RAK Offshore Company Formation

Establish your global presence with a RAK offshore company. Benefit from 100% tax exemptions, full privacy, and a fast, remote registration process - no UAE visit required.

Reviews

RAK Offshore Company Formation

UAE’s Market-Leading Business Setup Company

Offshore Company Setup in Ras Al Khaimah – An Overview

Ras Al Khaimah is a leading offshore jurisdiction in the UAE. An RAK offshore company allows investors and entrepreneurs to hold assets, manage international operations, and create a tax-efficient structure without requiring a physical office or local employees in the UAE.

RAK offshore companies are registered under the RAK ICC (Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre), which operates under Decree No. 12 of 2015 (later updated by Decree No. 4 of 2016) and is governed by the RAK ICC Business Companies Regulations 2018. Only authorised registered agents can facilitate the RAK offshore company registration process.

Shuraa Business Setup is a licensed registered agent with RAK ICC, authorised to incorporate RAK offshore companies on your behalf. We handle the entire registration process, including paperwork, document collection, submission, and certificate issuance.

Why Set Up Your Company with RAK Offshore?

Setting up an offshore company in Ras Al Khaimah provides significant advantages. These are the key reasons investors from over 100 countries select this jurisdiction:

0% Corporate and Income Tax

RAK offshore companies are fully exempt from corporate and personal income taxes, making this one of the most tax-efficient jurisdictions globally.

100% Foreign Ownership

You retain full ownership of your company with no requirement for a local sponsor, partner, or shared equity.

No Office or Staff Required

Unlike mainland or free zone setups, an RAK offshore company does not require leasing office space or hiring local employees.

Quick and Easy Setup

With Shuraa managing the process, RAK offshore company registration is typically completed within 1 to 3 working days of document submission.

Strong Asset Protection

RAK offshore structures are commonly used to hold UAE real estate and international assets within a legally protected and confidential framework.

Multi-Currency Bank Accounts

RAK offshore companies can open UAE-based bank accounts in multiple currencies, providing flexibility for international transactions.

No Import or Export Duties

Offshore entities in RAK are exempt from import and export duties, which reduces the cost of international trade operations.

Confidentiality and Privacy

Director identities are not disclosed to the public. RAK ICC ensures a high level of privacy for shareholders and beneficial owners.

Types of Companies Under RAK ICC

RAK ICC permits the registration of various offshore company structures. The appropriate structure depends on your business objectives, ownership arrangement, and intended activities.

Company Limited by Shares

The most common RAK offshore structure. Shareholders’ liability is limited to the value of their shares. It is suitable for holding companies, trading entities, and investment structures.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

Combines the benefits of limited liability protection and flexible management. It is preferred for businesses with multiple stakeholders.

Company with a Segregated Portfolio

It is primarily used for investment or fund management, in which assets and liabilities within each portfolio are legally separated.

Unlimited Company

This less common structure does not limit shareholder liability. It is rarely selected but may be appropriate in certain legal situations.

Note: Company names under RAK ICC must end with 'Limited' or 'Incorporated'. Certain restricted words, including Bank, Insurance, Royal, Fund, and Trust, require special approval.

Required Documents for Registering a RAK Offshore Company

The documentation required to register an RAK offshore company is straightforward. Please prepare the following:

Personal Documents (for each shareholder and director)

  • Notarised copy of passport
  • Curriculum vitae (CV) of the investor
  • Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, not older than 3 months)
  • Passport-size photograph

Corporate Documents (if a corporate shareholder is involved)

Additional Requirements:

  • Preferred company trade names (minimum 3 options, in order of preference)
  • Description of proposed business activities
  • UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) declaration as per Cabinet Decision No. 58 of 2020

How to Set Up a RAK Offshore Company with Shuraa

Our process ensures your RAK offshore company formation is efficient and straightforward.

Consult with a Shuraa business setup expert to clarify your objectives and confirm that a RAK offshore structure meets your needs.
We assist you in selecting trade names that comply with RAK ICC guidelines and verify their availability.
Our team provides guidance on required documents and assists with notarisation and attestation if necessary.
As a licensed registered agent, Shuraa submits your application to RAK ICC on your behalf.
We support the mandatory Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) declaration and ensure ESR compliance.
Once approved, your RAK offshore company is officially incorporated, typically within 1 to 3 working days.
We can assist with opening a multi-currency corporate bank account in the UAE for your offshore entity.

RAK Offshore Company Compliance Requirements

Although RAK offshore companies benefit from considerable operational flexibility, all registered entities are required to fulfil specific compliance obligations.

Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) Disclosure

Under Cabinet Decision No. 58 of 2020, all RAK ICC companies must identify and report their Ultimate Beneficial Owners to the RAK ICC Authority. A UBO is any individual who owns or controls at least 25% of the capital or voting rights or otherwise exercises ultimate control over the entity. Companies must maintain both the Real Beneficiary Register (RBR) and the Partners or Shareholders Register (PSR).

Economic Substance Regulations (ESR), where applicable

If a RAK offshore company engages in any of the nine Relevant Activities, such as Banking, Insurance, Investment Fund Management, Lease-Finance, Headquarters, Shipping, Holding Company, Intellectual Property, or Distribution and Service Centre, it must comply with ESR requirements. This includes filing annual notifications, completing ESR assessments, and submitting reports to the relevant authority.

Accounting Records

RAK offshore companies must maintain accurate accounting records for at least seven years from the date of preparation. These records must be approved and signed by at least one director. Submission of accounts to RAK ICC is optional.

Key Corporate Requirements

Minimum 1 shareholder (individual or corporate)

Minimum 1 director (can be the same as the shareholder)

1 company secretary mandatory

Registered office and registered agent in the UAE (Shuraa fulfils this role)

Bearer shares are prohibited.

RAK Offshore Company Setup Costs

Ras Al Khaimah offers competitive pricing for offshore incorporation. The setup cost for a RAK offshore company starts at AED 12,000*, covering government registration fees and registered agent charges.

The exact setup cost may vary based on the following factors:

Number of shareholders and directors

Type of company structure selected

Additional services such as bank account opening or ESR filing

Notarisation and attestation requirements for overseas documents

For a precise and transparent quote tailored to your needs, please contact our advisors.

*Prices are indicative and subject to change based on RAK ICC authority fees. Contact Shuraa for an up-to-date quote.

Services Provided by Shuraa

As a licensed registered agent with RAK ICC, Shuraa is authorised to incorporate RAK offshore companies for investors. We provide comprehensive support, including:

RAK offshore company registration and incorporation

Company name availability check and reservations

Preparation and verification of required documents

Submission of applications to RAK ICC

UBO declarations and compliance support

ESR filings and assessments, if applicable

Registered office and agent services

Assistance with corporate bank account openings

Ongoing renewal and compliance management

Ajman Offshore and JAFZA Offshore company registrations

Why Choose Shuraa for RAK Offshore Company Formation?

With over 26 years of experience in UAE business setup, Shuraa has assisted thousands of international investors and entrepreneurs in establishing offshore companies efficiently and cost-effectively. Here is what distinguishes us:

01

Licensed RAK ICC Registered Agent

As one of the few UAE-based consultancies authorised to directly incorporate companies under RAK ICC, we offer faster processing without intermediaries.

02

One-Stop Business Setup Partner

Shuraa serves as your single point of contact for offshore company formation, bank account opening, visa services, accounting, and legal support.

03

Transparent Pricing

We offer transparent, upfront pricing with no hidden fees and tailor our packages to your requirements.

04

Expert Consultants

Our multilingual specialists understand the UAE's offshore regulations, ensuring a straightforward, stress-free process for you.

05

Fast Turnaround

Most RAK offshore company registrations are completed within 1 to 3 working days of document submission.

Take Your Business Global with RAK Offshore

Establish a scalable business in Ras Al Khaimah with zero tax and full ownership. Shuraa’s expertise ensures your offshore setup is efficient and fully compliant.
UAE business setup

The Top-Rated Business Setup Consultancy in the UAE

Shuraa Business Setup is the highest-rated business setup consultancy in the UAE, providing expert guidance and comprehensive service to help entrepreneurs establish and grow their businesses seamlessly.

Had a great experience with Shuraa?

Your feedback helps other entrepreneurs make the right choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

An RAK offshore company is a legal entity registered in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, through the RAK ICC (International Corporate Centre). It is intended for international business, asset holding, and investment management, but cannot trade directly within the UAE domestic market.

Foreign nationals and non-UAE residents may establish an RAK offshore company. No local sponsor or UAE national partner is required. Only authorised registered agents, such as Shuraa, can submit incorporation applications on your behalf.

Generally, no. As RAK offshore companies are non-resident and cannot conduct business in the UAE, their international earnings are usually not subject to the 9% UAE Corporate Tax. However, all entities must register for Corporate Tax within three months of formation to remain compliant.

The setup cost for an RAK offshore company starts from AED 12,000*. The total may vary depending on the number of shareholders, company structure, compliance services, and document attestation. Contact Shuraa for an exact quote.

UBO stands for Ultimate Beneficial Owner, meaning any individual who owns or controls at least 25% of the company. Under Cabinet Decision No. 58 of 2020, all RAK ICC companies must disclose UBO information and maintain the Real Beneficiary Register (RBR) and Partners or Shareholders Register (PSR).

Yes. Both individuals and corporate entities may hold shares in an RAK offshore company. Corporate shareholders must provide supporting documents, such as the Certificate of Incorporation and Board Resolution.

Related Blogs

Let's Get Your UAE Business Started

One conversation is all it takes. Connect with our experts for personalised advice on business setup and company formation in Dubai or across the UAE.

Let's Get Your UAE Business Started
DMCA.com Protection Status