Ras Khaimah Registration Type Selection Guide: Match on Demand, Efficient Sea to the Middle East

Ras Al Khaimah offers international investors a diverse range of company incorporation options, each with its own unique strengths and scope of application. Choosing the right type of registration is a crucial step in setting up a successful company. This guide will systematically analyze the three main options and provide a clear decision path.

1. Offshore Company (RAK ICC)

core features:

foreign 100% holding: No local shareholder or guarantor is required, shareholder information is confidential and filed only in the registry.

Zero tax burden: exempt from corporate income tax, personal income tax and value-added tax, and profits can be remitted freely.

No physical office requirements: no rental office or warehouse, low registration costs.

Efficient registration: 3-4 weeks to complete the approval, support remote account opening.

Applicable scene:

international trade: use offshore accounts to receive orders from Europe and the United States to avoid high tax burdens.

Intellectual property management: holding intangible assets such as global patents and trademarks to achieve asset isolation.

Holding structure: as an offshore holding platform to optimize the global tax structure.

Asset protection: Anonymously hold real estate, stocks and other assets to protect privacy.

Conditions of registration:

provide shareholder/director passport (notarized), proof of address (e. g. utility bill), bank credit certificate.

Fill in the registration application form and clarify the scope of business.

2. Free Trade Zone Corporation (RAKEZ)

core features:

foreign holding: 100 per cent foreign ownership is allowed, but specific permission is required to conduct physical business in the UAE.

Tax benefits: Exemption from corporate income tax for 50 years and exemption from import duties.

Industrial agglomeration effect: relying on RAKEZ's logistics and manufacturing clusters to reduce operating costs.

Flexible office solutions: provide virtual offices, shared office space and independent warehouse rental.

Applicable scene:

manufacturing: Import raw materials and export finished products using the free zone tariff exemption policy.

Logistics and Trade: Carry out Middle East-Global trade transit business through RAKEZ's port advantage.

Technology and R & D: Set up R & D centers in free zones and enjoy policy support.

Conditions of registration:

provide a copy of the shareholder's passport, the articles of association, and the lease contract (if a physical office is required).

Clarify the scope of business (to match the UAE standard classification SIC Code).

The minimum registered capital is 50000 dirhams, but no paid-up is required.

3. onshore company (local limited liability company)

core features:

deep cultivation of the local market: direct service to local customers in the United Arab Emirates, the establishment of brand image.

Policy support: Some industries (e. g. science and technology, education) allow foreign ownership and enjoy government subsidies.

Visa convenience: apply for long-term residence visas (such as Golden Visas) for shareholders and directors, and apply for social security and work permits for employees in accordance with the law.

Applicable scene:

retail and Services: opening physical stores or providing localized services within the UAE.

Government cooperation projects: participating in tenders in infrastructure, energy and other fields in the UAE.

Asset allocation for high net worth individuals: holding assets such as UAE real estate through onshore companies.

Conditions of registration:

the minimum registered capital is 50000 dirhams (paid in) and bank statements are provided to prove that the funds are in place.

Copy of shareholder/director's passport, address certificate, resume and other materials shall be notarized and certified.

A local secretary (may be appointed by the agency) is required and the company documents are retained at the registered address.

Final Recommendations and Action Steps

1. Clear core objectives:

returning to the business essence, what is your primary purpose for setting up a company? Is it to "reduce costs", "obtain a visa", "enter a regional market" or "hold assets"? The primary goal is often directed at the best type.

2. Consulting professional agent

after preliminary judgment, be sure to contact 2-3 officially authorized registered agents in Ras Al Khaimah. They can provide the most compliant and feasible solutions based on your specific business description, especially for the details of business activity licenses.

Consider a hybrid architecture

many successful businesses adopt a portfolio model.

4, don't just look at the initial cost.

Assess the total cost of ownership over a 3-5 year period and make a decision based on the potential for business growth.

Zhuoxin Enterprise provides agency services such as domestic and foreign company registration, bank account opening, annual tax return, agency bookkeeping, trademark registration, ODI Overseas Investment Filing, etc. If you have any business needs in this area, please feel free to consult our online customer service!