24 answers for owners and founders of a UAE · RAK ICC company, from ordering to banking, annual compliance and what happens after incorporation. General information, not legal or tax advice; your specialist confirms how it applies to you.
A passport copy and a recent proof of address for each shareholder, director and beneficial owner, a short description of what the company will hold or do, and a source-of-funds statement. If the company will buy UAE property, tell us the project, because the land department may ask for more. Upload everything in the client portal after checkout.
Because RAK ICC registers international companies only through approved registered agents, and every company must keep a registered agent and registered office in the UAE. The agent files documents with RAK ICC, holds the statutory registers and runs due diligence on the owners. We act through an approved registered agent for you.
Source: RAK ICC Business Companies Regulations 2018, Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre
Yes. We complete KYC, the company resolves to change its registered agent, and the change is filed with RAK ICC through the new approved agent. Your current agent must be paid up to date and release the records. Plan the move away from the renewal date, so the renewal is not missed during the handover.
No. Our price covers forming and maintaining the company. Land department transfer fees, trustee or registration charges and any no-objection letters for a property purchase are set by the emirate where the property sits and are paid on the transaction. Ask for a quote once you know the project.
Sometimes, but it is harder than for a DMCC or mainland company, because there is no office, trade licence or UAE-resident manager. Banks that accept RAK ICC companies usually want a clear holding purpose, such as UAE property or shares in an operating company, and full source-of-wealth evidence. We also look at options outside the UAE; the bank decides.
The certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles, registers of directors and members, a recent certificate of incumbency and the owners' passports and proof of address. Add a structure chart and a short explanation of what the company holds. For a property holding company, the title deed or sale agreement helps the bank see the purpose.
Generally within 3 months of incorporation, even if it will pay nothing, because it is a UAE-incorporated company (confirm your date with your specialist). Late registration carries an AED 10,000 penalty, which the Federal Tax Authority may waive if the first return is filed within 7 months after the first tax period ends. We register the company as part of setup.
Source: Corporate Tax registration service, Federal Tax Authority, UAE
Not for financial years starting after 31 December 2022, following Cabinet Resolution No. 98 of 2024. Earlier years can still be reviewed, so close any open 2019–2022 filings. Substance now matters mainly through corporate tax rules.
Source: Economic Substance Regulations (ESR), Ministry of Finance, UAE
Usually yes. The UAE is not a party to the Hague Apostille Convention, so a foreign company's certificate, register extract or board resolution is certified by its home country's foreign ministry, then by the UAE embassy there, and then by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We tell you exactly which documents need this before you start.
The company renews with RAK ICC each year through its registered agent. We invoice from US$1,000 on Starter before the due date, with the RAK ICC fee, the registered agent and office, and our service as separate lines. Pay by card, PayPal or wire in the client portal or on Renew & pay.
Source: Rules and regulations, Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre
Tell us first. Changes are filed through the registered agent, the new owner or director goes through KYC, and some changes need RAK ICC approval before they take effect. We also update the beneficial owner register, which must stay in line with the change.
Source: RAK ICC Business Companies Regulations 2018, Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre
RAK ICC can apply penalties and eventually strike the company off, which can freeze its bank account and complicate any property it holds. Restoration is possible within a limited period by paying the arrears and penalties (confirm the current rules with your specialist). If the company has done its job, close it on purpose instead.
Source: RAK ICC Business Companies Regulations 2018, Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre
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