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United Arab Emirates (UAE) Company Formation Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. What type of company in RAK?

The type of the company in RAK is International Business Company (IBC)

  • IBC refers to International Business Company
  • It is a company which does not conduct substantial business in its country of incorporation.
  • It is formulated in a tax free jurisdiction.
  • It legally minimizes any type of tax burdens.
  • It improves one's wealth management

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2. Is it easy to start a business in Dubai?

Business setup in Dubai has normally been regarded as easy, with the city's policies being friendly towards businesses, but that ease may differ based on the type of business, location, and ownership preferences.

Key Factors Contributing to Ease:

  1. Free zones: Dubai has more than 30 Free Zones, including DMCC and Dubai Internet City, that offer streamlined processes to set up businesses, especially for foreign investors. Full foreign ownership, no personal or corporate tax, and a simplified system of getting licenses-that is what entrepreneurs get in these zones.
  2. Government Incentives: The DED in Dubai paves the way and simplifies the process with much ease, especially in terms of licensing, for companies in the emirate. Moreover, initiatives such as the Dubai SME promote and finance startups and small businesses, with added incentives.
  3. Digital and automated services: The government of Dubai has invested much in digital infrastructure, and most of the steps with regard to licensing and registration can be completed online, therefore saving much time and reducing much paperwork. Initiatives such as Dubai Now and the Dubai Trade portal give access digitally to most government-related procedures.
  4. Tax Benefits: There is no personal income tax and generally no corporate tax; this reduces the administrative burden and thus becomes highly attractive for international investors.

Challenges:

  1. High cost of living/fees: Office rent, fees of visas, and other operational costs are high, especially in the mainstream areas. The Free Zone costs vary widely, and some might be more expensive than others.
  2. Industry-specific regulations: May need special approval from the regulating body, which extends the time for set-up. For instance, industries related to finance or health may have special licenses.
  3. Sponsorship requirements: The general requirement in mainland is that it has limited foreign ownership, often requires a local sponsor; recent reform allows foreign ownership of up to 100% for specific types of industries.

Read more: FreeZone Company Formation

In all, Dubai allows for relatively easy business setup, especially in Free Zones nevertheless, the entrepreneur should take into consideration probable costs and regulatory requirements.

3. Is Dubai a good place to start a business?

In fact, Dubai is one of the attractive places to initiate any type of business with its strategic location, supportive governmental policy, and other merits like tax benefits. Key elements that make it a very favorable choice:

1. Strategic Location:

The position of Dubai as a gateway between Asia, Europe, and Africa opens up a huge market. It enjoys very good connectivity through its ports and airports, making it also a logistics hub for regional and international trade.

2. Business-Friendly Environment:

Dubai offers a seamless process of incorporation for a business, especially in Free Zones where the number of regulations is usually at a minimum. The city also has specific government agencies for permit, licensing, and approval formalities, such as the Dubai Department of Economic Development-DED, which hastens the process tremendously.

3. Taxation Incentives:

Dubai follows a very accommodating policy of taxation, levying no personal income tax and generally no corporate tax. To international investors, it may be of interest that the Free Zones allow for 100% foreign ownership, tax holidays, and full repatriation of profits.

4. Quality Infrastructure:

Dubai boasts of state-of-the-art infrastructure, including advanced telecommunications, transport systems, and business parks designed to support almost every sector. Such quality infrastructure attracts the interest of companies in the fields of finance, technology, tourism, and logistics, among others.

5. Supporting Innovation:

The city has established the Dubai Future Foundation, Dubai Internet City, and other initiatives to spur innovation in attracting tech startups. These initiatives include funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities for startups in the technology and sustainability sectors.

6. High-Quality Lifestyle:

For foreign entrepreneurs, Dubai promises a great lifestyle, excellent health care, good educational opportunities, and a vibrant atmosphere that helps attract the best talent with ease.

Read more: FreeZone Company Formation

However, Dubai's competitive marketplace may be challenging to many investors, and finding the licensing fees, cost of living, and other industry-related regulations becomes very essential in setting a very solid ground for success.

4. Can a foreign company register for VAT in the UAE?

Yes, a foreign company can register under VAT in UAE, but only when it falls under the Federal Tax Authority - FTA criteria. It is mentioned in UAE VAT Law that businesses which are not resident in the UAE should also be obliged to register for VAT if the value of their taxable supplies or expenses in the state exceeds the limit as determined. The compulsory threshold for registration is AED 375,000 and on a voluntary basis, an applicant company may apply for registration when its supplies or expenses are above AED 187,500.

This can be directly done through the e-services portal of the FTA. To set up an online account and access it, the company has to describe its activities, financial records, and other relevant legal documents. Foreign companies are also allowed to appoint a tax agent or representative in order to ensure proper compliance with UAE VAT obligations, including filing returns and making timely payments.

VAT registration would be beneficial for the foreign company to claim input VAT on qualifying expenses, thus reducing the overall cost of doing business in the UAE. On the other hand, a registered business must maintain proper records, issue VAT-compliant invoices, and file VAT returns on time. Failure to comply could lead to the imposition of fines or penalties; hence, foreign companies should be fully aware of regulatory requirements.

The added advantage of value-added tax registration for businesses involved in frequent transactions in the UAE will be increased legitimacy and transparency. This will go a long way in placing such companies in a favorable position for possible collaborations with UAE-based companies that may require VAT compliance as part of the qualification to their vendor list. Thus, the VAT registration will be one important step for the overseas company for doing proper business in the UAE market.

5. What are the three types of business licenses in the UAE?

In the UAE, there are three major types of business licenses responsible for commercial activities and operations: commercial license, industrial license, and professional license. Each license has different requirements; rather, each license type is suited to different business operations.

  1. Commercial License: The license targets all trading activities and, as such, defines the type of business operation that could be used by an entity. A company importing, exporting, selling, or distributing goods would normally need a commercial license. The license allows the holder to conduct trading activities within the UAE or export goods internationally. It is one of the most common license types for businesses operating in free zones as well as on the mainland.
  2. Industrial License: This license is needed for any firm that is manufacturing any item or involved in an industrial activity, including production, assembly, packaging, or processing. For this kind of license, the business needs a physical warehouse or space for an industry and also needs to fulfill the requirement for equipment and labor. In fact, through this license, businesses are involved in industries such as textiles, chemicals, and metalwork, among others, whose merchandise could be distributed within the UAE or even exported.
  3. Professional License: Professional licenses cover those businesses offering services rather than a physical good. Examples of such industries include consultancy, bookkeeping, legal, and medical professions. In general, a professional license requires qualifications or certification, as this type of license is intended for experienced professionals in their field of specialty.

Understanding such licenses will be fundamental for operating within the UAE legal framework. Taking the advice of a legal consultant might be just the thing for choosing the license type that best fits the business model and taking care that everything is in compliance.

6. Is there any requirement/regulations governing availability of names for the RAK Offshore companies?
RAK Offshore International Business Companies (IBC) must use the suffix Limited or Ltd. to denote limited liability.
7. What is the minimum paid up for the capital of company in RAK
The usual authorized capital of RAK company is 1,000 AED. But there is no minium paid up for the company
8. Is it possible to hold 100% share by a foreigner?
It is possibe. A foreigner can own 100% share of the company
9. How do I remain anonymous with RAK company?

All information, documents are strictly kept confidential. No one can find the company information online.

Furthermore, we have nominee services which can help to keep your name out of all the paperwork.

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10. How much corporation tax do I have to pay?
Rak Offshore IBC doesn’t pay taxes on profit and capital gains, No value-added tax, No withholding tax.
11. What a RAK Offshore company may and may not do?

It may have non UAE resident as director or shareholder.

It may have UAE resident as director or shareholder. (Read more: UAE residency

It may have corporate shareholder/corporate director

It does not require the shareholder/director to be physically present in the UAE for incorporation

It may hold shares in other UAE and worldwide companies.

It may maintain bank accounts and deposits in the UAE or worldwide.

It may own real estate in the UAE, with prior authorization from RAK Investment Authority.

It is not obliged to maintain its books and records.

It cannot have physical offices in the UAE.

It may not carry on business within the UAE.

It may not obtain UAE Residency Visa.

It may not do banking and insurance business without special license.

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12. What are the main activities that a RAK Offshore company can hold inside and outside UAE?

Inside UAE

  • Holding Assets
  • Holding Bank Account
  • Property Owning (Freehold Areas)

Outside UAE

What are the main activities that a RAK Offshore company can hold Outside UAE?

  • General Trading
  • Consulting and Advisory Services
  • Holding Company
  • Property Owning
  • International business services
  • Professional Services
  • Shipping and ship management companies

Read more:

13. How long it takes to set up a RAK Offshore company?

Usually It takes 2 working day to set up company in UAE

14. Open RAK offshore company - What are the required documents?

For opening RAK offshore company, Offshore Company Corp requires to have:

  • Copy of Notarized Passport;
  • Bank Reference Letter - original required;
  • Copy of Notarized Proof of residence in English (Utility bill) and the issued date must not later than 3 months.
  • Notarized Spicemen Signature
  • CV/ Resume

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15. After finish registration, what will I get?

After the company is formed, we will send you soft documents via email. After that, we will courier the hard document to you:

  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Memorandum of Association (M&A)
  • Resolution appointing officers
  • Registered Office
  • Registered Agent

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16. May I name my company as Corporation or Corp or Inc?
RAK Offshore International Business Companies (IBC) must use the suffix Limited or Ltd. to denote limited liability.
17. Are bearer shares allowed?
No, the bearer shares are not allowed in RAK IBC
18. Do I have to do accounting and auditing for RAK IBC?
No annual reports or accounts need to be filed. Accounts must be audited and accounts must be distributed to shareholders (but NOT filed with the authorities)
19. Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) International Business Company - How it works

How it works?

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) and Dubai International Business Company (IBC) is for Offshore Company Status.

  • 100% foreign ownership, complete confidentiality
  • Possibility of business address, bank account in Dubai
  • A tax free and business friendly environment. (Read moreUAE corporate income tax)

RAK / Dubai IBC is perfect for

  • Holding Company
  • Advisory and Consulting Services
  • Financial Services Company
  • Investments and Joint Investments Company
  • Intellectual property
  • International Trading (outside of UAE)

Step 1 Preparation

Request FREE Company Name Search.

  • We check the eligibility of the name in list business name availability UAE, and make suggestions if necessary.

Send your Required Documents scanned copies to us:

  1. Valid Passport
  2. Proof of Residential Address

After checking the documents, we will send you a proforma invoice for our service fees.

Step 2 Making Payment for your Order

Step 3 RAK offshore company formation

  • We prepare the incorporation forms of your proposed company for you to sign (we will need your company’ structure, initial share capital information…etc).

Step 3Confidently starting your business

  • We will notify you when the company is incorporated and send you the company documents’ soft copies first. All of the RAK Company / Dubai Company Documents will be couriered to your desired shipping address by express (TNT, DHL or UPS etc.).

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20. What is the due date of RAK IBC?

The renewal date of RAK IBC is the anniversary date

21. If I want to increase the share capital later, how can I do that?

As the requirement from the Registry, We will prepare the following forms and let you to sign it:

  • Shareholder’s resolution mentioning the increase of share capital.
  • 3 set of the Amendment to the MOA’s form signed by the shareholder
  • You need to courier the original MOA to the authority for the amendment

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22. After set up a new company, I want to have some additional documents such as Certificate of Incumbency, Certificate of Good Standing. What should I do?

We, the registered agent, can help you to issue those additional documents

  • Certificate of Incumbency
  • Certificate of Good Standing
  • Any additional documents

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23. How to register a company in UAE?

There are three types of business entities in the UAE: Offshore Company Formation – RAK IBC, FreeZone Company Formation – FZE / FZC / FZ LLC, and Local Company Formation – LLC.

Firstly, the owners must pick a unique name that is approved by the UAE government. Typically, the owner will submit three different business names that are approved one out of the name.

Secondly, the UAE company must have a local registered agent and local office address.

  • A registered company in UAE also requires at least one shareholder, one director, and one secretary. UAE businesses are able to use nominee services of One IBC that help all your information be kept private from the public records.

One IBC can help the clients in opening the offshore IBC in UAE. With over 10 years of experience in support and advising the clients in setting up the company around the world, we believe that can make satisfaction for every customer who cooperates with us.

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24. What are the advantages of an offshore company in RAK?

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is one of the most developed economies in the UAE. It attracts foreign investors through government policies, high-quality infrastructure, friendly trade relations with nearby countries.

Besides that, a registered offshore company in RAK, UAE also enjoys the following benefits:

  • 0% personal and corporate income tax
  • 100% foreign-owned company in RAK, UAE
  • Access to all large seaports and airports in the UAE
  • Neither foreign exchange control nor capital transfer barrier
  • Completely confidential information
  • Permit to purchase real estate.

For more information about opening RAK IBC company in UAE, the clients can contact One IBC to have the maximum support and advises

One IBC can support customers with the offshore company formation process as well as the requirements of jurisdictions that the clients are interested in.

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25. Opening bank account in Dubai - What are the required documents?

Dubai is one of the friendly jurisdictions for foreign investors and business owners to set up a business. Opening a Corporate Bank Account in Dubai is an easy and simple process if you know the right required documents. One IBC can support you open a bank account in Dubai and make the process simpler for the applicants.

During the time of the process, bankers may ask further questions or require more documents to open a bank account.

List of the usual documents requirements for opening a bank account in Dubai, UAE:

  • Copy of trade license;
  • Copy of MOA/AOA;
  • Copy of share certificate;
  • Copy of Certificate of Incorporation;
  • Copy of page of shareholder’s passport with UAE entry stamp;
  • Copy of Emirates ID of shareholder (if the shareholder is UAE residence);
  • Copy of Visa page of shareholder (if the shareholder is not UAE residence);
  • List a few prospective clients/ or existing clients;
  • Copy of bank statement of the shareholders (no more than 6 months);
  • Copy of utility bill of the shareholders with showing the proof of address;
  • Copy of corporate legal documents and bank statements (for the shareholder if they have other companies outside the UAE).

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26. Dubai offshore company advantages - Benefits of free zone company

Registering the Freezone company in Dubai (UAE) is the first step to start a business and take many advantages from the government of the UAE. The main benefits of Free zone company in Dubai, UAE including:

  • No corporate tax, and exemption from all annual accounting, and tax obligations;
  • Register Freezone company without revealing name and detail information of shareholders and directors for the public record;
  • Register the Freezone company with 100% foreign ownership;
  • Over 80 countries have signed and negotiated the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement with UAE;
  • Banking Regulations and support through multiple currencies. (Read: Offshore bank account Dubai)

One IBC can guide and support you to register your Freezone company in many special areas to get advantages that apply only for foreign business in UAE such as RAK Free Zone, Dubai Free Zone (DMCC), Ajman Free Zone.

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27. What is the main difference between Offshore & Onshore companies in Dubai, UAE?

Businessmen can open an offshore company in Dubai Freezone but can not conduct any trading activities in the UAE. However, it can be used to do business with other countries, a higher reputation.

On the other hand, an onshore company is able to conduct all kinds of commercial activities in the UAE. The rules and regulations applied for Offshore and Onshore companies are different. There are more advantages for foreign investors and businessmen to open an offshore company than onshore for doing business in Dubai.

  • Offshore companies allow foreigners are able to own property in the UAE;
  • Low rate taxes are applied to offshore companies. It means the company has more financial resources to invest their money and take advantage of business growth.

Read more: Benefits of Free zone company in Dubai

The government of the UAE has designated several different areas such as Dubai Airport Freezone, Ras AL Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), etc. to improve the business environment and attract more foreign companies.

Contact our advisory, we will support you to open an Offshore company and find which areas are fit with your business purpose.

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