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Ras Al Khaimah free zone · Offshore & holding companies

RAK ICC Offshore Company Setup in the UAE: Cost, Benefits & Visa (2026)

RAK ICC registers offshore (international business) companies and holding structures in Ras Al Khaimah. These entities are designed for holding assets, international trading and structuring — not for operating a physical business inside the UAE.

Quote required — offshore company packages vary by structure Quote required
Get a written quote → Official RAK ICC website ↗ 💬 WhatsApp
LocationRas Al Khaimah
OwnershipUp to 100% foreign
Setup timeA few working days
Visa quotaOffshore entities do not carry UAE residence visa quotas
Banking easeModerate
RenewalAnnual renewal and registered-agent fees

RAK ICC company setup cost (2026)

Headline: Quote required for an exact figure.

Year-one budget: Quote required.

There is no reliable public price list for this zone, so we do not publish a number. Request a written quote and we will get one for your exact activity.

Not included: professional-service fees, residence visas beyond the package, office upgrades, bank minimum balances, and external approvals for regulated activities.

Benefits of the RAK ICC licence

  • Offshore and holding company structures
  • Low set-up and running costs relative to onshore licences
  • Suited to asset holding, IP and international trading
  • Fast incorporation, often without a UAE visit
  • 100% foreign ownership and confidentiality-friendly structure

Who is RAK ICC best for?

  • Holding and asset-protection structures
  • International traders that do not need UAE residence
  • Investors and family offices

Typical permitted activities

  • Holding company
  • International trading
  • Investment and asset holding
  • IP holding

Always check your exact activity against the zone’s permitted list. Regulated activities need separate approvals.

What to watch out for

  • Offshore companies cannot generally operate onshore in the UAE or provide residence visas
  • Banking is harder and more documentation-heavy than for onshore entities

How to set up a company in RAK ICC

  1. Choose the zone and activityMatch your business activity to the zone’s permitted list and your budget. Check whether you need physical space or a specific licence type.
  2. Reserve the trade nameSubmit two or three name options; zones typically approve within one to three working days.
  3. Submit documents and applicationPassport copies, photos, proof of address and shareholder details. Corporate shareholders provide attested documents.
  4. Pay fees and sign the incorporation documentsFees are paid to the free zone authority; sign the Memorandum/Articles digitally or in person.
  5. Receive your licence and certificatesYou receive the trade licence, certificate of incorporation and a desk or lease agreement.
  6. Establishment card, visas and Emirates IDGet the immigration card, then entry permit, medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID for each visa holder.
  7. Open the bank account and register for taxApply for a corporate bank account, and register for corporate tax and, if required, VAT.

RAK ICC compared with similar UAE free zones

RAK ICCRAKEZJAFZAAjman Free Zone
EmirateRas Al KhaimahRas Al KhaimahDubaiAjman
Best forOffshore & holding companiesMulti-sector, industrial & SMELogistics, trading & industrialMulti-sector, trading & industrial
Licence costQuote required — offshore company packages vary by structureFrom about AED 6,010 (zero-visa) · about AED 12,010 with one visaTrading licence from about AED 5,000/yr (one activity group) · office, warehouse and visas extraFrom AED 5,565 (zero-visa) · AED 13,141 with one visa
Setup timeA few working days2–5 working days1–3 weeksAbout one week
Banking easeModerateModerateGoodModerate
Fee dataQuote requiredPublishedIndicative bandPublished

FAQs: RAK ICC Offshore company formation

Can an offshore company get a UAE residence visa?

No — offshore entities do not sponsor UAE residence visas. If you need residency or a UAE office, choose a free zone or mainland licence.

How much does it cost to set up a company in RAK ICC Offshore?

There is no reliable public price list for RAK ICC, so the cost depends on your activity, office type and visas. Request a written quote — ZoneWise can get one for you. Year-one totals: Quote required. Residence visas, office upgrades, professional-service fees, bank minimums and renewals are extra.

How long does RAK ICC company setup take?

Typically A few working days once documents are complete. Residence visa stamping (medical test, Emirates ID) adds further working days and requires you to be in the UAE.

Can foreigners own 100% of a company in RAK ICC?

Yes. UAE free zones allow up to 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits and capital. You do not need a UAE national partner or local sponsor.

Can companies licensed in RAK ICC trade in the UAE mainland?

Not freely. A free zone company generally cannot sell directly to mainland customers without a distributor, a dual-licence arrangement where the zone offers one, or a separate mainland licence or branch. If most of your customers are in the UAE, compare with a mainland licence.

Do I need a physical office in RAK ICC?

Many packages include a flexi-desk or smart desk. Larger visa quotas, industrial activity, warehousing, or regulated activities usually need a dedicated office or unit — confirm for your activity and visa count.

Are RAK ICC companies eligible for 0% corporate tax?

The UAE applies 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000 of taxable income. A Qualifying Free Zone Person can access 0% on qualifying income, but only if strict conditions are met, and it is not automatic. Only some zones are also VAT Designated Zones. Get tax advice for your structure.

Can I open a corporate bank account for my company in RAK ICC?

UAE banks assess each application on the shareholders, business model and documents — not only on the zone. Our banking-ease view for RAK ICC is “Moderate”. No zone or consultant can guarantee an account.

What documents are required to set up in RAK ICC?

Typically: colour passport copies of shareholders and directors, passport photos, proof of address, a completed application, and a business plan for some activities and zones. Corporate shareholders need attested incorporation documents. Regulated activities need approvals from the relevant authority.

Who is RAK ICC best for?

Holding and asset-protection structures; International traders that do not need UAE residence; Investors and family offices.

Get a written quote for RAK ICC Offshore

Tell us your activity and how many visas you need. We reply on WhatsApp or email, with government fees shown separately from our fee.

  • Free, no obligation
  • Honest advice — including when a cheaper zone fits better
  • Remote setup available for most zones

By submitting you agree to be contacted about your enquiry.

Figures are indicative and were last reviewed in July 2026 (published fees) / September 2026 (page content). They are set by the relevant authorities and change; they exclude professional-service fees, office rent beyond a bundled desk, and external approvals. This page is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice — confirm the live position with the free zone authority before paying.

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