Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone offers 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, and one of the widest activity lists in the UAE. Licenses start from AED 6,000, among the lowest entry points in the country. Whether you are a solo consultant, a trader, or a manufacturer needing industrial land, RAKEZ has a package sized to it.
RAKEZ is not a typical free zone. Born from the merger of RAK Free Trade Zone and RAK Investment Authority in 2017, it spans over 33 million square meters across six purpose-built zones in Ras Al Khaimah, roughly 45 minutes from Dubai.
The range is what sets it apart. RAKEZ is not only a licensing authority: it provides industrial land, warehouses, academic zones, coworking, and government services on site. Manufacturers, digital founders, educators, and logistics firms all operate here.
RAKEZ recorded a 43% rise in new registrations in the first half of 2025 against the same period in 2024. Companies from over 100 countries are registered, drawn by industrial infrastructure at prices the Dubai zones cannot match.
RAKEZ pairs low entry cost with six dedicated zones, dual licensing, and industrial infrastructure most UAE free zones lack. The trade-off is distance from Dubai.
What you receive on day one, and what each document actually does for the business.
Your legal right to operate, invoice, and contract. Covers up to 7 related activities under one license.
Required for bank account opening, government registrations, and corporate agreements.
Outlines ownership structure and share capital. Essential for multi-shareholder companies.
Links your company to UAE immigration. Required before any visa can be sponsored.
Opens your company's connection to the UAE labor and residence system. Visa applications cannot proceed without it.
Mandatory for all RAKEZ entities. Options range from flexi-desk to private office or warehouse depending on your activity and visa quota.
Online dashboard for license renewals, visa applications, and government service payments. Available around the clock, no office visit needed.
Dedicated account managers plus value-added services covering accounting, recruitment, banking assistance, and translation.
Proof of ownership in your RAKEZ entity. Required for visa applications, bank account opening, and any future share transfers or investor onboarding.
RAKEZ issues licenses across several distinct categories, each mapped to specific business activities. Choosing the right one from the start saves you from costly amendments later.
The right structure depends on three things: how many owners are involved, whether you plan to trade directly with the UAE mainland, and your long-term plans for expansion. RIZ & MONA Consultancy will assess your situation and recommend the most efficient path before you commit to anything.
RAKEZ pricing is tiered and predictable. Your total depends on license type, visa count, the facility you take, and whether you commit multi-year.
From AED 6,000
Zero-visa license with flexi-desk or virtual setup. The entry point for remote operators, e-commerce businesses, and founders who do not need UAE residency immediately.
AED 11,500
One investor or manager visa, establishment card, immigration file, and shared or coworking office. The most common starting point for solo founders and small teams.
AED 25,000 and above
Multiple visa allocations, private office or warehouse space, and full government service access. Built for teams of three or more ready to scale inside the zone.
Service and e-commerce licenses start lower than industrial or general trading.
Each additional visa adds AED 3,500 to AED 4,200 including medical and Emirates ID.
Flexi-desk is the lowest cost option, warehouses and private offices add significantly.
Up to 7 activities bundle under one license; specialist activities carry extra fees.
Most clients are surprised by how quick and direct the RAKEZ setup process is. There is no bureaucratic maze here. Much of the process can be handled online through RAKEZ Portal 360. Here is what the journey looks like from start to finish.
Define exactly what your business will do. RAKEZ supports over 4,000 activities across its license categories. Picking the right license type from day one prevents costly amendments later.
Decide whether you need an FZE, FZC, or branch. Choose your facility from flexi-desk, private office, or warehouse based on your activity and how many visas you require. Your facility directly determines your visa quota.
Submit your proposed company name for approval. Names must comply with RAK Department of Economic Development guidelines. Avoid names that are identical to existing registrations or that include restricted words.
Submit your application with all required documents. Pay the license fee and any facility deposit. RAKEZ confirms receipt and begins internal review. Once approved, the license is typically issued within 24 hours of payment.
Sign the facility lease agreement and receive your trade license, certificate of incorporation, and MoA. Your company is now legally formed.
Open your immigration file using your establishment card. Apply for investor, manager, or employee visas. The standard processing time is 5 to 10 working days. Medical testing and Emirates ID biometrics are conducted within the RAKEZ center.
With your license and incorporation documents in hand, apply to your chosen UAE bank. RAKEZ licenses are accepted by all major UAE banks. Timeline varies by bank and applicant profile. RIZ & MONA Consultancy coordinates the introduction and prepares your banking file.
Setting up in RAKEZ requires a standard set of personal and corporate documents. What you need depends on whether you are registering as a new company or opening a branch of an existing one.
Documents issued outside the UAE must be attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin and further legalized by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Translation into Arabic may be required for non-English documents. Always confirm current requirements with your consultant before preparing your file.
Every RAKEZ license carries a route to UAE residency. Which visa applies depends on your role and whether family are coming with you.
RAKEZ processes visas in-house, which means faster turnaround than most UAE free zones. Once your license is issued, the residency process can begin immediately.
Dependent visa sponsorship requires a minimum monthly salary of AED 3,000 to AED 4,000. RIZ & MONA confirms current thresholds as part of your setup proposal.
Visa fees and eligibility are set by UAE immigration and subject to change. RIZ & MONA confirms current requirements as part of your personalized proposal.
Banking is where many RAKEZ setups slow down, not because of the license, but because of the application. UAE banks have tightened their compliance requirements significantly, and a poorly prepared banking file is the most common reason for delays.
Every major UAE bank accepts RAKEZ licenses. The outcome turns on how the file is prepared.
UAE Resident with Clean Profile
2-4 weeks
Non-Resident Applicant
4-8 weeks
High-Risk or Complex Activity
8-12 weeks
Digital / Neobank Option
1-3 weeks
Profile Assessment: Our team reviews your business model, activity type, and shareholder profile to identify the most suitable banking institution for your RAKEZ company before any application is submitted.
Bank Matching: We prepare your complete banking dossier, select the right bank for your business profile, and coordinate the relationship introduction on your behalf. RAKBANK in particular has a natural affinity with RAK-registered businesses.
Documentation and Introduction: We prepare your banking file the way compliance teams read it, with a clear business narrative, accurate source-of-funds explanation, and expected transaction flows, so your application is ready before it reaches the bank.
RAKEZ runs six purpose-built zones, each for a different kind of business. Your sector and your facility needs decide which one you belong in.
Built for heavy and light manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics. Offers large land plots and warehouse units with port and highway access.
Mixed-use zone covering both business and industrial operations. Suits trading companies, service firms, and light manufacturers needing flexible facilities.
Dedicated to large-scale industrial activity with access to Saqr Port, the largest bulk cargo port in the MENA region.
RAKEZ's primary business hub for service companies, consultancies, and startups. Offers executive offices, coworking spaces, and flexi-desks.
The only dedicated academic free zone in Ras Al Khaimah. Built for universities, training centers, research institutes, and education providers.
Designed for tech startups, digital agencies, e-commerce operators, and media businesses looking for a cost-effective UAE base.
RAKEZ is not the only affordable UAE free zone, but it has the most physical infrastructure and the broadest scope. Here it is against two common alternatives.
Not sure which zone fits your business model?
Talk to RIZ & MONA and get a direct recommendation against your activity and budget, including when RAKEZ is not the right zone for you.
Our experts are here to guide you through every step of your RAKEZ company formation and banking setup.
