RAK ICC (Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre) is one of the UAE’s two offshore company jurisdictions — the other being JAFZA Offshore. RAK ICC is widely used for international holding companies, asset protection, and tax planning. Here is a complete guide.
What Is RAK ICC?
RAK ICC is a registered agent-based offshore jurisdiction in Ras Al Khaimah. Key characteristics: companies do NOT need a physical presence in the UAE, companies cannot conduct business inside the UAE or obtain UAE residence visas, 100% foreign ownership with privacy (beneficial ownership information not publicly accessible through RAK ICC’s own register, though UBO must be disclosed under UAE AML rules), quick setup: 1–3 business days, and low annual cost: AED 3,000–8,000/year including registered agent fees.
Common Uses for RAK ICC Companies
International holding: A RAK ICC company holds shares in operating companies in various jurisdictions — consolidating ownership at the RAK ICC level for asset protection and succession planning. IP holding: holding trademarks, patents, and copyrights in a UAE offshore company — potentially benefiting from UAE DTA network on royalties (verify with tax counsel in the royalty-receiving country). Real estate: some UAE property can be owned through a RAK ICC company (usually secondary market properties or offshore-eligible projects — verify with DLD or the relevant emirate authority). Private investment: holding a global share portfolio in a tax-neutral UAE structure.
RAK ICC vs. JAFZA Offshore
Both are offshore company jurisdictions. Key differences: RAK ICC: more widely used for SMEs and HNWI, lower cost, faster setup, more registered agents to choose from. JAFZA Offshore: historically more prestigious for larger transactions, located in Jebel Ali, marginally higher recognition with international counterparties for trade finance.
Pricing Evidence & Source Notes
Use this profile as a planning guide, not a final invoice. Confirm the current package, activity wording, visas, office or flexi-desk requirement and renewal amount before payment.
| Free Zone | Package | Year 1 Cost | Renewal Cost | 3-Year Total | Visa Option | Office / Flexi Requirement | Year 1 Confidence | Source Type | Conflict Status | Last Reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAK ICC (Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre): Offshore Company Guide | Current authority package | Quote-based - confirm current package Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Quote-based renewal - confirm current package Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Quote-based 3-year total - depends on renewal Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Depends on package and office allocation | Authority quote required | Authority quote required | Current package / renewal confirmation required | June 2026 |
| What is included | Confirmed only after authority or partner quote. |
|---|---|
| What is not included | Visas, insurance, medical, Emirates ID, office upgrades, amendments and cancellation unless quoted. |
| Hidden-cost risk | Confirm establishment card, visas, office/flexi desk, insurance, renewal and cancellation before payment. |
| Banking difficulty | Medium - depends on activity and documents |
| Best fit | Founders comparing this free zone against activity, visa, office, banking and renewal requirements. |
Source evidence: Review source | Methodology | Corrections.
Prices can change based on free zone authority updates, activity selection, visa count, office or flexi-desk requirement, shareholder structure, establishment card, immigration file, medical test, Emirates ID, insurance, banking support and consultant service fees. Last reviewed June 2026. Always request a current quote before payment. View methodology or compare all rows in the UAE Free Zone Cost Index.