Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is a government-backed free zone established in 2017, formed by merging the RAK Free Trade Zone and RAK Investment Authority into a single unified authority.
Home to over 15,000 businesses from 100+ countries across 50+ industry sectors, RAKEZ serves entrepreneurs, SMEs, and large-scale industrialists. Businesses seeking a cost-effective UAE free zone operate here as it is located 45 minutes from Dubai with direct access to RAK International Airport.
RAKEZ operates across dedicated Business, Academic, Media, and Industrial Zones, offering strategic connectivity to GCC, African, Asian, and European markets.
Setting up a business in RAKEZ brings the following advantages.
Free Zone Establishment (FZE) is a single-shareholder entity with limited liability. It suits individual investors, solo entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking full ownership and control of their business under a formal corporate structure.
Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) is a multi-shareholder entity accommodating between two and fifty shareholders, whether individuals or corporate bodies. Its liability is limited to each shareholder’s capital contribution. It is ideal for joint ventures, partnerships, and businesses with multiple founding investors.
A branch of a Foreign Company enables an existing overseas company to establish a legal presence in RAKEZ, conducting the same or related activities as the parent entity. The parent company bears full liability for the branch’s obligations. No separate share capital is required.
Branch of a UAE Company allows an existing UAE-registered mainland or free zone company to extend its operations into RAKEZ, broadening its geographic footprint and accessing the zone’s benefits under its existing corporate identity.
Commercial License is for businesses engaged in trading, import, export, and distribution, with a general trading option covering multiple product types under a single license.
Service License is issued to companies providing sector-specific services, including logistics, courier, IT support, travel, and car rental operations.
Consultancy License is for professional and advisory firms offering specialist expertise across management, finance, HR, legal, marketing, and engineering.
Industrial License authorises manufacturing, processing, assembling, and production activities within RAKEZ's dedicated Al Hamra, Al Ghail, and Al Hulaila Industrial Zones.
E-Commerce License permits online selling of goods and services to UAE and international customers, suited to digital retailers and marketplace operators.
Educational License is issued to schools, universities, training institutes, and academic consultancy firms within RAKEZ's dedicated Academic Zone.
Media License is for businesses in content creation, broadcasting, film production, publishing, and events management operating within RAKEZ's Media Zone.
Freelancer Permit allows solo professionals in creative, technical, and digital fields to operate independently under their own name without forming a company.
People from all around the world can perform more than 50 industrial activities in RAKEZ. It supports activities across more than 50 industry sectors, giving businesses the flexibility to operate across a wide range of commercial, industrial, and professional fields.
Certain activities, including healthcare, financial services, and education, may require additional approvals from relevant UAE federal regulatory bodies. A business setup consultant can advise on specific requirements before the license application.
RAKEZ operates under a stable, government-backed regulatory framework administered directly by the RAKEZ Authority under the Government of Ras Al Khaimah.
Exact pricing depends on your business activity, legal structure, facility choice, and visa requirements. Contact us for a tailored RAKEZ Company Registration cost.
Select your activity from RAKEZ's list of 1,000+ permitted options across 50+ industry sectors. Your choice determines the license type, legal structure, and zone placement.
Decide between an FZE, FZ-LLC, or Branch based on your ownership arrangement and number of shareholders.
Based on your activity, identify the correct license category: commercial, service, consultancy, industrial, e-commerce, educational, media, or freelancer.
Submit three proposed trade names through the RAKEZ portal. Names must comply with UAE naming regulations and not duplicate existing registrations.
Submit the completed application form along with the required supporting documents. The standard document set is minimal for most applicants.
Choose the workspace option suited to your operational needs and visa requirements, from a virtual office to a private office, warehouse, or industrial land.
Review and sign the incorporation documents. Standard applications can be processed remotely, though visa formalities and medical checks require a UAE visit.
Upon approval and payment of license fees, your RAKEZ trade license is issued, typically within 2 to 5 working days for standard applications.
Apply for investor and employee residency visas based on your selected package. RAKEZ offers both one-year and three-year visa options, scalable as your business grows.
With your trade license, proceed with corporate bank account opening. RAKEZ licenses are widely accepted by major UAE banks for corporate account applications.
Selecting the wrong license, zone, or legal structure in RAKEZ can result in delays, banking complications, and compliance issues that are difficult to reverse. At CorpLex, we handle everything, from activity selection and document preparation to license issuance, visa processing, and bank account setup, with transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and a dedicated consultant assigned to your case. Ready to setup in RAKEZ? Get a Free Consultation Today
A government-backed UAE free zone established in 2017, home to 15,000+ businesses across 50+ industries, offering 100% foreign ownership and a zero-tax environment.
Most licenses are issued within 2 to 5 working days once all documents are submitted and approved.
Yes, most of the formation process can be completed remotely. A UAE visit is required for visa medical checks and Emirates ID registration.
Yes, no local sponsor or UAE national partner is required for any RAKEZ license type.
Entry-level packages start from AED 6,000 for a zero-visa license. Packages inclusive of visas start from approximately AED 8,240.
RAKEZ issues commercial, service, consultancy, industrial, e-commerce, educational, media, and freelancer licenses based on business activity.
Yes, RAKEZ offers flexible visa packages, scalable from zero-visa entry-level options up to multi-visa packages depending on office size and business requirements.
Yes, RAKEZ operates three dedicated industrial zones (Al Hamra, Al Ghail, Al Hulaila) with warehouse units and land plots designed specifically for manufacturing and production.
Yes, RAKEZ licenses are accepted by major UAE banks for corporate account opening.
RAKEZ is located in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, approximately 45 minutes from Dubai, with direct access to major highways, RAK International Airport, and Saqr Port.
