RAKEZ Business Setup: Licenses, Visas, Warehouses and Costs
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone formed in 2017 after the consolidation of RAK Free Trade Zone and RAK Investment Authority. It serves as the central hub for small to medium enterprises, light and heavy manufacturing, trading firms, logistics operations, and individual freelancers. Entrepreneurs who want the flexible RAKEZ business setup can access the custom facilities range from the shared coworking desks to large industrial plots.
- 11,500+ businesses set up
- DET license #909402
- Since 2017 as one authority
Why Founders Choose RAKEZ, and When Another Zone Fits Better
RAKEZ accommodates businesses that require a registered entity, flexible workspace, or dedicated industrial premises. The right choice between the free zones may depend on the activities you want to conduct and how your company operates
Why Founders Choose RAKEZ
- Flexible business packages: This zone allows you to select the licensing and support options based on your activity, shareholders, and visa requirements.
- Industrial facilities: It allows you to explore the offices, warehouses, and industrial land for storage, manufacturing, and distribution.
- Trading infrastructure: Ras Al Khaimah provides access to the ports, road networks, and regional logistics routes.
- Multiple business activities: It permits you to combine the eligible activities as per the selected package and approvals.
- Remote application support: By RAKEZ business setup, you can easily prepare and submit incorporation documents by the digital registration process.
When Another Zone Fits Better
- A Dubai business address is suitable for businesses whose commercial requirements are based on the Dubai location. You should compare the different free zone setup options before making the decision. Meydan or IFZA may be suitable for Dubai Focused Operations.Meydan →IFZA →
- DIFC may be suited to eligible regulated financial and professional activities.DIFC →
RAKEZ fits e-commerce operators, SMEs, consultants, importers, exporters, logistics providers, and manufacturers. Businesses that require the specialized facilities can access the options in AI Hamra and AI Ghail industrial areas.
Quick Answer Box
Avyanco helps you choose the right zone for business setup in a free zone. We support you with the visa allocations, facility size, business structures, and operational requirements in UAE. By choosing the RAK free zone business setup, you can get direct access to the maritime ports, customs warehouse spaces, and simple administrative setup options.
Ownership: 100% foreign ownership
License from: AED 6,000* with no visa and AED 14,000* with 1 visa
Activities: Up to 10 per package
Timeline: License may be issued within 24 hours.
Tax: 0% on qualifying income after meeting the QFZP conditions
Watch: what a UAE free zone is, in 35 seconds
RAKEZ License Types and Activities
Commercial License
This RAKEZ license is issued for buying, importing, exporting, and distributing specified goods.
- RAKEZ authority issues the different types of licenses and accommodates the several commercial operations
- To set up the business in RAKEZ, you can combine up to 10 eligible business activities, depending on the selected package. You are allowed to conduct the international trade business with other free zone companies after obtaining a relevant license.
Service License
This license is issued for consultancy, professional services, IT support, and service delivery.
- RAKEZ authority issues the different types of licenses and accommodates the several commercial operations
- To set up the business in RAKEZ, you can combine up to 10 eligible business activities, depending on the selected package. You are allowed to conduct the international trade business with other free zone companies after obtaining a relevant license.
Industrial License
This license is issued for manufacturing, raw material import, packaging, processing, and exporting.
- RAKEZ authority issues the different types of licenses and accommodates the several commercial operations
- To set up the business in RAKEZ, you can combine up to 10 eligible business activities, depending on the selected package. You are allowed to conduct the international trade business with other free zone companies after obtaining a relevant license.
General Trading License
This license is used for trading multiple unrelated goods under a single commercial document.
- RAKEZ authority issues the different types of licenses and accommodates the several commercial operations
- To set up the business in RAKEZ, you can combine up to 10 eligible business activities, depending on the selected package. You are allowed to conduct the international trade business with other free zone companies after obtaining a relevant license.
Freelancer Permit
This license is for independent media or tech professionals and sole practitioners.
- RAKEZ authority issues the different types of licenses and accommodates the several commercial operations
- To set up the business in RAKEZ, you can combine up to 10 eligible business activities, depending on the selected package. You are allowed to conduct the international trade business with other free zone companies after obtaining a relevant license.
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
FZE is suitable for a company with one individual or corporate shareholder, subject to current RAKEZ regulations.
- Avyanco helps you to select the right legal structure on the basis of your ownership arrangements and business requirements. RAKEZ provides you with different incorporation options for multiple owners, stakeholders and established companies who are planning to expand to the UAE.
- Get in touch with us for successful Ras Al Khaimah free zone company formation. We guide you with the structure selection and incorporation documentation. Eligible free zone companies can benefit from limited liability, subject to applicable law and legal structure, and may repatriate profits and capital in accordance with UAE regulations.
Free Zone Company (FZC / FZ-LLC)
FZC is suitable for multiple shareholders. Make sure to confirm the current legal designation and permitted shareholder range with the authority before forming your business here.
- Avyanco helps you to select the right legal structure on the basis of your ownership arrangements and business requirements. RAKEZ provides you with different incorporation options for multiple owners, stakeholders and established companies who are planning to expand to the UAE.
- Get in touch with us for successful Ras Al Khaimah free zone company formation. We guide you with the structure selection and incorporation documentation. Eligible free zone companies can benefit from limited liability, subject to applicable law and legal structure, and may repatriate profits and capital in accordance with UAE regulations.
Branch
It allows an existing UAE or foreign company to extend operations through the registered branch without creating a separate legal entity.
- Avyanco helps you to select the right legal structure on the basis of your ownership arrangements and business requirements. RAKEZ provides you with different incorporation options for multiple owners, stakeholders and established companies who are planning to expand to the UAE.
- Get in touch with us for successful Ras Al Khaimah free zone company formation. We guide you with the structure selection and incorporation documentation. Eligible free zone companies can benefit from limited liability, subject to applicable law and legal structure, and may repatriate profits and capital in accordance with UAE regulations.
RAKEZ
Businesses can choose the RAK free zone options to meet different purposes. The right authority you select may depend on your business activity, operations, and legal requirements.
- Consult with our experts and confirm the scope of approved business activities with authority to choose the right structure.
RAK DAO
Businesses can choose the RAK free zone options to meet different purposes. The right authority you select may depend on your business activity, operations, and legal requirements.
- Consult with our experts and confirm the scope of approved business activities with authority to choose the right structure.
RAK Maritime City
Businesses can choose the RAK free zone options to meet different purposes. The right authority you select may depend on your business activity, operations, and legal requirements.
- Consult with our experts and confirm the scope of approved business activities with authority to choose the right structure.
RAK ICC
Businesses can choose the RAK free zone options to meet different purposes. The right authority you select may depend on your business activity, operations, and legal requirements.
- Consult with our experts and confirm the scope of approved business activities with authority to choose the right structure.
RAKEZ Free Zone Visa Options, Offices and Warehouses
Choose the right RAKEZ free zone visa arrangement by Avyanco, based on your chosen package, immigration eligibility, facility, and number of people you want to sponsor. The RAKEZ visa procedure includes the entry permit, status change, medical fitness testing, and Emirates ID biometrics. RAKEZ provides different workspace arrangements, including:
| Workspace | Details |
|---|---|
| Flexi desk | It provides a shared workspace for eligible businesses that do not require a dedicated private office. |
| Business Centre or serviced office | It is a more dedicated workspace, with visa eligibility on the basis of the applicable facility terms. |
| Warehouse | Warehouse is suitable for approved storage, assembly, and light manufacturing activities. RAKEZ warehouse options begin at 150 square metres. |
| Industrial land | Industrial land is suitable for projects that require a suitable plot and authority approval for the proposed development. |
The facility costs and visa quotas may vary. Don't assume that every flexi desk or warehouse consists of the same number of visas. Get the written confirmation of the quota, lease amount, and package inclusions.
Dependants may qualify for the residence sponsorship if the sponsor fulfills the applicable financial and immigration requirements. Check our residence visas service for support with the relevant process.
RAKEZ vs Ajman Free Zone vs SHAMS at a Glance
The right jurisdiction for the RAKEZ free zone setup depends on your facility needs, activity, visa count, and first-year costs. You can compare the equivalent packages instead of relying on the license price alone.
| Comparison | ZoneRAKEZ | ZoneAjman Free Zone | ZoneSHAMS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indicative license fee without visa | AED 6,000* | AED 5,565* | AED 6,875* |
| Indicative fee with one visa | AED 14,000* | AED 13,141* | AED 14,300* |
| Industrial facilities and warehouses | Available; facility-specific quote | Confirm requirements | Not the primary facility focus |
| Common business fit | Trading, services and industrial operations | Trading, services and SMEs | Media, creative and digital businesses |
Explore Ajman Free Zone and SHAMS to compare their facility and licensing options. Our wider free zone comparison helps you to determine the right jurisdiction for your business.
RAKEZ Company Formation: Six steps from Name to License
Our team guides you at every stage of the RAKEZ company formation, from choosing the right license to selecting business activities to completing registration and arranging residence visas.
- 1
Choose your package, activities, and legal structure
We evaluate your business activities, visa needs, shareholder requirements, and workspace preferences and find the right RAKEZ package.
- 2
Reserve your trade name
Tell us your proposed business names for approval and ensure the selected name fulfills the RAKEZ naming requirements.
- 3
Submit the application and KYC documents
Submit your application with KYC documents, such as passport copies, shareholder details, investor forms, and other essential documents. Submit the documents accurately for identity and background verification.
- 4
Sign incorporation documents and pay the fees
Review and sign the company formation documents, complete the signing formalities, and pay the fees.
- 5
Receive your license and registration documents
Once the RAKEZ authority approves your application, you can get the business license and other incorporation documents. Arrange the immigration registrations and establishment card required for visa processing.
- 6
Complete residence visa formalities
Now, apply for the relevant entry permits and complete the required Emirates ID biometrics and medical fitness tests. You can also start creating the corporate bank account application.
One partner-led team, start to finish
Licence, bank account, visas and tax handled by one named advisor, with government fees and our fee always shown separately.
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“I have been dealing with Akshta for more than a year now and she has been very professional.”
“In so far as the emigration process can ever be made easy, Avyanco achieves exactly this.”
“I've used the services of Avyanco twice over the past 3 years for visa processing, and they have never failed to impress me.”
“We are very satisfied with Avyanco's support for Nanasu Realty — especially across AML compliance, accounting, and company setup.”
“I had an excellent experience with Avyanco Business Setup Consultancy for both my company formation and family dependent visa process in the UAE.”
How Avyanco handles your RAKEZ setup
Setup the company in RAKEZ involves more than getting the business license. Avyanco helps you align your company structure, workspace, permitted activities, visa requirements, and compliance obligations before applying. Our process keeps every stage clear, from initial assessment to post-registration requirements. Here's how we handle your RAKEZ business setup
Business requirement assessment
- Our team reviews your business model, ownership structure, target market, and planned activities and understands which RAKEZ options fit your operations.
License and package selection
- We compare the license categories, visa allocations, package inclusions, and facility options against your requirements and allow you to make an informed decision.
Application and documentation
- Our professionals prepare your application, submit shareholder documents, and determine the additional attestations or approvals required for selected activities.
Company registration coordination
- We support you with the trade name approvals, document signing, fee payments, and registration formalities required by the authorities.
Visa and facility arrangements
- We support residence visa planning and assess suitable workspaces, offices, and warehouses to meet your operational needs.
Banking and tax compliance support
- After incorporation, we prepare for the corporate bank account application and explain the Corporate Tax registration, compliance requirements, and VAT obligations.
Documents you'll need
Here are the shareholder documentation you should have for the RAKEZ company setup
- Passport copy (6+ months validity)
- Passport-style photograph
- UAE visa page or entry stamp (if in UAE)
- Proof of residential address
- Certificate of Incorporation (attested)
- Memorandum & Articles of Association (attested)
- Board Resolution and Certificate of Incumbency
- Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) declaration
What RAKEZ Costs in year one
Your first-year budget for the RAKEZ company formation depends on the activity, license, visa count, and workspace. Here are the estimated costs
Example: First-year budget
A one-shareholder business that needs one residence visa and a flexi desk must use the packaged quote. You can check our full RAKEZ cost breakdown for detailed itemization. You can also compare the company formation packages on the basis of your activity and visa requirements. *Indicative, subject to change
9% UAE Corporate Tax is applicable on taxable net profits that exceed AED 375,000. RAKEZ entities can access a 0% tax rate on qualifying income if they meet the strict Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) conditions, prepare the audited financial records, and maintain adequate economic substance. QFZP treatment is a legal status test instead of an automatic election.
QFZP rules explained →The 5% standard rate is applicable to Value Added Tax (VAT) on taxable supplies within the UAE. Some customs-controlled industrial areas within RAKEZ carry Designated Zone status. VAT treatment may depend on the specific zone, type of supply, and conditions under UAE VAT law. Services subject to the normal VAT place-of-supply rules.
Designated Zone statusRAKEZ estimated costs
| Cost item | Indicative amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| License without a visa | 6,000* |
| License with one residence visa | 14,000* |
| Additional visas | Based on package |
| Establishment card | Confirm quote |
| Flexi desk or office | Confirm facility quote |
| Warehouse or industrial land | Quoted by requirement |
Share your business activity, shareholders, visa needs, and facility. We assess the relevant package and help you determine the costs that require confirmation before applying.
Corporate Tax, VAT and Designated Zone Status
You can explore our Corporate Tax registration and QFZP review and VAT registration services to get full compliance support.
Questions founders ask about RAKEZ
Is RAKEZ free zone a good fit for e-commerce?+
Yes, RAKEZ is a suitable free zone for e-commerce operations. This jurisdiction gives the dedicated e-commerce activity codes, customized desk packages, and direct integration options with fulfillment partners.
How long does RAKEZ company registration take?+
The complete RAK free zone business setup takes 3 to 4 weeks including the residence visas and bank account opening. The initial trade license is issued in 24 hours.
How many RAKEZ free zone visas can I get on the SME package?+
The standard SME package includes one residence visa. Additional visas may be available according to the applicable facility and package quota. A flexi desk is generally limited to one visa.
Can I complete the RAKEZ company setup without visiting the UAE?+
Yes, you can complete the RAKEZ business setup and license application remotely via the Avyanco team. You need to visit the UAE for the visa medical tests and biometrics processing.
Can a RAKEZ company sell to customers on the UAE mainland?+
RAKEZ companies usually supply goods to mainland customers, but mainland market access, direct trading, customs, VAT, and any required distributor/local presence depend on the activity, license, and supply model. Our team helps you to establish the Ras Al Khaimah mainland branch or secure a dual license.
Do I need to deposit share capital?+
No, bank deposit of share capital is not required before license issuance. Meet the capital requirements with the company memorandum documents for successful Ras Al Khaimah free zone company formation.
What does a RAKEZ license cost to renew?+
The license renewal costs start from AED 6,000 for starter non-visa packages, and SME visa package renewals align with the original agreement terms. It is important to maintain the RAKEZ license to get long-term financial predictability.
Will my RAKEZ company pay 0% or 9% Corporate Tax?+
Companies must pay 9% on taxable net profits over AED 375,000. There is the 0% rate applied to the qualifying income earned by entities that fulfill all statutory QFZP conditions.
Guides to help you decide
Start your RAKEZ application
Setup and expand your business operations in Ras Al Khaimah with Avyanco. Our RAKEZ business setup advisors help you obtain the license, register your company, and streamline operations.
- Obtain the license
- Register your company
- Streamline operations
Sources: Federal Decree-Law 47/2022 (Corporate Tax) · Cabinet Decision 100/2023 (QFZP) · Ministerial Decision 265/2023 (qualifying activities) · Federal Decree-Law 8/2017 (VAT) · Cabinet Decision 59/2017 (Designated Zones) · RAKEZ (rakez.com) · Federal Tax Authority (tax.gov.ae). *QFZP 0% applies to qualifying income only, subject to the conditions above. *Prices shown are indicative, may change, and exclude Avyanco's professional fee, which is quoted separately.
Verification & independence: Avyanco Business Consultancy LLC is a private firm, independent of RAKEZ and not affiliated with any UAE government agency. RAKEZ rules, fees, package inclusions, visa quotas, Designated Zone status, QFZP eligibility and Corporate Tax positions are set by the relevant authorities, vary by case and change over time. This page is general guidance, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Confirm your position with RAKEZ and the Federal Tax Authority, or with us, before acting.