RAKEFZ is the only all-in-one agent that covers every RAK jurisdiction. For operational businesses, freelancers, traders and SMEs,RAKEZ offers 100% foreign ownership, 0% personal income tax, fast licensing and scalable office or warehouse options — all handled by your dedicated human Relationship Manager.
RAKEFZ tip: The AED 6,000 RAKEZ Biz Starter package issues a licence in 24 hours. If you need a visa, budget AED 12,010 for a one-visa package, which is still among the lowest UAE free-zone costs.
RAKEZ is Ras Al Khaimah’s flagship economic zone. It combines the RAKEZ Business Zone, Academic Zone, Media Zone and industrial zones (Al Ghail, Al Hamra and Al Hulaila). Businesses choose RAKEZ for its low cost, fast setup and access to MENA, European and Asian markets.
1–50 shareholders. The most popular structure for SMEs, trading and services.
Extend an existing business into RAKEZ without creating a new legal entity.
For individual media, education and professional consultants.
Total first-year cost depends on the number of visas, office type and add-ons. Use the RAKEFZ wizard for an instant all-in quote, or read the full RAK company formation cost guide.
Each RAKEZ zone has its own facilities, licence types and price points. Choose the zone that matches your activity and scale.
SMEs, startups and freelancers. Flexi desks, private offices, fast 24-hour licensing. From AED 6,000.
Media, marketing, consultancy and SMEs. On-site RAKEZ service centre and cost-effective licences. From AED 6,000.
Production, broadcasting and creative firms. Flexi, office, warehouse and land options. From AED 16,500/year.
Schools, universities and training providers. Pre-built HEP buildings, land and student visas. From AED 16,500/year.
Large-scale manufacturing. Land from 5,000 m², labour accommodation and 24/7 utilities. From AED 18,000.
Light and heavy industry near RAK city. Warehouses up to 10,000 m² and labour housing. From AED 18,000.
Heavy industry near Saqr Port. Land, heavy-duty warehouses and on-site labour accommodation. From AED 18,000.
Prices reflect 2026 RAKEZ government fee schedules and market rates from authorised setup agents. RAKEFZ does not mark up government fees. See the full RAKEZ company formation guide 2026 for detailed zone comparisons, documents and timelines.
For a wider comparison including IFZA and DMCC, read our RAKEZ vs IFZA vs DMCC cost comparison 2026.
The exact sequence depends on your activity, shareholder structure and whether you need visas. This is the standard path RAKEFZ follows for most RAKEZ companies.
Match your activity to the right zone — Al Nakheel or Al Hamra for SMEs, Media Zone for creatives, Academic Zone for education, Al Ghail / Al Hamra / Al Hulaila for industry. Decide whether you need a Free Zone or Non-Free Zone licence.
Pick FZE for a single shareholder, FZC / FZ-LLC for multiple shareholders, or a branch of an existing UAE or foreign company. Each structure changes the document set and shareholder limits.
Submit 2–3 proposed names for approval. Gather passport copies, proof of address, a business plan and corporate documents if the shareholder is a company. RAKEFZ formats everything to RAKEZ's checklist.
RAKEFZ files the application, pays the licence fee and tracks the authority's review. Most standard licences are issued in 5–7 working days; the Biz Starter option can be issued in 24 hours.
You get the trade licence, Certificate of Incorporation (if applicable), Memorandum of Association and immigration establishment card. This activates your visa quota.
Entry permit → status change (if needed) → medical test → Emirates ID biometric → health insurance → visa stamping. RAKEFZ books every appointment and tracks the file.
With an active licence and Emirates ID, the authorised signatory can apply to a traditional UAE bank. Some digital banks can onboard earlier, but full AED trade finance and chequebook usually require the Emirates ID.
All UAE companies must register with the Federal Tax Authority and maintain a valid registered address. Free-zone companies must also meet qualifying-income rules to claim 0% corporate tax benefits.
Critical dependency: a traditional UAE business bank account usually requires an authorised signatory with an Emirates ID, which in turn requires a UAE residence visa. Plan the visa process first if banking is urgent.
Free-zone companies cannot sell directly inside the UAE market. If local sales are central, switch to a Non-Free Zone licence, add a dual licence, or set up a separate mainland company.
Your visa allocation depends on office size. A flexi desk may come with 0 or 1 visa; a physical office unlocks more. The establishment card must be issued before any visa can be processed.
Education, media, healthcare, logistics, food and regulated financial services need extra external approvals. These can add 2–4 weeks and may require a physical facility or qualified staff.
RAKEZ free-zone companies can access a 0% corporate tax rate only on qualifying income. You must maintain substance in RAK and file annual corporate tax returns.
Banks can decline accounts due to unclear source of funds, high-risk nationality, no Emirates ID, inconsistent business plan, or prior account closures. RAKEFZ pre-qualifies clients before bank introduction.
RAKEZ licences are normally annual. Renewal requires a valid lease, updated insurance, and fee payment. Late renewal can trigger daily fines and suspension of visa processing.