RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC)
RAK ICC is a Ras Al Khaimah offshore corporate registry for international business companies used in holding, IP and structuring. It does not issue residence visas or office leases and is not for onshore UAE trading.
Starting from: AED 8,000 - 20,000 for year one
Why choose RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC)?
- Clean vehicle for holding and global licensing structures.
- Can complement an operating free zone or mainland entity.
- Lower ongoing operational overhead than onshore setups.
How much does a RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) licence cost?
A licence here typically runs AED 8,000 - 20,000 for year one. The licence is normally issued in 2 - 7 working days once documents are ready, and entry package tiers carry none visas. The low end is a single-activity licence with no staff visas; the high end reflects extra activities, a dedicated office or a higher visa quota.
Offshore company registry. No residence visas and no physical presence; holding structures only.
Estimate. Indicative market range for planning, not confirmed with the authority. Check current figures before you apply.
| Item | Indicative cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trade licence (year one) | AED 8,000 - 20,000 | Varies with activity count and facility |
| Establishment / immigration card | AED 1,200 - 2,000 | One-off per company, required before any visa |
| Investor or partner visa (2 years) | AED 3,500 - 5,500 | Includes medical, Emirates ID and status change |
| Employee visa (2 years) | AED 4,000 - 6,500 | Per employee |
| Annual licence renewal | 85 - 100% of year-one fee | Excludes one-off formation items |
Indicative ranges for planning, not a quote. Zone packages and government fees change — confirm current figures with the authority before you apply.
How many visas do you get?
Quota follows the facility you take, not the licence itself.
| What you lease | Typical visa quota | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Licence only (zero-visa) | 0 | Trade licence with no residency for anyone |
| Flexi desk / smart desk | 1 - 6 | Set by the package tier you buy, not by the activity |
| Dedicated office (15 - 25 sqm) | 4 - 8 | First step up when a flexi desk runs out of quota |
| Larger office or warehouse | about 1 per 9 sqm | Subject to the zone approving the allocation |
Full detail, including how to increase your allocation: free zone visa quota explained.
Licence types available
- Offshore holding company
- SPV for investments
- IP holding and licensing
How to set up, step by step
- Define purpose (holding, SPV, IP) and confirm offshore suitability
- Choose name; prepare KYC and constitutional documents
- Register company; appoint directors and issue shares
- Open a suitable bank account if operational flows require it
Documents you need
- Passports and KYC for UBOs and directors
- Proof of address and bank reference if required
- Corporate chart where a holding company is part of the structure
Popular activities
- Hold shares in subsidiaries
- Own and license intellectual property
- Issue intercompany loans (subject to transfer pricing and policy)
Related guides
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Last updated: October 2026
General information, not advice. Fees, packages and visa quotas are set by the free zone authority and change without notice — confirm current terms before applying.