Aug 19, 2026
RAK ICC, or the Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre, is sometimes confused with the UAE’s free zones. It is a separate corporate registry, mainly used for international holding companies, investment structures, wealth planning and asset ownership.
A standard RAK ICC company is not the same as a UAE operating company. It does not, by itself, provide a UAE trade licence, office or residence visas. Businesses that need a UAE operating presence can consider the RAK ICC Premium Product, which combines a RAK ICC holding company with a RAKEZ subsidiary.
Applications must be submitted through a RAK ICC registered agent. The agent provides the registered office and manages the incorporation process with the registry.
This guide explains what RAK ICC is, what it costs in 2026 and how to choose a registered agent.
RAK ICC was established in 2015 by consolidating two earlier corporate registries in Ras Al Khaimah. Today, it focuses on international corporate and wealth structures.
RAK ICC companies are commonly used for:
RAK ICC also offers foundations, special-purpose structures and segregated portfolio companies. It is therefore more accurate to describe RAK ICC as an international corporate registry rather than simply an offshore company jurisdiction.
A standard RAK ICC International Business Company should not be treated like a typical UAE free-zone company. It generally:
If you need employees, premises, a UAE trade licence or residence visas, a UAE free-zone company may be more appropriate.
The RAK ICC Premium Product combines a RAK ICC holding company with a RAKEZ subsidiary.
The RAK ICC company acts as the holding company, while the RAKEZ entity provides the UAE operating presence. Depending on the structure, the RAKEZ company can provide commercial or service licences, office facilities and eligibility for UAE residence visas.
The distinction is important: the RAK ICC company itself does not provide the operating licence or visas. Those features come through the RAKEZ subsidiary.
RAK ICC’s official 2026 fee schedule lists the following registry fees for a standard International Business Company:
| Service | RAK ICC fee |
|---|---|
| Incorporation for one year | AED 3,250 |
| Incorporation for two years | AED 6,700 |
| Incorporation for three years | AED 9,600 |
| Renewal for one year | AED 3,950 |
| Renewal for two years | AED 7,250 |
| Renewal for three years | AED 10,650 |
These are fees charged by RAK ICC and do not include the registered agent’s professional charges.
An agent may charge separately for:
Some applications may also attract additional registry fees, particularly where the structure involves corporate shareholders, segregated portfolios or enhanced due diligence.
For this reason, it is better to compare the complete quotation rather than choosing an agent based only on an advertised starting price.
RAK ICC provides five types of International Business Company:
A Company Limited by Shares is commonly used for holding and international business structures. A Segregated Portfolio Company may be suitable where separate portfolios are required within one legal structure.
The right choice depends on the company’s purpose, ownership and proposed activities.
The process is usually straightforward when the ownership structure is simple.
RAK ICC states that eligible applications can be incorporated within one working day after the required documents have been submitted. The complete process may take longer because the agent must first complete document checks and due diligence.
Remote incorporation is generally possible, so applicants do not normally need to travel to the UAE simply to establish the company.
Incorporation is only the beginning. The company must maintain accurate corporate and beneficial ownership records and renew its registration on time.
RAK ICC guidance states that changes to the ultimate beneficial owner should be reported within two weeks. Other UAE beneficial ownership requirements may also apply, depending on the company’s activities and circumstances.
The 2026 fee schedule provides a one-month grace period after the registration expiry date. Late-renewal penalties may apply after that period.
RAK ICC does not require IBCs to file financial statements with the registry. This does not remove the company’s accounting, tax, record-keeping or other compliance obligations.
RAK ICC does not publish an official ranking of the best registered agents. The companies below are therefore listed as options to research, not as a ranking.
| Company | Founded / established | Potential fit | Main focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kanoony Corporate Services Providers L.L.C. | 2019 | Clients assessing the right structure before incorporation | Corporate, legal, private-client and PRO services; RAK ICC and RAKEZ structuring |
| A&A Associate | 2016 | Founders comparing UAE structures | Corporate and structuring services |
| A Z Business Consultancy | Not publicly stated | Straightforward RAK ICC setups | Incorporation and banking introductions |
| Al Arabiya Group | Not publicly stated | Clients seeking corporate and advisory support | Corporate services and structuring |
| Ambizent | 2025 | Applicants wanting detailed guidance | Holding and international structures |
| Aziend | 2009 | Budget-conscious applicants | Formation, registered address and compliance |
| BCL Globiz | 2022 | Clients needing accounting support | Accounting, VAT and tax services |
| Business Setup HQ | Not publicly stated | Investors comparing international structures | UAE and international company formation |
| Dawn Consultancy | Not publicly stated | Straightforward registrations | Formation and registered-agent services |
| DBS (Dubai Business Services) | Not publicly stated | Investors comparing costs | Formation, structuring and banking support |
| DY Lawyers and Legal Consultants | Not publicly stated | Clients wanting legal assistance | Corporate and legal services |
| Emirabiz | Not publicly stated | Applicants seeking tax guidance | Formation, structuring and corporate tax |
| Enterslice | Not publicly stated | Clients needing regulatory guidance | Company formation and compliance |
| Freezoner | Not publicly stated | Investors seeking an established RAK ICC agent | Holding companies, foundations, banking, accounting and tax services |
| Knightsbridge Group | Not publicly stated | Families and international investors | Wealth structures and tax advisory |
| LorcaBase | Not publicly stated | International and Spanish-speaking clients | Formation, tax and private wealth |
| PRO Partner Group | Not publicly stated | Businesses needing compliance support | Corporate services, tax and compliance |
| Privacy Management Group | Not publicly stated | Investors combining RAK ICC and RAKEZ | Holding and operating structures |
| Privacy Solutions | Not publicly stated | Clients needing customised advice | Corporate and international structuring |
| Rubert & Partners | Not publicly stated | Founders seeking legal advice | Corporate and international structuring |
| The Capital Zone | Not publicly stated | Investors comparing UAE options | Company formation and structuring |
| WeOpenOffshore | Not publicly stated | Applicants comparing jurisdictions | Offshore formation and international structures |
This list is not exhaustive. RAK ICC maintains its own registered-agent directory, which should be used to confirm an agent’s current accreditation.
Kanoony helps investors determine whether RAK ICC is suitable for their intended structure before incorporation. This is important because the most suitable solution may be an RAK ICC company, a UAE free-zone company, a foundation or a combination of structures.
Our services can include:
The appropriate solution depends on the client’s objectives, ownership, source of funds, proposed activities and long-term plans.
Before instructing an agent, ask:
Always verify the agent through the official RAK ICC directory before making payment.
RAK ICC and UAE free zones serve different purposes.
| Requirement | RAK ICC | UAE free zone |
|---|---|---|
| International holding structure | Suitable | Possible |
| UAE operating licence | Not provided by a standard IBC | Generally available |
| Commercial office | Registered office usually sufficient | Office options available |
| UAE residence visas | Not provided by a standard IBC | Often available, subject to the licence |
| Asset and investment holding | Common use | Possible |
| Direct UAE market activity | Not generally permitted through the IBC | Depends on the licence and regulations |
For investors who need both a holding company and a UAE operating presence, the RAK ICC Premium Product may provide a practical solution.
RAK ICC can be a suitable choice for international holding, investment, asset ownership, succession planning and other cross-border structures. It is not, however, a substitute for a UAE operating company.
The best approach is to decide what the structure needs to achieve before choosing an agent. Compare the total cost, the agent’s current accreditation, the complexity of the ownership structure and the support available after incorporation.
At Kanoony, we help clients assess whether RAK ICC is the right option and structure the application around their commercial, legal and long-term objectives.
One monthly fee for business setup, visas, accounting, tax filing, and ongoing business support.
3,499/mo 
4,999/mo 
14,999/mo 
800 - KANOONY 
