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RAKEZ Company Formation in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

Set up your company in RAKEZ, Ras Al Khaimah, with guidance on licences, activities, facilities, visas and costs.

RAS AL KHAIMAH COMPANY FORMATION

What Is
RAKEZ?

The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is an economic zone in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. It provides company registration and licensing options for businesses operating in sectors ranging from professional services and trading to manufacturing and logistics.

RAKEZ supports both free zone and non-free-zone company formations. These are different legal and licensing routes, so choosing between them should be part of the initial business assessment. A free zone entity receives its licence through RAKEZ, while a non-free-zone entity also involves the licensing framework of the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (RAK DED).

RAKEZ is not limited to small consulting or trading companies. Its facilities and licensing framework also accommodate businesses that need warehouses, industrial premises, production space or land for development. When comparing Ras Al Khaimah company formation options, check the proposed entity type, licence and facility—not only the advertised package name.

RAKEZ COMPANY FORMATION

RAKEZ at a Glance

An overview of RAKEZ's location, licensing routes, business sectors and facility options.

Item Detail
Authority Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
Location Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
Formation routes Free zone and non-free-zone company formation
Free zone licence Issued through RAKEZ
Non-free-zone licence Involves the RAK Department of Economic Development (RAK DED)
Item Detail
Business sectors Professional services, trading, manufacturing and logistics
Trading Import, export and general trading businesses
Other sectors E-commerce, education, media and technology
Facilities Warehouses, industrial premises and production space
Land options Land for business and industrial development

Why Choose RAKEZ for Business Setup?

RAKEZ offers flexible business licensing, ownership options and facilities for companies across different industries.

Its suitability depends on what the company will actually do

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RAKEZ BUSINESS SETUP

RAKEZ Company Formation Cost

RAKEZ company formation costs depend on the selected licence, business activities, facility and visa requirements. The advertised package price is a starting point, not a universal cost for every business.

SME
BUSINESS SETUP

SME Business Setup

Starting from AED 14,000

An advertised RAKEZ business setup package for eligible small and medium-sized business requirements.

Package eligibility and inclusions apply.

Final cost depends on the selected business requirements.

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Important: Check the Full Setup Cost

Package prices may not cover every requirement for your proposed business. Your final quotation should reflect the selected activity, facility, visa needs and any additional approvals or services. Confirm the latest package details and applicable conditions directly with RAKEZ before making a decision.

PLAN YOUR RAKEZ BUDGET

Know Your RAKEZ Setup Cost Before You Apply

Compare the available setup routes and understand which licence, facility and visa requirements may affect your total company formation budget.

Book a Free Consultation →
RAKEZ COMPANY FORMATION COST

Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone Company Setup Cost

The cost of RAKEZ company formation is not the same for every applicant. A service company using shared workspace has a different cost profile from a trading company that needs a warehouse or an industrial business leasing land.

Basic Instant Licence
AED 6,000

Advertised RAKEZ Instant Licence package price.

Lite Instant Licence
AED 12,000

Advertised RAKEZ Instant Licence package price.

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Important: These are advertised package prices, not universal quotations for every company structure, activity or facility. Confirm the current inclusions, eligibility and applicable conditions with RAKEZ before relying on either figure.

What Does the Total Setup Cost Include?

Your total Ras Al Khaimah free zone company setup cost may include the following components, depending on your requirements.

Cost Component What It Covers
Licence fee The selected licence category and its validity period.
Company registration Registration and incorporation-related charges.
Business activities Additional or separately chargeable activities, where applicable.
Facility or lease Coworking, office, warehouse or industrial land.
Establishment and immigration file Registration needed for eligible immigration services.
Residence visa Entry permit or status change, medical fitness, Emirates ID and related processing.
Additional approvals External permissions required for certain activities.
Corporate documents Notarisation, legalisation, translation or certification where required.
Renewal Licence, facility, immigration and visa renewal expenses.

First-Year Setup Expenses

The first-year budget should include more than the licence. If you need a residence visa, private office, warehouse or external approval, those items can materially change the total. Ask for a breakdown that separates the authority's fees, facility charges, immigration costs and optional professional services.

Annual and Recurring Expenses

A company should also plan for licence renewal, office or warehouse lease renewal, visa renewals, accounting, tax compliance and any required regulatory filings. RAKEZ generally issues licences for one year, while certain licence categories may be available for three-year terms under applicable conditions.

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Budgeting Consideration: A low advertised entry price should be compared with the full cost of operating and renewing the company. It should not be treated as the final amount payable.

GET A CLEAR COST BREAKDOWN

Request an Itemised RAKEZ Cost Estimate

Exactitude can review your activity, shareholder structure, visa needs and facility requirements before preparing a cost assessment. Your quotation should clearly separate official authority fees from optional professional services.

Request a Cost Estimate

RAKEZ Business Setup Licence Types and Permitted Activities

RAKEZ offers several licence categories for businesses operating in trading, professional services, e-commerce, manufacturing, education and media. The correct licence depends on the company’s actual activities and any additional approval requirements.

Commercial Licence

Suitable for businesses involved in buying, selling, importing, exporting and distributing permitted products, including electronics, building materials and equipment.

General Trading Licence

Designed for businesses dealing in multiple product categories. Restricted goods and regulated products may require additional approvals.

E-commerce Licence

Suitable for consultancy and service-based businesses, including management consultancy, IT, marketing, advertising and design services.

E-commerce Licence

Designed for eligible businesses selling goods or services through websites and online platforms. Product-specific licensing and other regulatory requirements may still apply.

Industrial Licence

Suitable for manufacturing, assembly, packaging and related production activities. Facility, machinery, storage and environmental requirements should be assessed before applying.

Educational Licence

Available for eligible education-related institutions, training providers and consultancy businesses, subject to applicable approvals.

Media Licence and Freelancer Permit

RAKEZ offers media-related licences and freelancer permits for approved professional fields, including certain media, IT, education and analyst-related activities. A freelancer permit is intended for an individual, not a company.

Legal Structures Available at RAKEZ

RAKEZ offers different legal structures for businesses, including free zone companies, branches and non-free-zone entities. The right structure depends on the ownership arrangement, existing business setup and intended operations.

Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)

An FZ-LLC is a separate legal entity registered in RAKEZ. It may suit entrepreneurs or investors who want to establish a new company with its own legal identity and shareholder structure.

Branch of a UAE Company

An existing UAE company may establish a branch in RAKEZ, subject to eligibility and approval requirements. The branch operates as an extension of its parent company rather than as a separate subsidiary.

Branch of a Foreign Company

An overseas company can explore registering a branch in RAKEZ to establish a UAE presence while retaining its existing parent-company structure. The application may require parent-company documents, an authorised resolution and details of the branch manager.

Non-Free-Zone Entity

RAKEZ also provides a route for establishing a non-free-zone entity under the relevant Ras Al Khaimah licensing framework. This option may be worth considering when a business requires a different operating structure from a free zone company.

Choose the right structure: Consider your shareholders, parent-company status, business activities, and target market before selecting a legal form. Exactitude can help assess the available options and coordinate the application requirements with RAKEZ.

RAKEZ BUSINESS FACILITIES

RAKEZ Office and Facility Options

A company's facility is more than an address on its licence. It can influence daily operations, staffing, storage, visa eligibility and the overall setup budget. Explore the available workspace and industrial facility options before choosing your setup.

Compare RAKEZ Facility Options

7 Facility Types
Facility Typical Use Practical Consideration
Coworking space Freelancers, startups and small service businesses Shared working environment; check visa eligibility and package terms.
Serviced office Businesses needing a dedicated workspace Enclosed workspace with business-centre facilities.
Standard office SMEs requiring a private office More privacy and a permanent business location.
Executive office Growing companies with larger teams More space for staff and daily operations.
Shell and core office Businesses planning a customised workspace Fit-out and approval requirements need consideration.
Warehouse Storage, assembly and light manufacturing Space, loading access and operational requirements.
Industrial land Larger industrial or logistics projects Construction, utilities, lease and approval planning.

Explore Facilities by Business Need

The right workspace depends on how your company operates, the space it needs and its expected staffing requirements.

Coworking and Shared Workspace

Coworking can be practical for founders who do not need a private office. It provides a working environment without committing to a larger leased space. However, a shared desk is not the same as a private office, and its visa allocation and eligibility must be checked against the selected facility and package.

Serviced and Private Offices

A serviced office provides a more defined workspace, while standard and executive offices are intended for companies that need private premises. RAKEZ publishes facility-specific terms, including desk and visa information for some options. These terms should be checked against the actual offer before budgeting.

Warehouses and Industrial Land

RAKEZ lists warehouses starting from 150 square metres, with features such as loading and unloading space and the possibility of modification subject to approval. It also offers industrial land for development, with published plots starting from 2,500 square metres. These facilities are more relevant to businesses with physical inventory, production or logistics needs than to a service-only company.

PLAN BEFORE YOU APPLY

Discuss Your Facility Requirements Before Applying

A low-cost licence package may not be suitable if your operations require storage, dedicated premises, staff accommodation or specialised infrastructure. Assess your actual workspace and operational needs before selecting a RAKEZ package.

Visa Options and Requirements

RAKEZ companies may apply for UAE residence visas for owners, managers, and employees, subject to immigration eligibility, facility, and package conditions.

Common requirements include:

Visa allocation depends on the selected package and facility.

For example, serviced-office visa eligibility may be linked to the number of desks. Confirm the available allocation and applicable fees with RAKEZ before applying.

Dubai South Free Zone company setup
Business owners reviewing company setup plans on a laptop

RAKEZ Visa Requirements and Documentation

RAKEZ publishes visa service charges and document requirements, which may vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances and whether they are inside or outside the UAE.

required documents

Visa processing fees and requirements should be confirmed against the latest RAKEZ guidelines before applying.

Exactitude can help organise the document checklist and coordinate the next steps after company formation. Final visa decisions are made by the relevant immigration authority.

RAKEZ Visa Requirements
Additional Approvals

Documents Required for RAKEZ Company Formation

RAKEZ document requirements depend on the shareholder structure and application type. The following are commonly requested documents; additional paperwork may be required depending on the circumstances.

Individual Shareholders

You may need:

Corporate Shareholders

include:

Branch Applications

Important: Documents issued outside the UAE may require attestation, legalisation or certified translation. Confirm RAKEZ’s current requirements before arranging these services.

How to Set Up a Company in RAKEZ

The formation process begins with defining the business correctly. RAKEZ describes its setup journey around selecting a package, submitting the application and documents, and receiving the licence after completing the required formalities.

TAX COMPLIANCE & PLANNING

Corporate Tax and VAT for RAKEZ Companies

A company registered in a free zone is not automatically exempt from UAE Corporate Tax. The 0% rate is available to a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) on qualifying income when the relevant legal conditions are met. Income that does not qualify may be subject to the applicable 9% Corporate Tax rate.

When Can a RAKEZ Company Qualify for 0% Corporate Tax?

A RAKEZ company must assess whether it meets the QFZP conditions. These include maintaining adequate substance in a UAE Free Zone, earning qualifying income and complying with the arm's length principle and transfer pricing requirements.

The company must also maintain relevant transfer pricing documentation, prepare audited financial statements, meet the de minimis requirements for non-qualifying revenue and avoid electing to be subject to the standard Corporate Tax regime.

A free zone licence alone does not establish QFZP status. Actual activities, customers, transactions and financial records all matter.

VAT Obligations for RAKEZ Companies

The UAE standard VAT rate is 5%. Mandatory VAT registration generally applies when taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 over the previous 12 months or are expected to exceed this amount in the next 30 days.

Voluntary registration may be available when the relevant taxable supplies, imports or taxable expenses exceed AED 187,500, subject to FTA rules.

A free zone location does not automatically place every transaction outside the scope of VAT. Designated Zone treatment is a separate VAT concept and should not be assumed for every RAKEZ company or transaction.

%

Corporate Tax

Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP)
0% On qualifying income for eligible QFZPs
9% Applicable standard rate on taxable income not eligible for 0%
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The 0% rate depends on meeting the QFZP conditions. Free zone registration alone does not guarantee eligibility.

QFZP

QFZP Conditions

Key compliance requirements
✓

Adequate substance in a UAE Free Zone

✓

Qualifying income under Corporate Tax rules

✓

Arm's length and transfer pricing compliance

✓

Relevant transfer pricing documentation

✓

Audited financial statements

✓

De minimis requirements and no election into the standard regime

VAT

Value Added Tax

UAE VAT rates and registration thresholds
Standard VAT rate 5% UAE standard rate
Mandatory registration AED 375,000 Taxable supplies and imports threshold
Voluntary registration AED 187,500 Relevant taxable supplies, imports or taxable expenses threshold
✓

VAT treatment depends on the nature and place of supply, the goods or services involved and the applicable rules.

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Accounting, Tax and Compliance Support

Exactitude provides accounting, bookkeeping and tax compliance advisory based on your company's activities and circumstances. For complex tax positions, obtain advice from an appropriately qualified tax professional.

Explore Tax Services

Corporate Bank Account for Your RAKEZ Company

What Do Banks Commonly Assess?

UAE banks review several aspects of a company's business profile before considering a corporate bank account application:

  • Business activity: What the company sells, supplies, manufactures or advises on.
  • Ownership and UBO details: Shareholders, directors, authorised signatories and individuals who ultimately own or control the business.
  • Source of funds: Where the initial investment and future operating funds originate.
  • Business model: How the company generates revenue and receives payments.
  • Expected transactions: Estimated monthly turnover, transaction sizes, payment methods and currencies.
  • Customer and supplier locations: Countries where the company expects to trade and the nature of its counterparties.
  • Commercial evidence: Contracts, invoices, purchase orders and supplier agreements supporting the proposed activity.
  • Business presence: Website, contact details, office arrangements and evidence supporting the company's business model.
A company should be able to explain its activities clearly and provide documents supporting its expected transactions. A broad licence activity description alone is not a substitute for a credible business profile.

How Exactitude Assists with Banking Preparation

Exactitude can review your proposed business model, help organise corporate and shareholder documents, identify gaps in your supporting file and introduce your company to suitable banking contacts where appropriate.

01

Review of your proposed business activities and model.

02

Organisation of corporate and shareholder documentation.

03

Identification of gaps in supporting business evidence.

04

Introduction to suitable banking contacts where appropriate.

Important: The bank conducts its own due diligence and makes the final account-opening decision. No consultant can guarantee bank approval.
Discuss Your Corporate Banking Requirements

Receiving a RAKEZ trade licence and opening a UAE corporate bank account are two separate processes. Incorporation does not guarantee that a bank will accept the company as a customer. Each bank applies its own KYC, AML and risk-assessment procedures.

UAE Free Zone Comparison

RAKEZ vs Other UAE Free Zones

RAKEZ is one of several UAE jurisdictions available to investors. The right comparison is not simply which authority advertises the lowest initial licence fee. Consider the business activity, customer market, facility requirements, visa needs and ongoing operating costs.

Free Zone Location Business Focus Facility Considerations
RAKEZ Ras Al Khaimah Commercial, professional, trading, e-commerce, media, education and industrial activities Coworking, offices, warehouses and industrial land
IFZA Dubai Broad range of business activities, including professional and commercial categories Check the available office and facility arrangements for the selected package
Meydan Free Zone Dubai Professional, commercial and digital business activities Review the package, workspace and visa options available for the chosen setup
SHAMS Sharjah Media, creative and a wider range of startup and SME activities Workspace and licensing arrangements should be checked against the selected activity
Ajman Free Zone Ajman Trading, services and industrial businesses Includes office and warehouse options, with facilities relevant to storage and industrial operations
Dubai South Dubai Logistics, aviation, trade and related business activities Consider its location and facilities if the business depends on logistics or aviation infrastructure
Comparison considerations: RAKEZ publishes a broad facility range that includes coworking, offices, warehouses and industrial land. SHAMS describes its focus around media and creative industries, while Ajman Free Zone publishes warehouse facilities close to Ajman Port. IFZA provides an activity directory that distinguishes between non-regulated and regulated activities. These are useful starting points for comparison, but each authority's current activity and package rules should be checked before making a decision.

Which Free Zone Should You Consider?

The most suitable jurisdiction depends on what your business needs to operate, where it plans to serve customers and which facilities it requires.

RAKEZ

Deserves particular consideration if your business needs industrial premises, warehousing, manufacturing space or a combination of service and trading operations.

Dubai Free Zones

A Dubai free zone may be more relevant if a Dubai business address or a particular Dubai-based commercial ecosystem is central to your plan.

SHAMS

May be worth reviewing for businesses operating in media and creative industries.

Ajman Free Zone

Can be considered by companies evaluating trading and warehouse options.

Make a like-for-like comparison. These are starting points, not automatic recommendations. A proper comparison should use the same assumptions for each jurisdiction: licence activities, shareholders, visa count, facility, first-year charges and renewal costs.

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Why Choose Exactitude for RAKEZ Company Formation?

Choosing a free zone is a business decision, not just an application exercise. An unsuitable activity, facility or legal structure can create avoidable changes after incorporation. Exactitude’s role is to help you assess the options, prepare the application file and coordinate the consultancy process.

  • Free Zone and Activity Guidance We review what your company intends to do and discuss whether RAKEZ is a suitable option. The activity assessment considers products or services, customer markets, ownership and any known approval requirements.
  • Legal Structure and Facility Assessment We help you understand the differences between a free zone company, branch and other available routes. We also review whether a shared workspace, office, warehouse or industrial facility is more appropriate for your operations.
  • Document Preparation and Application Coordination Our team helps organise the information and documents needed for the proposed application. We can coordinate submission-related steps and help address document gaps or clarification requests during the process. The licensing decision remains with RAKEZ.
  • Cost Assessment We review the main cost components so you can compare the licence, facility, visa and other applicable charges before proceeding. The aim is to make the scope of the proposed setup clear rather than relying on an advertised starting price alone.
  • Visa and Corporate Banking Support After incorporation, we can guide you on the next steps for immigration-related applications and help prepare your corporate banking file. Visa decisions belong to the immigration authorities, while banks independently assess and decide on account applications.
  • Accounting and Tax Compliance Advisory Company formation is the beginning of the operating relationship with the UAE regulatory framework. Exactitude can also support accounting, bookkeeping and tax compliance advisory so that ongoing obligations are considered as the business develops.
  • Important Notice Exactitude Business Services FZCO is an independent private consultancy. We do not issue trade licences, approve visas or make bank account decisions. Official documents and approvals are issued by the relevant authority or institution.

Start Your RAKEZ Company Formation

Before applying, be clear about four things: what your company will do, which legal structure it needs, how many visas it may require and whether it needs a shared workspace, office or industrial facility. These decisions influence the licence route and the overall cost of setting up in Ras Al Khaimah.

Exactitude Business Services can review your plans, compare the relevant RAKEZ options, help prepare your application documents and coordinate the setup process. You can also discuss banking preparation and ongoing accounting and tax compliance support before the company begins operating.

Call or WhatsApp +971 52 177 1150 or email sales@exactitudebusiness.com .

Frequently asked questions

Eligible RAKEZ free zone company structures allow 100% foreign ownership. The proposed activity, legal form, and shareholder arrangement must still meet the authority's requirements. Confirm the structure before submitting the application.

RAKEZ currently advertises Basic and Lite Instant Licence packages at AED 6,000 and AED 12,000. These are package prices, not guaranteed total costs for every business. Visas, facilities, additional requirements and other charges may affect the final amount. Request a current itemised quotation before making a decision. Exactitude can help you request an itemised quotation based on your requirements.

Start with a precise description of your products or services, then match that description to the authority's permitted activity list. Trading, consultancy, e-commerce, manufacturing and media operations may fall under different licence categories. Some activities also require external approval. Exactitude can help you request an itemised quotation based on your requirements.

RAKEZ lists coworking and shared workspace options as well as private offices and industrial facilities. Whether a shared option is suitable depends on the activity, package and visa requirements. Confirm the facility conditions before selecting a licence package. Exactitude can help you request an itemised quotation based on your requirements.

There is no single visa allocation that applies to every RAKEZ company. Eligibility and the number of visas depend on the selected facility, package and applicable immigration rules. Check the specific allocation before paying for the setup. Exactitude can help you request an itemised quotation based on your requirements.

A free zone licence does not automatically provide unrestricted permission to conduct every activity directly in the UAE mainland. Market access depends on the activity, transaction structure and applicable UAE rules. RAKEZ also describes a dual business licence route; businesses considering mainland operations should confirm the precise permissions and conditions for their case. Exactitude can help you request an itemised quotation based on your requirements.

No. A free zone company may qualify for 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income if it meets the QFZP conditions. Non-qualifying taxable income may be subject to the applicable 9% rate. The company must assess its income, substance, transfer pricing, audit and recordkeeping obligations.Exactitude can help you request an itemised quotation based on your requirements.

No. Company registration and bank account opening are separate processes. A bank independently reviews the company's activity, ownership, source of funds, expected transactions and supporting documents before deciding whether to open an account.

RAKEZ offers online and digital application routes for certain setup options. Its Instant Licence information describes an application process that does not require a physical visit for the advertised route. However, eligibility, document verification and any later immigration or banking steps should be checked for the applicant's circumstances.

RAKEZ publishes company amendment services for licensed businesses. A change may require an application, supporting documents, fees or additional approvals. The company should confirm whether the proposed new activity is permitted and whether its existing company name or facility arrangements also need to change.

A company should renew its licence before expiry and check any related facility, immigration, and visa renewals. Late renewal may result in penalties or restrictions on services. RAKEZ publishes a late licence renewal penalty in its FAQ, so confirm the current amount and outstanding requirements directly before the renewal date.

RAKEZ lists foreign company branches among its available registration routes. The parent company will need to provide corporate records and a resolution approving the branch and appointing its manager. The final document list depends on the parent company's jurisdiction and the proposed branch structure.

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