RAK Offshore company formation

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Ras Al Khaimah (RAK ICC) allows you to quickly set up a company — usually within a few days and remotely. You get full foreign ownership with no minimum capital. You cannot conduct business on the UAE mainland or in free zones, and this structure does not provide visas, but you will be able to open multi-currency bank accounts, own shares in UAE companies, and certain approved real estate.

Legarithm will guide you through the entire registration process and is ready to assist you at all stages of setting up your company.

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RAK Offshore: see if it's the right choice for you

RAK Offshore is ideal for specific business models and objectives.

International holdings & global operations

If you’re structuring investments across multiple countries, holding shares in subsidiaries, or managing a portfolio of assets without needing a UAE physical presence, RAK Offshore provides privacy, asset protection, and straightforward governance.

SaaS platforms, blockchain projects, crypto consulting firms, web3 tools, DAO infrastructure, and digital agencies serving international clients benefit from low costs, fast setup, and the ability to operate remotely without UAE mainland restrictions.

IP and international traders

Own and license software, patents, trademarks, or creative content to clients worldwide. RAK Offshore protects intellectual property while keeping ownership private with minimal compliance.

Import and export businesses, dropshipping, and cross-border e-commerce companies that sell outside the UAE market gain a credible corporate structure with multi-currency banking and no audit requirements.

Consulting and freelance

Professional service providers (marketing, design, development, consulting) working exclusively with clients outside the UAE who want a formal corporate structure without the cost and complexity of mainland or free zone setups.

Formation process: Step-by-step

You don’t need to fly to Ras Al Khaimah. What you need is a licensed registered agent. See the steps to make it speedy and ensure clean compliance.

  • Step 01

    Name and activity

    Pick a name ending with “Limited” or “Ltd.” Avoid restricted terms (bank, insurance, government references). Activities are broad for offshore purposes—holding, consulting to non‑UAE clients, international trade, or asset ownership.

  • Step 02

    KYC pack

    Prepare certified true copies of identification and address proofs, plus a short business plan and funds/wealth evidence. If a corporate shareholder is involved, line up its registry documents and UBO details.

  • Step 03

    Drafting

    The agent drafts the Memorandum and Articles (often under English common law conventions). You appoint at least one director and one secretary (the same person can wear multiple hats). Corporate directors are permitted alongside at least one individual.

  • Step 04

    Incorporation

    RAK ICC reviews the file. Incorporation commonly completes in 2–5 working days. You receive a Certificate of Incorporation and the constitutive documents—all in English.

  • Step 05

    Post‑incorporation

    Keep a statutory file: registers of directors and shareholders/UBOs, share certificates, and a simple minute book.

  • Step 06

    Banking

    Expect enhanced due diligence. Be ready with contracts, invoices, and your “story” for source of funds and projected flows. In‑person signatory verification is common with UAE banks; remote opening with international EMIs or private banks is often faster.

Timeline: 2-4 days incorporation + 2-4 weeks banking.

Costs and fees to consider

Check the prices to budget your RAK Offshore company setup.

Item Cost (approx.)
Government incorporation fee €800 – €1,200
Registered office (annual) €1,000 – €2,000
Agent/service provider fee €1,500 – €3,000
Corporate documents (certificates, resolutions) €300 – €500
Total Setup Cost €3,600 – €6,700
Annual Renewal €2,000 – €4,000

Why choose professional support?

Legarithm can help you with all the stages of formation and compliance. Our assistance is personified and tailored to your needs.

Within incorporation

Appoint the registered agent and keep the registered address live. File UBO details per registry requirements.

Within weeks

Assistance with opening your bank/EMI account and finalizing your accounting ledger setup.

Within months

Register for UAE Corporate Tax unless your agent confirms a clear exemption in writing; always note down your first return deadline

Annually

Renew the company, agent, and registered address; run an ESR check; update UBO if anything changes; refresh KYC packs for your banks.

Keeping your entity compliant

You need to maintain these rules to have a good standing with regulators.

Annual requirements
  • License Renewal: Pay the annual fee before expiry
  • Registered Office: Maintain RAK address
  • Record Keeping: Financial records for 7 years (no filing required)
  • No Audit: Not required unless opting in
  • Director/Shareholder Changes: Notify RAK ICC within 14 days
Tax compliance (if applicable)
  • Corporate Tax registration with FTA
  • Annual tax returns (if taxable)
  • Transfer pricing documentation (if related-party transactions)

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions?

Can't find the answer to your question? Send us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!
Can I get a UAE residency visa with a RAK Offshore company?

No, you can’t. RAK Offshore (RAK ICC) companies are set up as non-resident entities, so they don’t give you the right to live or work in the UAE. If you want a residency visa, you’ll need to look at Free Zone or Mainland companies instead.

Can I open a bank account in Dubai for my offshore company?

Yes, you can, but get ready for some serious checks. RAK ICC companies are allowed to open UAE corporate accounts, but by 2026, banks have tightened up their “Anti-Money Laundering” (AML) rules. You’ll have to show a clear business purpose, prove where the owners’ money comes from, and usually keep at least AED 100,000 in the account.

Do I need a physical office in the UAE?

No, you don’t. That’s actually one of the main perks of setting up a RAK Offshore company. Your company’s official address is the one used by your Registered Agent, which keeps your running costs way down.

Is my information public on the RAK ICC registry?

No. RAK ICC keeps things confidential. The registry does record the names of shareholders and directors for compliance, but the public can’t see this info. Only UAE authorities can access it, and only if there’s a specific legal reason.

Can my RAK Offshore company own property in Dubai?

Yes. RAK ICC companies are among the few offshore setups that can own freehold property in certain parts of Dubai, thanks to a deal with the Dubai Land Department (DLD). You’ll just need to get a “No Objection Certificate” (NOC) from the RAK ICC registrar.

Does a RAK Offshore company pay the 9% UAE Corporate Tax?

Usually, no. Since RAK Offshore companies can’t do business inside the UAE, their international earnings generally fall outside the 9% UAE Corporate Tax. But please note, you still have to keep proper accounting records under the 2026 rules.

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Our team ensures your business setup is smooth, efficient, and compliant with local laws. Contact us today to discuss your project.

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