Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is a UAE free zone, and one of the leading investment hubs in the country. First established to consolidate the specialized zones & clients of the RAK Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) and the RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA), RAKEZ now offers customizable business solutions for both non-free zone and free zone companies. Freelancers, solo entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs, and industrialists can all set up shop in this multinational community of over 50 flourishing industries.
Home to a rich local culture, scenic views, and modern infrastructures while being backed by reputable credit rating agencies and having a business-friendly environment, RAKEZ prides itself on its safety and stability.
The RAKEZ free zone allows you to own companies fully, relieving you of the requirement to partner with a UAE local who would own 51% of the business. In addition, there are no restrictions on foreign exchange transactions and access to other free zone facilities, making entry easier for non-locals.
RAKEZ is one of the world’s most cost-effective economic zones, which makes it an ideal place to start a new business in the UAE. In addition, land prices and living costs in Ras Al Khaimah are highly affordable.
The Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone is highly accessible to trade flows between the East and the West while connected to major logistical hubs and multi-lane superhighways. It houses seaports and an international airport, making RAKEZ-based businesses in the UAE accessible to a global spread of regional offices and markets across the MENA and Asia.
The Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone offers various business activities, including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, importing and exporting, food industries, and robotics. You can benefit from multiple industrial facilities and value-added services RAKEZ offers. You can also take advantage of flexible and transparent business-friendly regulations, making it easy to grow your company.
You can set up your company in RAKEZ starting at just AED 5,499.
Please note that this rate can vary depending on your business activities, the number of shareholders, office space needs, and more.
Convert your transactions into easy and affordable monthly instalments with our selected range of banking partners. Spend a minimum of AED 1,000 on your credit card issued from any of our participating banks and repay in easy instalments over a period of 12 months.
*General terms and conditions from the banks will be applicable.
There are ten (10) trade licenses offered in RAKEZ, each with specific restrictions on operations within both the free zone and non-free zone areas.
Starting your company in Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone is easy! You must meet a few requirements that suit your company’s nature and setup preferences.
| Requirements | Free Zone FZ-LLC | Non-Free Zone IE or LLC |
|---|---|---|
| Registration & Licensing Application |  | |
| Chamber of Commerce Membership Application |  | |
| Department of Economic Development Registration | | |
| Visa Copy or Entry Stamp of Shareholders, GM, & Director (if applicable) | | |
| Original No Objection Certificate for Shareholder(s)/GM (if UAE resident) | | |
| Family Book & Emirates ID of UAE Shareholder or Local Service Agent (whichever is applicable) | | |
| Business Plan (only for specific activity) | | |
| Colored Passport Copy of Shareholders, GM, Director (if applicable) | | |
| Emirates ID Copy of Shareholders, GM (if applicable) | | |
| UBO Declaration Form & Passport Copy | | |
| Requirements | Free Zone UAE Branch | Free Zone Foreign Branch | Non-Free Zone UAE Branch | Non-Free Zone Foreign Branch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registration & Licensing Application | | | | |
| Chamber of Commerce Membership Application | | | | |
| Department of Economic Development Registration | | | | |
| Colored Passport Copy of Shareholders, GM, Director (if applicable) | | | | |
| Visa Copy or Entry Stamp of Shareholders, GM, & Director (if applicable) | | | | |
| Original No Objection Certificate for Shareholder(s)/GM (if UAE resident) | | | | |
| Shareholders/Board Resolution Resolving Establishment of a RAKEZ Company & Appointment of GM | | | | |
| Family Book & Emirates ID of UAE Shareholder or Local Service Agent (whichever is applicable) | | | | |
| Business Plan (only for specific activity) | | | | |
| Copy of Valid Trade License | | | | |
| Memorandum & Articles of Association | | | | |
| Commercial Register | | | ||
| Certificate of Registration | | | | |
| Certificate of Good Standing/Extract from Corporate Register (whichever is applicable) | | | | |
| Certificate of Incumbency | | | | |
| Emirates ID Copy of Shareholders, GM (if applicable) | | | | |
| UBO Declaration Form & Passport Copy | | | | |
| Requirements | Free Zone UAE Branch | Free Zone Foreign Branch | Non-Free Zone UAE Branch | Non-Free Zone Foreign Branch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Good Standing/Extract from Corporate Register (whichever is applicable) | | | | |
| Certificate of Registration | | | | |
| Application for Registration and Licensing of a Branch Entity | | | | |
| Business Plan (only for specific activity) | | | | |
| Chamber of Commerce Membership Application | | | | |
| Colored Passport Copy of GM, Director (if applicable) | | | | |
| Commercial Register | | | | |
| Copy of Valid Trade License | | | | |
| Department of Economic Development Registration | | | | |
| Emirates ID Copy of Shareholders, GM (if applicable) | | | | |
| Family Book & Emirates ID of UAE Shareholder or Local Service Agent (whichever is applicable) | | | | |
| Memorandum & Articles of Association | | | | |
| Original No Objection Certificate for GM (if UAE resident) | | | | |
| Shareholders/Board Resolution Resolving Establishment of a RAKEZ Company & Appointment of GM | | | | |
| UBO Declaration Form & Passport Copy | | | | |
| Visa Copy or Entry Stamp of GM, Director (if applicable) | | | | |
RAKEZ offers six free zones tailored to meet the specific needs of different businesses. Each zone focuses on particular business activities and company structures. The governing bodies within RAKEZ determine the eligible business categories for registration. Here is an overview of the six zones and the corresponding types of businesses they accommodate:
For investors engaged in heavy industrial manufacturing, RAKEZ offers the Al Hulaila Industrial Zone, enabling the establishment of free zone entities. This zone provides a range of facilities, including land, warehouses, labour accommodations, and office spaces. It’s a one-stop destination tailored to meet the needs of businesses in this sector.
This zone is somewhat separated from the busy city, making it perfect for those seeking a more serene environment for their business center, with still easy access to commercial establishments, logistical hubs, and leisure and residential areas.
This modern zone is made up of first-class business centers dedicated to startups, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and SMEs, while offering a supportive hub for these company owners.
As a home to educational institutions and pre-built facilities, owners can make this their business center for academic services.
This is a modern industrial hub that’s well suited for both light and heavy company activities.
Al Ghail, Ras Al Khaimah is ideal for entrepreneurs who wish to establish large scale industrial manufacturing enterprises. These Al Ghail industrial area companies can make use of warehousing facilities, land for development and staff accommodation.
Setting up in RAKEZ could lead your business to become one of the best in the UAE, as there are many activity options. It’s crucial first to decide on your company’s activities. This will help us choose the best setup for you regarding license, legal entity, and facilities.
Though multiple documents are required to set up your company in RAKEZ, the process remains swift and efficient, often taking just a few days with the support of your business setup partner, Creative Zone.
Once your application is completed and approved, you will receive your RAKEZ business license, registration set, and bank letter. From this point, you can also proceed with your visa application process.
800-LICENSE (542 3673)
If you are calling from outside the UAE, please contact us on
or email us at
[email protected]
