RAK ICC & International Companies
GWS assists international entrepreneurs, investors and private clients with the establishment and administration of UAE international corporate structures, including RAK ICC companies.
These structures may be considered for international business, holding, investment, asset ownership and succession-planning purposes, depending on the client’s objectives and applicable regulatory and tax requirements.
UAE Free Zone Company
The UAE offers a wide range of Free Zones serving different industries and business activities.
GWS helps clients compare suitable Free Zones based on business activity, ownership, location, office and visa requirements, Corporate Tax considerations and long-term operating plans.
UAE Residency & Relocation
Dubai & UAE Company Formation
The United Arab Emirates provides international entrepreneurs and investors with a broad choice of company structures for conducting business locally and internationally.
Depending on your activities and objectives, available options may include UAE Mainland companies, Free Zone companies and international corporate structures such as RAK ICC companies.
GWS helps clients evaluate the available options according to:
- Business activity
- Target markets
- Ownership requirements
- UAE residency requirements
- Office and operational needs
- Banking requirements
- Corporate Tax considerations
- International structuring objectives
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Foreign Ownership*
Standard UAE Corporate Tax Rate Above the Applicable Threshold*
Corporate Tax on Qualifying Income for eligible Qualifying Free Zone Persons*
Dubai Offshore and Freezone Company Formation
GWS Middle East FZE
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GWS is the leading business consultant and service provider for company formations in Dubai and other Emirates, and fully licensed and regulated by the relevant authorities. With more than 15 years’ experience in the formation of companies in Dubai, we have incorporated over 1000 companies for our clients.
Our services include company formation in the United Arab Emirates and other international jurisdictions, residency permits, citizenship programs, bank accounts, as well as comprehensive advice on all legally relevant steps and requirements which must be met to ensure a successful start in the United Arab Emirates.
The United Arab Emirates offer the most attractive framework conditions to advance your business.
GWS offers all-round service, preparing you as best as possible for your start in the United Arab Emirates, in order for you to fully focus on your business success.
Ras Al Khaimah Company Formation
Ras Al Khaimah is an established UAE jurisdiction offering solutions for both operating businesses and international corporate structures.
Depending on the intended activity, clients may consider structures available through RAKEZ or international corporate solutions through RAK ICC.
GWS assists clients in assessing the appropriate structure based on their business model, ownership, residency, banking and international requirements.
As a RAK ICC Registered Agent, GWS Middle East FZE can also assist with eligible RAK ICC corporate structures and their ongoing administration.
Explore Ras Al Khaimah Solutions
RAKEZ or RAK ICC: Which Structure Fits Your Business?
Ras Al Khaimah provides different corporate solutions for different purposes.
A RAKEZ company can be appropriate for entrepreneurs requiring an operating Free Zone business, eligible residence visas, facilities and licensed commercial activities.
A RAK ICC company is generally used for international corporate purposes such as holding, investment, asset ownership and international structuring.
The correct choice depends on what the company will actually do.
Compare RAKEZ and RAK ICC
Why Establish a Company in the UAE?
- Up to 100% foreign ownership
- Strategic access to Europe, Asia and Africa
- Competitive Corporate Tax framework
- No general federal personal income tax on individuals
- Extensive Free Zone ecosystem
- Modern transport and digital infrastructure
- Access to regional and international markets
- Residence options for qualifying entrepreneurs and investors
- Established banking and financial-services sector
- Internationally connected business environment
Recognition & Industry Experience
Potential Uses of an International Corporate Structure
International Holding
Hold qualifying shares or investments through an appropriate corporate structure.
Asset Ownership
Use corporate structures for eligible asset ownership subject to applicable regulations.
International Structuring
Organise international business interests through a professionally administered corporate framework.
Succession Planning
Integrate appropriate companies and foundation structures into broader succession planning.
Corporate Governance
Establish documented ownership, management and governance arrangements.
International Banking
Apply for appropriate banking relationships subject to each financial institution’s independent onboarding and compliance requirements.
The UAE as an International Business Hub
Mainland vs Free Zone vs RAK ICC
Which UAE Company Is Right for You?
| Consideration | Mainland | Free Zone | RAK ICC |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE operating business | Often suitable | Depends on activity and structure | Generally not designed as a conventional UAE operating company |
| Foreign ownership | Up to 100% for many activities | Generally 100% | Generally 100% |
| UAE residence visa | Usually available subject to requirements | Usually available depending on package and facilities | Generally not through the RAK ICC entity itself |
| Physical office | Depends on licence and activity | Depends on Free Zone/package | Typically different from operating-company requirements |
| UAE market access | Broad, subject to licence | Depends on activity and applicable rules | Limited compared with operating companies |
| Corporate Tax | UAE Corporate Tax rules apply | Free Zone Corporate Tax rules apply | Depends on entity facts and applicable tax rules |
| Typical use | UAE operating business | UAE/international operations | Holding and international structuring |
Important: This comparison is general only. Regulatory, tax, banking and immigration requirements depend on the individual company and activity.
Understanding UAE Corporate Tax
United Arab Emirates
Different rules can apply to Free Zone entities. A Qualifying Free Zone Person may benefit from a 0% Corporate Tax rate on Qualifying Income when the applicable requirements are satisfied.
A Free Zone licence alone does not guarantee a 0% Corporate Tax rate.
Our UAE Freezone Partners
GWS Middle East FZE is a licenced agent of the Government of Ras al Khaimah.
How UAE Company Formation Works
Which UAE Company Is Right for You?
1. Consultation
Tell us about your business activity, shareholders, target markets and UAE requirements.
2. Structure Assessment
We compare suitable Mainland, Free Zone or international corporate options.
3. Documentation
GWS coordinates the incorporation and compliance documents required for your chosen structure.
4. Company Registration
The application is submitted to the appropriate authority.
5. Residency & Immigration
Where applicable, we assist with eligible residence procedures.
6. Banking Assistance
We support the preparation and coordination of appropriate banking applications.
7. Compliance & Administration
GWS can continue supporting the company with renewals, administration and related corporate requirements.
Why Choose GWS?
Establishing a UAE company involves important decisions regarding jurisdiction, licensing, ownership, residency, banking, taxation and ongoing compliance. GWS provides coordinated support throughout the entire process, beginning with an assessment of your business activities, shareholders, target markets and long-term objectives.
We then help you compare suitable Mainland, Free Zone and international corporate structures, coordinate the incorporation process and required documentation, and support the next steps where applicable, including residency procedures, banking applications and ongoing corporate administration.
Our approach goes beyond company formation itself, with the aim of helping you establish a structure that remains appropriate as your business and personal circumstances evolve.
