

Also see whether offshore is the right category, JAFZA Offshore, and bank-account preparation, or search the RAK ICC activity directory.