RAKEZ Company Setup in Ras Al Khaimah
Start your business in one of the UAE’s most affordable and flexible free zones. Aspira handles your RAKEZ company setup from license to visas, with 100% foreign ownership and packages from AED 6,000.
What Is RAKEZ?
RAKEZ company setup is a popular choice for start-ups, traders and manufacturers who want low costs and plenty of space to grow. RAKEZ, the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, is the government authority that licenses free zone and non-free zone businesses in Ras Al Khaimah, about an hour’s drive from Dubai.
RAKEZ was formed in 2017 when the RAK Free Trade Zone and the RAK Investment Authority merged. Today it is home to tens of thousands of companies across more than 50 sectors, with more than 3,000 business activities to choose from.
At Aspira Business Setup Services, we handle your RAKEZ company setup from start to finish. Our team has 12+ years of experience and has formed 5,000+ companies for 4,500+ clients across all UAE free zones. We choose the right license and package, prepare your documents, follow up with RAKEZ and arrange your visas and bank account help.
Benefits of RAKEZ Company Setup
A RAKEZ company setup gives you more choice and better value than many other free zones:
100% foreign ownership
No local partner or sponsor needed.
Low starting cost
Packages start from AED 6,000, among the most affordable in the UAE.
Fast licensing
Starter and instant licenses can be issued online within a day once your file is complete.
Wide choice of activities
More than 3,000 activities, with up to 10 on many packages.
Space to grow
Co-working desks, offices, warehouses, industrial facilities and land.
Up to 50 shareholders
Many packages allow up to 50 shareholders.
Designated Zone status
The industrial zones are on the UAE’s Designated Zones list, which can help trading and logistics companies with VAT.
Close to ports and Dubai
Easy access to Saqr Port, Ras Al Khaimah airport and the Dubai airports.
Types of RAKEZ Licenses
Commercial License
For trading companies that import, export, buy and sell goods, including general trading and e-commerce.
Service License
For consultancy, IT, marketing, management and other professional services.
Industrial License
For manufacturing, processing, packaging and assembly, usually with a warehouse or industrial unit.
Freelancer Permit
For individual professionals in media, education and technology who want to work under their own name.
RAKEZ also offers media, educational and e-commerce licenses. Our team will recommend the right license for your RAKEZ company setup.
RAKEZ Company Setup Cost in 2026
RAKEZ publishes several ready-made packages. Based on RAKEZ’s published prices in 2026:
| Package | Price |
|---|---|
| Starter / instant license (no visa, co-working) | From AED 6,000 |
| Instant license with 1 visa | From AED 12,000 |
| All-inclusive SME package (1 visa, up to 10 activities, up to 50 shareholders) | AED 14,000 per year |
| Each extra visa on the SME package (up to 3) | AED 4,000 |
| Designated Zone package (1 visa, for trading and logistics) | From AED 16,550 per year |
| Freelancer permit | From AED 6,100 |
Prices are based on RAKEZ’s published packages and can change. Visa costs outside packages, health insurance and the medical test are extra. Contact Aspira for your exact quote.
Your final RAKEZ company setup cost depends on:
- The package and facility you choose
- The number of visas you need
- Your activities, especially industrial or special approvals
- Extra costs such as health insurance and the immigration file
Compare free zone, mainland and offshore prices with our business setup cost calculator.
RAKEZ Company Setup Process: Step by Step
Here is how a RAKEZ company setup works with Aspira:
- Free consultation: we discuss your business, activities and budget, and confirm that RAKEZ is the right fit.
- Choose your package and activities: we select the license, package and facility that suit your plans.
- Reserve your company name: we check your name against the naming rules and reserve it.
- Submit your application: we prepare and submit your application and documents online.
- Pay and sign: you pay the fees and sign your documents electronically.
- Receive your license: RAKEZ issues your license, often within a day for starter packages.
- Immigration file and visas: we open your immigration file and apply for your residence visas, including entry permit, medical test and Emirates ID.
- Bank account and tax: we help you open a corporate bank account and register for corporate tax and VAT if needed.
Documents Required for RAKEZ Company Setup
- Passport copy for each shareholder and manager, valid for at least 6 months
- Passport-size photo with a white background
- Proof of residential address
- Bank reference letter, if requested
- UAE visa and Emirates ID copy, if you live in the UAE
- Activity approvals, for some regulated activities
If a company will own your RAKEZ company, you will also need the parent company’s documents, such as its certificate of incorporation, articles of association and board resolution. Some may need attestation.
RAKEZ Company Setup: Visas
A RAKEZ company can sponsor residence visas for its owners, employees and their families. The number of visas depends on your package and facility: co-working desks usually allow a small number of visas, while offices and warehouses allow more. Aspira manages the full visa process for you, from the immigration file to the Emirates ID.
Opening a Bank Account for Your RAKEZ Company
Once your license and immigration file are ready, you can open a corporate bank account with a UAE bank. Banks usually ask for your license, company documents, shareholder passports and visas, proof of address, and a short description of your business and expected transactions. Approval usually takes a few weeks. Aspira helps you prepare a complete file and introduces you to banks that suit your activity, which saves time and lowers the risk of rejection.
Living in Dubai with a RAKEZ Company
Many of our clients choose a RAKEZ company setup to keep costs low but live in Dubai. A UAE residence visa sponsored by your RAKEZ company lets you live anywhere in the UAE, open personal bank accounts, rent a home, sponsor your family and get an Emirates ID. Your company’s business activities, however, must follow the rules of your license and free zone. If most of your clients are in Dubai, we will explain whether you need a Dubai permit or a different structure.
RAKEZ Zones and Facilities
RAKEZ has several zones for different types of business:
- Al Hamra and Al Nakheel Business Zones: co-working spaces and offices for service and trading companies
- Al Hamra, Al Ghail and Al Hulaila Industrial Zones: warehouses, industrial units and land for manufacturing and logistics
- RAKEZ Academic Zone: for education and training businesses
Your facility affects both your RAKEZ company setup cost and the number of visas your company can get.
Who Should Choose RAKEZ Company Setup?
- Start-ups and small businesses on a budget
- Traders and e-commerce sellers
- Manufacturers and industrial companies that need warehouses or land
- Freelancers in media, education and technology
- Investors who want a low-cost UAE base with visas
If you need a Dubai address for your clients, a Dubai free zone such as IFZA, Meydan or DMCC may suit you better. We will give you an honest comparison.
RAKEZ vs Dubai Free Zones
| Feature | RAKEZ | Dubai free zones (e.g. IFZA, Meydan, DMCC) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Ras Al Khaimah | Dubai |
| Starting cost | From AED 6,000 | Higher |
| Facilities | Desks, offices, warehouses, land | Mainly desks and offices |
| Industrial space | Yes, large industrial zones | Limited |
| Best for | Budget start-ups, traders, manufacturers | Businesses wanting a Dubai address |
Corporate Tax and VAT for RAKEZ Companies
Every RAKEZ company must register for UAE corporate tax. Corporate tax is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000. A company that meets the rules of a Qualifying Free Zone Person can pay 0% on qualifying income, such as certain manufacturing, processing and logistics activities. Many service activities don’t count as qualifying income and are taxed in the normal way. VAT registration is required once your taxable sales pass AED 375,000 a year. Read our guide on corporate tax registration in Dubai to learn more.
RAKEZ License Renewal
Your RAKEZ license is usually valid for one year, and some license types can be renewed for longer terms. RAKEZ sends your renewal quote before the expiry date. Late renewal adds daily fines, so plan ahead. Aspira reminds you before your renewal date and handles everything, so your company stays active.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a package with too few visas: check how many visas you will need in the first two years.
- Mixing commercial and service activities: some combinations need separate licenses.
- Picking the cheapest package without checking renewal: compare the full yearly cost, not only the first year.
- Missing corporate tax registration: every free zone company must register, even if it expects to pay 0%.
- Late renewal: fines apply from the day after expiry.
Why Choose Aspira for Your RAKEZ Company Setup?
- 12+ years of experience in UAE business setup
- 5,000+ companies formed for 4,500+ clients
- Company setup in all UAE free zones, Dubai mainland and offshore
- Honest advice on whether RAKEZ or another zone suits your budget
- One team for your license, visas, PRO services, bank account help and tax registration
- Support after setup, including renewals
Related Organizations
- Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ): issues your license
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP): residence visas and Emirates ID
- Federal Tax Authority (FTA): corporate tax and VAT registration
- Saqr Port: shipping and logistics in Ras Al Khaimah
Frequently Asked Questions
A: RAKEZ packages start from AED 6,000 without a visa. The all-inclusive SME package with 1 visa is AED 14,000 a year. Extra visas, health insurance and the medical test cost extra.
A: Starter and instant licenses can be issued within a day once your file is complete. Visas and bank account opening take longer.
A: Yes. RAKEZ allows 100% foreign ownership.
A: Yes. A UAE residence visa from a RAKEZ company lets you live anywhere in the UAE, including Dubai.
A: Many RAKEZ packages allow up to 50 shareholders.
A: You need a facility, but a co-working desk is included in many packages and is enough for most small companies.
A: Yes. RAKEZ has large industrial zones with warehouses, industrial units and land.
A: Free zone companies mainly trade within the free zone and abroad. To sell directly on the mainland, you may need a distributor or a mainland license. We will explain the best option.
Get Started with Your RAKEZ Company Setup
Ready to start your RAKEZ company setup? Contact Aspira for a free consultation and a clear quote.