This is the definitive 2026 guide to setting up a company in the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ). It combines official RAKEZ package information with the hands-on experience of the RAKEFZ.com team, which has helped founders, SMEs and industrial operators set up across every RAKEZ zone. Whether you need the AED 6,000 Biz Starter, a visa-inclusive package or an industrial licence, this guide gives you real numbers, timelines and next steps.
Key takeaways:
Pick the RAKEZ zone that matches your business. Al Nakheel and Al Hamra suit SMEs, Media Zone suits creatives, Academic Zone suits education, and Al Ghail, Al Hamra Industrial and Al Hulaila suit industrial projects.
Send passport copies, photos, CV and any corporate documents. RAKEFZ checks everything for compliance before filing with RAKEZ.
Pay government fees and receive your e-licence. Then start your UAE business bank account and visa processing with RAKEFZ support.
Each RAKEZ zone has a different specialisation, facility mix and price point. Choosing the right zone from the start avoids extra amendment fees and keeps setup fast. Read the full zone pages for tailored tips and package guidance.
The table below shows the most common RAKEZ setup packages in 2026. All prices reflect RAKEZ government fee schedules and market rates from RAKEZ-authorised setup agents. RAKEFZ does not mark up government fees.
Prices reflect RAKEZ government fee schedules and market rates from RAKEZ-authorised setup agents as of 2026. RAKEFZ does not mark up government fees. Use the RAKEFZ wizard for an exact quote based on your zone, activity and visa needs.
For a full checklist, see documents required for RAKEZ.
Choose your RAKEZ zone, reserve your trade name and confirm activities.
RAKEFZ reviews and files shareholder documents with RAKEZ.
Pay government fees and receive your e-licence. Biz Starter can issue within 24 hours.
Open your UAE business bank account and process residence visas.
RAKEZ companies can sponsor investor, manager, employee and family visas. Visa quota depends on your package. Individual visas typically cost AED 3,800–4,800 excluding health insurance. See the visa processing guide for a full breakdown.
A RAKEZ licence makes you eligible for UAE business banking. RAKEFZ provides introductions and document support. Read the bank account guide to prepare.