Comparison
RAK ICC vs JAFZA Offshore
RAK International Corporate Centre against JAFZA Offshore companies. 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 | RAK ICC | JAFZA Offshore |
|---|---|---|
| Emirate | Ras Al Khaimah | Dubai |
| Type | Offshore | Offshore |
| Location | Offshore registry | Offshore registry |
| Licence issuance | 3–7 days | 1–2 weeks |
| Residence visas | None — offshore companies cannot sponsor residence | None |
| Ownership | 100% foreign | 100% foreign |
| Premises | Registered agent only | Registered agent only |
| Commonly licensed | Holding & SPVs, Real estate | Holding & SPVs, Real estate |
Timelines and quotas are indicative and revised by the authorities without notice.
Straight answer
Which one?
Both are offshore holding vehicles with no visas, no premises and no UAE trading. RAK ICC is faster, cheaper, better documented and far more widely recognised by foreign counsel. JAFZA Offshore has one decisive advantage: it can hold Dubai freehold property directly in a number of designated developments. If the structure will own Dubai real estate, check the development first — that fact decides it. For everything else, RAK ICC.
What each actually costs
RAK ICC
Low — a registered agent fee and annual maintenance. There is no premises cost because there are no premises.
JAFZA Offshore
Higher than RAK ICC and more document-heavy, reflecting its narrower and more specific purpose.
How banks receive them
RAK ICC
Possible but harder than an operating company. Offshore entities attract more scrutiny, and some banks decline them outright.
JAFZA Offshore
Harder than an operating company, as with all offshore vehicles.
Who is based in each
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.
JAFZA Offshore
Property-holding structures for Dubai freehold, and holding companies where the JAFZA name carries weight.
The distinguishing feature is property: a JAFZA Offshore company is permitted to hold Dubai freehold directly in a number of designated developments, which most offshore vehicles cannot. For families holding UAE real estate through a corporate structure, that is often decisive.
Activities
Questions
RAK ICC: Low — a registered agent fee and annual maintenance. There is no premises cost because there are no premises. JAFZA Offshore: Higher than RAK ICC and more document-heavy, reflecting its narrower and more specific purpose.
RAK ICC — possible but harder than an operating company. Offshore entities attract more scrutiny, and some banks decline them outright. JAFZA Offshore — harder than an operating company, as with all offshore vehicles.
RAK ICC hosts holding structures, family asset vehicles, property-holding companies and international business companies. JAFZA Offshore hosts property-holding structures for Dubai freehold, and holding companies where the JAFZA name carries weight.