Comparison
ADGM vs RAK ICC
Abu Dhabi Global Market against RAK International Corporate Centre. The specifications side by side, what each actually costs, how banks receive them, and a straight answer about which suits which business.
Side by side
| Criterion | ADGM | RAK ICC |
|---|---|---|
| Emirate | Abu Dhabi | Ras Al Khaimah |
| Type | Free zone | Offshore |
| Location | Al Maryah Island | Offshore registry |
| Licence issuance | 3–6 weeks | 3–7 days |
| Residence visas | By leased area; SPVs carry none | None — offshore companies cannot sponsor residence |
| Ownership | 100% foreign | 100% foreign |
| Premises | Offices; SPVs need only a registered agent | Registered agent only |
| Commonly licensed | Regulated financial services, Holding & SPVs, Virtual assets & Web3, Consulting & professional services | Holding & SPVs, Real estate |
Timelines and quotas are indicative and revised by the authorities without notice.
Straight answer
Which one?
Both hold things well. ADGM is a full common-law jurisdiction with a court, a regulator and an SPV regime that international lawyers recognise instantly — the right choice when outside investors or foreign counsel will read the structure. RAK ICC is an offshore registry: cheaper, faster, adequate, and less impressive on a due diligence questionnaire. Institutional money: ADGM. Private family holding: RAK ICC.
What each actually costs
ADGM
Generally below DIFC for equivalent permissions. The SPV is the cheapest serious holding vehicle in the region — no premises, no visas, incorporated in days.
RAK ICC
Low — a registered agent fee and annual maintenance. There is no premises cost because there are no premises.
How banks receive them
ADGM
Very good. ADGM entities are well received, and the SPV regime is familiar to international counsel and banks alike.
RAK ICC
Possible but harder than an operating company. Offshore entities attract more scrutiny, and some banks decline them outright.
Who is based in each
ADGM
Holding companies and SPVs, family offices, funds, asset managers, fintech firms and the professional services around them.
English common law applied directly, its own courts, and a registrar built for holding structures. The SPV regime is the cleanest in the region — a holding vehicle can be incorporated without premises or visas and is recognised by international counsel without explanation.
RAK ICC
Holding structures, family asset vehicles, property-holding companies and international business companies.
The most widely recognised offshore registry in the UAE. Modern companies regulations, a proper register, and enough international familiarity that foreign counsel and banks do not need it explained. Good for holding shares, IP or property through a corporate vehicle.
Activities
Only ADGM: Consulting & professional services, Virtual assets & Web3, Regulated financial services
Questions
ADGM: Generally below DIFC for equivalent permissions. The SPV is the cheapest serious holding vehicle in the region — no premises, no visas, incorporated in days. RAK ICC: Low — a registered agent fee and annual maintenance. There is no premises cost because there are no premises.
ADGM — very good. ADGM entities are well received, and the SPV regime is familiar to international counsel and banks alike. RAK ICC — possible but harder than an operating company. Offshore entities attract more scrutiny, and some banks decline them outright.
ADGM hosts holding companies and SPVs, family offices, funds, asset managers, fintech firms and the professional services around them. RAK ICC hosts holding structures, family asset vehicles, property-holding companies and international business companies.