Formation checklist · RAK ICC
Setting up at RAK ICC
RAK ICC isn't classified as an active licensing free zone in our data, so the personalized plan is unavailable — the generic guide below is informational.
Document Preparation
Days 1–5
- Passport copy (colour scan, 6+ months validity remaining)
- 2× passport-size photographs (white background)
- Bank statements (last 3–6 months, from your home country bank)
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement from the last 3 months)
- CV / professional profile (1–2 pages)
- Source of funds declaration (brief written explanation of how you will fund the business)
- Activity-specific documentation may be required — confirm with zone
Attestation note: Have all documents certified/notarised before applying if they are from outside UAE. Attestation costs vary by country and document count — typically AED 1,500–4,000 (indicative, not a quoted fee).
Licence Application
Days 3–1
- 1Trade name reservation — submit 3 name options (indicative fee AED 600–1,500)
- 2Submit licence application with documents
- 3Pay licence fee — approximately AED 2,250
- 4Receive Memorandum of Association (MOA) draft for signature
- 5Licence issuance
Cost estimate — Phase 2
Residency Visa
Days 6–3
Investor / partner visa process
- 1Entry permit application (fee ~AED 800–1,200)
- 2Medical fitness test (AED 300–500 — must be done inside UAE)
- 3Emirates ID application (AED 370 — government fee)
- 4Visa stamping in passport (AED 1,200–2,500)
Indicative visa cost range
AED 2,670–4,570 per person
Typical 2026 range for entry permit, medicals, Emirates ID and stamping — government fees change; confirm current amounts with the zone. Excludes status change if already in UAE.
Bank Account
Days 3–48
Required bank documents
- Licence copy (issued in Phase 2)
- MOA / Memorandum of Association
- Passport copies of all shareholders/directors
- 6 months of personal bank statements (from home country)
- Proof of UAE address (tenancy contract or hotel invoice initially)
- Source of funds declaration
- Business plan (1–2 pages, describing your business model and expected revenue)
Bank selection: which banks are realistic depends on your activity, nationality mix and banking profile — we don't recommend specific banks. Use the bank-approval lens to see how RAK ICC companies typically fare. Allow 45 days from licence issuance.
Minimum deposit: AED 50,000 required to open.
Operations Ready
You're operational.
You now have everything you need to operate as a UAE free zone company:
- ✓UAE trade licence (valid for 1 year, renewable)
- ✓UAE residency visa (2–3 year validity)
- ✓UAE corporate bank account
- ✓Emirates ID
Renewal reminder
Mark your calendar: your licence renews annually. Renewal cost: AED 2,250. Begin renewal 30–60 days before expiry to avoid fines.
Total Timeline Summary
All-In Cost Summary
Ready to proceed?
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