RAKEZ — Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
Company formation
- Company setup from
6,000 AED
- Registration from
2 weeks
- Bank account
Guaranteed
- Residence visas for
2 years
January's Top 4 UAE FreeZone Deals
CEO, Emirabiz
Andrey Ovchinnikov
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Is RAKEZ suitable for your business?
Good for "high risk nationalities" like Bangladesh, Egypt, or Lebanon
Large variety of business activities
Readily available warehouses of any sizes
Own seaport within RAKEZ Free Zone
Yes
- if you plan to start or develop a manufacturing, industrial, or assembling business thanks to availability of ready-made warehouses and industrial land plots, as well as its location close to the RAK Airport and seaport.
- if you want to have an executive office but not necessarily near Dubai or Abu Dhabi, RAKEZ offers a good selection of offices of different sizes, and the minimum office requirement is a flexi-desk facility.
- if you are a freelancer (individual professional) or a remote worker (digital nomad), as the free zone offers a variety of flexi-desks, co-working spaces, and offices, and the setup cost is competitive. However, the cheapest Freelance package is offered by the Ajman Free Zone.
- if you are a woman-entrepreneur as RAKEZ offers a special product for women called BusinessWomen with prices 40% lower.
- if you need to mix activities supported by free zone and mainland setups as part of one company. In this case, you may consider a mid-shore setup which is RAKEZ’ exclusive offer - Global Product.
No
- if you need a physical office in Dubai or Abu-Dhabi and want to be closer to these cities. In this case, you can set up a company in one of the Dubai free zones.
RAKEZ company formation process
Business setup in Ras Al Khaimah can be done within about 1 week. Your personal visit will be required, but you don’t have to go all the way to Ras Al Khaimah - you can visit the zone’s representative office in Dubai.
Determine the business activities of your future company and the corresponding license type. This is a key aspect of business setup, as choosing the wrong activity and license can lead to errors during company registration, creating problems with opening a bank account or even making such opening impossible.
In RAKEZ, you can choose from different legal entities and free zone license types. Decide on the business activity and prepare a business plan. The legal entities you can form include:
- Free Zone Establishment (FZE) - One shareholder
- Free Zone Company (FZC) - 2-5 shareholders
- Branch of a local company
- Branch of a foreign company
RAKEZ requires a minimal documentation package:
- Passport copy
- Passport-size photo
- Residential address, phone number, and email
- Company name
- Business activity
You also need to pay all the registration and processing fees at this step.
After the registration is completed, you will receive your set of corporate documents, which include:
- License
- Chamber of Commerce registration certificate
- Lease agreement
- Memorandum of Association (for companies with multiple partners)
These documents will enable you to apply for a corporate bank account.
It contains information about your company and makes it eligible to sponsor residency visas.
If you apply from inside the UAE, after the entry permit is issued you have to change your visa status from the previous visa to a residence visa. If you are outside the UAE, then arrive in the country, get your entry permit stamped and then proceed with the rest of the residence visa process, submitting the necessary documents.
Undergo a medical checkup and submit documents for a residence visa. Complete biometrics procedure in one of the Emirates ID centers. Once you have the results of your medical test and biometrics you can submit all the details for a visa approval. Your electronic visa will be sent to you by email. You can also find it in the UAEICP app.
After the residence visa is issued, the Government prepares a plastic identity card which is an important document that is required to open a bank account, rent an apartment, pay bills or fines, etc. It also entitles you to many local services and discounts.
Apply to a UAE bank to open a corporate bank account. The approval may take a few weeks. After receiving the account details, you can start running your business in the UAE.
The Ras Al Khaimah company register is not open to the public and is kept confidential. In case your setup is rejected due to any force majeure reason after you have made the payment to the free zone, you will be granted a 100% refund. This adds up to the RAKEZ free zone benefits and explains why entrepreneurs from around the globe choose to set up companies in RAKEZ.
With us you can navigate this process quickly and effortlessly. You don`t even have to arrive in Dubai — the registration procedure can be completed remotely. However, you will need to visit the UAE for medical checkups, visa formalities, and account opening.
- IFZA — International Free Zone Authority
- KIZAD — Khalifa Free Zone Abu Dhabi
- UAQ — Umm Al Quwain Free Zone
- SAIF — Sharjah Airport Free Zone
- DMCC — Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
- MFZ — Meydan Free Zone
- DAFZ — Dubai Airport Free Zone
- SHAMS — Sharjah Media City Free Zone
- DIC - Dubai Internet City
- JAFZA – Jebel Ali Free Zone
RAKEZ license cost
RAKEZ cheapest license package fees:
TYPE OF LICENCE | COST |
---|---|
Zero-visa License + Flexi-desk | 6,000 |
1-visa License + Flexi-desk | 12,000 |
2-visa License + Dedicated desk | 25,000 |
4-visa License + Standard office | 34,000 |
In addition, the 1 visa starter package allows for a combination of General Trading and E-Commerce licenses. You can choose either of them as the primary license, and the other one will come free of charge.
Elena O.
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RAKEZ licenses and business activities
Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone Authority often runs promotions and discount campaigns. The prices are reasonable starting from 6,000 AED for a zero-visa company with a 1-year contract.
RAKEZ also has a special product for women called BusinessWomen with prices 40% lower than usual. If you are a woman, you can pick any package and any activity and simply pay less!
Ras Al Khaimah business license can be obtained for a variety of business activities.
The activity array of RAKEZ is one of the broadest compared to other UAE free zones. Activities are divided into license categories that in turn are divided into multiple groups, each with its own activity list.
Some activities require a company manager to have a relevant educational degree, which should be proved by a certificate attested in UAE Embassy in the country of origin. Usually such activities are related to a professional service that requires certain qualifications, for example:
- Accounting and bookkeeping.
- Architectural design and consultancy.
- Aviation consultancy.
- Communication engineering consultancy and many more.
RAKEZ has enforced substance requirements and many activities now fall under it. They will need to be registered under special conditions, such as:
- Dedicated office space or a warehouse.
- Submission of a business plan.
- The residency visa of the company’s manager being sponsored by the company.
Overview of RAKEZ Global Product
RAKEZ offers a Mid-Shore Free Zone Company, blending the benefits of both Offshore and Free Zone setups. This model is ideal for international investors and allows for company re-domiciliation to RAKEZ. The Business License Package supports various activities, including commercial services, e-commerce, media, and RAKEZ industrial licenses, with options for co-working spaces, physical offices, warehouses, and leased land.
Business package details
Facility Type | Annual Fee | Visa Eligibility |
---|---|---|
Shared Workstation | 10,535 AED | 2 |
Dedicated Workstation | 15,035 AED | 4 |
Executive Office | 17,035 AED | 6 |
Benefits
- Remote company setup without physical presence.
- Easy registration and renewal via RAKEZ Portal.
- UAE residence visas and bank accounts in the UAE banks.
- No corporate tax and access to 100+ double taxation treaties.
RAKEZ Global Product is ideal for holding companies, trading, e-commerce, and industrial manufacturers.
Elena O.
We'll find activities for your business
RAKEZ facilities
Ras Al Khaimah company formation would be a good option for any business, but especially for entrepreneurs who need warehousing facilities. RAKEZ offers plenty of ready customizable premises for storage and staff accommodations as well as land plots suitable for development. These premises have all the benefits that Jebel Ali company setup offers but suit much smaller budgets.
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone has offices in RAK and Abu Dhabi. You can opt for a flexi-desk or a smart office in any of these emirates. In Abu Dhabi, the cost will be about 2,000 AED higher. Office types vary from co-working spaces with flexi-desks to executive offices and are tied to the number of eligible visas.
RAKEZ residence visas
Packages start with zero visas and go up to 4 visas in case you rent a ready-made executive office. Of course, if you rent a warehouse, for example, your company will be eligible for more visas since you’ll need to hire more staff.
RAKEZ FEE, AED | MEDICAL CHECKUP, AED | EMIRATES ID, AED | |
---|---|---|---|
Owner | 3,800 | 637.5 | 385 |
Employee | 3,800 + 2,800 deposit | 637.5 | 385 |
Health insurance is not mandatory for RAKEZ company owners, but it will be required for the dependents in case you open visas for your family members.
RAKEZ company license renewal
Ras Al Khaimah business license renewal costs 1,000 AED less than the incorporation. Renewal can be done without the personal presence of the shareholder.
RAKEZ requires financial audits of the companies. You need to submit it at the end of your financial year, which would be December by default or another month of your choice.
RAKEZ company renewal procedure
- Submit an application form
- Pay the renewal fee
- Receive your license
RAKEZ company amendments
The company can be amended at any time. The most frequently happening amendments include the following changes:
- Shareholders/managers
- Company name
- Business activity
- Office facility
Personal presence of the shareholder or manager is required for the application for the amendments.
RAKEZ company amendment procedure
- Visit RAKEZ’ representative office
- Pay the amendment fee
- Receive the amendment confirmation.
RAKEZ company liquidation
Ras Al Khaimah free zone company liquidation takes about 3-4 weeks. Make sure to cancel all the visas under the company before you apply for its liquidation.
The government cost of company closure is 3,500 AED.
RAKEZ company liquidation procedure
- Cancel the visas
- Visit RAKEZ’ representative office with the originals of your documents and the signed cancellation form
- Receive liquidation confirmation.
With us, you can navigate the liquidation process for your UAE company quickly and effortlessly, ensuring a smooth closure while saving valuable time and resources.
About RAKEZ
RAKEZ stands for Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone. This free zone is widely regarded as one of the most well-known and attractive for business setup in the UAE both within the Emirates and abroad. It is situated not far from RAK Airport and has a seaport in close proximity, which makes for a very strategic location.
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone is home to over 18,000 companies including entrepreneurs, SMEs, freelancers, startups, and manufacturers. It is a global-scale business and industrial hub covering over 50 industry sectors supporting free zone, non-free zone, off-shore, and mid-shore free zone company setups.
RAK free zone business license is highly trusted among Dubai banks so it will be easier and faster to open both personal and corporate bank accounts.
It was established after the consolidation of 2 free zones – Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) and RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA). This merger resulted in a very large free zone with diverse services.
RAKEZ consists of 7 different field-specific zones, namely:
- AL Ghail Industrial Zone dedicated to massive industrial manufacturers;
- Al Hamra Industrial Zone suited for enterprises in light and heavy industry sectors;
- RAKEZ Academic Zone hosting top international education institutions and service providers;
- Al Hulaila Industrial Zone meant for heavy industry producers;
- Al Nakheel Business Zone which includes top-notch business centers for freelancers and SMEs; and
- AL Hamra Business Zone which is a business space with access to commercial, industrial, and logistics hubs, as well as entertainment and residential facilities.
If you are looking for a UAE free zone company setup, Emirabiz experts advise to try RAKEZ or to compare it with some other options in the market by yourself or with the help of professional business consultants.
FAQ
RAKEZ offers a cost-effective and efficient platform for business setup, featuring competitive licensing packages, streamlined registration processes, and quick approvals. Entrepreneurs benefit from 100% foreign ownership, zero personal taxes, and full profit repatriation. The zone's strategic location, diverse business activities, and access to world-class facilities make it an ideal choice for startups and established companies alike.
Basically no, as a personal visit to the UAE is required as per the regulations of the UAE Central Bank. Local banks require this visit to verify the client's identity. However, some banks allow remote account opening through their digital bank applications or website.
In most cases, you can obtain a debit card for your newly opened company, especially if there is only one shareholder. However, a credit card is usually issued against a fixed deposit. As for loans, banks may consider your eligibility based on your company's operations and profits. It is recommended to apply for a loan after at least one year of company operations.
Officially, the office of a free zone company should be located within the free zone where it is registered. However, if you need an office in Dubai, you have the option to rent space in a Business Center and use it on a flexible basis. It is important to note that the minimum required space (flexi desk) in the free zone cannot be canceled.
A flexi desk is a mandatory requirement for any company eligible for resident visas. It serves as the minimum physical office space that a company with individuals under its visa must have. Additionally, a flexi desk can facilitate bank account opening as banks require evidence of a company having some form of office or physical presence.
VAT obligations depend not only on the place of registration but also on where the business activities take place. VAT becomes applicable when the taxable turnover reaches AED 375,000. If a free zone company's trading activities take place abroad, the turnover is not considered taxable as long as the goods or services are supplied outside the UAE. However, if the goods or services are supplied to customers within the UAE, the 5% VAT will be applicable.
The UAE is free from personal income tax. However, there is a 5% import tax on goods brought into the country and a 5% VAT on trading or service transactions that occur within the UAE.On June 1, 2023, the UAE introduced 9% corporate tax, however, the UAE freezone companies that meet certain requirements as outlined by the Federal Tax Authority will be able to benefit from tax reliefs and possibly file the 0% corporate tax.
The suitability of a free zone company versus an offshore or mainland entity depends on your business model and requirements. However, a free zone setup offers advantages such as 100% foreign ownership, eligibility for resident visas, the ability to conduct business both within and outside the UAE, and greater favorability with banks compared to offshore companies. Additionally, free zones often offer a flexi desk option instead of executive offices, making it a cost-effective way to start a business without unnecessary obligations.
While we strive to make the account opening process as smooth as possible, we cannot guarantee the approval as it ultimately depends on the bank. Each case goes through several bank departments for approval, and the bank may contact you directly for clarifications. Providing a clear picture of your business to the bank increases the chances of successful account opening. We do our best to prepare you and your company for a smooth and fast account opening process.
Your company should be renewed annually, and the cost is typically lower than the initial setup cost. The renewal fees depend on your company package, and you can obtain the price by downloading the Estimate from our website. Company renewal does not require the personal presence of the owner and can be done by your agent. After renewal, the new license must be presented to the bank to extend the bank account, which is included in our renewal service.
You have multiple options for fee payment. You can make payments via bank transfer, cash, or online using a card.
When applying for accounts with top-tier banks, your business needs to present a comprehensive profile. This starts with a clear and legitimate business plan that outlines your operations and objectives, including your digital presence (website) and documented links to existing business activities outside the UAE if applicable. The bank will expect to see a transparent company ownership structure along with complete documentation and proper licenses. While minimum deposit requirements vary by institution, banks generally favour clients who maintain substantial deposits or have investment relationships with them. Physical presence requirements can range from flexi desk facilities to formal office tenancy contracts for an actual office space, this depends on the bank's policies. Banks will also review the banking history of the shareholders from UAE or international banks, along with examining your expected transaction patterns and business activities. We strive to leverage our established relationships and experience with various banks to maximize the likelihood of successful account openings for our clients.
The UAE has a robust banking sector with both prestigious local and international institutions. Among the major local banks, you'll find Emirates NBD, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, and First Abu Dhabi Bank. International banking giants such as HSBC, Citibank, and Standard Chartered Bank also maintain a strong presence in the UAE. Each bank has its own specific eligibility criteria and services which it provides. We strive to leverage our established relationships and experience with various banks to maximize the likelihood of successful account openings for our clients.
Yes, we have extensive experience working with major banks in the UAE, including both local and international institutions like Citibank, HSBC, and Standard Chartered Bank. Our team has developed strong working relationships with these banks over the years, giving us valuable insights into their requirements and processes. This experience allows us to better guide our clients through the account opening procedures and help prepare the necessary documentation according to each bank's specific requirements.
While banking services might appear similar across free zones, it's important to understand that banks often have preferences for certain free zones they consider more prestigious or are more familiar with. This familiarity and reputation can positively influence your banking applications. Beyond banking considerations, your choice of free zone should take into account your industry-specific requirements, location advantages, business activity permissions, and visa allocation quotas. The infrastructure, facilities, and future scalability options also play crucial roles in this decision. Additionally, market perception and prestige can impact your business relationships and growth opportunities. Therefore, while cost is an important factor, selecting a free zone should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of all these elements to ensure it aligns with your long-term business strategy.
Elena O.
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