RAK ICC vs Shams: Side-by-Side Comparison
RAK ICC (formerly RAK Offshore) is the UAE's most popular jurisdiction for holding companies, international trading, and asset protection structures. Shams is for operating businesses — freelancers, media, and e-commerce companies that need a UAE trade license.
- Holding companies
- Asset protection
- International businesses not needing UAE presence
- Freelancers
- E-commerce
- Budget startups
- Offshore structures available
- No visa required
- Confidentiality
- Extremely affordable
- Fast setup
- No office needed for some licenses
- No visas
- Cannot trade locally in UAE
- Limited to offshore activities
- Sharjah address (not Dubai)
- Banking can be challenging
- Conservative environment
Still not sure which fits your business?
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Find Your Free ZoneKey differences at a glance
| RAK ICC | Shams | |
|---|---|---|
| Emirate | ras al-khaimah | sharjah |
| License from | AED 10,000/yr | AED 5,750/yr |
| Annual renewal | AED 8,000 | AED 5,750 |
| Setup time | 2-3 business days | 1-2 business days |
| Min share capital | None | None |
| Established | 2006 | 2017 |
| License types | service, trading | trading, service, e-commerce, freelancer |
| Office options | flexi desk, virtual office, shared office |
Cost breakdown
Shams
- License (starting from)
- AED 5,750/yr
- Annual renewal
- AED 5,750
- Visa packages
- 1 visa
- ~AED 3,200
- 3 visas
- ~AED 8,500
Which one should you pick?
Pick RAK ICC if
You need a holding company, SPV, or asset protection structure — not an operating license.
See full RAK ICC profilePick Shams if
You're running an active business and need a trade license with visa eligibility.
See full Shams profileFrequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, RAK ICC or Shams?
Shams is cheaper. Its license starts at AED 5,750/year vs AED 10,000/year for RAK ICC — a difference of AED 4,250 per year at the entry tier. Actual costs depend on visa count, office type, and activity.
How long does setup take at RAK ICC vs Shams?
RAK ICC advertises 2-3 business days and Shams advertises 1-2 business days. Real-world timelines depend on how quickly you submit documents, pay fees, and complete KYC.
Where are RAK ICC and Shams located?
RAK ICC is in Ras Al Khaimah (Ras Al Khaimah). Shams is in Sharjah (Sharjah (close to Dubai border)).
What license types does each offer?
RAK ICC issues service, trading licenses. Shams issues trading, service, e-commerce, freelancer licenses. Pick the zone that covers the license type matching your business activity.