01 · PACKAGES
Flexible business packages
Select the license and support options based on your activity, shareholders and visa requirements.
Business activityLICENSE
ShareholdersOWNERSHIP
Visa requirementsRESIDENCY
= Your RAKEZ packageCUSTOM
RAKEZ · Ras Al Khaimah
RAKEZ Business Setup: Licenses, Visas, Warehouses and Costs
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone was formed in 2017 from the consolidation of RAK Free Trade Zone and RAK Investment Authority. It is a hub for small and medium enterprises, manufacturers, trading firms, logistics operators and freelancers, with facilities from shared coworking desks to large industrial plots.
- 11,500+ businesses set up
- DET license #909402
- Since 2017 as one authority
100%Foreign ownership
AED 6,000*License from, no visa
AED 14,000*License from, with 1 visa
24 hoursLicense may be issued within
0%Corporate Tax for QFZP*
Fit check
Is RAKEZ right for your business?
RAKEZ suits businesses that need a registered entity, flexible workspace or dedicated industrial premises. The right choice depends on your activities and how your company operates.
RAKEZ is a great fit if you…
- Run an e-commerce, SME, consultancy, import, export, logistics or manufacturing business
- Want to choose license and support options by your activity, shareholders and visa needs
- Need offices, warehouses or industrial land for storage, manufacturing or distribution
- Want access to ports, road networks and regional logistics routes
- Need specialised facilities in the Al Hamra and Al Ghail industrial areas
Consider another route if you…
- Need a Dubai business address for Dubai-focused operationsMeydan →
- Run an eligible regulated financial or professional activityDIFC →
- Work in Web3, digital assets or blockchainRAK DAO →
- Run shipping, marine services or port operationsRAK Maritime City →
Overview
A flexible free zone from desk to industrial plot
Avyanco helps you choose the right zone for your business setup. We support you with visa allocations, facility size, business structures and the operating requirements in the UAE.
By choosing RAKEZ, you get direct access to maritime ports, customs warehouse spaces and simple administrative setup options. We align your structure, workspace, permitted activities, visas and compliance obligations before you apply.
2017RAKEZ formed
Watch: what a UAE free zone is, in 35 seconds
Ras Al KhaimahPorts, roads and regional logistics routes
Best known forTrading, industrial, e-commerce and SMEs
Why RAKEZ
Six reasons founders choose RAKEZ
Flexible packages, industrial facilities, trading infrastructure and remote application support. Here is why founders choose RAKEZ, and when another zone fits better.
Industrial facilities
Explore offices, warehouses and industrial land for storage, manufacturing and distribution.
10
Activities per package
Combine up to 10 eligible business activities, as per the selected package and approvals.
Trading infrastructure
Ras Al Khaimah gives access to ports, road networks and regional logistics routes.
Remote application support
Prepare and submit your incorporation documents through the digital registration process.
06 · ZONE CHOICE
When another zone fits better
A Dubai business address suits businesses whose commercial needs are based in Dubai. Meydan or IFZA may suit Dubai-focused operations, and DIFC may suit eligible regulated financial and professional activities.
Licences & structures
License types and legal structure
LIC-01
Commercial license
Issued for buying, importing, exporting and distributing specified goods. You can combine up to 10 eligible activities, depending on the selected package.
Best forTraders
CoversSpecified goods
ActivitiesUp to 10 per package
- Buying and importing
- Exporting and distributing
- International trade with other free zone companies
LIC-02
Service license
Issued for consultancy, professional services, IT support and service delivery.
Best forConsultants and IT
CoversServices
ActivitiesUp to 10 per package
- Consultancy
- Professional services
- IT support and service delivery
LIC-03
Industrial license
Issued for manufacturing, raw material import, packaging, processing and exporting.
Best forManufacturers
CoversProduction
FacilityWarehouse or industrial land
- Manufacturing
- Raw material import
- Packaging, processing and exporting
LIC-04
General trading license
Used for trading multiple unrelated goods under a single commercial document.
Best forMulti-product traders
CoversMultiple goods
DocumentOne license
- Multiple unrelated goods
- One commercial document
- Activities per the selected package
LIC-05
Freelancer permit
For independent media or tech professionals and sole practitioners.
Best forFreelancers
HolderIndividual
FieldsMedia and tech
- Independent media professionals
- Independent tech professionals
- Sole practitioners
FZE
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
Suitable for a company with one individual or corporate shareholder, subject to current RAKEZ regulations.
Shareholders1
LiabilityLimited
Best forSolo founders
- Individual or corporate shareholder
- Subject to current RAKEZ rules
- Limited liability, subject to applicable law
FZC
Free Zone Company (FZC / FZ-LLC)
Suitable for multiple shareholders. Confirm the current legal designation and permitted shareholder range with the authority before forming the company.
ShareholdersMultiple
LiabilityLimited
Best forPartners
- Multiple shareholders
- Designation and range confirmed with RAKEZ
- Limited liability, subject to applicable law
BRANCH
Branch
Lets an existing UAE or foreign company extend operations through a registered branch without creating a separate legal entity.
ShareholdersParent
EntityNo separate entity
Best forEstablished companies
- UAE or foreign parent
- No separate legal entity
- Registered branch
Which RAK free zone
RAKEZ, RAK DAO, RAK Maritime City and RAK ICC
Businesses can choose between several RAK authorities. The right one depends on your business activity, operations and legal requirements.
| Authority | Main focus | Suitable business requirements | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAKEZ | Multi-sector free zone | Trading, services, e-commerce and industrial operations | This page |
| RAK DAO | Digital-asset-focused ecosystem | Eligible Web3, digital-asset and blockchain activities | RAK DAO → |
| RAK Maritime City | Maritime and port-related operations | Shipping, marine services and related businesses | RAK Maritime City → |
| RAK ICC | Offshore company registry | Eligible holding and overseas structuring arrangements | RAK ICC → |
Confirm the scope of approved business activities with the authority to choose the right structure.
Compare
RAKEZ vs Ajman Free Zone vs SHAMS at a glance
The right jurisdiction depends on your facility needs, activity, visa count and first-year cost. Compare equivalent packages rather than 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 |
| Next step | Start with RAKEZ → | Ajman Free Zone guide → | SHAMS guide → |
Setup process
Six steps from name to license
We guide you at every stage of RAKEZ company formation, from choosing the right license to completing registration and arranging residence visas.
- 1
Choose your package, activities and legal structure
We evaluate your activities, visa needs, shareholder requirements and workspace preferences to find the right RAKEZ package.
- 2
Reserve your trade name
Share your proposed business names for approval, and we check they meet the RAKEZ naming requirements.
- 3
Submit the application and KYC documents
Submit passport copies, shareholder details, investor forms and other essential documents 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 RAKEZ approves your application, you receive the business license and incorporation documents. We arrange the immigration registration and establishment card needed for visa processing.
- 6
Complete residence visa formalities
Apply for the entry permits and complete the medical fitness tests and Emirates ID biometrics. You can also begin preparing your corporate bank account application, subject to the bank's requirements.
Register remotely where RAKEZ allowsApplicants seeking a UAE residence visa may need to visit the UAE for Emirates ID biometrics and the medical examination.
Timing depends on your fileProcessing times vary with document readiness, approvals and immigration requirements.
Why Avyanco
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.
11,500+Businesses formedMainland · Free Zone · Offshore
45+Free ZonesRAKEZ · IFZA · DMCC · DIFC · KEZAD
21+Years' advisory experiencePartner-led firm, founded 2020
4.8★Client rating745 verified Google reviews
Client stories
“We had an excellent experience working with this company for our ADGM company setup in Abu Dhabi.”
“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.”
What's included
How we handle your RAKEZ setup
Setting up in RAKEZ involves more than getting the business license. We keep every stage clear, from the first assessment to post-registration requirements.
Written confirmationFacility costs and visa quotas vary, so we get the key terms confirmed in writing before you apply.
- Visa quota confirmed
- Lease amount confirmed
- Package inclusions confirmed
Assessment & package
- Business requirement assessment
- License and package comparison
- Application and documentation
- Attestations and approvals for selected activities
Registration, visas & facility
- Trade name approval and document signing
- Fee payments and registration formalities
- Residence visa planning
- Workspace, office and warehouse assessment
Banking & tax
- Corporate bank account application
- Corporate Tax registration
- Compliance requirements
- VAT obligations
Documents
A short, clear document list
These are the shareholder documents you should have ready for RAKEZ company setup.
4 documents
- Passport copy6+ months validity
- Passport-style photograph
- UAE visa page or entry stampIf in the UAE
- Proof of residential address
- Certificate of IncorporationAttested
- Memorandum and Articles of AssociationAttested
- Board resolution and Certificate of Incumbency
- Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) declaration
Accurate submissionDocuments go in accurately for identity and background verification
Attestations where neededWe identify any extra attestations or approvals your selected activities require
Costs & tax
RAKEZ license cost. Clear tax position.
Your first-year budget depends on the activity, license, visa count and workspace. Share your activity, shareholders, visa needs and facility, and we price the package and flag the costs that need confirming.
Example: one shareholder, one visa, flexi desk
RAKEZ, first-year cost in AED. *Indicative, subject to change
License with one residence visaAED 14,000*
Establishment cardConfirm quote
Flexi desk or officeConfirm facility quote
Avyanco professional feeQuoted separately
Indicative starting pointAED 14,000*
UAE Corporate Tax0% / 9%
9% UAE Corporate Tax applies to taxable net profit above AED 375,000. RAKEZ entities can get 0% on qualifying income if they meet the strict Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) conditions.
QFZP rules explained →UAE VAT5%
The standard rate applies to taxable supplies within the UAE. Some customs-controlled industrial areas in RAKEZ have Designated Zone status, so VAT treatment depends on the zone, the type of supply and UAE VAT law.
Designated Zone status varies by areaANNUALLicense renewal, from AED 6,000* for starter non-visa packages
ANNUALEstablishment card and visa renewals
ONGOINGCorporate Tax registration and filing
WHEN DUEVAT registration above AED 375,000
ANNUALAudited financials (QFZP)
RAKEZ indicative costs at a glance
| 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 |
Workspace options are a flexi desk, a business centre or serviced office, warehouses (from 150 square metres) and industrial land. Facility costs and visa quotas vary, so do not assume every flexi desk or warehouse carries the same visas. Get written confirmation of the quota, lease amount and package inclusions. Dependants may qualify for sponsorship if the sponsor meets the financial and immigration requirements.
0% Corporate Tax: how QFZP status works
QFZP treatment is a legal status test, not an automatic election. A RAKEZ entity must:
- Earn qualifying income
- Maintain adequate economic substance
- Prepare audited financial records
- Meet every other statutory QFZP condition
Profit above AED 375,000 that is not qualifying income is taxed at 9%. Our tax team provides Corporate Tax registration, QFZP review and VAT registration support.
FAQ
Questions founders ask about RAKEZ
Is RAKEZ a good fit for e-commerce?+
Yes, RAKEZ suits e-commerce operations. It offers dedicated e-commerce activity codes, customized desk packages and integration options with fulfillment partners.
How long does RAKEZ company registration take?+
The complete RAKEZ setup takes 3 to 4 weeks including residence visas and bank account opening. The initial trade license is issued in 24 hours.
How many RAKEZ visas can I get on the SME package?+
The standard SME package includes one residence visa. More visas may be available according to the facility and package quota, and 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 setup and license application remotely with the Avyanco team. You need to visit the UAE for the visa medical test and biometrics.
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 distributor or local presence needed depend on the activity, license and supply model. We help you set up a Ras Al Khaimah mainland branch or secure a dual license.
Do I need to deposit share capital?+
No bank deposit of share capital is required before the license is issued. Capital requirements are met through the company memorandum documents.
What does a RAKEZ license cost to renew?+
Renewal starts from AED 6,000* for starter non-visa packages, and SME visa package renewals follow the original agreement terms. Keeping the license active gives you long-term cost predictability.
Will my RAKEZ company pay 0% or 9% Corporate Tax?+
Companies pay 9% on taxable net profit above AED 375,000. The 0% rate applies to qualifying income earned by entities that meet every statutory QFZP condition.
Keep reading
All insights →Guides to help you decide
Start today
Start your RAKEZ application.
Set up and expand your business in Ras Al Khaimah with Avyanco. Our RAKEZ advisors help you obtain the license, register your company and streamline operations.
- License, package and facility matched to your activity
- Visa quota and facility costs confirmed in writing
- Bank, visa and Corporate Tax support end to end
Talk to Tanya, business setup consultantTypically replies within one business day
DET licence #909402FTA-registered tax agents11,500+ businessesFixed fee · no hidden costs
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.