Ras Al Khaimah: Offshore Legal and Tax Regimes

Although Ras al-Khaimah is a ‘no-tax’ jurisdiction, ownership restrictions on companies in the normal economy mean that the Ras al-Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) or the Ras al-Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA) offshore companies registry are the key locations offering an ‘offshore’ option to foreign operators. Operations inside the Free Zones can be carried out under various different types of license, but most often a foreign company will use a ‘Free Zone Company’ or a ‘Free Zone Establishment’.

Among the incentives offered to companies operating within the Ras al-Khaimah Free Trade Zone are:
1. No corporate or income taxes imposed.
2. No import or export taxes.
3. No sales or wealth taxes.
4. 100% foreign ownership of businesses.
5. 100% repatriation of capital and profits.
6. Concessional rates on land leases.

RAKIA offshore companies also pay no tax whatsoever except for incorporation and annual registration fees. For RAKIA Offshore companies there are no restrictions on the number of shareholders or directors, and they are under no obligation to hold an annual meeting or to file audited accounts.
RAKIA offshore companies cannot conduct business locally except with those supplying accounting, audit, legal and banking services, and staff cannot be employed locally.

 

The advantages at a glance

• - No sales tax
• - No taxation on profits
• - No dividend taxation
• - No capital tax
• - No public commercial register
• - No mandatory share capital
• - 100% foreign ownership

 

The biggest mistakes when starting a company abroad

Not all topics related to founding a company abroad are always free of prejudices and false information that have prevailed over the years. We give you an overview of the most important questions about founding a company abroad.

Founding a company abroad as a citizen of another country is legal?

Founding a company abroad as a citizen of another country is legal?

Yes, in most countries foreigners can be sole shareholder of a local entity.

Do you have to live in the country where you start a company?

Do you have to live in the country where you start a company?

No you can set up a company anywhere in the world, as long as the country in question allows you, as a foreigner, to acquire shares in local companies. If this is not the case, trustees can be used. Freedom of establishment applies within the European Union. However, it is important that the management takes place locally, in the country in which the company is registered. In addition, a permanent establishment must be set up. Without this, a German tax office will not recognize the company and, in the worst case, would demand back payment of corporate and trade taxes plus late payment penalties. We rent you a real office and set up a permanent establishment that meets all requirements without a doubt. In addition, we have real managing directors who run companies in the home country and are resident there.

Problematic law firms: closure is made more difficult

Problematic law firms: closure is made more difficult

Some law firms tie clients with gag contracts and apply pressure when the client wants to close their business. If you are a client of a law firm that has set up a legally unsound company for you, you make yourself vulnerable to blackmail. Because in the event of a tax problem, law firms without a license are not bound by a duty of confidentiality.

Changing offices is made more difficult

Changing offices is made more difficult

We receive many inquiries from customers who already own a foreign company and are looking for a new law firm. Switching to us is then often made more difficult. So horrendous final bills are made, which have to be paid before a change is possible. Therefore we have developed a trust principle. If you are not satisfied with us and want to switch, you can do so at any time. You will receive the necessary documents (resignation letter) from us in a standardized form after the foundation. This protects you from unexpected costs and you are free to go to another law firm at any time. So far we have not lost a client to another law firm.

Privacy Policy/Office Location

Privacy Policy/Office Location

Your accounting documents are safe with us. In addition, all electronic data is only stored in encrypted form and apart from us, who are bound by professional secrecy, no one has access. All accounting documents are also only stored locally. Neither authorities nor hackers can access this data.

No taxes?

No taxes?

There are certainly locations in the world that do not charge any taxes to companies and private individuals or only charge a very low flat-rate tax. However, this can rarely be used without a corresponding change of residence. If you are resident in Germany, the relevant double taxation agreement is decisive. Providers who promise otherwise will tempt you into tax evasion, which is usually severely punished if discovered. We advise you not to set up companies in countries that have already been blacklisted by the OECD. The foundation is usually very cheap, but the tax consequences in Germany can be devastating. Since the introduction of the automatic exchange of information between almost all major countries, an anonymous account or company no longer exists.