New Freezone Incentives—Up to 30% Fee Reduction for Startup

RAKEZ Free Zone Company Formation

RAKEZ freezone has become one of the UAE’s most practical destinations for entrepreneurs, SMEs, trading companies, manufacturers, consultants, and international investors looking to establish a long-term presence in the Emirates. Located in Ras Al Khaimah, RAKEZ combines flexible company formation options with access to industrial infrastructure, warehousing, offices, and visa services under a government-regulated free zone framework. Whether you are launching a new venture, relocating an existing business, or expanding into the Middle East, RAKEZ offers a setup environment designed for both small businesses and large-scale operations. The free zone is particularly attractive for businesses that need a combination of affordability, operational flexibility, and access to regional and international markets.

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40,000+

Companies

100+

Countries

2017

Established

Business Overview

Everything You Need to Know About RAKEZ

What is the RAKEZ Free Zone?

One of the UAE's largest and most diverse free zones, home to over 40,000 companies
Located in Ras Al Khaimah, roughly 45 minutes from Dubai
Formed in 2017 through the merger of RAK Free Trade Zone, RAK Investment Authority, and RAK Economic Zone
Government-backed authority operating six dedicated zones

Who is it for?

Trading companies, manufacturers, and service providers
Startups and SMEs looking for a lower-cost alternative to Dubai free zones
Industrial businesses needing land, warehousing, or production facilities
Companies of all sizes from freelancers to large manufacturers

Minimum capital requirement

No fixed minimum share capital for most Free Zone Establishment (FZE) or Free Zone Company (FZC) categories
Some industrial or regulated activities may require a stated capital on the Memorandum of Association

Banking facilities available

Corporate bank accounts with major UAE and international banks.
Bank account approval is subject to each bank's compliance requirements.

Types of business activities allowed

Over 4,000 approved activities across roughly 50 industry sectors
Covers trading, manufacturing, logistics, services, e-commerce, and industrial operations
Multiple activities can be combined under a single licence, depending on the activity group

Business Advantages

100% foreign ownership.
Flexible licence and workspace options.
Offices, warehouses, and industrial land.
Business-friendly regulations.
Strategic location for regional trade.

Who Can Apply

Any individual or corporate entity, from any nationality
No local sponsor or partner required

Processing time

Standard: a few working days from complete document submission
Faster turnaround available through the Biz Starter package

Required Documents

Passport copy of all shareholders/directors
Visa copy (if applicable)
Completed application form
Board resolution (for corporate shareholders)
Business plan (if required by the activity)
Proof of address

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Freezone Cost Calculator

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Business Activity

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Visa Requirement

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Office Type

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Business Location

Why RAKEZ?

Why Choose Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone

Strategic Location

Located in Ras Al Khaimah, roughly 45 minutes from Dubai, with close proximity to Saqr Port and RAK International Airport.

100% Ownership

Full foreign ownership with no requirement for a local partner or sponsor.

Industrial Infrastructure

One of the few UAE free zones with genuine industrial land, warehousing, and manufacturing facilities alongside standard office space.

Access to Global Markets

Close connectivity to the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia through close access to a seaport and an airport.

Lowest Entry Cost

One of the most cost-effective free zones in the UAE, with setup packages starting from around AED 6,000.

Available Licence Types

Business Licence Categories

Commercial Licence

Suitable for businesses involved in trading goods and services, including import, export, distribution, and wholesale activities. This licence is ideal for companies operating in local and international markets.

General Trading Licence

Designed for businesses that wish to trade multiple product categories under a single licence. It is suitable for companies dealing with a diverse range of goods across different industries.

Service Licence

Built for consultancies and specialised service firms: management advisors, IT providers, engineers, accountants, marketers, and anyone else selling expertise rather than goods.

Professional Licence

For individuals and firms practising a recognised profession law, accounting, engineering, design, healthcare-related services where the qualification itself is the core of the business.

Individual / Professional Licence

Designed for sole entrepreneurs providing a single specialised professional activity. It is commonly chosen by independent consultants, designers, developers, and other skilled professionals.

Industrial Licence

Created for manufacturers and industrial businesses engaged in production, assembly, processing, packaging, and export-oriented operations. Businesses can also access RAKEZ's industrial facilities and land to support manufacturing activities.

E-commerce Licence

Suitable for businesses selling products or services through digital platforms, online marketplaces, websites, and mobile applications. This licence is ideal for online retailers, digital businesses, and internet-based service providers.

Media Licence

For businesses that work in media, advertising, publishing, content creation, digital promotion, film making, broadcasting, plus other creative fields, like production teams and similar.

Educational Licence

Intended for education-related businesses, including training institutes, educational consultancies, coaching centres, and professional learning providers, subject to the required approvals.

Freelancer Permit

A highly flexible licence that allows independent professionals to carry on their practice in media, education, IT, creative and business analysis sectors, without necessarily setting up a company.

How It Works

How to Set Up a Business in RAKEZ Freezone

Select the Business Activity

Choose the approved RAKEZ activity that accurately reflects your company’s intended operations.

Choose the Licence Category

Select the appropriate licence type, such as commercial, professional, industrial, e-commerce, or branch.

Select a Business Facility

Choose a flexi desk, private office, warehouse, or industrial facility based on your operational and visa requirements.

Submit the Incorporation Documents

Provide the required documents, including passport copies, photographs, and the completed company application forms.

Receive the Trade Licence

Upon approval, RAKEZ will issue the trade licence and official company incorporation documents.

Complete the Visa Process

Apply for investor and employee residence visas, including immigration and Emirates ID formalities, if required.

Open a Corporate Bank Account

Use the company documents issued by RAKEZ to apply for a UAE corporate bank account and complete the bank’s compliance procedures.

Infrastructure

Workspace Solution in RAKEZ Free Zone

Flexi Desk

A practical solution for freelancers, consultants, and early-stage startups that require a registered business address and visa eligibility with minimal overhead.

Year 1 TotalAED 6,000

0 visas

Serviced Office

Fully furnished office space with access to shared facilities and business support services, suitable for companies seeking a professional working environment.