Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
RAKEZ Free Zone
Industrial land, warehousing and low-cost licences in one economic zone.
100%
Foreign ownership
100+
Countries represented
0%
Personal income tax
5
Specialised zones
Overview
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is one of the UAE's major economic zones, offering business setup solutions for startups, SMEs, manufacturers, traders and service providers. RAKEZ was established to consolidate the operations of the former RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA) and Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ). Today, it supports companies across a wide range of industries and provides flexible licensing, office, warehouse and industrial facility options.
Located in Ras Al Khaimah, RAKEZ offers businesses access to UAE and international markets through its strategic location and established infrastructure. Its business community includes companies from more than 100 countries, spanning numerous sectors. Evolva, an authorised channel partner of RAKEZ, supports investors through every stage of setup.
Features of RAKEZ Free Zone
100%
Full Ownership
RAK free zone company setup offers 100% foreign ownership.
Free Zone & Non-Free Zone Entities
Choose entity formation as either a free zone or non-free zone company depending on your market needs.
Quick, Efficient Processes
Streamlined business setup processes designed to minimise delays.
On-Site Staff Accommodation
Ability to build on-site staff accommodation for larger operations.
Wide Range of Facilities
Industrial facilities and value-added services across every specialised zone.
One-Stop Solution
All services — licensing, visas, facilities — available in one place.
Self-Service Customer Portal
Manage renewals, amendments and services through RAKEZ's online portal.
Strong Connectivity
Access to major logistical hubs and multilane super highways.
International Regional Offices
Easy accessibility via an international spread of regional offices.
Global Market Access
Reach markets across the Middle East, Asia, North Africa and Europe.
Specialised Zones in RAKEZ
RAKEZ operates several dedicated zones, each catering to different sectors — trading, services, consultancy, manufacturing, industrial projects, logistics and education.
Al Hamra Industrial Zone
A suitable space for both light and heavy industry projects, allowing both free zone and non-free zone entities.
Al Ghail Industrial Zone
A perfect choice for large-scale industrial manufacturing enterprises, preferable for both free zone and non-free zone entities.
Al Hulaila Industrial Zone
Home to the heavier side of industrial manufacturing within RAKEZ.
RAKEZ Business Zone
Purpose-built for trading, services and consultancy businesses seeking flexible office solutions.
RAKEZ Academic Zone
Dedicated to schools, universities, institutes and academic consultancy services.
Business Structures in RAKEZ
Companies registered in RAKEZ free zone can be structured in one of the following ways. Non-free zone operations require a UAE national partner.
| Structure | Shareholders | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Branch (Free Zone) | Parent company | Branch of a foreign company or a locally registered entity |
| Free Zone Establishment (FZE) | 1 shareholder | Single-owner entity |
| Free Zone LLC (FZ-LLC) | 2 – 5 shareholders | Multi-shareholder free zone entity |
| Individual Establishment (Non-Free Zone) | Sole owner | Requires a UAE national partner |
| Limited Liability Company (Non-Free Zone) | 2 – 50 shareholders | Requires a UAE national partner |
For an FZE or FZ-LLC, the minimum capital requirement is AED 100,000 — though it is not mandatory to evidence deposit of the capital amount. Non-free zone companies must hold capital sufficient to achieve the purpose of incorporation, in equal-value shares.
Licence Types in RAKEZ
RAKEZ offers several licence categories across trading, manufacturing, professional services, education, e-commerce and media. The right licence depends on your business activity and planned operations.
Commercial Licence
Suitable for businesses involved in trading, importing, exporting and distributing goods.
General Trading Licence
Designed for businesses trading in multiple product categories under one licence, subject to RAKEZ activity rules.
Industrial Licence
Suitable for manufacturing, assembling, processing and packaging activities within RAKEZ.
Service Licence
For companies providing consultancy, business support and other service-based activities.
Professional Licence
Suitable for individuals and businesses offering specialised professional services based on their expertise.
Educational Licence
Designed for eligible education-related activities, including training, teaching and consultancy services.
E-commerce Licence
For businesses selling products or services through online platforms and digital channels.
Media Licence
Suitable for eligible media, production, marketing and related creative activities.
Steps for Company Setup in RAKEZ Free Zone
Setting up a business in RAKEZ involves choosing the right activity and licence, preparing documents, submitting your application, and completing incorporation. Evolva, an authorised channel partner of RAKEZ, supports investors through each stage.
- 1
Choose your business activity and package
Start by selecting your business activity and preferred RAKEZ package. The choice of activity determines the suitable licence and setup requirements — our team helps you compare available options.
- 2
Choose the legal structure
Select the appropriate legal structure for your company. RAKEZ offers different structures based on the number of shareholders, business activity and operational requirements.
- 3
Prepare the required documents
Typically includes passport copies, photographs, application forms and company-related documents where applicable. Our team reviews documents before submission to reduce delays.
- 4
Submit the application to RAKEZ
Once your documents are ready, we submit the company formation application and coordinate with RAKEZ on your behalf.
- 5
Receive your trade licence and incorporation documents
After approval, RAKEZ issues your trade licence and incorporation documents, and your company is officially registered.
- 6
Apply for visas and open a corporate bank account
Proceed with residence visa applications for eligible shareholders, employees and dependents, and begin the corporate bank account opening process.
- 7
Stay compliant with accounting and tax requirements
Ongoing compliance — accounting, bookkeeping, VAT and UAE Corporate Tax — depends on your business activities and financial position. Evolva provides accounting and bookkeeping support to help RAKEZ companies stay compliant.
Documents Required for RAKEZ Company Formation
Requirements depend on whether the shareholder is an individual or an existing corporate entity, and may vary based on business activity and licence type.
Individual Shareholders
- Coloured passport copy
- Emirates ID copy (for UAE residents)
- UAE visa copy and entry stamp, if applicable
- Original No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the General Manager, where required
- Business plan, where applicable
Corporate Shareholders
- Shareholders' resolution approving the establishment of the RAKEZ company and appointment of the General Manager
- Trade licence or certificate of registration of the existing company
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA/AOA)
- Certificate of Good Standing or Certificate of Incumbency, where applicable
Cost of RAKEZ Licence
| Package | Starting Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| 0-visa package | 4,999 |
| 1-visa package | 7,499 |
Final cost depends on your business activity, licence type, visa requirements and any additional approvals or facilities required — confirm current fees with your Evolva consultant.
Infrastructure Built for Growth
RAKEZ's business towers and industrial facilities give companies room to grow from a single flexi-desk to dedicated warehouse and manufacturing space within the same economic zone — without needing to relocate to a different jurisdiction as operations scale.
Local Support Throughout Setup
Evolva's consultants work with you at every stage of your RAKEZ application — from selecting the right activity and legal structure through to document preparation, submission and post-licence compliance — so you always know exactly where your application stands.
Why Choose Evolva for Your RAKEZ Business Setup?
As an authorised channel partner of RAKEZ, Evolva manages your application, documentation and ongoing compliance in one place.
Authorised RAKEZ Channel Partner
Direct partner status with RAKEZ streamlines every stage of your application.
Structure & Activity Guidance
We help you identify the suitable legal structure and licence category for your business activity.
Document Review Before Submission
We review your documents ahead of submission to reduce delays during the application process.
Visa & Bank Account Support
Guidance through residence visa applications and corporate bank account opening after incorporation.
Ongoing Compliance Support
Accounting, bookkeeping, VAT and UAE Corporate Tax support to keep your RAKEZ company compliant.
One Dedicated Consultant
A single point of contact manages your case from consultation through to licence delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to start your RAKEZ Free Zone setup?
Speak to an Evolva consultant for a tailored quote and a clear timeline.
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Ready to get started with RAKEZ Free Zone?
Speak with an Evolva consultant today and get a tailored quote for your business setup.