RAKEZ Setup Guide: How to Register Your Company in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
Published by WHO is WHO in RAKRas Al Khaimah, UAE
RAKEZ is the flagship free zone and economic authority of Ras Al Khaimah, hosting more than 30,000 companies across 50+ industries. This guide walks you through every step of registering a company — from choosing a licence type to collecting your visa stamps — with costs, timelines, and insider tips from RAKEZ-based business leaders.
RAKEZ Overview
The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) was established in 2017 through the merger of the RAK Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) and the RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA). It is now one of the largest free zone authorities in the UAE by client count, licensing and regulating more than 30,000 companies across diverse sectors.
RAKEZ operates as a one-stop shop: a single point of contact handles company registration, licensing, immigration, visa processing, and facility allocation. This integrated model reduces friction for entrepreneurs who would otherwise navigate multiple government departments.
The authority is particularly strong for SMEs, manufacturers, e-commerce operators, and professional consultants. Its cost structure is typically 30–50% lower than equivalent Dubai free zones, making it an attractive entry point for first-time entrants to the UAE market.
At a glance
- Established: 2017
- Companies: 30,000+
- Industries: 50+
- Zones: 5 campuses
- Foreign ownership: 100%
- Setup time: 3–7 days
Licence Types
Commercial Licence
For trading, import/export, retail, wholesale, and general commerce. Allows up to several related activities under one licence. Ideal for trading companies and e-commerce operators.
Professional / Services
For consulting, IT, marketing, legal, accounting, engineering, and other service-based activities. 100% foreign ownership. Perfect for agencies and solo practitioners scaling into teams.
Industrial Licence
For manufacturing, assembly, processing, and logistics. Requires allocation in one of RAKEZ's industrial zones (Al Hamra, Al Hulaila, or Al Ghail). Environmental approvals may apply.
Educational Licence
For universities, training institutes, coaching centres, and education consultancies. The Academic Zone offers purpose-built facilities and student-visa support.
Freelancer / Individual
The lowest-cost entry point for solo professionals — designers, developers, writers, media creators, and independent consultants. Typically includes 1 visa and flexi-desk access.
E-Commerce Licence
A specialised commercial licence for online trading, dropshipping, marketplace sellers, and digital product vendors. Supports warehouse storage and multi-channel sales.
Step-by-Step Registration
- 01
Initial enquiry and consultation
Contact RAKEZ through their website, call centre, or an approved registered agent. A business advisor will match your activity to the right licence type and zone campus. This step is free and typically takes 1–2 business days.
- 02
Choose licence and zone
Select your licence type, activity list, and facility requirement (flexi-desk, office, warehouse, or land). RAKEZ publishes annual pricing tiers that bundle licence, facility, and visa quotas — making cost forecasting straightforward.
- 03
Reserve company name
Submit up to three proposed trade names for approval. Names must comply with UAE naming conventions: no religious references, no abbreviations of owner names, and no trademark conflicts. Approval usually takes 1–2 days.
- 04
Submit KYC and application documents
Provide passport copies, proof of address, CVs, and a signed application form. Some activities (financial services, education, healthcare) require additional qualifications or business plans. RAKEZ reviews documents within 2–3 days.
- 05
Sign legal agreements
Review and sign the Memorandum of Association (MOA), lease agreement, and RAKEZ client agreement. For remote applicants, documents can be signed digitally or via courier.
- 06
Pay fees and receive licence
Once payment is confirmed, RAKEZ issues the electronic trade licence and registration documents. You now have a legal entity ready to open bank accounts, sign contracts, and hire staff.
- 07
Apply for visas
Submit visa applications for owners, employees, and dependents through the RAKEZ immigration portal. The standard flow: entry permit → medical test → Emirates ID biometrics → visa stamping. RAKEZ handles all stages in-house.
Zone Campuses and Facilities
Business Zone
Located near Ras Al Khaimah city, the Business Zone offers flexi-desks, shared offices, and dedicated units for trading, services, and e-commerce. Close to government services, banks, and transport links.
Industrial Zone (Al Hamra)
Light to medium industrial operations including manufacturing, assembly, logistics, and warehousing. Pre-built units and custom plots available. Established infrastructure and utility connections.
Al Hulaila Industrial Zone
Heavy industrial site for power-intensive operations. Suitable for chemicals, pharmaceuticals, steel, and large-scale manufacturing. Dedicated utility corridors and environmental controls.
Al Ghail Industrial Zone
The largest heavy industrial campus in RAK. Designed for power-intensive, large-footprint operations with direct port and highway access. Major tenants include building materials, cement, and quarrying operations.
Academic Zone
Purpose-built for universities, training institutes, and education providers. Includes student accommodation options and streamlined student-visa processing.
Media Zone
Specialised campus for content creation, broadcast, media production, and creative agencies. Supports production studios, post-production, and digital media operations.
Costs and Packages
RAKEZ publishes transparent packaged pricing that bundles licence, facility, and visa quotas. This predictability is one of the zone's key advantages over à-la-carte pricing models used elsewhere.
Freelancer packages start in the low-thousands AED per year and include 1 visa, flexi-desk access, and basic immigration support. This is the recommended entry point for solo consultants, designers, and digital nomads testing the UAE market.
Commercial packages with dedicated office space and 2–3 visas typically range from AED 15,000 to AED 35,000 annually. The exact cost depends on office size, activity count, and whether the package includes premium services like PRO support or accounting referrals.
Industrial packages scale with warehouse or land requirements. Light industrial units in Al Hamra start around AED 40,000 per year. Heavy industrial plots in Al Ghail or Al Hulaila are priced per square metre and include utility connection fees.
Beyond the package price, budget for visa and medical costs (AED 4,000–7,000 per person), health insurance (AED 1,500–5,000 per employee), bank minimum balances, and annual audit fees if required by your licence type.
Typical annual ranges
- Freelancer: AED 6,000–10,000
- Commercial + office: AED 15,000–35,000
- Industrial + warehouse: AED 40,000+
- Visa per person: AED 4,000–7,000
- Health insurance: AED 1,500–5,000
Payment schedule
- Initial deposit: 10–20%
- Balance on licence issuance
- Annual renewal: same package
- Visa fees: per application
Visa Process
RAKEZ handles immigration end-to-end through its one-stop shop. Once your licence is active, you can apply for investor visas, employment visas, and dependent visas through a single portal.
The standard timeline is 2–3 weeks per visa: entry permit approval (3–5 days), medical fitness test (same day), Emirates ID biometrics (same day), and visa stamping (3–7 days). RAKEZ provides medical testing and biometrics facilities on-site at some campuses, further compressing the timeline.
Visa quotas are tied to your licence package. Freelancer permits include 1 visa. Small commercial packages include 2–3. Larger office and industrial packages scale to 6+. Additional visas beyond the package limit can be purchased individually.
Dependent visas for spouses and children require proof of relationship (attested marriage and birth certificates), a minimum income threshold, and proof of adequate housing. Parents can also be sponsored with a higher income requirement.
Visa timeline
- Entry permit (3–5 days)
- Medical test (same day)
- Emirates ID (same day)
- Visa stamping (3–7 days)
Required documents
- Passport copy
- Passport photo (white background)
- RAKEZ licence copy
- Entry permit (for new arrivals)
- Attested relationship docs (dependents)
Banking and Finance
After receiving your RAKEZ licence, the next priority is opening a corporate bank account. UAE banks are well-capitalised and offer full suites of business services, but onboarding has tightened globally due to AML/KYC requirements.
Traditional banks like Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq, and RAKBANK have dedicated RAKEZ relationship managers who understand free-zone company structures. They typically require: trade licence, MOA/AOA, passport copies of shareholders and directors, proof of address, and sometimes a business plan or existing client contracts.
Digital banks such as Wio Business and Liv. offer faster onboarding with lower minimum-balance requirements. They are well-suited to e-commerce operators, freelancers, and digital agencies that do not need complex trade-finance facilities.
RAKEZ provides introduction letters to partner banks, which can accelerate the account-opening process. Some packages include bundled banking referrals as part of the setup service.
Banking options
- Emirates NBD
- ADCB
- RAKBANK
- Mashreq
- Wio Business (digital)
- Liv. (digital)
Minimum balances
- Traditional: AED 10,000–50,000
- Digital: AED 0–10,000
- Premium SME: AED 100,000+
Compliance and Renewals
RAKEZ licences are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. The renewal process is simpler than initial setup: update KYC if there have been changes, pay the renewal fee, and confirm facility lease continuation.
Companies claiming 0% corporate tax under free-zone substance rules must maintain genuine economic presence in RAK. This includes: a physical office (not just a mailbox), local directors or senior staff, board meetings held in the emirate, and adequate operating expenditure. RAKEZ provides compliance guidance and can introduce auditors who understand free-zone requirements.
All UAE companies must register for corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority and file annual returns. Free-zone entities meeting substance requirements may apply for the qualifying income exemption. Penalties for non-compliance have increased under the new tax regime, so early registration and proper bookkeeping are essential.
Annual checklist
- Licence renewal (30 days before expiry)
- Office lease renewal
- Visa renewals (staggered)
- Corporate tax registration
- Annual financial statements
- Audit (if required)
RAKEZ FAQs
The most common questions about registering and operating in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone.
What is RAKEZ and when was it established?
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) is the free zone and economic authority of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. It was formed in 2017 by merging the RAK Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) and the RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA). Today it hosts more than 30,000 companies across 50+ industries.
What types of licences does RAKEZ offer?
RAKEZ issues Commercial, Professional/Services, Industrial, Educational, Freelancer/Individual, and E-Commerce licences. Each licence type maps to specific permitted activities and zone campuses. Multiple activities can usually be bundled under a single licence depending on the package.
How much does RAKEZ company setup cost?
Freelancer and individual licences start in the low-thousands AED per year. Commercial licences with flexi-desk or office space typically range from AED 15,000 to AED 35,000 annually. Industrial licences with warehouse facilities scale upward from AED 40,000 depending on size and activity. RAKEZ publishes packaged pricing tiers that bundle licence, facility, and visa quotas.
How long does RAKEZ registration take?
Once KYC documents are complete, standard free zone companies are typically registered and licensed within 3–7 business days. Visa processing for owners and employees runs in parallel and adds 2–3 weeks for medical, Emirates ID, and stamping.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a RAKEZ company?
Yes. RAKEZ free zone entities allow 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for an Emirati partner or sponsor. There is no personal income tax, and UAE corporate tax applies under the federal regime (9% on profits above AED 375,000, with potential 0% for qualifying free zone entities).
What are the RAKEZ zone campuses?
RAKEZ operates five specialised zones: the Business Zone (trading and services near the city), the Industrial Zone (light to heavy manufacturing in Al Hamra and Al Hulaila), Al Ghail Industrial Zone (power-intensive heavy industry), the Academic Zone (universities and training), and the Media Zone (content and creative agencies).
How many visas are included with a RAKEZ licence?
Visa quotas depend on the licence package. Freelancer permits typically include 1 visa. Small commercial packages include 2–3 visas. Larger office or warehouse packages scale up to 6+ visas. Additional visas can be purchased beyond the package limit.
What documents are required for RAKEZ registration?
Typically: passport copies of all shareholders and directors, proof of address, CV, a business plan for certain activities, and a signed application form. RAKEZ operates a one-stop shop where licensing, immigration, and facility applications are handled together.
Can a RAKEZ company trade directly in the UAE mainland?
A RAKEZ company can trade with UAE mainland customers, but mainland commercial activities typically require a local distributor or commercial agent arrangement. RAKEZ companies have full access to GCC markets and can hire UAE residents directly.
How do I contact RAKEZ or find businesses registered there?
Visit rakez.com for official information, pricing, and application portals. To find verified business leaders operating in RAKEZ, browse WHO is WHO in RAK — the platform publishes long-form video interviews with founders and executives licensed through the zone.
Ready to set up in RAKEZ?
Start with our complete business guide, then browse interviews with RAKEZ-based leaders who have done it themselves.