Through a registered agent. RAK ICC is a corporate registry for international companies and foundations, and it does not accept applications directly from the public. A certified registered agent files the incorporation.
The owners provide certified identity and address documents, and a signed memorandum and articles. NXTSTAR prepares the file and arranges the filing through a registered agent.
Last reviewed: by the NXTSTAR team.
Rules are set by the authority and can change. Confirm the current position before you apply.
Who RAK ICC suits
RAK ICC suits owners who need a holding company for shares, property or other assets, or a foundation for succession and family wealth planning.
It is not for a business that needs a UAE trade licence, an office or residence visas. Use a free zone or mainland company for an operating business.
Company structures
- International business company, for holding and structuring.
- Foundation, an independent legal entity for succession and asset protection.
Licences and activities
- RAK ICC registers entities. It does not issue trade licences in the way a free zone does.
- An international company is used to hold assets and shares, not to trade from UAE premises.
Documents
- Memorandum and articles of association, signed by all shareholders
- Agent appointment letter
- For each individual shareholder and beneficial owner: a certified copy of a valid passport
- Certified proof of current address, such as a utility bill, tenancy agreement or bank statement
- For a corporate shareholder: certified certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles, certificate of incumbency and certificate of good standing
The process, step by step
- Decide between a company and a foundation.
- Gather the certified documents.
- Appoint the registered agent.
- The agent files the incorporation with RAK ICC.
- Receive the certificate of incorporation and corporate documents.
What is particular to RAK ICC
Documents that must be current have to be dated within three months of the application, and anything not in English or Arabic needs a certified translation. Most delays come from certification and dates, not from the registry.
What NXTSTAR does, and what we do not
- We help you choose the structure, licence and activities.
- We prepare and submit the application.
- We handle the visa and bank account steps afterwards.
- We do not decide approvals. The authority does, and banks decide on accounts.
- We are an independent consultancy and are not part of RAK ICC.
Common questions
Can I incorporate a RAK ICC company myself?
No. RAK ICC requires incorporation to be carried out by a certified registered agent.
Does a RAK ICC company give me a UAE residence visa?
No. It is a holding vehicle and does not come with a trade licence or visa allocation.
How recent must my documents be?
RAK ICC requires documents that must be current to be dated within three months of the application.
How much does RAK ICC setup cost?
We do not publish prices. Ask us for a written quote that separates authority fees from our service fee.
Sources
The rules on this page come from the authority's own published material, checked on 7 October 2026.
Talk to NXTSTAR about RAK ICC
Tell us what you want to do and we will tell you which route fits, what it involves and what we would need from you.