The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) has introduced an offshore facility, marking it as the second of its kind in the UAE.
Introduction
The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) has introduced an offshore facility, marking it as the second of its kind in the UAE.
The International Business Companies (IBC) Registry enables foreign investors to register offshore companies through RAK Offshore, a division of the RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA), without needing to establish a physical presence in the UAE.
RAKCA, Ras Al Khaimah’s first and largest registered agent, specializes in incorporating International Offshore Business Companies (IBC). Companies are typically incorporated within 24 hours. Any non-resident individual or corporate entity can register a company with RAKCA.
While many jurisdictions are seen as mere tax havens, the United Arab Emirates stands out as a ‘real’ country with a ‘real economy.’ With a population of approximately 4 million, the UAE boasts a rich history of international trade, finance, and business. It is now one of the fastest-growing nations in the world, offering one of the highest standards of living.
Advantages
RAK Offshore offers several key benefits for businesses. It provides a favourable tax environment with zero corporate and personal income taxes, and no capital gains tax. Companies benefit from 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits, enhancing financial flexibility. RAK Offshore also features a straightforward and cost-effective company setup process with minimal reporting requirements and no requirement for physical office space in the UAE.
The jurisdiction provides confidentiality and privacy for shareholders and directors, which is ideal for international business operations. Additionally, businesses in RAK Offshore can benefit from ease of access to international banking and financial services. This makes RAK Offshore an attractive choice for those seeking to optimize their tax liabilities while maintaining operational efficiency.
Benefits
RAK runs the UAE’s International Business Companies (IBC) Registry, and companies are typically incorporated within 24 hours — the fastest offshore route in the country.
Companies are typically registered within a day through the IBC Registry, faster than any other UAE offshore route.
No corporate tax, no personal income tax and no capital gains tax on qualifying offshore activity.
Any non-resident individual or corporate entity can register, with full repatriation of profits.
Shareholder and director details are not placed on a public register.
Light ongoing obligations, with no annual audit filing requirement for most structures.
No premises in the UAE, no minimum capital deposit and no local sponsor.
The IBC structure is well recognised by banks handling international corporate accounts.
The UAE is a genuine economy with a long trading history — a structure here reads differently to counterparties.
Why choose it
RAK sits between JAFZA and Ajman: cheaper and faster than Jebel Ali, better established internationally than Ajman. For most pure holding and trading structures, it is the balanced answer.
Twenty-four-hour incorporation through the IBC Registry is the quickest route in the UAE, which matters when a transaction or a bank deadline is driving the timeline.
RAK IBC is a recognised structure outside the UAE, so foreign banks, lawyers and counterparties understand what they are looking at without explanation.
Setup runs materially below JAFZA while carrying more international recognition than the cheapest alternatives.
Minimal filing obligations and no requirement for premises keep the annual cost of holding the structure genuinely low.
Most preferred activities
The IBC structure is built for international business and holding, not for trading inside the UAE market.
Buying and selling outside the UAE, with invoicing and settlement routed through the IBC.
Holding shares in operating companies inside and outside the UAE as the group parent.
Owning real estate outside the UAE in corporate name, including in jurisdictions that recognise the IBC.
Centralising trademarks, patents and software rights, and receiving licence income.
Advisory work delivered to clients outside the UAE, billed through the offshore entity.
Registering vessels, aircraft and high-value assets under a single corporate owner.
An offshore company cannot trade inside the UAE market or hold a residence visa quota. Where you need either, we pair the offshore holding structure with a free zone or mainland operating entity.
Offshore jurisdictions
How it works
Select an offshore jurisdiction in Dubai, such as Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) or Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), based on business needs.
Hire a registered agent to assist with the incorporation process. Feel free to reach out to us to act as your agent.
Gather necessary documents, including application forms, passport copies, and proof of address for shareholders and directors.
Submit the completed documents to the relevant offshore authority, along with the required fees.
The offshore authority reviews the application and typically issues the license within a few days.
Open an offshore bank account to facilitate financial transactions.
Begin international operations, benefiting from tax advantages and confidentiality.
Cost
AED 4,000 to AED 5,000. The cost of obtaining a RAK Offshore license typically includes several components.
Total setup generally ranges from AED 12,000 to AED 20,000, excluding any extra charges related to additional services and compliance. We send an itemised written breakdown before you commit.
Checklist
Get in touch
Business setup, visas, PRO services or Golden Visa — send us the details and a consultant will come back with a clear plan and a full cost breakdown.
