RAK ICC Company Registration (UAE, Offshore)

Registering a company in the UAE offshore through the RAK ICC in 2025 remains a popular tool for holding structures, asset protection, and […]


Incorporating a company in the UAE offshore through RAK ICC in 2025 remains a popular tool for holding structures, asset protection, and international planning. The cost of registering a RAK ICC offshore in 2025 depends on the selected registered agent and government fees, but our turnkey registration service allows for a seamless process. Companies in Ras Al Khaimah require no authorized capital, offer a high level of confidentiality, and do not require the founders to physically be present.

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RAK ICC Company Registration (UAE, Offshore)

RAK ICC offshore companies are subject to corporate tax at a rate of 0.1 TP4T up to AED 375,000 and 9.1 TP4T above that amount. Economic Substance requirements apply for certain types of activities, while traditional holding companies enjoy simplified conditions. A popular solution remains "RAK ICC + opening a bank account"—this combination is used for settlements and international transactions. Unlike free zone companies, RAK ICC offshore structures do not grant visas or an office, but they do allow for flexible business management without residency restrictions. Therefore, comparing RAK ICC and free zone companies helps entrepreneurs choose the optimal format.

To understand the budget, international agents charge approximately USD 3,950 for RAK ICC registration (including all fees), and annual renewals start at USD 3,550. At Whatox, we break down the cost into transparent components: consulting, government fees, and licensed agent services—each item is presented as-is, with no hidden markups.

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RAK ICC Registration Fee (2025)

…depends on the package and the client’s needs

  • State duties for the registry vary depending on the package chosen (minimum registration or “COI + license”).
  • Registered agent services vary across the market, from standard document submission to extended support.
  • Documents and legalization may be minimal (passport + proof of address) or include notarized powers of attorney, translations and apostille.
  • Whatox Consulting calculated at a fixed rate or cap, depending on the complexity of the project (banking support, structure with multiple shareholders, ESR, etc.).

👉 The range reflects the lower and upper limits of the budget.

Packages

1) Basic — RAK ICC Setup

  • Registry + agent + basic documents.
  • Without banking support.
  • USD 3,950.

2) Standard - + Bank Support

  • Everything from Basic.
  • Preparing a KYC case.
  • Application in 1 bank/EMI.
  • USD 4,950.

3) Premium — + Consulting

  • Everything from Standard.
  • Whatox Consulting up to $1,500 cap.
  • Optional: 1 nominal role (paid separately).
  • USD 6,500.

Note: Visas/office fees not included (this is a Free Zone). 5% VAT is possible in the UAE.

We support clients through every stage, from document preparation to account opening. Company registration is handled by a licensed agent officially listed by the RAK ICC, and we coordinate the process and ensure a turnkey outcome.

Start RAK ICC registration

💳 When paying, 4% (payment system commission) is automatically added to the amount.

When is RAK ICC suitable?

  • Holding and ownership of assets.
  • IP structures and succession planning.
  • Two individual founders – no problem.
  • Need privacy and a simple corporate package.

Important: Visas and office services cannot be obtained through RAK ICC.
Need visas/office? Consider RAKEZ FZ-LLC or JAFZA FZCO.

What is RAK ICC (in brief)

Offshore registry of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
The company is limited by shares. There is no minimum capital.
One shareholder and one director are sufficient.
Nationality and residency are not important.
A secretary, registered agent and an address in the UAE are required.
Registers of directors and shareholders are not public.

Taxes and ESR

The UAE has a corporate tax rate of 0% up to AED 375,000, then 9%.
Dividends and capital gains are sometimes exempt if conditions are met.
Certain activities require Economic Substance.
A pure holding company undergoes a simplified audit.

Accounting and reporting

Keep records for at least 5 years.
An audit is usually not required.
Prepare annual tax returns.
For ESR, apply Economic Substance Report.

What is included in the basic package?

  • Certificate of Incorporation.
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association.
  • Consent of Directors.
  • Subscriber Application for Shares.
  • Appointment of Registered Agent and Registered Office.
  • The first decisions of the directors.
  • Register of directors and officers.
  • Register of participants.
  • Shares (Share Certificates).
  • Certificate of Incumbency.

Deadlines

We prepare M&A and forms for 1 working day.
Once submitted, the registry usually issues the documents for 1-2 days.

Roles and Responsibilities

Client: KYC, signatures, payment, bank if necessary.
Whatox (consultant): pre-check, agent selection, checklist, coordination, bank, initial accounting.
Registered Agent: filing, release of a set, registers, renewal.

Bank accounts

We We assist with account opening in the UAE and internationally (Switzerland, Singapore, Cyprus, Hong Kong, and others). The cost ranges from 1TP5,500 to 1TP5,400 depending on the bank and jurisdiction. The bank makes the decision based on the results of a compliance check.

Nominal services (optional)

Nominee Director — $2,500/year.
Nominee Shareholder — $2,500/year.

Documents from the client

Passports and proof of address of both founders.
CV/LinkedIn and brief description of business.
UBO declaration and source of funds.
Visa/Emirates ID (if available).
Powers of attorney and legalization - if necessary.

Whatox Pricing Model

  • Whatox Consulting: fix or cap.
  • Registered agent + state fees: in fact, item by item.
  • Banking support: fix or success-fee.
  • Accounting: subscriber.
    Note: VAT may be 5% in the UAE. Courier, translations, and legalization are charged separately.

RAK ICC Registration - Support


Need visas/office? Consider Free Zone.


Important clarification

RAK ICC is an offshore jurisdiction in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. It is suitable for holdings, trade support and intellectual property structures. RAK ICC does not provide visas, an office or physical presence in the UAE. A licensed agent registers the company and the founders manage it from abroad.

FZCO/FZE are free zone companies, such as RAKEZ FZ-LLC or JAFZA FZCO. These companies provide visas, office space, and the ability to operate in the UAE. You work directly with the free zone administration, pay annual license fees, and have a full presence in the country.

RAK ICC is Not FZCO.
FZCO/FZE — forms of free zones.


Roles and Responsibilities

Client

  • Provides KYC and signs powers of attorney.
  • Pays fees.
  • Visits the bank when necessary.

WHATOX (Consultant) / Consultant

  • Pre-check and agent selection.
  • Document pack and timelines.
  • Submission coordination.
  • Bank support and initial bookkeeping.
  • Pre-screening and agent selection.
  • Package of documents and deadlines.
  • Coordination of serving.
  • Bank and start-up accounting.

Registered Agent

  • Files for incorporation.
  • Issues the kit and maintains registers.
  • Carries out an extension.

Whatox Workflow Stages

  1. Brief and risk assessment
    We analyze the client's task, discuss goals, and check potential risks.
  2. Selecting a registered agent
    We offer licensed agents from the official register of RAK ICC.
  3. KYC/AML and verification of source of funds
    We prepare a package of documents in accordance with international requirements.
  4. Draft powers of attorney and forms
    We develop and coordinate the necessary corporate documents.
  5. Estimate and deadlines
    We approve a transparent budget and schedule.
  6. Submission through an agent
    We organize the submission of documents and coordinate the registration process.
  7. Banking support
    We support clients in preparing their KYC dossier and submitting their application to the bank.
  8. Initial accounting setup
    We set up corporate records and basic accounting.

Documents for RAK ICC Company Registration

  • Passports + proof of address (both founders).
  • CV / LinkedIn and business description.
  • UBO declaration and source of funds.
  • Visa / Emirates ID (if available).
  • Projects of powers of attorney and legalization.

Pricing model

  • WHATOX consulting: fixed or capped.
  • Registered Agent + government fees: at cost, itemized.
  • Bank support: fixed or success-based.
  • Accounting retainer: monthly.
  • WHATOX Consulting: fix or cap.
  • Agent and state duties: in fact, item by item.
  • Bank: fixed or success-fee.
  • Accounting support: subscriber.

Note: banks may require one in-person KYC.
Important: banks often require personal KYC of one signatory.

RAK ICC State Duties (2025)

💰 RAK ICC government fees in 2025 start at AED 3,000 for incorporation and AED 3,750 for renewal. The exact amount depends on the package and the agent selected.

👉 We provide clients with a line-item estimate: government fees + registered agent services + Whatox consulting. Everything is transparent and without hidden charges.

📊 Taxes for RAK ICC (2025)

ChapterWhat does it meanFor the client
Corporate tax0% up to AED 375,000 profit per year, 9% above the thresholdSmall businesses are exempt, while large businesses are subject to a moderate rate.
Dividends and capital gainsExempt if you hold ≥5% shares for ≥12 months.Holdings and investors can minimize their tax burden
Economic Substance (ESR)Required for active areas: finance, IP, shipping, HQProof of office, employees, and management from the UAE is required.
Pure holdingA company for shareholding onlySimplified verification, no office or staff required

Difference between an offshore company (RAK ICC) and a free zone (Free Zone)

  • RAK ICC (offshore) — purely legal shell:
    • ✅ You can own assets, accounts, shares, and IP.
    • ✅ Convenient for holdings and international settlements.
    • ❌ It is not possible to obtain an office in the Emirates.
    • ❌ It is not possible to obtain residence visas for founders/directors.
  • Free Zone Company (RAKEZ FZ-LLC, JAFZA FZCO, etc.) — a full-fledged company within the free economic zone:
    • ✅ provides an office (from flexi-desk to full-fledged).
    • ✅ You can apply for resident visas (usually 2–5 visas per company).
    • ✅ You can conduct business in the UAE and abroad.
    • ❌ More expensive in annual maintenance than offshore.
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