RAK ICC offshore company setup creates a company registered with the Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre to hold shares, property or intellectual property and to contract with clients abroad. It cannot trade inside the UAE or sponsor visas. Wordcraft prepares the file with a registered agent, attests and translates shareholder documents, arranges notarized powers of attorney and supports the bank account opening.
RAK ICC Offshore Company Setup: Features
The registry publishes its current rules on rakicc.com. How an offshore company compares on the usual points:
| Feature | RAK ICC offshore |
|---|---|
| Who it suits | Holding companies, family and asset-holding structures, IP owners, and international trading or consulting with clients outside the UAE |
| Office options | No office lease; the registered agent's address serves as the registered office |
| Typical activities | Holding shares, owning assets and IP, signing international contracts and invoicing overseas clients |
| Remote setup possible? | Usually, with attested documents; banks may still ask to meet signatories in person or by video |
| Visas | None. An offshore company does not sponsor residence visas |
| Trade on the UAE mainland | No. UAE trading needs a free zone or mainland company, which the offshore company can own |
Can a RAK ICC Company Trade in the UAE or Get Visas?
No on both counts. A RAK ICC company cannot sell to UAE customers, lease a trading office or sponsor residence visas. If you need any of those, form an operating company in a free zone or on the mainland and let the offshore company own its shares. A common pairing is a RAK ICC holding company above a RAKEZ operating company. Where a plan sits close to the line, for example a particular asset or contract, the registry and registered agent confirm what is allowed at application.
The Registered Agent and Our Role
RAK ICC accepts applications only through registered agents it has approved, and the agent's address becomes the company's registered office. Wordcraft is not a registered agent. We coordinate with one on your behalf, prepare and attest the shareholder documents, translate them into Arabic when a bank or authority asks, and arrange notary appointments for powers of attorney. For a wider view of offshore structures, see our offshore business setup page.
Documents for a RAK ICC Application
- Passport and proof of home address for each shareholder and director
- A bank reference letter or recent statements, plus a CV or business profile
- Company name options and a note on the purpose of the structure
- For a corporate shareholder: incorporation certificate, articles, board resolution and good-standing certificate, legalized through the UAE embassy abroad and translated where required
- A power of attorney for your representative; if signed abroad, it is notarized there and then legalized by the UAE embassy
Our power of attorney team drafts POAs signed in the UAE and books the notary, and the legal translation team in Ras Al Khaimah handles Arabic versions with MOJ-certified translators.
How a RAK ICC Formation Runs
- Explain what the structure is for; a written quote follows within 10–30 minutes.
- We collect the documents, attest anything issued abroad and translate what is needed.
- The registered agent files with RAK ICC, which issues the certificate of incorporation and constitutional documents.
- We arrange any power of attorney and prepare the KYC file for the bank.
Banking, Property and Corporate Tax
UAE banks open accounts for offshore companies but expect a strong KYC file: the purpose of the company, source of funds, ultimate beneficial owners and, for holding structures, documents for the companies it owns. Owning Dubai property through an offshore company is possible in areas and cases the Dubai Land Department permits.
A RAK ICC company is incorporated in the UAE, so it registers with the Federal Tax Authority, and corporate tax at 9% (in force since June 2023) applies to its taxable income. How dividends and gains are treated in a holding structure is a question for a registered tax agent; Wordcraft does not give tax advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a RAK ICC company get UAE residence visas?
No. Offshore companies do not sponsor residence visas. For residence, set up a free zone or mainland company, which the offshore company can own.
Can a RAK ICC company invoice UAE customers?
Not for trading inside the UAE. That needs a free zone or mainland license, held by an operating company the offshore entity can own.
Do I need to visit the UAE to form a RAK ICC company?
Formation can usually be completed remotely with attested documents. Banks often want to meet shareholders or signatories in person or by video.
Can a RAK ICC company own property in Dubai?
It can hold property in areas and cases the Dubai Land Department permits. We check the requirements for your property before you buy.
Does a RAK ICC company pay corporate tax?
It must register for UAE corporate tax, which applies to taxable income at 9%. A registered tax agent confirms how your structure is treated.
Is Wordcraft a registered agent?
No. We work alongside an approved registered agent and handle the documents, attestation, translation, notary appointments and bank file.
What affects the cost of a RAK ICC company?
Registry and agent charges, the number of shareholders, any attestation abroad and the bank support you need. We set them out in writing first.
Last updated: September 2026
