Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ): Company Formation Guide

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is based in the heart of Ras Al Khaimah and guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, United Arab Emirates Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. RAKEZ was established to oversee and consolidate the specialized parks and clients of both Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) and RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA), and today hosts a large multinational community of companies across a wide range of sectors.

RAKEZ has become a popular destination for foreign investors, who are attracted to its cost-effective and unique environment for business.

RAKEZ – Free Zone Company Formation

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is located in the heart of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

Based in a strategic location, RAKEZ connects investors to growing markets of the Middle East and North Africa, Europe as well as South and Central Asia, RAKEZ is committed to its promise of empowering clients and investors by offering a cost- effective and world-class economic zone with customizable packages and services as well as state-of-the-art facilities.

A company formation in Dubai is a relatively simple and speedy process with strong incentives, especially in the form of the UAE's free zones. We assist our clients to choose the most appropriate solution according to their specific business requirements.

Business Advantages in RAKEZ

  • Fast and simple registration procedure
  • 100% foreign ownership
  • Provides 100% income and corporate tax exemption on qualifying activity
  • Yields 100% capital and profit repatriation
  • Fast procedure to issue UAE residencies and visas
  • Less restrictions on labor
  • Avail state-of-art infrastructure
  • No currency restrictions
  • Nil customs duty
  • Excellent airport and seaport availability
  • Transparent laws and regulations
  • Furnished offices and warehouses
  • Variety of real estate facilities to meet individual start-up needs

Value-Added Support Services

Beyond licensing, RAKEZ setups typically bundle in practical business support so you're not left to handle every step alone:

  • Corporate bank account opening assistance
  • Accounting and bookkeeping support
  • Document translation services
  • Recruitment and staffing assistance
  • Procurement support
  • Marketing and business promotion services

Company Formation Structures in RAKEZ

As one of the fastest growing free zones in the Middle East, RAKEZ offers structures to suit every foreign investor's specific requirements for Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone Freezone Company Setup:

  • Free Zone Establishment (FZE) — entity with one shareholder
  • Free Zone Company (FZC) — entity with 2 to 5 shareholders
  • Branch of a Foreign Company
  • Branch of a Local Company

RAKEZ Business License Types

There are several business license types available in RAKEZ:

License Type What It Covers
General Trading License Permits companies to store, distribute and import all goods per RAKEZ regulations
Commercial Trade License Allows trading in the specific products named on the license
Service License Enables specific services such as business consultancy, legal, and accounting firms
Industrial License Permits raw material import, manufacturing, assembling, exporting, and packaging finished goods

How to Set Up Your Company in RAKEZ

  1. Choose your business activity and matching license type
  2. Select your legal structure (FZE, FZC, or branch)
  3. Reserve your trade name and submit initial approval documents
  4. Sign your lease agreement for office, warehouse, or land space
  5. Submit your license application and required documents
  6. Receive your license and proceed with visa and bank account processing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RAKEZ?

RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) is a government-established business licensing authority in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, formed from the merger of RAK Free Trade Zone and RAK Investment Authority.

Can I own 100% of my company in RAKEZ?

Yes — RAKEZ permits full 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor requirement, plus complete repatriation of capital and profits.

What business licenses does RAKEZ offer?

RAKEZ issues four main license types: General Trading, Commercial Trade, Service, and Industrial licenses, each covering a specific scope of permitted activity.

How long does company setup take in RAKEZ?

RAKEZ is known for fast processing, with many activities completed within a few working days.

What legal structures can I register in RAKEZ?

You can register as a Free Zone Establishment (FZE, one shareholder), a Free Zone Company (FZC, two to five shareholders), or as a branch of a local or foreign company.

Get Professional Advice From Our Experts for Setting Up Your Company in RAKEZ

Our business advisers have been setting up new businesses in UAE for many years. Therefore, if you need information regarding the legislation related to opening a company in RAKEZ and details about starting a business in RAKEZ, our local advisors are happy to assist you. 

If you need any assistance regarding the registration of a company in RAKEZ, please contact us! We have a range of solutions perfect for your stage of development.

We would be glad to assist you!