RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) is a modern offshore jurisdiction in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, designed for the registration of international business companies (IBCs) that conduct commercial activities outside the UAE.
RAK ICC was officially launched in 2016 following the consolidation and reform of two previously existing registries – RAK IBC and RAK Offshore. The purpose of the reform was to create a unified, more transparent, and technologically advanced corporate registry platform that complies with international standards of compliance and corporate governance.
Legal framework and key features of RAK ICC
RAK ICC companies are incorporated and operate under Ras Al Khaimah's dedicated corporate legal framework, specifically developed for international business structures. Compared to previous offshore regimes, the RAK ICC regulatory framework is more detailed and provides enhanced corporate tools, including:
- the ability to issue different classes of shares;
- registration of share pledges;
- flexible mechanisms for share transfers and ownership restructuring;
- simplified procedures for corporate amendments.
All RAK ICC companies must be administered through licensed registered agents. This model ensures centralized oversight, strict compliance with KYC/AML requirements, and a high level of reputational stability for the jurisdiction.
Taxation and reporting
RAK ICC companies:
- are not subject to corporate income tax in the UAE;
- are not subject to VAT, provided they do not conduct taxable activities within the UAE;
- are not required to file financial or tax reports with UAE authorities;
- may be used for asset holding, participation in international transactions, business structuring, and holding and investment purposes.
As a result, RAK ICC remains one of the most efficient and widely recognized offshore jurisdictions in the Middle East for international business operations.
Status of previously registered companies
Companies previously incorporated under the RAK IBC and RAK Offshore registries were automatically migrated into the RAK ICC framework. Their legal status was aligned with the new regime without the need for liquidation or reincorporation.
For such entities, relevant annexes to the constitutional documents were issued, formally confirming their status as RAK ICC IBCs.
Registration of an RAK ICC company
Registration of an RAK ICC company is possible exclusively through a licensed registered agent accredited by RAK ICC. This approach ensures:
- compliance with international regulatory and compliance standards;
- proper structuring of the company;
- professional support at all stages – from incorporation to ongoing administration.
Our company holds all required licenses and authorizations to register and administer RAK ICC companies and is among the experienced corporate service providers in the UAE. We offer full-cycle support, from selecting the appropriate structure to ongoing corporate maintenance and compliance.
