RAK ICC company formation

What is a RAK ICC company?

The registry was established under Ras Al Khaimah Decree No. 12 of 2015, as amended in 2016. It combined two earlier registries: RAK International Companies and RAK Offshore. Companies from those registries were brought into it after 31 December 2017. [1][4]

Company types include:

• a company limited by shares
• a company limited by guarantee
• restricted purpose and segregated portfolio companies
• unlimited companies

The registry also registers foundations. [9]

Is RAK ICC a free zone?

It is a Government of Ras Al Khaimah registry for international business companies. A company registered there must obtain the appropriate licence before doing business elsewhere in the UAE. For an office, staff and residence visas, the registry offers its Premium Product: a company with a subsidiary in the RAKEZ free zone. [1][5][6]

For corporate tax, it now counts as a free zone. According to PwC, the UAE Cabinet's Resolution No. 109 of 13 July 2026 added RAK ICC to the list of free zones, backdated to 1 June 2023, when corporate tax began. A RAK ICC company can therefore qualify as a Qualifying Free Zone Person and pay 0% on qualifying income, but only if it meets all the conditions. Otherwise the standard rates apply. [14] How UAE corporate tax works →

What are RAK ICC companies used for?

The registry lists these uses: [7]

• holding shares in other companies
• holding real estate, including selling a property by transferring the company's shares
• holding intellectual property
• family wealth and succession planning

Directors, shareholders and capital

A company needs at least one director and one shareholder. At least one director must be an individual. Bearer shares are not allowed. [4][5]

How long does formation take?

The registry states that a company is incorporated within 2 working days once the documents are submitted. Only a registered agent can file the application. [4][5]

Government fees (2026)

From the registry's fee schedule, effective 1 January 2026: [9]

These are the registry's own government fees.

Can a RAK ICC company own property in Dubai?

Yes, in Dubai's freehold areas. Under a memorandum signed on 16 July 2019, the Dubai Land Department accepts the registration of freehold property for companies registered there whose shareholders are individuals, with the required documents, fees and a no-objection letter. The Land Department may also approve companies owned by other companies. The registry's 2026 fee schedule still lists a no-objection certificate per property. [9][10][11]

This applies to companies. We have found no official confirmation that the same arrangement covers foundations registered there.

Annual renewal and records

• Renewal. Each year the company delivers an annual return made up to the anniversary of its incorporation, and pays the renewal fee. Renewal can be applied for 30 days before expiry, with a 30-day grace period after it, and a penalty for each month after that. [4][8]
• Records. Accounting records must be kept where the registered agent can obtain them. Keep them for 7 years, the period the UAE Corporate Tax Law requires. [8][12]
• Corporate tax. The company must register for UAE corporate tax. [12]
• Economic substance. Reporting no longer applies for financial years ending after 31 December 2022. [13]

How Marlborough Gulf helps

What we do, as a RAK ICC registered agent:

• We advise on whether this kind of company is the right vehicle for what you want it to do.
• We form the company.
• We act as its registered agent.
• We handle the annual renewal and keep its records in order.
• Where the company will hold Dubai property, we coordinate the no-objection letter and the Land Department requirements.

Questions people ask

What is a RAK ICC company?

An international business company registered with RAK International Corporate Centre, the Government of Ras Al Khaimah's registry. It's used mainly for holding shares, property and intellectual property. [1][7]

Is RAK ICC a free zone?

It's a Government of Ras Al Khaimah registry for international business companies, not an ordinary free zone. For corporate tax, it has counted as a free zone since a July 2026 Cabinet Resolution, backdated to June 2023. A RAK ICC company pays 0% on qualifying income only if it meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions. [1][14]

What does RAK ICC stand for?

RAK International Corporate Centre. RAK is short for Ras Al Khaimah. [1]

Is RAK ICC offshore?

It took over the companies of the former RAK Offshore registry after 31 December 2017. [1][4] A company registered there must obtain the appropriate licence before doing business elsewhere in the UAE. [5]

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

The 2026 government fee for formation is AED 3,250 for the first year, with AED 3,950 for each annual renewal. [9]

Can a RAK ICC company buy property in Dubai?

Yes, in freehold areas, under the Dubai Land Department's 2019 agreement with the registry, with a no-objection letter. [10][11]