The Essentials 
Are you keeping your RAK ICC holding company compliant in 2026? Staying compliant is essential for RAK ICC holding company set up. Key obligations include maintaining a registered agent and office, completing annual renewal, filing corporate tax returns, updating UBO and accounting records, retaining substance documentation, and ensuring proper governance to avoid penalties. 

RAK ICC holding companies have long been a preferred choice for investors looking to efficiently manage assets, investments, and international holdings. As 2026 unfolds, the regulatory environment has grown more structured, with corporate tax compliance, updated governance standards, and diligent record-keeping taking on greater importance. 

Staying compliant is about safeguarding your company’s credibility, maintaining seamless operations, and ensuring access to global opportunities.  

Let’s break down the essential annual compliance requirements for RAK ICC holding company set up in 2026, giving you a clear roadmap to stay ahead in a dynamic regulatory landscape. 

Core Compliance Requirements for RAK ICC Holding Company Set Up in 2026 

Registered Agent & Office Continuity 

Every RAK ICC company must maintain a registered agent licensed under RAK ICC rules and a registered office in the UAE. The registered agent ensures your company stays on the official registry and receives important correspondence. 

Annual action items include: confirming the engagement of your registered agent and renewing your registered office arrangement if required. Failing to maintain these can result in penalties or deregistration. 

Annual RAK ICC Renewal 

RAK ICC companies must renew their registration annually. This involves paying the renewal fees through your registered agent and providing any updated due diligence documents, such as passports or proof of address. Timely renewal ensures your company remains in good standing and avoids enforcement actions. 

Corporate Tax Registration and Filing 

With the UAE Corporate Tax law now fully in effect, even offshore RAK ICC holding companies may have tax obligations. 

Key points for 2026: 

• Register for a Tax Registration Number (TRN) with the UAE Federal Tax Authority, even if the company only has foreign-sourced income. 

• File the annual corporate tax return within 9 months of the financial year end. Companies with no UAE taxable income must submit a nil return to confirm exemption. 

• Taxable profits above AED 375,000 are taxed at 9%, while qualifying income remains at 0%. 

• Maintaining accurate records and timely filings is critical to avoid penalties or audits. 

Accounting Records and Financial Documentation 

RAK ICC holding companies are not required to publicly file audited accounts. However, they must maintain proper internal accounting records, including books of accounts, balance sheets, and income statements. 

These records should be retained for at least 5–7 years to support corporate tax filings, due diligence requests, and any potential audits. Preparing IFRS-compliant financial statements, even if unaudited, is considered the best practice. 

Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) Register 

Maintaining an updated Real Beneficial Owner (RBO) Register is mandatory. Companies must identify all individuals with at least 25% ownership or control and update the register whenever changes occur. While these records are not publicly available, they must be ready for inspection upon request. 

Economic Substance Regulations (ESR)  

As of 2026, ESR notification and reporting is no longer required for financial years ending after 31 December 2022. However, companies should still maintain supporting documentation demonstrating the substance of their activities, especially if claiming treaty benefits or complying with corporate tax requirements. 

Governance and Record-Keeping 

Even if not a formal filing requirement, maintaining internal board minutes, shareholder resolutions, and registers of directors and officers is critical. Proper governance records provide evidence of decision-making, support corporate tax positions, and demonstrate good faith compliance during audits or regulatory reviews. 

RAK ICC Holding Company Formation: Key Takeaways for 2026 

• Corporate Tax compliance is mandatory. Registration, annual filing, and nil returns for exempt income are standard practice. 

• ESR reporting is no longer required for post-2022 financial years, but substance evidence remains relevant for tax and treaty purposes. 

• Internal governance and accounting records are essential to maintain company credibility and defend compliance positions if reviewed by authorities. 

• Registered agent, office, and UBO registers must be continuously maintained to stay compliant with RAK ICC regulations. 

MS: Your Trusted Partner for RAK ICC Holding Company Set up and Compliance 

Setting up a RAK ICC holding company can be a strategic move for investors and businesses seeking flexibility, asset protection, and international structuring. MS provides end-to-end support, from initial incorporation to ongoing compliance, ensuring your company meets all RAK ICC regulatory requirements in 2026. Our expert team handles registration, renewal, corporate governance, UBO maintenance, and corporate tax filings, allowing you to focus on growing your business while we ensure your company remains in good standing year after year.