Accounting, VAT and Corporate Tax services in Ras Al Khaimah
Fixed-fee bookkeeping, VAT and Corporate Tax for Ras Al Khaimah companies — mainland, RAKEZ free zone and RAK ICC offshore — delivered remotely by our UAE team.
Last reviewed: 12 November 2026
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) companies are licensed by the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development on the mainland or by the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), and offshore companies are registered with the RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC). Corporate Tax and VAT are federal, so the core obligations are the same as in Dubai; a few local points differ by licensing authority.
What every Ras Al Khaimah company has to do
| Corporate Tax registration | Within 3 months of incorporation (companies set up on or after 1 March 2024) |
| Corporate Tax return | Every year, within 9 months of the financial year end |
| VAT | Registration once taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000; quarterly returns after that |
| Records | Kept for 7 years for Corporate Tax and at least 5 years for VAT |
| Offshore companies (RAK ICC) | Incorporated in the UAE, so generally resident for Corporate Tax: they register and file a return every year, even with no UAE activity |
| Free zone audit | Depends on the licence type — we confirm the current RAKEZ requirement for your company |
Local points to watch
- Offshore does not mean outside Corporate Tax. A RAK ICC company that only holds shares, property or investments abroad is still a UAE company: it registers and files a return each year. Dividends and gains on qualifying shareholdings can often be exempt, but the exemption is claimed in the return, so the return still has to be filed.
- Offshore companies and VAT. An offshore company that makes no taxable supplies in the UAE is usually not required to register for VAT. That can change if it starts invoicing UAE customers or renting out UAE commercial property above the registration threshold, so we check each year.
- RAKEZ free zone and non-free zone licences. RAKEZ issues both, and the Corporate Tax position depends on which one you hold. Only a free zone company that meets every Qualifying Free Zone Person condition can use the 0% rate. See RAKEZ accounting.
- Manufacturers and traders. Companies importing raw materials or stock need import VAT handled correctly so it can be recovered, and goods held in a designated zone follow different VAT rules — we check which applies to your site. See import VAT in the UAE.
How we help Ras Al Khaimah companies
- Monthly bookkeeping in your cloud accounting system, VAT returns and the annual Corporate Tax return, all handled remotely — documents are shared through our client portal.
- Free zone companies get a yearly Qualifying Free Zone Person review before the 0% rate is relied on.
- Audit-ready year-end accounts, with coordination with your independent auditor where an audit is required.
- Our cross-border tax experience helps groups and foreign-owned companies, and we support you with FTA queries, voluntary disclosures and penalty matters if they arise.
Setting up in Ras Al Khaimah? Our sister team's RAKEZ company setup guide covers licences, visas and set-up.
Other emirates: VAT consultants in Sharjah · Abu Dhabi · Ajman.
Using a RAK ICC company to hold shares in other companies? See holding company accounting and Corporate Tax.
Sources: Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on Corporate Tax; FTA Decision No. 3 of 2024; Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 on VAT, as amended; Cabinet Decision No. 100 of 2023 and Ministerial Decision No. 229 of 2025.
Frequently asked questions
Can you keep the books for a Ras Al Khaimah company from Dubai?
Yes. The tax rules are federal and the work is done on cloud software, with documents shared through our client portal, so the location of your licence does not change the service.
Do Ras Al Khaimah free zone companies pay 0% Corporate Tax?
Only on qualifying income, and only if the company meets every Qualifying Free Zone Person condition, including audited financial statements. We test the position each year.
Does a RAK ICC offshore company have to file a Corporate Tax return?
Generally yes. An offshore company is incorporated in the UAE, so it is resident for Corporate Tax: it registers and files a return every year, even if all its assets and income are abroad. Exemptions, for example on qualifying dividends, are claimed in that return.
Does an offshore company need to register for VAT?
Usually not, if it makes no taxable supplies in the UAE. If it starts invoicing UAE customers or earns UAE commercial rental income above the threshold, it must register. We review the position each year.
Ready to hand over your books and returns?
Tell us about your company and we'll send a fixed-fee proposal within one business day.
* Our fixed fees apply to businesses with annual revenue up to AED 3 million; above that, we prepare a custom quote. They do not apply to businesses dealing in digital currencies (crypto or other virtual assets), which are quoted separately.