RAKEZ currently publishes business-setup and selected licence offers starting from AED 6,000. The exact inclusions depend on the selected package and current promotion.
Ras Al Khaimah · UAE
RAKEZ Company Formation in Ras Al Khaimah
Set up a company in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone with a clear plan for your business activity, licence, legal structure, workspace, visas and post-licence requirements. First Elite Global can help you coordinate the formation process from initial setup review through the practical steps that follow licence issuance.
- 100% foreign ownership for a RAKEZ free-zone company
- FZ-LLC and branch structures available
- Commercial, service, e-commerce and industrial routes
- Workspace and UAE residence-visa options available
22+ years
Experience supporting company formation and related services
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Companies served across multiple jurisdictions
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The short answer
What is RAK free zone company formation?
RAK free zone company formation means establishing a business through Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) under its free-zone framework. The setup can provide 100% foreign ownership and access to RAKEZ licences, business facilities and eligible residence-visa routes.
The important decision is not simply whether RAKEZ is inexpensive. Your selected business activity, licence category, legal form, shareholder structure, facility and visa requirements need to fit the way the company will actually operate.
A consultant or online business may only need a flexible workspace route, while a trading, manufacturing or logistics company may require a more substantial office, warehouse or industrial facility.
Who this setup can suit
- Entrepreneurs establishing a new UAE operating company
- Consultants and service businesses needing a free-zone licence
- E-commerce and commercial businesses
- Trading companies selecting activities from the RAKEZ activity list
- Industrial or logistics projects requiring larger facilities
- Existing UAE or overseas companies opening a branch
Cost planning
RAKEZ company formation cost
There is no single RAKEZ setup price that applies to every company. The total depends on the licence, activities, shareholders, visas, workspace and any additional approvals or post-licence services.
RAKEZ currently advertises an all-inclusive SME package that includes a trade licence and one UAE residence visa, subject to the package conditions in force when you apply.
RAKEZ offers and promotional prices can change. Pricing above was checked against current RAKEZ information in August 2026. Request an itemised scope before proceeding so that licence, facility, immigration and optional service costs are separated clearly.
Licence & activities
The registered activity set and licence category affect the setup.
Shareholders
Individual and corporate ownership profiles can have different documentation requirements.
Visas
Founder, partner, employee and dependent requirements should be planned separately.
Facility
Coworking, private offices, warehouses and land have different cost structures.
Additional steps
External approvals, legalisation, tax work and other services can add to the total.
Business activities
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RAKEZ licence types and business activities
Start with the activity your company will actually carry out. The activity determines the relevant licence classification and can also affect workspace, external approvals and other setup requirements.
Commercial
Used for approved trading and commercial activities. Check the exact goods and activity description rather than selecting a broad trading label.
Services & professional
Relevant to approved consultancy, professional and service-led activities, subject to the activity classification and any required qualifications or approvals.
E-commerce
Designed for approved online commercial activities. The licence should still reflect what is actually being sold or provided online.
General trading
A broader trading route for eligible goods and activities. Confirm whether specialist products require additional permissions.
Industrial
Suitable for eligible manufacturing, processing and industrial activities where premises, utilities or facility requirements may form a major part of the setup.
Other RAKEZ categories
RAKEZ also lists educational, media and individual/professional licensing routes and freelancer permits for applicable activities.
If you are still choosing the exact activity, use our RAKEZ activity list guide before finalising the licence.
Ownership structure
RAKEZ free-zone company types and legal structures
RAKEZ currently offers an FZ-LLC as well as branch structures for companies already incorporated in the UAE or overseas. A free-zone company can have up to 50 shareholders.
| Structure | Who it can suit | Key planning point |
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| Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) | New companies with individual, corporate or combined ownership. | Ownership, manager, UBO information, activities and facility should be agreed before filing. |
| Branch of a UAE-based company | An existing UAE company that wants a RAKEZ branch rather than incorporating a separate shareholder-owned subsidiary. | Parent-company records and corporate authorisation documents will normally form part of the application. |
| Branch of a foreign company | An overseas company extending its existing legal presence into RAKEZ. | Overseas corporate records can require additional authentication or supporting documentation. |
RAKEZ also supports non-free-zone structures, but those are a separate setup route and should not be confused with the RAK free-zone company formation covered on this page.
Workspace planning
RAKEZ office and facility options
One of RAKEZ's distinguishing features is the range of facilities available. The right choice depends on whether your company primarily needs a licensed business address, a private working environment, storage, manufacturing space or land for a larger project.
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Coworking spaces
Flexible workspace for eligible startups, entrepreneurs and smaller service businesses.
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Serviced and standard offices
Private or managed office routes for businesses requiring a more established workspace.
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Executive and shell & core offices
Larger or customisable premises for growing companies and specific operating requirements.
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Warehouses
Industrial and storage facilities for eligible trading, logistics and manufacturing operations.
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Land for development
Development plots for larger industrial, logistics and service-industry projects.
Visa requirements should be checked alongside the facility and package rather than treated as a separate decision after the licence has been issued.
Residence planning
UAE residence visas through a RAKEZ company
Shareholders and eligible employees can apply for UAE residence visas through the relevant RAKEZ company route. The licence itself does not guarantee a visa: immigration approval, supporting documents and the applicable package or facility conditions still apply.
Investor / partner visa
RAKEZ provides an investor/partner visa service for shareholders of companies registered with the authority.
Employee visas
Eligible RAKEZ companies can also use the authority's employee visa services where staffing forms part of the operating plan.
Emirates ID & medical stages
Residence processing can involve an entry permit or status step, medical fitness requirements, Emirates ID and biometrics depending on the applicant's circumstances.
Plan the number and type of visas before choosing the company package. Additional immigration costs and timelines are separate from the core company-licensing stage.
Formation process
How RAKEZ company formation works
RAKEZ describes the core formation process as choosing the package, submitting the application and documents, and receiving the business licence. First Elite Global can help coordinate the decisions and supporting work around those stages.
Define the business
Confirm what the company will sell or provide, target customers,
shareholders, staffing, visa requirements and facility needs.
Select the setup
Match the intended activity to the appropriate licence, legal entity,
facility and current RAKEZ package.
Prepare documents
Assemble shareholder, manager, UBO and any applicable corporate,
qualification, business-plan or external-approval records.
Submit the application
File the formation information and supporting documents and address
any authority queries or additional requirements.
Complete licensing
After the licensing formalities and applicable payment are completed,
RAKEZ issues the licence and company registration set.
Activate the company
Continue with applicable visas, Emirates ID, tax and compliance steps,
operational administration and corporate banking preparation.
RAKEZ's current customer-service catalogue lists a 1–3 working-day service delivery period for business setup. The complete journey can take longer where documents are incomplete, an activity needs another approval, a facility is involved or immigration and other post-licence stages are required.
Application preparation
Documents required for RAKEZ company formation
Requirements depend on the shareholders, manager, activity and legal form. Prepare the ownership structure first so that the correct individual or corporate document set can be assembled.
Individual shareholder or manager
- Valid passport copy with sufficient remaining validity
- UAE residence visa or entry-stamp information where applicable
- Emirates ID where applicable
- NOC from the current sponsor where required for a UAE employment-visa holder
- Ultimate Beneficial Owner information and supporting identity records
- Business plan where the activity or case requires one
- Qualifications or external-authority approval where applicable
Corporate shareholder
- Current trade licence or certificate of incorporation as applicable
- Memorandum and Articles of Association or equivalent constitutional documents
- Corporate resolution authorising the RAKEZ setup
- Certificate of good standing or equivalent where applicable
- Ownership structure and Ultimate Beneficial Owner information
- Authorised signatory and manager documents
- Legalisation, attestation or other supporting evidence where required
Do not order document legalisation or prepare a corporate resolution from a generic template until the exact RAKEZ structure and shareholder jurisdiction have been confirmed.
Industrial setup
RAKEZ for warehouses, logistics and industrial businesses
RAKEZ is not limited to low-cost service-company licences. The authority also provides warehouses, industrial facilities and land-development options for eligible operational businesses.
For an industrial project, the facility decision should be made at the same time as the business activity. Production, storage, equipment, utilities, staffing, environmental requirements and external approvals can materially affect the setup.
A company that merely trades physical products does not automatically require an industrial licence. The exact registered activity should be checked against what the company will actually do.
Choose the right Ras Al Khaimah structure
RAKEZ
RAK ICC
RAKEZ vs RAK ICC
RAKEZ and RAK ICC are both associated with Ras Al Khaimah, but they should not be treated as interchangeable company-formation routes.
Operating free-zone company
- Business licences tied to approved operating activities
- FZ-LLC and branch routes
- Coworking, offices, warehouses and industrial facilities
- Investor/partner and employee residence-visa services
- Suitable when the business requires an active UAE operating presence
Corporate and structuring routes
- Separate corporate registry with international and structuring products
- Commonly considered for holding, investment and cross-border structures
- Registration routes can operate through RAK ICC registered agents
- Current products include Global Product with workspace and visa eligibility
- Premium Product combines a RAK ICC Holdco with a RAKEZ operating subsidiary
If you need a conventional operating company with a RAKEZ licence, workspace and visa pathway, start with the RAKEZ route. If the objective is primarily holding assets, international structuring or a group-company arrangement, compare the current RAK ICC options before choosing the entity.
Location decision
RAKEZ vs a Dubai free zone
The right choice depends on your operating model rather than the emirate name alone. Compare activities, premises, visas, logistics and full annual costs before committing to a free zone.
| Decision factor | RAKEZ | Dubai free zones |
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| Location | Ras Al Khaimah | Dubai, across multiple separate free-zone authorities |
| Workspace range | Coworking through to offices, warehouses and development land | Varies substantially by the selected Dubai authority |
| Industrial use | Strong range of industrial and logistics facility options | Available in selected zones; suitability depends on the authority |
| Entry cost | RAKEZ currently promotes selected packages from AED 6,000 | Pricing varies by free zone, licence, facility and visa package |
| Best decision basis | Choose when the RAKEZ activity, facility and operating model fit the business | Choose when a particular Dubai location or sector ecosystem better supports the business |
Still comparing jurisdictions? Review First Elite Global's Dubai free zone company formation guide.
0%
can apply to Qualifying Income of a Qualifying Free Zone Person when the required conditions are met.
Corporate Tax
Does a RAKEZ company automatically pay 0% Corporate Tax?
No. Incorporating in a UAE free zone does not by itself make all of the company's income subject to a 0% Corporate Tax rate.
Under the UAE free-zone Corporate Tax regime, a Qualifying Free Zone Person can benefit from a 0% rate on Qualifying Income when the applicable conditions are met. Taxable Income that does not meet the Qualifying Income definition is subject to the 9% rate.
Free Zone Persons also have Corporate Tax registration and filing obligations. Build the tax position around the company's actual activities, customers, transactions and substance rather than a headline free-zone tax claim.
First Elite Global support
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Support beyond the RAKEZ application form
Company formation works best when the licence decision is connected to what comes next. First Elite Global can help coordinate the setup around your intended operation rather than treating licence issuance as the end of the process.
Activity & licence planning
Define the business model and match it to the proposed RAKEZ activity and licence route.
Structure & shareholder planning
Coordinate the proposed legal form, shareholders, manager and UBO information before filing.
Document preparation
Identify the personal and corporate documents required for the agreed application structure.
Authority coordination
Support the formation submission and help organise responses where additional information or approvals are requested.
Visa & post-licence support
Coordinate relevant owner, partner or employee residence stages and associated company administration.
Corporate banking preparation
Help prepare the company profile and supporting records for a separate bank application. The bank retains its own approval decision.
Client feedback
Proof you're in safe hands
★★★★★“Setting up my business in the UAE was seamless with First Elite Global. Their expert team handled everything efficiently, from legal structure selection to paperwork.”
★★★★★“They provided clear guidance and managed everything from registration to banking. Professional and timely service.”
RAKEZ FAQs
Questions about RAK free zone company formation
These answers cover the main planning questions before a RAKEZ application. Final requirements depend on the selected activity, package, facility and applicant profile.
How much does RAKEZ company formation cost?
RAKEZ currently publishes selected business-setup options from AED 6,000 and an all-inclusive SME promotion at AED 14,000 that includes a trade licence and UAE residence visa. Your actual total can change based on activities, shareholders, visas, facility, approvals and optional services. Check the current package before applying.
How long does RAKEZ company formation take?
RAKEZ's current service catalogue lists a general business-setup service delivery time of 1–3 working days. This should not be treated as a guarantee for every company. Activities requiring another approval, incomplete documents, facility requirements and post-licence visa stages can extend the overall timeline.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a RAKEZ free-zone company?
Yes. RAKEZ states that a local partner is not required for its free-zone company route and that the structure allows 100% foreign ownership.
How many shareholders can a RAKEZ free-zone company have?
RAKEZ currently states that a free-zone company can have up to 50 shareholders, subject to the applicable company setup and authority requirements.
What legal structures can I use in RAKEZ Free Zone?
Current RAKEZ free-zone company types include a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC), a branch of a UAE-based company and a branch of a foreign company.
Can I get a UAE residence visa through a RAKEZ company?
RAKEZ provides investor/partner and employee visa services for eligible applicants and companies. Visa issuance remains subject to the relevant immigration requirements and approval, and the company package or facility should be checked against the planned visa requirements.
What facilities does RAKEZ provide?
Current RAKEZ facility options include coworking space, serviced, standard and executive offices, shell-and-core offices, warehouses and land for development. The appropriate option depends on the licensed activity and operating requirements.
Is RAKEZ the same as RAK ICC?
No. RAKEZ is the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone and provides operating company, licensing and facility routes. RAK ICC is a separate corporate registry with international and structuring products. RAK ICC also now offers products such as Global Product and Premium Product, so the two should be compared against the intended use rather than reduced to a simple “free zone versus offshore” distinction.
Does a RAKEZ company automatically qualify for 0% Corporate Tax?
No. The 0% UAE Free Zone Corporate Tax rate is available on Qualifying Income of a Qualifying Free Zone Person where the relevant conditions are met. Other taxable income can be subject to the 9% rate, and Free Zone Persons have Corporate Tax registration and filing obligations.
Can First Elite Global guarantee a corporate bank account?
No. Corporate bank-account approval is a separate decision made by the bank after its own due-diligence review. First Elite Global can help prepare the company information, ownership records and business profile needed for an application.
Plan before you apply
Build your RAKEZ company around the way you intend to operate
Share your proposed activities, shareholders, visa needs, workspace requirements and expected business model. First Elite Global can help turn that information into a clearer RAKEZ setup plan and itemised next-step scope.
