VAZONE Expert Guide
Business Setup in RAKEZ Free Zone
Setting up a business in RAKEZ Free Zone offers a cost-effective, flexible, and business-friendly environment in the UAE. With 100% foreign ownership, multiple license types (trade, industrial, e-commerce, freelance), fast company formation, and flexible visa options, RAKEZ is ideal for startups, SMEs, and industrial ventures. Its strategic location, modern infrastructure, and supportive policies make it a top choice for businesses seeking regional and global growth.
Table of Contents
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ Free Zone)
RAKEZ Free Zone, or Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, is one of the UAE’s most attractive business hubs. Strategically located near key ports and airports, it provides easy access to regional and global markets. Entrepreneurs, SMEs, and industrial firms choose RAKEZ for:
Low setup costs
100% foreign ownership
Flexible visa options
World-class infrastructure
Business-friendly environment
Whether you want to start a RAKEZ e-commerce license, freelance permit, or a full RAKEZ company formation, this guide covers every step, cost, and benefit to help you make an informed decision.
✅ Explore VA Zone Services: Company Setup & Formation | Visa Services
What is RAKEZ Free Zone?
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) is a government-owned free zone established to unify and expand the services of RAK Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) and RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA). Today, it is a major industrial and commercial powerhouse supporting:
50+ business sectors
18,000+ registered companies
Entrepreneurs from 100+ nationalities
Located in the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, RAKEZ provides:
Direct access to the GCC region
Connectivity to the Middle East, Africa, and Europe
Easy access to RAK airports, ports, and Dubai’s logistics routes
RAKEZ is recognized for its:
Low business setup cost
Fast registration and licensing
Flexible visa packages
Modern infrastructure & industrial zones
Strong investor support system
It is especially popular among startups, freelancers, trading companies, industrial manufacturers, and service providers seeking an affordable free zone with excellent facilities.
Benefits of Setting Up a Business in RAKEZ Free Zone
RAKEZ Free Zone offers a powerful ecosystem designed for business growth. Key benefits include:
Cost-Effective Business Setup
No paid-up capital requirement
Lowest license packages in the UAE (starting from budget-friendly rates)
Flexi-desk & shared office options to reduce overheads
Tax Advantages
0% Personal Income Tax
0% Withholding Tax
0% Import & Export Duties within the Free Zone
Access to 0% Corporate Tax for eligible Qualifying Free Zone Persons
100% Foreign Ownership
No local sponsor required—full control of your business, profits, and decisions.
Wide Range of Business Activities
Choose from more than 1,000+ approved activities, including trading, manufacturing, logistics, media, education, consultancy, and more.
Strategic Location
Located near:
RAK International Airport
RAK Port & Saqr Port
Direct road access to Dubai & GCC countries
Ideal for import, export, retail, logistics, and manufacturing operations.
World-Class Infrastructure
Warehouses
Industrial land
Offices
Flexi desks
Staff accommodation
High-speed digital systems
Simplified Processes
Quick approvals
Online portal for document submission
Fast visa issuance
Smooth license renewals
Investor Support & Growth Ecosystem
RAKEZ’s dedicated team provides:
Business advisory
Legal compliance support
Startup assistance
Licensing flexibility
Features of RAKEZ Company Registration
RAKEZ is built for entrepreneurs who want fast, flexible, and affordable setup options.
Major Features Include:
Company formation in 1–5 business days
Minimal documentation
0% Income & Withholding Tax
Full foreign ownership
Fast visa processing
Investor Residency Visa eligibility
Easy business bank account opening
Multi-year licensing options
Flexible office
/warehouse solutions
RAKEZ Business Setup Packages
Business setup packages in RAKEZ start from as low as AED 8000 for a Zero Visa License, depending on:
Number of shareholders
Business activity
Visa quota
Office/facility requirement
Type of license
Additional services (VAT, corporate tax, compliance)
VA Zone RAKEZ Business Setup Packages
| Features | Silver Package | Gold Package | Platinum Package |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Business Consultation |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
100% Foreign Ownership |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Business License – 1 Year |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Company Structure |
LLC |
LLC |
LLC |
|
Allowed Activity Types |
Service / Consulting / Trading |
Service / Consulting / Trading / E-Commerce |
Service / Consulting / Trading / E-Commerce |
|
Renewal Alerts (License, Visa, Emirates ID) |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Flexi Desk / Flexi Office Access |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Visa Allocation |
❌ |
1 Lifetime Visa |
1 Lifetime Visa |
|
Medical Fitness Test (Owner/Investor) |
❌ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Biometric Processing (Owner/Shareholder)
|
❌ |
✅ |
✅ |
|
Bank Account Opening Support
|
❌ |
❌ |
✅ |
|
Corporate Tax Registration |
❌ |
❌ |
✅ |
|
VAT Registration |
❌ |
❌ |
✅ |
|
Accounting & Bookkeeping |
❌ |
❌ |
✅ |
|
Annual Support (License, Visa, Immigration & Labor) |
❌ |
❌ |
✅ |
|
Compliance Services (ESR / UBO / AML) |
❌ |
❌ |
✅ |
|
Financial Audit |
❌ |
❌ |
✅ |
|
VAT Return Filing |
❌ |
❌ |
✅ |
|
Corporate Tax Return Filing |
❌ |
❌ |
✅ |
|
Standard Pricing |
AED 8000 |
AED 12,000 |
AED 49,500 |
Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone
Ras Al Khaimah is known for its business-friendly environment, advanced infrastructure, and strong industrial base. RAKEZ is the emirate’s main free zone authority that provides a robust ecosystem for entrepreneurs. It supports thousands of companies from over 100+ countries with a safe, secure, and regulated business setup framework.
Different Types of Licenses in RAKEZ Free Zone
Commercial License
Allows trading of goods and services within the UAE and internationally.
General Trading License
Enables trading of a wide variety of goods under a single license.
Media
License
Perfect for media, advertising, production, and creative businesses.
Educational License
For training institutes, consultancy centers, and educational services.
Individual/Professional License
Ideal for individuals offering specialized services or consultancy.
Service License
For service-oriented businesses such as marketing, IT, HR, and management services.
E-commerce License
Allows online business operations, digital platforms, and online retail.
Industrial License
For manufacturing, packaging, and industrial activities requiring facilities.
Freelance Permit
A cost-effective permit for individuals working independently.
Legal Structure Under RAKEZ Free Zone
RAKEZ offers flexible legal structures that allow investors to set up their businesses with 100% foreign ownership, limited liability protection, and a simplified company formation process. Whether you are a solo entrepreneur, a partnership, or an international company expanding into the UAE, RAKEZ provides two primary free zone structures and one branch option.
Why Legal Structure Matters in RAKEZ
Your choice of business structure determines:
Shareholding rights
Capital requirements
Corporate tax and accounting obligations
Visa eligibility
Banking approval
Expansion possibilities
Investor protection and liability
Making the right choice from the start ensures long-term stability and compliance.
Available Legal Structures in RAKEZ Free Zone
RAKEZ provides two main legal structures, each designed for different business goals and shareholder setups.
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
A single-shareholder company ideal for individuals and small businesses.
Key Highlights:
1 shareholder (individual or corporate)
Limited liability
Minimum capital requirement: AED 100,000 (no deposit proof required)
Suitable for service, trading, e-commerce, consultancy, and light industrial activities
Free Zone LLC (FZ-LLC)
A multi-shareholder company designed for SMEs and growing businesses.
Key Highlights:
2–50 shareholders
Limited liability with 100% foreign ownership
Capital requirement: AED 100,000
Suitable for larger operations, trading, industrial and commercial activities
Branch of a Local or Foreign Company
Best for companies wanting a UAE presence without forming a new entity.
Key Highlights:
Operates under the parent company name
No minimum capital requirement
100% ownership by parent company
Fast and cost-efficient setup
Non-Free Zone Options Under RAKEZ
For investors who require UAE mainland access:
Individual Establishment
Owned by 1 individual
Requires UAE national as service agent
Best for small professional activities
LLC (Mainland Structure)
2–50 shareholders
Requires UAE national partner
Flexible for full mainland operations
Which RAKEZ Structure Should You Choose?
| Structure | Shareholders | Ownership | Capital | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
FZE |
1 |
100% expat |
AED 100,000 |
Solo founders |
|
FZ-LLC |
2–50 |
100% expat |
AED 100,000 |
SMEs |
|
Branch |
Parent company |
100% Parent |
None |
Global expansion |
|
Mainland LLC |
2–50 |
Local Partner |
Based on activity |
UAE mainland operations |
Required Documents for RAKEZ Company Setup
To register your business in the RAKEZ Free Zone, you must provide specific documents based on whether the shareholder is an individual or a corporate entity. Below is a simplified, easy-to-follow breakdown.
Documents for Individual Shareholders
Mandatory Requirements:
Valid passport copy (minimum 6 months validity)
UAE visa page copy (if currently applicable)
Emirates ID copy (if applicable)
Recent passport-size photographs
Completed Personal Information Sheet / Application Form
Three preferred company name options
Documents for Corporate Shareholders
Mandatory Requirements:
Copy of the company’s trade license or certificate of incorporation
Memorandum of Association (MoA)
Board resolution authorizing company setup and appointing the authorized signatory
Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) declaration/list
Incumbency certificate or equivalent document
Three proposed company name options
Passport copy of the appointed company manager
Visa page copy of the company manager (if applicable)
Emirates ID copy of the company manager (if applicable)
RAKEZ Company Formation Timeline
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
|
Submit Application & Trade License Issuance |
Day 1 |
|
Immigration Card & E-channel Issued |
Day 5 |
|
Entry Permit, Medical & Emirates ID Issued |
Day 8 |
|
Investor Visa Issued |
Day 10 |
How to Set Up a Company in RAKEZ Free Zone: Step-by-Step
Setting up a company in RAKEZ Free Zone is straightforward when you follow the required steps in the right order. The RAKEZ authority has designed a streamlined process—making it ideal for startups, SMEs, and global companies looking for a fast, affordable UAE base.
Choose Your Business Activity & Legal Structure
Begin by selecting the business activity you want to operate under (commercial, industrial, service, e-commerce, media, education, etc.).
Next, choose the appropriate legal structure—FZE, FZ-LLC, or Branch—depending on your ownership plan and number of shareholders.
Reserve Your Company Name
Submit three preferred trade names to RAKEZ for approval.
The name must comply with UAE naming guidelines and must not conflict with existing trademarks.
Submit Your RAKEZ License Application
Prepare and submit the required documents to RAKEZ, including passport copies, identification documents, and corporate documents (for company shareholders).
This stage includes selecting your license type and facility option.
Make the Initial Payment
Once your documents are reviewed and approved, RAKEZ issues a payment voucher.
After the payment is completed, your application moves to the company formation stage.
Sign the MOA & Lease Agreement
RAKEZ will prepare the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and the facility lease agreement (Flexi-desk, standard office, warehouse, or land).
You must sign these documents digitally or in person, depending on your setup.
Receive Your Trade License
After signing the required documents, RAKEZ issues your official trade license along with your company formation documents.
Your business is now legally registered in the RAKEZ Free Zone.
Process Your Investor Visa (If Required)
Apply for your RAKEZ investor or employee visas, which include:
Entry permit
Change of status
Medical test
Emirates ID biometrics
Final residence visa stamping
Complete Your Company Setup Formalities
At this stage, you will receive all your approved documents, lease contracts, and visa details.
Your RAKEZ company is now fully operational and ready to begin trading.
Open Your UAE Bank Account
With your trade license and corporate documents, you can now proceed to open a business bank account in the UAE.
Many entrepreneurs choose professional support from VA Zone, using our banking and financial advisory services to simplify documentation, meet compliance requirements, and ensure a smooth approval process.
RAKEZ offers one of the fastest and most affordable pathways among all UAE free zones, making it a strong choice for startups, SMEs, and global companies.
RAKEZ Free Zone vs Other UAE Free Zones
| Feature | RAKEZ Free Zone | Dubai Free Zones | Sharjah Free Zone | Fujairah Free Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cost |
Low |
High |
Medium |
Low |
|
Visa Flexibility |
High |
Medium |
High |
Medium |
|
License Types |
Broad |
Very Broad |
Limited |
Moderate |
|
Industrial Facilities |
Excellent |
Limited |
Good |
Good |
|
Setup Speed |
Fast |
Moderate |
Fast |
Fast |
|
Ideal For |
SMEs, Freelancers, Traders |
Tech Finance, Media |
Startups, Education |
Trading, Logistics |
Why VA Zone for Setting Up Your Business in RAKEZ Free Zone?
Based in Dubai, VA Zone helps you establish and expand your business in the RAKEZ Free Zone with complete confidence. Our mission is to support your growth through strategic guidance, innovation-driven solutions, and a business environment that enables long-term success. With deep expertise in UAE business formation and hands-on industry knowledge, our team ensures a smooth, compliant, and efficient setup process. From choosing the right license to managing banking, visas, and compliance, VA Zone is the trusted partner you can rely on throughout every stage of your RAKEZ business journey.
Why Choose VA Zone?
Extensive Industry Knowledge
Tailored, Customized Solutions
Strong Legal & Compliance Expertise
Still unsure about the right direction for your business?
Click HereSimplified Processes
VA Zone handles all documentation, approvals, and coordination with RAKEZ, ensuring a fast and smooth setup.
Wide Range of Services
From company formation and visa services to banking assistance, accounting, and compliance, VA Zone provides complete business support under one roof.
Quality-Focused
We ensure accurate processing, quick turnaround times, and high-level professional service to help you launch your business confidently.
RAKEZ Free Zone Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to set up a company in RAKEZ Free Zone in 2026?
RAKEZ company setup typically starts from AED 5,499 to AED 12,000+, depending on the license type, visa quota, and facility requirement. The final cost increases if you add visas or office space.
What are the requirements to start a business in RAKEZ as a foreign investor?
You need a valid passport, a business activity selection, a license application, a passport-size photo, and payment of fees. No local sponsor or UAE residency is required.
Is RAKEZ the best free zone for small businesses and startups?
Yes, RAKEZ is popular for startups due to low-cost packages, no mandatory office requirement, flexi-desk options, and fast license processing.
Which business activities are allowed under RAKEZ Free Zone licenses?
RAKEZ allows commercial, service, e-commerce, education, media, manufacturing, and industrial activities. Many professional and consulting activities are also permitted.
How long does it take to get a RAKEZ business license approved?
Most RAKEZ licenses are approved within 3–5 working days if all documents are complete.
Do I need to visit the UAE to register my company in RAKEZ?
No. You can complete the entire registration remotely, including document signing and approval. Only visa stamping requires presence in the UAE.
What is the difference between RAKEZ Flexi Desk and Office Packages?
Flexi Desk: Cheapest option, suitable for startups, remote businesses, and visa eligibility.
Office Packages: Dedicated office space for businesses needing teams, physical presence, or compliance requirements.
Can RAKEZ companies open bank accounts in Dubai-based banks?
Yes. RAKEZ companies can open accounts with major UAE banks like Emirates NBD, ADCB, FAB, and Mashreq.
Bank compliance checks apply.
Does RAKEZ offer visa packages for families of business owners?
Yes. Business owners can apply for dependent visas (spouse, children, parents) after obtaining their RAKEZ residency visa.
Is RAKEZ suitable for e-commerce and online business licenses?
Yes. RAKEZ offers e-commerce and digital service licenses, allowing you to run online stores, marketing agencies, consulting services, and online trading.
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone)
Features:
- Wide range of customizable office spaces and facilities
- Competitive business setup costs
Pricing starting from:
- Licenses starting from AED 8,000