RAK ICC Redomiciliation: When an Existing Company Moves Jurisdiction


A company does not always need to start from the beginning when its current jurisdiction no longer fits its long-term plans.

RAK ICC provides a transfer of domicile, also known as continuation or redomiciliation, for eligible companies from other jurisdictions.

This allows a company to move its legal domicile while maintaining its legal identity, subject to the applicable requirements.

Why Would a Company Consider Redomiciliation?

A business may have been incorporated in one jurisdiction when its needs were different.

Over time, the company may need a different legal framework, ownership structure or jurisdictional environment.

Redomiciliation can be considered when maintaining the existing company is more suitable than creating an entirely new entity.

RAK ICC states that companies may preserve their existing legal status and operational and banking history when completing a qualifying transfer of domicile.

What Needs to Be Reviewed?

Redomiciliation is not simply a change of registered address.

Before moving a company, several areas need to be checked:

  • The laws of the existing jurisdiction

  • Whether the company is eligible to migrate

  • Existing shareholders

  • Directors and beneficial owners

  • Contracts and financing arrangements

  • Banking relationships

  • Existing liabilities

  • Corporate records

  • The requirements of the receiving jurisdiction

The company's existing documents must also be reviewed as part of the process.

When Is Redomiciliation Different From New Incorporation?

A new incorporation creates a new legal entity.

Redomiciliation is designed to move an existing company while maintaining its legal identity.

This difference can be important for businesses with established contracts, assets or banking relationships.

Where RAK ICC Fits

RAK ICC has a dedicated transfer of domicile process through registered agents. The process includes application, document submission, due diligence and approval by the Registrar.

Businesses reviewing RAK ICC holding company options should therefore consider both new incorporation and redomiciliation where an existing international company is already in place.

The better route depends on the company's current jurisdiction, assets and future plans.

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