RAK ICC Business Setup Consultant

RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) is a corporate registry in Ras Al Khaimah that provides company and foundation registration services. It is designed for international corporate structuring and is different from a conventional free zone that issues operating trade, industrial or service licences for local business activity. RAK ICC company registration is completed through an approved registered agent. ASC Global can help clients understand the registration route, review their intended structure and coordinate the documentation required for the process.

Why Consider RAK ICC for Company Registration?

RAK ICC provides several corporate structures for different ownership, investment and asset-holding requirements. Its official company types include companies limited by shares, companies limited by guarantee, restricted purpose companies, segregated portfolio companies and unlimited companies. It also offers foundation registration and related structuring solutions.

The right structure depends on the purpose of the entity, ownership arrangements, governance requirements and the jurisdictions in which it will operate. RAK ICC should not automatically be treated as a substitute for an operating UAE business licence. Where a business intends to conduct regulated or licensed activities in the UAE, it must separately establish what licences and approvals are required.

Company Structures and Permitted Purposes

RAK ICC provides different legal forms rather than a standard menu of commercial, industrial and service licences.

Company limited by shares: A company structure with share capital and shareholders. It may be considered for holding and investment arrangements, subject to applicable rules.

Company limited by guarantee: A structure in which members' liability is determined by the guarantee arrangements set out in its constitutional documents.

Restricted purpose company: A company formed for a defined or restricted purpose under the applicable regulations.

Segregated portfolio company: A structure that allows separate portfolios within the company, subject to the relevant legal and regulatory requirements.

Unlimited company: A distinct company form with liability characteristics that must be carefully understood before selection.

Foundation: RAK ICC also provides foundation registration, which may be relevant to private-client, succession or asset-structuring objectives where legally appropriate.

The selected structure should reflect the actual purpose and should be reviewed with qualified legal, tax and compliance advisers where needed.

RAK ICC Cost and Fee Overview

RAK ICC publishes a fee schedule covering incorporation, renewal, licences and other registry services. Its published 2025 schedule lists company incorporation with a certificate of incorporation for a company limited by shares at AED 3,000 for one year, AED 6,250 for two years and AED 9,000 for three years. It separately lists a new commercial licence at AED 600.

The schedule also lists a combined incorporation and commercial licence option with a registered address, with different fees depending on the address arrangement. These are registry schedule figures effective from 1 January 2025, not a complete quotation for every applicant. Registered agent fees, due diligence, address services and other professional costs may be additional.

Always request a current written quotation from the registered agent and confirm the latest official fee schedule before proceeding.

Step-by-Step RAK ICC Registration Process

1. Define the purpose of the entity: Clarify whether the intended structure is for holding, investment, international structuring, private-client planning or another permitted purpose.

2. Choose the company type: Review the available company forms and determine which one fits the intended ownership and governance arrangement.

3. Contact a registered agent: RAK ICC states that registration applications are submitted through registered agents, who provide the office address.

4. Prepare due diligence documents: Gather identity, address, ownership and other information requested for compliance checks.

5. Prepare incorporation documents: Complete the application and constitutional documents required for the selected structure.

6. Submit the application: The registered agent submits the application to RAK ICC for review.

7. Receive the incorporation certificate: Once the application is approved and formalities are complete, the registry issues the relevant incorporation documents.

8. Maintain the entity: Complete renewals, maintain required records and report changes such as relevant ownership or beneficial ownership updates.

Documents Required for RAK ICC Registration

The exact checklist depends on the proposed structure, shareholders, directors, beneficial owners and registered agent's compliance requirements. Applicants may be asked for:

• Passport copies and identification documents.

• Proof of residential address.

• Details of shareholders, directors and authorised representatives.

• Ultimate beneficial owner information.

• Proposed company name and business purpose.

• Completed application and due diligence forms.

• Memorandum and articles of association or other constitutional documents.

• Additional declarations or supporting evidence requested by the registered agent or registry.

Additional documents may be required depending on the applicant's profile and structure.

Who Should Consider RAK ICC?

RAK ICC may be relevant to entrepreneurs, investors, international business owners and families considering a corporate or foundation structure for an appropriate cross-border purpose. It may also be considered where a company needs a formal international corporate structure and understands the ongoing governance and compliance obligations.

It may not be suitable for someone who simply needs a standard UAE trading, consultancy, industrial or e-commerce licence to operate a business locally. Such applicants should assess an appropriate operating jurisdiction and licensing authority instead. RAK ICC registration should not be presented as automatically providing UAE residence visas or permission to conduct every local business activity.

How ASC Global Helps With RAK ICC Registration

ASC Global helps clients assess their company formation requirements before they begin the registration process. Our team can assist with understanding the available structure options, identifying documentation requirements and coordinating with the relevant registered agent and professional advisers.

Our support can include:

• Initial review of the intended corporate purpose.

• Guidance on available company and foundation structures.

• Coordination of shareholder and beneficial ownership information.

• Review of incorporation documentation.

• Assistance with communication and application coordination.

• Guidance on related accounting, tax and compliance considerations.

With 30+ years of experience and 5,000+ clients, ASC Global aims to provide practical support while helping clients understand the responsibilities associated with their chosen structure.

Discuss Your RAK ICC Registration Requirements

Selecting a corporate structure requires careful consideration of the entity's purpose, ownership and ongoing obligations. Contact ASC Global to discuss your requirements and understand the RAK ICC registration process, documentation and related compliance considerations.