Business Setup Services in RAK ICC

Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) is one of the UAE’s most trusted and cost-effective offshore jurisdictions for international business incorporation. With its investor-friendly policies, simplified regulations, and tax efficiency, RAK ICC is increasingly becoming the go-to destination for global entrepreneurs, holding companies, family offices, and asset protection structures.

However, setting up a business in RAK ICC still involves legal formalities, documentation, and compliance protocols. This is where Aviaan—a leading business consultancy firm—steps in to streamline the entire process for you.

In this blog, we explore why RAK ICC is an ideal offshore jurisdiction and how Aviaan can assist you in establishing your business efficiently, legally, and with long-term benefits.

What is RAK ICC?

RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) is the offshore corporate registry of Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven Emirates of the UAE. RAK ICC is responsible for the registration and administration of International Business Companies (IBCs).

Unlike mainland or free zone entities, RAK ICC companies are not allowed to operate within the UAE or conduct direct business with UAE residents, but they can hold assets, open bank accounts, and conduct international business outside the UAE. It is an ideal choice for:

Holding companies
Asset protection entities
Family wealth structures
Intellectual property companies
Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs)

Key Benefits of RAK ICC Company Setup

1. 100% Foreign Ownership

No need for a local partner or sponsor. Investors enjoy full ownership of their offshore company.

2. Tax Efficiency

As of now, RAK ICC companies are exempt from:

Corporate tax (if no income is sourced from within the UAE)
Personal income tax
Withholding tax

3. No Requirement for Office Space

RAK ICC companies do not require physical office space in the UAE, reducing overhead costs.

4. Asset and IP Protection

You can hold global assets, intellectual property rights, real estate (in approved areas), and company shares under a RAK ICC company.

5. Confidentiality

RAK ICC ensures high levels of privacy and confidentiality for shareholders and directors.

6. Cost-Effective

It is one of the most affordable offshore jurisdictions in the region, with low setup and renewal costs.

Types of Companies You Can Form in RAK ICC

Company Limited by Shares
Company Limited by Guarantee
Unlimited Company
Restricted Purposes Company (for family wealth or foundations)
Segregated Portfolio Company (SPC)
Transfer of Domicile (for companies re-domiciling into RAK ICC)

Common Use Cases for RAK ICC Entities

Global Trading Operations: Run international trade through a tax-efficient structure.
Holding Company: Consolidate shares of different businesses or assets.
Wealth Planning: Use as part of trust or foundation structures for family wealth.
Intellectual Property Holding: Hold trademarks, patents, copyrights, and license them to others.
SPVs: Create special-purpose vehicles for raising funds or asset isolation.

Steps to Set Up a Business in RAK ICC

Setting up a RAK ICC company involves a simplified yet regulated process:

Choose Company Structure and Name
Appoint Registered Agent (compulsory under RAK ICC law)
Submit KYC Documents for Shareholders and Directors
Draft and Submit Memorandum and Articles of Association
Pay Registration and Licensing Fees
Receive Certificate of Incorporation and Related Documents
Open Offshore Corporate Bank Account
Compliance and Annual Renewals

While the process is relatively streamlined, it requires an understanding of offshore law and compliance—something Aviaan specializes in.

How Aviaan Can Help You Set Up in RAK ICC

Aviaan offers comprehensive offshore business setup services tailored to the unique needs of investors who wish to establish their presence in RAK ICC. Here’s how Aviaan supports you across every stage:

1. Consultation and Strategic Planning

Aviaan’s experts begin with a thorough consultation to understand your business purpose, financial goals, and intended operations. Based on this, they:

Recommend the right company structure
Advise on jurisdictional compliance
Explain benefits and limitations of RAK ICC versus other offshore zones

2. Name Reservation and Company Structuring

Aviaan handles the name search and reservation process with the RAK ICC Registry. They also:

Draft the Memorandum and Articles of Association
Define shareholding structures
Suggest appropriate nominee director/shareholder solutions (if needed)

3. Registered Agent Services

RAK ICC requires every company to appoint a licensed registered agent. Aviaan is a RAK ICC-approved registered agent, which means they can directly liaise with the RAK ICC authority on your behalf and handle:

Company incorporation
Renewal
Amendments
Document issuance and attestation

4. KYC and Documentation Management

Aviaan streamlines all document collection, ensuring:

Proper shareholder and director identification
Due diligence checks
Verification of addresses and legal backgrounds

They make sure your application is 100% compliant to avoid rejections or delays.

5. Corporate Bank Account Opening

Although offshore companies cannot bank in every UAE bank, Aviaan helps you:

Choose the right offshore-friendly bank
Prepare business plans and KYC packages
Schedule and accompany you to meetings (if required)
Follow up until account activation

6. Post-Incorporation Support

After incorporation, Aviaan continues to support with:

Legalization of documents (MOA, certificate, etc.)
Document couriering and notarization
Board meeting documentation and shareholder resolutions
Accounting and tax advisory (for multi-jurisdictional reporting, if needed)

7. Annual Compliance & Renewals

Aviaan provides a full suite of compliance services:

Annual company renewal
Economic substance regulation (ESR) compliance (if applicable)
Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) declaration
FATCA/CRS assistance (if needed for global clients)

Why Choose Aviaan for RAK ICC Setup?

Aviaan has built a reputation for transparency, expertise, and end-to-end support. Here’s what sets them apart:

Approved RAK ICC Registered Agent
Experienced Team with deep offshore business setup knowledge
Multilingual Support to cater to clients across the globe
Fast Turnaround Times with most incorporations completed in 3–5 working days
Affordable Packages with no hidden costs
Global Reach with Local Expertise

Case Study 1: Holding Company for Real Estate Investments

A European client wanted to hold Dubai real estate under an offshore company. Aviaan:

Advised on using RAK ICC as the holding structure
Incorporated the offshore company within 4 days
Helped with notarization and approvals to register real estate in the company’s name

Outcome: The client legally and efficiently held UAE property through a RAK ICC structure while enjoying tax and succession planning benefits.

Case Study 2: Intellectual Property (IP) Holding Company

A tech startup based in Singapore wanted to license its software globally through an offshore vehicle. Aviaan:

Registered an IP holding company under RAK ICC
Drafted license agreements and board resolutions
Assisted in opening a UAE offshore bank account for royalty collections

Outcome: The startup managed its global IP under a tax-efficient entity and simplified its international licensing.

Conclusion

Setting up a company in RAK ICC offers businesses and investors a powerful platform for international operations, asset protection, and wealth management. But ensuring compliance and structure optimization requires expert help.

Aviaan’s tailored business setup services for RAK ICC ensure that your offshore company is registered quickly, correctly, and with full transparency. From document preparation to annual renewals and banking, Aviaan becomes your long-term partner in navigating the offshore business landscape.