Free Zone Overview

What Is RAKEZ?

RAKEZ is not a typical free zone and that distinction matters. Born from the merger of RAK Free Trade Zone and RAK Investment Authority, the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone is a fully integrated economic hub that spans over 33 million square meters across six purpose-built zones. It sits in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, roughly 45 minutes from Dubai, and connects businesses to sea, air, and road networks that reach every corner of the globe.

What sets RAKEZ apart from most free zones is the sheer breadth of what it covers. It is not just a licensing authority. It provides industrial land, warehouses, academic zones, coworking spaces, and built-in government services, all under one roof. Manufacturers, digital entrepreneurs, educators, and logistics companies all operate here side by side.

The zone has recorded a 43% increase in new company registrations in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. That is not a coincidence. It reflects what entrepreneurs from over 100 countries already know: RAKEZ delivers serious infrastructure at genuinely competitive pricing. It is the kind of setup that used to require a Dubai address and a Dubai budget.

For businesses that want the credibility of a UAE presence without the overhead that often comes with it, RAKEZ is consistently the answer.

Business Benefits

Why Businesses Choose RAKEZ Over Other UAE Free Zones

RAKEZ combines the lowest entry costs in the UAE with six dedicated zones, dual licensing, and industrial-grade infrastructure that most free zones simply cannot match.

  • 100% foreign ownership, no local sponsor required
  • 0% personal income tax and 0% corporate tax on qualifying free zone income
  • Full repatriation of profits and capital, no restrictions
  • Dual licensing option: operate as free zone and non-free zone entity simultaneously
  • License issued in as little as 24 hours after document submission
  • Up to 7 business activities bundled under a single license
  • Access to six dedicated zones built for specific industries
  • Flexi-desk, shared office, private office, warehouse, and industrial land options
  • One-stop shop for all government services including immigration and medical
  • RAKEZ Portal 360 for online company management and visa applications 24/7
  • Proximity to five major seaports including Saqr Port, the largest bulk port in MENA
  • RAK International Airport and direct highway links to Dubai International Airport
  • Special BusinessWomen package with 40% discount for female founders
  • Multi-year license packages (up to 3 years) with up to 33% savings on total cost
Setup Inclusions

What Your RAKEZ Company Setup Includes

Every RAKEZ registration delivers a fully operational legal entity with the documents, infrastructure access, and digital tools you need from day one.

Trade License Issuance

Your official RAKEZ business license covering up to 7 related activities. The license is your legal right to operate, invoice, and contract within and beyond the free zone.

Certificate of Incorporation

The founding document of your RAKEZ entity. Required for bank account opening, government registrations, and any corporate agreements you enter into.

Memorandum of Association (MoA)

Prepared and filed with the RAKEZ Authority, the MoA outlines your ownership structure, share capital, and operational scope. Essential for multi-shareholder companies.

Establishment Card

Your company's identity with UAE immigration. The establishment card allows you to sponsor visas for investors, employees, and dependents under your company name.

Immigration File Setup

RAKEZ opens an immigration file that links your company to the UAE's labor and residence system. Without this, visa applications cannot proceed.

Registered Facility / Business Address

Every RAKEZ company requires a registered address within the zone. Options range from a flexi-desk to a private office or warehouse unit depending on your activity and visa quota needs.

Access to RAKEZ Portal 360

Your online dashboard to manage license renewals, visa applications, document requests, and government service payments, available around the clock without visiting a physical office.

Post-Setup Support Access

RAKEZ provides dedicated account managers and value-added services including accounting, recruitment, translation, and banking assistance to support your business beyond the initial setup.

License Types

Which Type of RAKEZ License Fits Your Business?

Commercial / General Trading License

The broadest commercial license RAKEZ offers. Covers import, export, storage, and distribution of goods across a wide product range.

  • Import and export of consumer goods
  • General merchandise trading
  • Wholesale and retail distribution
  • Storage and re-export operations
  • Multi-category product trading

Service License

Built for knowledge-based and consultancy-driven businesses. Allows you to provide services to clients inside and outside the UAE without the need for large physical infrastructure.

  • Management consultancy
  • IT services and software development
  • Marketing and advertising services
  • HR and recruitment consultancy
  • Financial advisory and business consulting

Industrial License

The gateway to RAKEZ's world-class manufacturing infrastructure. Paired with access to Al Hamra, Al Ghail, or Al Hulaila Industrial Zones.

  • Manufacturing and assembly
  • Packaging and processing
  • Light and heavy industrial production
  • Import of raw materials for processing
  • Export of finished manufactured goods

E-commerce License

Purpose-built for online businesses. One of RAKEZ's most popular licenses with startups and digital entrepreneurs due to its low entry cost.

  • Online retail and product sales
  • Digital marketplace operations
  • Dropshipping and fulfillment businesses
  • Subscription-based online services
  • Cross-border digital commerce

Media License

Designed for the creative and communications sector. Covers everything from content production to advertising.

  • Advertising and media production
  • Content creation and digital publishing
  • Broadcasting and podcast studios
  • Photography and videography services
  • Public relations and communications agencies

Educational License

Issued within the RAKEZ Academic Zone. One of only a few free zones in the UAE with a dedicated academic ecosystem.

  • Training institutes and coaching centers
  • Educational consultancy services
  • Online and blended learning providers
  • Corporate training and development firms
  • Academic support and tutoring services

Freelance Permit

Not a company license but a permit for individuals. It lets you trade under your own name, invoice clients legally, and apply for a UAE residence visa without setting up a full corporate entity.

  • Independent consulting and advisory
  • Graphic design and creative work
  • Software development and technology
  • Writing, translation, and editorial services
  • Coaching, training, and mentoring

Commercial / General Trading License

The broadest commercial license RAKEZ offers. Covers import, export, storage, and distribution of goods across a wide product range.

  • Import and export of consumer goods
  • General merchandise trading
  • Wholesale and retail distribution
  • Storage and re-export operations
  • Multi-category product trading

Service License

Built for knowledge-based and consultancy-driven businesses. Allows you to provide services to clients inside and outside the UAE without the need for large physical infrastructure.

  • Management consultancy
  • IT services and software development
  • Marketing and advertising services
  • HR and recruitment consultancy
  • Financial advisory and business consulting

Industrial License

The gateway to RAKEZ's world-class manufacturing infrastructure. Paired with access to Al Hamra, Al Ghail, or Al Hulaila Industrial Zones.

  • Manufacturing and assembly
  • Packaging and processing
  • Light and heavy industrial production
  • Import of raw materials for processing
  • Export of finished manufactured goods

E-commerce License

Purpose-built for online businesses. One of RAKEZ's most popular licenses with startups and digital entrepreneurs due to its low entry cost.

  • Online retail and product sales
  • Digital marketplace operations
  • Dropshipping and fulfillment businesses
  • Subscription-based online services
  • Cross-border digital commerce

Media License

Designed for the creative and communications sector. Covers everything from content production to advertising.

  • Advertising and media production
  • Content creation and digital publishing
  • Broadcasting and podcast studios
  • Photography and videography services
  • Public relations and communications agencies

Educational License

Issued within the RAKEZ Academic Zone. One of only a few free zones in the UAE with a dedicated academic ecosystem.

  • Training institutes and coaching centers
  • Educational consultancy services
  • Online and blended learning providers
  • Corporate training and development firms
  • Academic support and tutoring services

Freelance Permit

Not a company license but a permit for individuals. It lets you trade under your own name, invoice clients legally, and apply for a UAE residence visa without setting up a full corporate entity.

  • Independent consulting and advisory
  • Graphic design and creative work
  • Software development and technology
  • Writing, translation, and editorial services
  • Coaching, training, and mentoring
Legal Structures

What Legal Structure Should Your RAKEZ Company Use?

Free Zone Establishment (FZE)

  • Single shareholder (individual or corporate)
  • Liability limited to share capital
  • No mandatory minimum capital in most activity categories
  • Best for solo founders, single-investor businesses, or holding companies

Free Zone Company (FZC / FZCO)

  • 2 or more shareholders (individuals or companies)
  • Each shareholder is liable only to the extent of their shares
  • No mandatory minimum capital in most activity categories
  • Best for joint ventures, partner-led businesses, or multi-investor setups

Branch of a Foreign or UAE Company

  • 100% owned by parent company
  • Parent company bears full liability
  • No minimum capital, parent company equity applies
  • Best for international firms expanding into UAE or mainland companies entering RAKEZ

Non-Free Zone Entity (RAKEZ Mainland Access)

  • 100% foreign ownership permitted
  • Liability depends on chosen structure
  • Minimum capital is activity-dependent
  • Best for companies needing direct mainland market access

Free Zone Establishment (FZE)

  • Single shareholder (individual or corporate)
  • Liability limited to share capital
  • No mandatory minimum capital in most activity categories
  • Best for solo founders, single-investor businesses, or holding companies

Free Zone Company (FZC / FZCO)

  • 2 or more shareholders (individuals or companies)
  • Each shareholder is liable only to the extent of their shares
  • No mandatory minimum capital in most activity categories
  • Best for joint ventures, partner-led businesses, or multi-investor setups

Branch of a Foreign or UAE Company

  • 100% owned by parent company
  • Parent company bears full liability
  • No minimum capital, parent company equity applies
  • Best for international firms expanding into UAE or mainland companies entering RAKEZ

Non-Free Zone Entity (RAKEZ Mainland Access)

  • 100% foreign ownership permitted
  • Liability depends on chosen structure
  • Minimum capital is activity-dependent
  • Best for companies needing direct mainland market access
Investment

How Much Does RAKEZ Company Formation Cost in 2026?

RAKEZ is designed for affordability at every tier. Your total cost depends on license type, facility choice, visa count, and whether you opt for multi-year savings.

Starter: Zero-Visa Package

From AED 6,000

License only with flexi-desk or virtual setup. Best for e-commerce businesses, remote operators, and those who do not need immediate UAE residency.

Standard: License with One Visa

From AED 11,500 to AED 16,500

Includes one investor or manager visa. Covers license, establishment card, immigration file, and coworking or shared office facility. The most common entry point for SMEs and solo founders.

Growth: Multiple Visas and Facility

From AED 25,000+

Multiple visa allocations, private office or warehouse space, and full one-stop-shop government service coverage. Suited to teams of 3 or more and businesses scaling operations within the zone.

Factors That Affect Your Total Cost

  • License Type

    Industrial and general trading licenses typically carry higher base fees than service or e-commerce licenses.

  • Number of Visas

    Each additional visa (investor, employee, dependent) adds AED 3,500 to AED 4,200 per person.

  • Facility Choice

    Flexi-desk is the most affordable. Private offices, warehouses, and industrial land plots increase the annual rental cost.

  • Number of Business Activities

    Up to 7 activities can be bundled under one license. Adding more or choosing specialist activities may attract additional fees.

  • Multi-Year Packages

    Paying for 2 or 3 years upfront can reduce total cost by up to 33%.

  • Pricing Disclaimer

    All figures above are indicative and based on publicly available RAKEZ package data as of 2025 to 2026. Actual costs vary depending on your specific activity, structure, facility requirements, and visa quota. RIZ & MONA Consultancy provides a fully personalized quote based on your exact setup.

Process

How RAKEZ Company Formation Actually Works

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.

Day 1

Choose Your Activity and License Type

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.

Days 1 to 2

Select Your Legal Structure and Facility

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.

Days 2 to 3

Reserve Your Trade Name

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.

Days 3 to 4

Submit Documents and Pay Fees

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.

Days 4 to 5

Sign Lease and Receive Incorporation Documents

Sign the facility lease agreement and receive your trade license, certificate of incorporation, and MoA. Your company is now legally formed.

Week 2

Apply for Visas

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.

Weeks 2 to 4

Open Your Corporate Bank Account

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.

Requirements

What Documents Do You Need to Set Up in RAKEZ?

Gather everything before you start. Missing items delay the entire process. Requirements can vary based on the applicant's nationality and the activity being licensed.

Individual Applicants

  • Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
  • Recent passport-sized photograph (white background)
  • UAE entry stamp or valid visa page (if currently in the UAE)
  • Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, last 3 months)
  • CV or professional profile (required for certain service or professional licenses)
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current UAE sponsor, if applicable
  • Proposed business plan (required for some industrial and academic license types)

Corporate Shareholders

  • Certificate of Incorporation of the parent or investing company
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA/AOA) of the shareholder company
  • Certificate of Good Standing or Incumbency Certificate
  • Board Resolution authorizing the UAE company formation and appointing a signatory
  • Passport copy of the authorized signatory and all directors
  • Share certificate(s) confirming ownership structure
  • Proof of registered address of the parent company

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.

Residency

UAE Residency Through RAKEZ: What Are Your Options?

RAKEZ gives every license holder a direct path to UAE residency. The visa type you need depends on your role in the company and whether you are bringing family members with you. The zone processes everything in-house, which means faster turnaround than most.

Dependent visa sponsorship requires a minimum salary threshold of AED 3,000 to AED 4,000 per month.

RIZ & MONA Consultancy confirms current requirements and fees as part of your personalized setup proposal.

  • Investor Visa: For company owners and shareholders
  • Manager Visa: For appointed company managers and directors
  • Employee Visa: For staff hired under the company
  • Dependent Visa: For spouses, children, and parents of visa holders
  • Freelance Visa: Tied to a RAKEZ freelance permit for independent professionals
  • Visit Visa: For short-term business or personal visits (30 to 90 days)
  • RAK Visa for Life: RAKEZ's branded long-term residency program renewed annually

Important Notice

Visa fees, processing times, and eligibility requirements are set by UAE immigration authorities and are subject to change. Costs are indicative. RIZ & MONA Consultancy confirms current requirements and fees as part of your personalized setup proposal.

Corporate Banking for Your RAKEZ Company

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. RAKEZ licenses are accepted by every major bank in the country.

Banks, Timelines and What You Should Know

Banks Commonly Used by RAKEZ Entities

Emirates NBDEstablished local, full-service
RAKBANKRAK-native, SME-friendly
Mashreq BankTrade-focused, fast processing
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)Large corporate, regional reach
HSBC UAEInternational operations, cross-border
Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD)Straightforward onboarding

Realistic Account Opening Timelines

UAE Resident with Clean Profile2-4 weeks
Non-Resident Applicant4-8 weeks
High-Risk or Complex Activity8-12 weeks
Digital / Neobank Option1-3 weeks
  • Submitting a banking file before the license and establishment card are finalized causes unnecessary delays.
  • Providing vague business descriptions that cannot be linked to specific RAKEZ activities is a common rejection trigger.
  • Choosing a bank without considering whether it handles the company's expected transaction types.
  • Failing to prepare proof of business operations such as contracts, invoices, or a website.
  • Ignoring the source of funds question, which every UAE bank requires a clear answer to.
  • Bank selection, account approval, and timelines are determined entirely by the individual bank's compliance and onboarding teams. RIZ & MONA Consultancy does not guarantee account approval.
The RAKEZ Difference

RAKEZ Beyond Licensing: What the Zone Actually Builds for You

01
Six Dedicated Purpose-Built Zones

Every Zone Designed for a Specific Business Type

RAKEZ is not one zone, it is six. Al Ghail (28.2 million sq.m.) handles large-scale manufacturing. Al Hamra serves light industry and high-tech production. Al Hulaila sits next to Saqr Port for heavy industrial operations. Al Nakheel and Al Hamra Business Zones serve SMEs and commercial operators. The RAKEZ Academic Zone hosts training institutes and educational providers. Each zone has its own infrastructure, utility connections, and labor accommodation provisions.

02
The Dual License Model

Free Zone and Mainland Access Under One Roof

RAKEZ is one of the very few free zones in the UAE that lets a company hold both a free zone license and a non-free zone license simultaneously. This means you can benefit from the tax and ownership advantages of a free zone entity while also having direct access to the UAE mainland market, without setting up a separate company. For businesses that need to trade with both mainland UAE clients and international markets, this is a significant structural advantage.

03
RAKEZ Portal 360

Full Digital Operations, Available 24/7

RAKEZ Portal 360 is the zone's 24/7 self-service client management system. License renewals, visa applications, government fee payments, document requests, and facility management are all handled through one platform. This is not a basic portal, it is a complete administrative layer that eliminates the need to visit the RAKEZ office for routine tasks. For international founders managing their UAE company remotely, this makes all the difference.

04
RAKEZ Growth Series

Business Community Programs That Deliver Real Value

RAKEZ actively invests in its community through the Growth Series, an annual program connecting entrepreneurs, SME owners, and business leaders for workshops, expert panels, and networking. Past topics have included AI in business, partnership strategies, and scaling for SMEs. The program includes practical sessions led by industry leaders from organizations including Oracle and others, directly addressing the operational challenges that RAKEZ clients face.

05
Industrial-Grade Infrastructure

Workforce Solutions, Warehouses, and On-Site Accommodation

For manufacturers and industrialists, RAKEZ provides on-site staff accommodation, open yards pre-approved by RAK Civil Defence, and customizable warehouse builds. Companies like Ashok Leyland, Knauf, Ahmad Tea, Dabur, Coca-Cola, and Saverglass all have production facilities within RAKEZ's industrial zones. The zone has established partnerships with HR and manpower firms to help industrial clients source and house workforce.

Business Setup Process

Why RAKEZ Founders Work With RIZ & MONA Consultancy

Our Advantage

1

We Know RAKEZ Inside Out

RAKEZ has six zones, multiple license categories, four legal structures, and a dual-license model that confuses even experienced investors. We have navigated all of it. When you work with us, you get a consultant who knows exactly which zone, which structure, and which package fits your business before you spend a dirham.

2

We Build Your Banking File Before the Bank Asks

Most clients hit a wall when they reach the banking stage. We prevent that wall from appearing. We prepare your full banking dossier, match you with the right institution for your activity profile, and coordinate the introduction. Our clients walk into bank conversations ready, not scrambling.

3

We Handle the Full Process, Not Just the License

From your trade name to your visa stamp to your Emirates ID, we manage every step. You do not need to track deadlines, chase government offices, or figure out what comes next. We run the process so you can focus on your business.

4

We Work With You After the Setup Too

License renewal, visa renewals, adding activities, upgrading your facility, and annual compliance: RAKEZ requires ongoing attention. Our clients stay with us beyond the initial setup because we provide continuity. You will not have to re-explain your business to a new consultant every year.

Free Zone Guide

RAKEZ vs IFZA vs SHAMS: How Do They Compare?

RAKEZ is not the only affordable free zone in the UAE, but it is the one with the most physical infrastructure and the broadest scope. Here is how it compares to two popular alternatives.

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone

Best for manufacturing, trading, SMEs, freelancers, and industrial operations that need physical infrastructure and dual licensing.

Starting CostFrom AED 6,000 (no visa)
Setup Timeline24 hours to 5 days
LocationRas Al Khaimah, 45 min from Dubai
Foreign Ownership100%
Industrial ZonesYes, 3 dedicated industrial zones
Dual License OptionYes, free zone + non-free zone
Business Activities4,000+
Physical WarehousingYes, multiple sizes available
Best ForManufacturing, trading, SMEs, freelancers, industrial
IFZA Dubai

IFZA Dubai

Best for startups, e-commerce businesses, and consultants wanting a Dubai address at competitive pricing.

Starting CostFrom AED 11,900
Setup Timeline3 to 7 days
LocationDubai (DIP area)
Foreign Ownership100%
Industrial ZonesNo
Dual License OptionNo
Business Activities1,500+
Physical WarehousingLimited
Best ForStartups, e-commerce, consultants
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)

Best for solo freelancers, media professionals, and small consultancies on the tightest possible budget.

Starting CostFrom AED 5,750
Setup Timeline3 to 5 days
LocationSharjah
Foreign Ownership100%
Industrial ZonesLimited
Dual License OptionNo
Business Activities1,500+
Physical WarehousingLimited
Best ForFreelancers, media, small consultancies

Not sure which zone fits your business model?

Talk to the team at RIZ & MONA Consultancy and get a direct recommendation, no generic advice, no sales pressure.