🇦🇪 Ras Al Khaimah (RAK ICC, UAE)
RAK ICC is the international company (offshore) registration authority in Ras Al Khaimah, commonly used for holding and asset management. As of 2023, the UAE has implemented a federal corporate tax (9% above a certain threshold); pure offshore companies without a UAE permanent establishment and without UAE-source income are generally not subject to UAE taxation on foreign income. Eligible entities may also qualify for free zone benefits. Rules are evolving, please refer to the latest announcements from UAE authorities (FTA/RAK ICC).
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK ICC, UAE) Key conditions at a glance
| Common Company Types | International Company (RAK ICC Offshore Company) |
|---|---|
| Corporate income tax | UAE corporate tax: 0% for income below AED 375,000, 9% for income above; pure offshore income is generally not taxed. |
| Estimated establishment costs | Approximately US$1,500–US$3,500 |
| Annual maintenance | Annual fee, registered agent, registered address; corporate tax registration/reporting may be required depending on circumstances. |
| Substance/Reporting Requirements | UBO, CRS; corporate tax registration; free zone benefits are subject to qualification and substance |
| Suitable for purpose | Holding, Asset Management, Group Structure |
| Bank account opening | UAE account opening reviews are stringent, requiring comprehensive KYC. |
| Recent Changes | Starting in 2023, a federal corporate tax of 9% will be implemented; ESR reporting will no longer be required for certain years. |
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK ICC, UAE) Key considerations
- RAK ICC companies are not automatically exempt from corporate tax; taxation depends on the presence of a permanent establishment, source of income, and qualification assessment.
- To qualify for the 0% benefit as a 'Qualified Free Trade Zone Person', conditions regarding qualified income and sufficient substance must be met.
- Home country CFC/substance taxation rules may still apply; comprehensive planning is essential.
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK ICC, UAE) Application process
- Establish an international company and register UBO through a RAK ICC registered agent.
- Assess corporate tax registration and reporting obligations.
- If applicable, arrange qualified income and substance.
- Open a bank account and pay annual fees to maintain it.
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK ICC, UAE) Frequently Asked Questions
Do RAK ICC offshore companies have to pay the UAE 9% corporate tax?
It depends on the circumstances. A pure offshore company without a permanent establishment in the UAE and without UAE-sourced income is generally not taxed on foreign income; however, there may still be registration obligations, and eligibility must be confirmed according to FTA regulations.
Can RAK ICC companies operate in Dubai?
RAK ICC is an offshore structure, and actual operations within the UAE typically require the establishment of a separate free zone or local company; mixed use may affect tax and licensing determinations, and professional consultation is advisable.
Does a RAK ICC company still need to file Economic Substance (ESR) reporting?
The UAE has ceased requiring ESR filings for certain years, shifting to the Federal Corporate Tax regime implemented from 2023 as the primary compliance framework. Actual filing obligations should be determined by the latest FTA regulations; one should not assume a complete exemption.
How can I verify whether the company incorporation, tax, and compliance regulations for this jurisdiction are up to date?
Tax systems, annual fees, economic substance, and UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) rules in each jurisdiction are frequently amended. Recommendations: ① Check official company registry or tax authority announcements of the jurisdiction (official source links are provided at the bottom of this page); ② Verify the data date indicated on this page; ③ Understand post-incorporation annual filing, accounting, audit, and economic substance obligations—do not focus solely on incorporation fees; ④ Stay alert to agent claims that exaggerate tax savings or suggest no filing or compliance obligations after incorporation, and consult qualified tax/legal professionals for major decisions. This site provides a neutral compilation of public information; always refer to the latest official announcements.
Where can I look up the official company registry for Ras Al Khaimah (RAK ICC, UAE), and is it public?
| Official registry | RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) |
|---|---|
| Can the public search the register? | 🔒 No public online search (must go through agent or written application) |
| Notes | RAK International Company records are not publicly searchable; must go through a registered agent. |
| Official search | Go to official registry search ↗ |
The above is a compilation of public information from official company registration authorities; public search rules and beneficial ownership disclosures are subject to change, so please refer to the latest official regulations. See the comparison table of registration transparency across jurisdictions →
Official sources: RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) · Data date: 2026-06.This page is a neutral compilation of public data, for reference only, not tax/legal advice; options are subject to the latest official announcements.