RAK International Business Company in Dubai features of the jurisdiction

Nikita Veremeev

02.11.2025 | 6 min read

Updated: 02.11.2025

9 out of 10 international companies planning expansion to the Middle East choose the UAE as a launchpad, and more than 40% of new entities are established specifically in Ras Al Khaimah. Why does such a significant share of global business bet on RAK International Business Company?

In an era when tax risks, transparency issues and asset protection become decisive for strategic decisions, the choice of jurisdiction is not just a formality, but a key to resilience and growth.

What challenges do entrepreneurs and chief financial officers face today? It’s not only the complexity of registering companies abroad, but also the need to comply with international AML standards, obtain licenses for financial services, ensure confidentiality and legal access to global markets.

How to minimize risks, optimize taxes, protect assets and still retain management flexibility?

In this article I, Nikita Veremeev, founder of COREDO, share practical strategies and expert solutions that the COREDO team implemented for clients from Europe, Asia and the CIS.

You will learn how to effectively use the opportunities of RAK ICC in Dubai to create an international business structure with maximum protection, tax benefits and access to global markets.

If you are looking not just for an overview but for a step-by-step guide backed by real experience: read to the end.

Benefits of registering a company in RAK ICC

company registration in RAK ICC gives entrepreneurs access to a range of advantages, including significant tax incentives, a high degree of confidentiality and simplicity of administrative procedures. Thanks to these conditions, businesses can optimize their expenses and successfully conduct international operations regardless of the owners’ jurisdiction.

Tax incentives: types and how to obtain them

RAK ICC is a jurisdiction where the tax burden is minimized: there is no corporate tax (no corporate tax), no tax on dividends and interest (no withholding tax), and there is a system of double taxation avoidance agreements (Double Tax Treaties UAE) with more than 130 countries. This allows companies to optimize international capital flows and legally reduce tax liabilities.

In practice COREDO confirms: with proper structuring through an RAK International Business Company clients gain access to tax benefits in the UAE, which is especially relevant for holding and investment structures. It is important to note that for companies conducting business in the UAE a 5% VAT rate applies (VAT in UAE), while for most offshore operations this tax does not apply.

Legal structures: what are they?

RAK ICC offers flexibility in choosing a legal structure: from the classic International Business Company (IBC) to holding companies (Holding Company), and specialized instruments for asset management: Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and Segregated Portfolio Company (SPC).

This approach allows building bespoke business structures tailored to the needs of family offices, investment funds and international holdings.

Solutions developed by COREDO often include the creation of an SPV for project financing or an SPC for segregating risks by lines of business.

As a result, clients gain not only legal protection but also maximum management flexibility.

A smooth transition to all the nuances of registration and subsequent account management is covered in the next section.

Registration and account management

The process of registering a company in Dubai through RAK ICC is characterized by transparency and speed. At least one director and one shareholder (individual or legal entity) are required, 100% foreign ownership is allowed, and the minimum share capital is not regulated (usually a nominal amount is sufficient).

COREDO supports clients at all stages: from choosing the optimal structure to opening a registered office in Ras Al Khaimah and preparing the full set of documents. COREDO’s practice has shown that, with proper preparation, registration takes from 3 to 7 business days, and company management can be done remotely – which is particularly valuable for international entrepreneurs.

RAK ICC company registration – step-by-step

RAK ICC company registration – step-by-step is a structured process that ensures a fast and lawful business setup in the UAE. At the start it is important to properly prepare the document package, which will help avoid delays and speed up the issuance of the company registration certificate.

Preparation of business documents

The first stage is careful document preparation. For RAK ICC registration the following are required:

Memorandum and Articles of Association (Memorandum & Articles of Association)
Resolution on the appointment of the director and shareholder
Proof of the registered office address in the UAE
Copies of passports and proof of address for all beneficiaries (KYC documentation)
Confirmation of payment of share capital (upon request)

COREDO’s experience shows: thorough document preparation in line with the RAK ICC Business Companies Regulations minimizes the risk of refusal and speeds up the registration process. Special attention is paid to transparency of the ownership structure and compliance with international AML/KYC standards.

Open a bank account

The next key step: opening a bank account. Despite a high level of confidentiality, banks in the UAE require strict adherence to AML and KYC procedures. To successfully open an account for a RAK Offshore Company you need to:

Provide a full set of corporate documents
Confirm the source of funds
Describe the business model and anticipated transaction flows

The COREDO team has developed best practices for opening bank accounts: a business plan is prepared in advance, a preliminary risk assessment is conducted, and banks that are friendly to international structures are selected. This approach significantly increases the chances of quickly opening multi-currency accounts and minimizes delays.

Thanks to this comprehensive approach, the company builds a solid foundation for asset protection and maintaining confidentiality.

Asset Protection and Privacy

RAK International Business Company, one of the leaders in terms of confidentiality and privacy protection. In the jurisdiction there is no public register of beneficiaries, and financial reporting is not subject to mandatory publication.

This provides a high degree of asset protection and privacy for owners.

In COREDO’s practice there have been cases where clients used RAK ICC to structure family offices and holding companies, providing not only asset protection but also effective estate planning. This approach reduces legal and operational risks while preserving control over the business.

Global expansion, opportunities and prospects

RAK ICC is an effective tool for international expansion. Companies are granted access to the markets of Dubai, the UAE and the entire world, as well as the ability to resolve disputes through the DIFC and ADGM Courts, which guarantees a high standard of legal protection.

COREDO has implemented projects in which clients used RAK ICC to enter the markets of Europe and Asia, integrate with international payment systems, and optimize logistics. Thanks to double taxation avoidance agreements and the absence of currency controls, businesses gain maximum freedom and flexibility.

In addition, an important element of successfully conducting business through RAK ICC is compliance with anti-money laundering and customer identification requirements, which we will discuss in more detail in the next section.

AML and KYC services

Modern regulatory requirements in the UAE impose high standards on AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures.

RAK ICC implements comprehensive measures to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism, enabling companies to comply with international standards.

COREDO’s practice includes implementing tailored AML/KYC policies for clients: development of internal procedures, staff training, and regular audits. This approach not only reduces the risk of regulatory sanctions but also increases trust from banks and partners.

Key Findings and Recommendations

Choice of Jurisdiction
RAK ICC: is a modern legal jurisdiction combining tax benefits, flexible business structures and a high level of data protection. For international companies and family offices, it is the optimal choice for asset management and global expansion.
Company Registration
Successful registration requires clear document preparation, choosing a structure (IBC, Holding, SPV) and understanding the requirements of the RAK ICC Business Companies Regulations. The COREDO team assists clients at every stage, providing legal support in the UAE.
Opening a Bank Account
Banking compliance in the UAE requires transparency and justification of the source of funds. The best results are achieved when working with professionals familiar with the specifics of the region’s banking sector.
Asset Protection
RAK ICC provides a high level of confidentiality and asset protection: a key factor for family offices, holding structures and investors focused on long-term security.
Global Expansion
RAK ICC: is not only an offshore company, but also a full-fledged tool for international cooperation, scaling business and accessing global markets through the UAE’s developed infrastructure.

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What is a conclusion?

RAK International Business Company in Dubai – this is not just an offshore company, but a strategic tool for asset protection, tax optimization and global business development. COREDO’s experience proves: with a competent approach RAK ICC enables the creation of business structures that meet the strictest requirements of international law, ensuring transparency, reliability and flexibility of management. If you are looking for a long-term solution for international business: consider the possibilities of RAK ICC and use practices proven by COREDO experts.