RAKEZ – Ras Al Khaimah

RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) was formed in 2017 through the merger of RAK Free Trade Zone and RAK Investment Authority, consolidating Ras Al Khaimah’s economic development under one authority. RAKEZ is designed to connect investors and businesses to emerging markets in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and Asia.

It offers customizable business solutions, cost-effective packages, diverse facilities, and a business-friendly environment that attracts companies of all sizes — from freelancers and startups to multinational corporations.

Location

Headquartered in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven emirates of the UAE.
45 minutes from Dubai International Airport.
Close proximity to Saqr Port, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, and UAE’s major highways.
Strategic gateway between East and West.

Key Advantages of Setting Up in RAKEZ

100% foreign ownership.
Zero personal and corporate income tax.
Full repatriation of capital and profits.
Wide range of customizable offices, warehouses, and land plots.
Low operating costs — one of the most affordable free zones in the UAE.
Flexible visa packages (visa and non-visa options).
Business setup packages for freelancers and startups.
Easy access to markets in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and South Asia.
No restrictions on currency movements.

Types of Company Structures in RAKEZ

Type	Description
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)	Single shareholder (individual/corporate)
Free Zone Company (FZC)	2–50 shareholders
Branch of a Foreign Company	Extension of an international business
Branch of a UAE Company	Extension of an existing UAE entity

(Both Free Zone & Mainland options available.)

License Types Offered

Commercial License: For trading, buying, and selling goods.
Service License: For consultancy, legal, accounting, and other professional services.
General Trading License: Broader trading across multiple product categories.
Industrial License: For manufacturing, processing, and assembly activities.
Media License: For media, creative, and entertainment-related businesses.
Educational License: For education and training institutions.
E-commerce License: For online businesses and digital platforms.
Freelance Permit: Special permit for individuals in creative, IT, media, education, and consultancy fields.

Documents Required for Company Setup

For Individuals (New Setup)

Passport copy of shareholder(s), director(s), and manager.
UAE visa copy or entry stamp (if applicable).
Passport-size photographs.
Business plan (depending on activity).
No Objection Certificate (NOC) if UAE resident.

For Corporate Shareholders

Certificate of Incorporation.
Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Board Resolution authorizing the setup.
Power of Attorney.
Passport copies of authorized signatories.

(Corporate documents must be notarized and attested.)

Facilities Offered by RAKEZ

Facility	Description
Flexi-Desks	Shared workspaces for freelancers & startups
Executive Offices	Serviced private offices
Standard Offices	Budget-friendly for SMEs
Warehouses	Storage, logistics, manufacturing
Industrial Land	For heavy industries
Worker Housing	Staff accommodation

Step-by-Step Company Setup Process in RAKEZ

Choose Business Activity and License Type.
Select Company Structure (FZE, FZC, Branch).
Submit Initial Application and Reserve Company Name.
Sign Company Formation Documents (Articles of Association, Lease Agreement).
Lease Office or Warehouse (if applicable).
Make Payment for License and Registration Fees.
Company Registration and Issuance of License.
Apply for Establishment Card (for visa eligibility).
Process Investor/Employee Visas.

Industries Best Served by RAKEZ

Manufacturing and Industrial Production.
Logistics and Warehousing.
Trading and Distribution.
Professional and Consultancy Services.
Media and Creative Services.
Education and Training Services.
E-commerce and Tech Startups.
Oil and Gas Equipment Trading.
Renewable Energy and Environmental Services.

Typical Setup Costs (Estimates)

Item	Cost (AED)
Trade/Service License	From 5,499/year (Flexi-desk)
Industrial License	From 13,500/year
Company Registration	2,000–5,000
Office Rental	From 4,000/year (Flexi-desk)
Warehouse Rental	From 25,000/year
Visa (per visa)	3,500–5,000
Establishment Card	1,500

(Costs vary based on business activity & space.)

Compliance Obligations

Annual renewal of license and office lease.
Maintain accounting records (depending on business type).
VAT Registration if turnover exceeds AED 375,000 per year.
Compliance with Economic Substance Regulations (where applicable).
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) registration.

Why Choose RAKEZ?

Advantage	Details
Affordability	Lowest setup costs in UAE
Location	Near Dubai, ports & airports
Flexibility	Flexi-desks to industrial land
100% Ownership	No local sponsor needed
Scalability	Easy upgrades as business grows
One-Stop-Shop	Fast licensing, visas, facilities