What documents does an Italian national need to start a real estate development business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Italy passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Italy, attested documents via Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura, and a business plan for your real estate development venture.

How long does it take for an Italian citizen to set up a real estate development company in RAK ICC?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 3–6 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 13–23 business days.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my RAK ICC Real Estate Development licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from RAK ICC, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Offshore companies can open corporate accounts, though the choice of banks may be more limited. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

What documents do I need to set up a Real Estate Development business in RAK ICC?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. As a regulated activity, you will also need to provide professional qualifications or certifications required by RERA. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

What are the tax implications for a Real Estate Development business in RAK International Corporate Centre?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Offshore entities are generally exempt from UAE corporate tax on income earned outside the UAE. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

Is RAK International Corporate Centre good for real estate development start-ups?

RAK ICC is well-suited for both start-ups and established businesses, offering cost-effective offshore structure and full foreign ownership.

What are the annual renewal costs for a Real Estate Development business in RAK International Corporate Centre?

The annual licence renewal for a Real Estate Development RAK ICC company costs approximately AED 12,500, which covers the trade licence fee. Additional annual costs may include office space rental, visa renewal, and establishment card fees. IBA provides renewal services to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

Real Estate Development in RAK International Corporate Centre for Italian nationals

OffshoreReal EstateRegulated Activity

Real Estate Development in RAK ICC

Starting From

AED 12,500

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Ras Al Khaimah

About Real Estate Development

The UAE continues to attract Italian entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and RAK ICC is one of the most popular jurisdictions for real estate development operations. Growing Italian business community (~15,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from RAK International Corporate Centre gives your Real Estate Development business access to Ras Al Khaimah's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities and excellent connectivity. As a regulated activity, you will need approval from RERA before commencing operations, but IBA's team handles this process seamlessly on your behalf.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up real estate development businesses in RAK International Corporate Centre since 2004. Our team of incorporation specialists will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to licence issuance and bank account opening, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup experience.

Why RAK ICC for Real Estate Development?

Choosing RAK ICC for your real estate development business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

The jurisdiction offers cost-effective offshore structure, which is particularly valuable for real estate development operations. Additionally, full foreign ownership ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. The offshore structure provides maximum confidentiality and is ideal for holding assets, intellectual property, and international trade operations. Many international businesses choose the offshore route for its streamlined compliance requirements and ability to open multi-currency bank accounts with leading UAE banks. No tax obligation further enhances the appeal of RAK ICC for real estate development professionals. Furthermore, confidentiality protection positions your real estate development business for long-term success in the region. With Ras Al Khaimah continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, RAK ICC remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established real estate enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Italian nationals specifically, the Ras Al Khaimah government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Italian business community.

Cost-effective offshore structure

Full foreign ownership

No tax obligation

Confidentiality protection

International business flexibility

Visa Requirements for Italian Nationals

Italian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. Once your real estate development licence is issued by RAK ICC, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 8–15 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Italian Business Owners

Italian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. EU banking standards are recognised by UAE banks. For your real estate development business in RAK ICC, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Italian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Italy-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Italian Nationals

Italian nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for real estate development), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to RAK ICC.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Italy passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Professional qualification certificates or approvals from RERA

5Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

6Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

7Relevant industry experience documentation

8Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

Regulatory Note: Real Estate Development is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from RERA is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	12,500
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 12,500

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your real estate development business plan and the best RAK ICC licence options for Italian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Italy through Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Prefettura and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the real estate development licence application to RAK ICC. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official RAK ICC trade licence within 3–6 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Italian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Italian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening.

Start Operations

Your real estate development business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 3 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. RAK ICC allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Italian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Real Estate Development in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750