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Company Formation in RAKEZ Free Zone, Ras Al Khaimah

Set Up Your Business in RAKEZ – A Growing Economic Hub in the UAE

The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is one of the UAE’s most dynamic and cost-effective free zones, bringing together the former RAK Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) and RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA) under one strong, investor-friendly platform. Established under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, RAKEZ offers entrepreneurs, startups, and global corporations a gateway to over 100 international markets across the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and Asia.

RAKEZ’s strategic location near Dubai International Airport, RAK Seaport, and major highways gives investors seamless access to sea, air, and road networks, making it a hub for logistics, manufacturing, trading, and e-commerce. The zone supports over 18,000 companies from 100+ countries, serving 50+ industries from light manufacturing to digital services all under a flexible, pro-business regulatory framework.

Whether you’re setting up a small consultancy, trading firm, or industrial enterprise, company formation in RAKEZ Free Zone provides a smooth, fast, and tax-efficient route to success.

Why Choose RAKEZ for Company Formation?

RAKEZ is known for its simplicity, affordability, and scalability ideal for both first-time entrepreneurs and international corporations expanding in the UAE.

Key Advantages of RAKEZ Business Setup
  • 100% Foreign Ownership: No need for a local sponsor or Emirati partner.
  • 0% Corporate and Personal Income Tax: Enjoy a business-friendly, tax-free environment.
  • Full Repatriation of Profits and Capital: Move your funds freely without restrictions.
  • Dual Licensing Options: Operate both as a Free Zone and Non-Free Zone entity.
  • 0% Customs Duty: Exemption on imports and exports within the Free Zone.
  • Wide Range of Business Activities: 4,000+ approved commercial, professional, and industrial activities.
  • Minimal Documentation: Simplified registration and renewal procedures.
  • Strategic Connectivity: Access to air, sea, and land transport routes.
  • Affordable Office and Warehouse Facilities: From flexi-desks to full industrial units.
  • Dedicated Client Portal: Manage your business remotely through RAKEZ’s digital platform.


RAKEZ is especially popular among trading, logistics, e-commerce, manufacturing, and consulting businesses, offering a fast setup time and world-class infrastructure at competitive costs.

Types of Companies You Can Form in RAKEZ

RAKEZ offers flexible legal structures to suit every business size and purpose:

  • Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC):
     Suitable for 2–50 shareholders (individuals or corporations). Ideal for small and medium enterprises seeking limited liability protection.

  • Branch of a Foreign Company:
     Enables international companies to expand their operations into the UAE while maintaining 100% ownership.

  • Branch of a UAE Company:
     Allows existing mainland businesses to establish a presence in RAKEZ for expansion and regional operations.


Each entity benefits from RAKEZ’s streamlined incorporation procedures, easy compliance, and access to value-added business services.

Types of Licenses Offered in RAKEZ Free Zone

To cater to a wide variety of industries, RAKEZ issues multiple license types:

  • Commercial License: For trading in goods and services.
  • General Trading License: For companies dealing in multiple product categories.
  • Service License: For professional and consultancy-based businesses.
  • Professional License: For specialized professionals like engineers, consultants, and IT experts.
  • Industrial License: For manufacturing, packaging, and industrial activities.
  • Media License: For advertising, production, and creative businesses.
  • E-commerce License: For online sales and digital trade.
  • Educational License: For training centers, institutions, and consultancies.
  • Freelancer Permit: For individuals in media, IT, design, and education.

Tax & Regulatory Benefits in RAKEZ

Under the UAE’s Corporate Tax regime (effective from June 2023), free zone companies may enjoy a 0% corporate tax rate if they qualify as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) and meet the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) requirements.

Key Tax Advantages
  • 0% Corporate Tax: For qualifying businesses within the free zone.
  • 9% Corporate Tax: Applies only to taxable income above AED 375,000 or for non-qualifying activities.
  • 0% Personal Income Tax: No tax on individual earnings or dividends.
  • 0% Withholding Tax: On cross-border payments.
  • 5% VAT: Only applicable to taxable supplies; exports are zero-rated.
  • 100% Customs Exemption: On imports and exports within the Free Zone.
  • Full Currency Repatriation: No exchange controls or currency restrictions.


The Capital Zone assists clients in FTA registration, tax compliance, and QFZP qualification, ensuring your company remains fully compliant while maximizing available tax exemptions.

Step-by-Step Process of Company Formation in RAKEZ Free Zone

Setting up a business in RAKEZ is quick and straightforward. The process can be completed within 5–10 working days, depending on documentation and business type.

Step 1 – Choose Business Activity & Legal Structure

Select your desired business activities (from 4,000+ options) and decide on the legal form FZ-LLC, branch, or subsidiary.

Step 2 – Reserve Your Trade Name

Pick a unique company name and submit it for approval to the RAKEZ Authority.

Step 3 – Prepare & Submit Documents

Submit necessary documents such as passport copies, Emirates ID (if applicable), visa pages, and proof of address.

Step 4 – Obtain Initial Approval & Pay Fees

Once your documents are verified, pay the setup fees and obtain initial approval.

Step 5 – Sign the MOA & Lease Agreement

The Memorandum of Association and lease documents are signed, finalizing your company’s registration.

Step 6 – License Issuance

Receive your official RAKEZ trade license and company incorporation documents.

Step 7 – Visa Processing

Apply for investor, employee, and dependent visas under your company.

Step 8 – Open a Corporate Bank Account

With your trade license, The Capital Zone assists in opening a corporate bank account with leading UAE banks.

Once these steps are completed, your company is fully operational and ready to trade.

Timeline for RAKEZ Company Formation

  • Company Setup & License Issuance: 5–10 business days
  • Immigration & E-Channel Setup: 3–5 days
  • Visa Processing: 5–7 business days
  • Total Estimated Duration: 2–3 weeks (depending on approvals and documentation)


The Capital Zone ensures smooth coordination, allowing your setup to be completed within the shortest possible time.

RAKEZ Company Formation Cost

RAKEZ offers flexible and affordable setup packages.

(Prices are indicative and may vary based on activity type and number of visas.)

  • Zero Visa Package: AED 11,500*
  • 1–3 Visa Package: AED 14,000 – AED 18,000*
  • Office/Flexi Desk Option: AED 5,000 – AED 8,000 annually
  • License Renewal: Similar to setup cost with multi-year renewal discounts


Additional visa services start from AED 3,750 per visa, including medical and Emirates ID fees.

Common Challenges in RAKEZ Company Formation

While the process is streamlined, new investors may face minor hurdles such as:

  • Selecting the correct business activity under the right license type.

  • Meeting FTA’s Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) tax conditions.

  • Choosing the best visa or office package for operational needs.

  • Corporate bank account opening delays due to compliance checks.

  • Misunderstanding documentation or legal translation requirements.

With The Capital Zone, these challenges are eliminated through expert guidance, ensuring accuracy and compliance from start to finish.

Why Choose Us

At The Capital Zone, we simplify and accelerate your company setup in RAKEZ Free Zone. Our team of experts handles every aspect of the process from documentation and registration to visa assistance and tax compliance so you can focus on growing your business.

Our Services Include:
  • Company registration & license application
  • Visa & immigration services
  • Bank account opening assistance
  • Tax registration & corporate compliance
  • Accounting & bookkeeping
  • Business consultancy & strategic planning


With years of experience helping hundreds of clients across UAE free zones, The Capital Zone ensures a seamless setup experience and long-term business support.

Frequently Asked Questions

RAKEZ offers businesses 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate taxes, and a cost-effective setup process. It’s an ideal location for businesses looking for flexibility, modern infrastructure, and access to international markets.

RAKEZ caters to a wide range of businesses, including those in trading, manufacturing, consultancy, and freelancing. We help you choose the right license based on your business activities.

The company formation process in RAKEZ typically takes between 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the complexity of your setup and documentation requirements.

Yes, RAKEZ is an excellent option for startups and SMEs due to its affordable setup packages, flexible business solutions, and access to UAE markets.

Have A Questions?

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