Ras Al Khaimah is a fast developing city and emirate, situated against the backdrop of the Al Hajar Mountain Range, in the north of the UAE.
In 2006, Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority launched an offshore facility, by passing of Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority’s International Business Companies
Regulations 2006 – also called RAK Offshore. and Universal Consultants JLT is a authorized registered agent for RAK Offshore.
Characteristics of an offshore company registered in the RAKIA are as follows:
- Taxes:
RAKIA Offshore pays no taxes in UAE. - Shareholders:
Minimum of one shareholder is required. Corporate shareholders are
permitted.
Shareholders will decide capital structure of the company, can also
have different classes of shares. Bearer shares are not permitted. - Directors:
A minimum of one director is required and corporate directors are
permitted. - Secretary:
Every company must have a secretary. Director can be a secretary as
well. - Annual Reporting:
Every company must keep accounting records. Accounts must be approved
by the directors and signed by one of them. The accounts do not need
to be filed with RAKIA Offshore Authority. - Timescale:
Registration of the RAKIA Offshore will take 2-3 days. - Restrictions on Name & Activity:
Names must end with Limited or Incorporated. The following words, and
their associated activities, cannot be used: Assurance, Bank, Building
Society, Chamber of Commerce, Chartered, Co-operative, Fund, Imperial,
Insurance, Municipal, Mutual Fund, Royal and Trust. - Local Requirements:
Company must appoint an approved registered agent. A registered
agent’s office in the UAE or in the RAKIA Free Zone can also be used
as the registered office.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
The following documents are required for formation of the offshore company:
For individuals:
- C.V. (personal profile) of shareholders and directors
- Passport copy of shareholders and directors
- Bank Reference (format enclosed) statement of the shareholder
- NOC from the employers if the shareholder is employed in the UAE.
For Companies:
If the shareholder is a non-individual, following documents of that company are required which are to be notarized and attested as below.
- Certificate of incorporation
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Board Resolution for investment in the offshore co. and appointing a legal representative to act and sign on behalf of the company.