Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is the business licensing authority of Ras Al Khaimah, with business and industrial zones across the emirate. It is unusual because it offers both free zone and non-free zone (mainland) entities, so you can choose the set-up that matches how and where you want to trade. It suits start-ups, freelancers, SMEs and industrial companies looking for a flexible, cost-conscious base in the northern emirates. We help you choose the right licence, legal entity and facility, prepare the documents and handle the application, visas and corporate bank account.
- Location: Ras Al Khaimah, with five zones: Al Nakheel Business Zone, Al Hamra Business Zone, and the Al Ghail, Al Hamra and Al Hulaila Industrial Zones
- Authority: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
- Entity choice: free zone entity or non-free zone entity (the latter also licensed by RAK Department of Economic Development)
- Free zone company types: Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC), Branch of a UAE company, Branch of a foreign company
- Shareholders: 1 to 50 for an FZ-LLC (individuals or companies)
- Minimum share capital: AED 10,000 for an FZ-LLC, higher for some activities; none for a branch
- Ownership: 100% foreign ownership for free zone companies
- Space: co-working, serviced, standard and executive offices, shell and core units, warehouses and staff accommodation
Who RAKEZ Suits
- Start-ups and SMEs that want a free zone licence with co-working or serviced office options
- Freelancers in media, education, IT and analysis (Freelancer Permit)
- Manufacturers and heavy or light industrial projects that need land or warehouses
- Trading companies, including general trading and e-commerce
- Education providers and media businesses
- Businesses that want to sell directly in the UAE market through a non-free zone entity or the RAKEZ Dual Licence
Licence Types in RAKEZ
Commercial licence
Trading in goods. A free zone commercial licence allows 5 activities from the same group, or 2 activities from different groups.
General trading licence
Trading in multiple goods.
E-commerce licence
Trading in goods and services by electronic means.
Service licence
Services or consultancy in any industry, with up to 2 activities from any group. Commercial and service activities cannot share one licence.
Industrial licence
Manufacturing, importing, packaging and exporting products, with up to 2 activities from the same group.
Educational and media licences
For education-related institutions and consultancies, and for media businesses.
Individual/Professional licence
One owner carrying out one activity in a specific speciality or expertise.
Freelancer Permit
For media, education, IT and analyst professionals who work as sole practitioners under their own name.
Dual Licence
Combines a RAKEZ free zone licence with a branch licence issued by RAK Department of Economic Development, so the business can operate in the free zone and on the mainland.
Non-free zone licences
Industrial, commercial and professional licences for non-free zone entities, issued alongside a RAK Department of Economic Development licence.
Company Types in RAKEZ
Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)
1 to 50 shareholders, who can be individuals or companies. Minimum share capital AED 10,000 (shares of AED 1,000 each), with higher minimums for certain activities such as industrial (AED 150,000).
Liability is limited to each shareholder's share of the capital.
Free zone branch
A company already incorporated in the UAE (including in another free zone) or outside the UAE can open a branch in the RAKEZ free zone.
No share capital is required. The branch uses the parent's name and carries out all or some of the parent's activities.
Non-free zone entities
RAKEZ also registers non-free zone entities: an Individual Establishment, a Single Person Limited Liability Company, a Limited Liability Company (LLC, up to 50 shareholders) and branches of UAE and foreign companies. Ownership and local agent rules depend on the activity, so we confirm the current requirements for your activity before you apply.
Office, Warehouse and Industrial Space
Leasing a facility is required to open a RAKEZ company. Options run from co-working spaces and flexi desks to serviced, standard and executive offices, shell and core units, warehouses and staff and labour accommodation. A flexi desk is limited to one visa, so the space you choose decides how many people you can sponsor. Some activities also need a specific facility type, such as a physical office or retail space. We match the space to your visa plan before you sign.
How to Set Up a Company in RAKEZ
- Free consultation: we confirm your activity, licence type and whether a free zone or non-free zone entity suits you.
- Activity check: some activities need a no-objection certificate from a third-party authority (for example, a clinic needs Ministry of Health and Prevention approval); we tell you up front.
- Get pre-approval for investors, partners and managers, which RAKEZ requires for all nationalities.
- Choose your facility and zone, and submit the application and documents.
- Pay the fees, sign the memorandum of association and lease, and receive your licence.
- Apply for investor or partner visas, employee visas and Emirates IDs through RAKEZ.
- Open your corporate bank account and register for corporate tax.
Documents You Need
For individual shareholders: colour passport copies of the shareholders, general manager and any director, a visa copy or entry stamp, Emirates ID copies if you live in the UAE, a no-objection certificate from your current sponsor if you are UAE resident, and a UBO declaration form. A business plan is needed only for certain activities, and RAKEZ does not require a set format.
For a company shareholder or a branch: the parent company's trade licence, memorandum and articles of association, certificate of registration or commercial register, certificate of good standing or registry extract, certificate of incumbency (for a corporate shareholder), and a shareholders or board resolution approving the RAKEZ entity and appointing a general manager.
We send you the exact checklist for your activity and entity type.
RAKEZ Setup Costs
Your cost depends on the licence type, the facility, the number of visas, your zone and any activity approvals. RAKEZ licences are generally valid for one year, and some free zone licences can be issued or renewed for three years at discounted rates. Tell us your activity and visa needs and we send you a written, itemised quote.
Corporate Tax for RAKEZ Companies
Every RAKEZ company must register for UAE corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority. A free zone company that is a Qualifying Free Zone Person pays 0% on qualifying income if it meets the conditions, and 9% on other taxable income. Other free zone companies and non-free zone entities are taxed at 0% up to AED 375,000 and 9% above. RAKEZ companies must also submit audited financial statements, prepared by a RAKEZ-approved auditor, within six months of the financial year end. Our group's tax agency can handle registration and filing.
Why Set Up in RAKEZ With Jitendra Business Consultants
Company formation in the UAE since 2001, with 5,500+ companies formed. One group for setup, accounting, VAT, corporate tax and trademarks. Offices in Dubai and Sharjah, with advice in English, Arabic and Hindi.
RAKEZ Company Setup FAQs
Is RAKEZ a free zone or mainland?
Both. RAKEZ registers free zone entities, licensed by RAKEZ, and non-free zone entities, which hold a RAKEZ licence plus a licence from RAK Department of Economic Development.
What is the minimum share capital for a RAKEZ FZ-LLC?
AED 10,000, made up of shares of AED 1,000 each. Some activities need more, for example AED 150,000 for industrial and AED 100,000 for logistics and transportation. A branch needs no share capital.
How many shareholders can a RAKEZ company have?
An FZ-LLC can have 1 to 50 shareholders. A non-free zone LLC can also have up to 50.
Can a RAKEZ free zone company trade on the UAE mainland?
Not directly. A free zone entity can sell outside the free zone only through an agent, distributor or parent company licensed for that activity. The RAKEZ Dual Licence or a non-free zone entity lets you operate on the mainland.
Do I need a local partner for a RAKEZ free zone company?
No. RAKEZ free zone companies can be 100% foreign owned.
Can I get an investor visa through RAKEZ?
Yes. A single-shareholder company can obtain an investor visa, and a company with more than one shareholder can obtain partner visas. Shareholders can also choose to stay on a visa from elsewhere.
Is RAKEZ the same as RAK ICC?
No. RAK ICC registers international business companies for holding and structuring, while RAKEZ licenses operating businesses. See our RAK offshore company formation service if you need an international company.
How long is a RAKEZ licence valid?
Generally one year from the issue date. Free zone commercial, service, general trading, individual/professional and e-commerce licences can be issued and renewed for three years at discounted rates, subject to RAKEZ terms.