RAK ICC: company setup
RAK International Corporate Centre
Updated on 29 October 2026 · Published under the responsibility of Jason Pivron, director · Who we are
Why this zone
Useful for holding, never for operating. It is a low-cost holding vehicle that grants neither residence, nor an activity licence, nor access to the UAE market.
What to watch for
This is the commonest and costliest confusion in this market. RAK ICC is not a free zone: it grants no visa. If you want UAE residence, you need RAKEZ or another zone, not this one.
Fee breakdown
All-inclusive package, official fees included: registration, first-year licence, establishment card and the minimum office the zone requires; visas are not included. Then €2,141 a year to renew the licence and the minimum office.
Suited activities
- Asset holding
- Holding company
- Holding Dubai real estate, subject to conditions
Banking
Difficult. This is an international company, not an operating UAE entity, and banks see that.
Setting up in RAK ICC: the steps
- Scoping and choice of zone
- Name reservation and initial approval
- Licence issue
- Visa and identity
- Tax and bank account
Steps from our catalogue for the United Arab Emirates, recorded on 21 September 2026. Details and documents to provide →
Where these figures come from
- Emirate (Ras Al Khaimah): rakicc.com
- Office, visas and setup time: our catalogue, recorded on 21 September 2026; to be checked with the zone.
- Banking: our assessment, not an authority's data.
RAK ICC free zone: frequently asked questions
How much does a RAK ICC licence cost?
From €3,042. All-inclusive package, official fees included: registration, first-year licence, establishment card and the minimum office the zone requires; visas are not included. Then €2,141 a year to renew the licence and the minimum office.
How long does company setup in RAK ICC take?
3 to 5 business days (our catalogue, to be checked with the zone).
Which emirate is RAK ICC in?
Ras Al Khaimah — RAK International Corporate Centre.
What office does a RAK ICC company need?
No office (our catalogue, to be checked with the zone).
How many visas with a RAK ICC company?
No visa, no residence (our catalogue, to be checked with the zone).
Can a RAK ICC company open a bank account?
Difficult. This is an international company, not an operating UAE entity, and banks see that. No account can be guaranteed.
Which activities are allowed in RAK ICC?
Asset holding · Holding company · Holding Dubai real estate, subject to conditions.
What should I watch out for in RAK ICC?
This is the commonest and costliest confusion in this market. RAK ICC is not a free zone: it grants no visa. If you want UAE residence, you need RAKEZ or another zone, not this one.