Why choose RAKEZ?

RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) is one of the UAE's largest business zones, with more than 40,000 companies and around 19,000 new registrations in 2025 alone. It offers 3,000+ activities across 50+ industries and real physical infrastructure: flexi desks and offices, warehouses, industrial land and access to Saqr Port. The UK was among its top three source countries for new companies in 2025.

Key benefits

  • 100% foreign ownership and some of the lowest entry prices in the UAE.
  • Dual licence: combine a free zone licence with a RAK DED branch licence to serve both free zone and Ras Al Khaimah mainland clients from the same office.
  • Warehouses, industrial plots and offices for businesses that need physical space.
  • UAE corporate tax is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000. A company that meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person rules can pay 0% on qualifying income; this is conditional, not automatic, and requires audited financial statements.

RAKEZ costs in 2026

  • Biz Starter package: from AED 6,000 with up to 10 activities and coworking membership. No visa included.
  • All-Inclusive package: from AED 14,000 a year including 1 residence visa, with up to 3 extra visas at AED 4,000 each.
  • Visa processing: investor or partner visa AED 4,520; employee visa AED 3,800; around 9 business days.
  • Share capital: AED 10,000 for an FZ-LLC, higher for some activities such as industrial.
  • Annual audit: audited financial statements are required every year, filed within six months of year-end.

RAKEZ runs frequent promotions, so package prices move. With CorpWise you get a clean starting cost breakdown before you commit.

How to set up a company in RAKEZ

  1. Choose your licence: commercial, service, industrial, general trading, e-commerce, media, educational or a freelancer permit.
  2. Choose your entity: FZ-LLC (1 to 50 shareholders) or a branch of an existing company.
  3. Choose a package and facility: leasing a facility is mandatory; a flexi desk counts but supports 1 visa.
  4. Submit and receive your licence: RAKEZ advertises licence issuance in as little as 24 hours on its starter package.
  5. Process visas: establishment card, entry permit, medical, Emirates ID and stamping. You need to be in the UAE for the medical and biometrics.

Who is RAKEZ best for?

Cost-conscious founders, trading and e-commerce businesses, manufacturers that need warehouse or industrial space, and companies that want free zone and Ras Al Khaimah mainland activity under one setup. If you need a Dubai address for client-facing reasons, a Dubai free zone may suit you better.

RAKEZ FAQs

How much does RAKEZ cost?

Licence packages start from AED 6,000 with no visa. The All-Inclusive package with one residence visa starts from AED 14,000 a year.

Do I need an office in RAKEZ?

Yes, leasing a facility is mandatory, but a flexi desk counts. A flexi desk supports 1 visa; more visas need larger premises.

Can a RAKEZ company sell to the UAE mainland?

Through a licensed distributor or agent, or with the dual licence, which adds a RAK DED branch licence for Ras Al Khaimah mainland activity. It does not cover Dubai mainland.

Is there share capital in RAKEZ?

Yes. AED 10,000 for an FZ-LLC, and more for some activities such as industrial.

Do RAKEZ companies need an annual audit?

Yes. RAKEZ requires audited financial statements every year, filed within six months of year-end.

Free zone fees change and are set by each authority. Figures are general guidance based on the authority's published information at the time of writing; we confirm current pricing for your activity and visa count before you proceed.