Free zone · Ras Al Khaimah
RAKEZ Company Setup: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) is an economic zone established by the Government of Ras Al Khaimah that offers both free zone and non-free zone (mainland) licences. It covers thousands of activities, with flexi desks, offices, warehouses and industrial land, and suits manufacturers, traders and cost-conscious start-ups.
Fact-checked against official sources on · EH Management Consultancy LLC
At a glance
Key facts about RAKEZ
- Emirate
- Ras Al Khaimah
- Established by
- Government of Ras Al Khaimah
- Licence routes
- Free zone and non-free zone (mainland)
- Entity types
- FZE (one shareholder), FZC (multiple shareholders), branch office
- Business zones
- Al Nakheel, Al Hamra
- Industrial zones
- Al Ghail, Al Hamra, Al Hulaila
What is RAKEZ and how does it work?
RAKEZ is unusual in offering free zone and non-free zone entities under one authority. That lets a business choose a free zone structure for international trade or a non-free zone licence for activity in the Ras Al Khaimah market, without switching to a different regulator.
Its estate is split into business zones (Al Nakheel and Al Hamra) and industrial zones (Al Ghail, Al Hamra and Al Hulaila). The industrial zones offer land for development and customisable warehouses, with government-supplied power, gas and water, which is why manufacturers and processing companies often look at RAKEZ.
Activities
What can a RAKEZ company do?
- Manufacturing and industrial processing
- General and specialised trading
- Logistics and warehousing
- Consultancy and professional services
- E-commerce and media
Check your exact activity code against the zone’s current list; some activities need approval from another authority first.
Premises
What premises are available?
- Flexi facilities
- Standard, executive and shell-and-core offices
- Customisable warehouses
- Land for industrial development
- Compass Coworking Centre
Visas
How many visas can a RAKEZ company get?
Visa allocation depends on the facility you lease, from flexi desks to warehouses and land. Residence visas follow the standard UAE steps once the company’s establishment card is issued.
Tax
How is a RAKEZ company taxed?
RAKEZ free zone companies can be Qualifying Free Zone Persons if they meet all conditions, applying 0% to qualifying income and 9% to other taxable income. Non-free zone (mainland) entities are taxed under the standard 0% and 9% bands. All must register with the Federal Tax Authority.
Good fit
Who is RAKEZ best for?
- Manufacturers needing land or warehouses
- Cost-conscious start-ups and SMEs
- Businesses wanting free zone and mainland options under one authority
- Traders using Ras Al Khaimah’s ports
Think twice
When is it not the right fit?
- Companies that need a Dubai address for clients
- Regulated financial firms
- Businesses whose staff must be based in Dubai daily
Process
How to set up a company in RAKEZ
-
01
Confirm the activity
Check the activity is on the zone’s list and whether it needs external approval.
-
02
Choose the package and premises
Match visas, premises and budget.
-
03
Submit the application
Shareholder documents, activity details and name options.
-
04
Sign and pay
Sign the zone’s registration documents and pay fees.
-
05
Receive licence and establishment card
The zone issues the licence and company documents.
-
06
Visas and banking
Apply for residence visas and open the corporate account.
Checklist
What should you check before applying?
Settle these before you pay any fees in RAKEZ.
- 01
Decide between a free zone and a non-free zone (mainland) RAKEZ entity.
- 02
Choose FZE for one shareholder or FZC for several.
- 03
For manufacturing, confirm land, utilities and environmental approvals early.
- 04
Plan how staff will commute if they live in Dubai.
- 05
Check the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions if you plan to rely on 0% tax.
Frequently asked
Questions about RAKEZ
Does RAKEZ offer mainland licences?
Yes. RAKEZ offers both free zone and non-free zone entity formation, so a business can choose a structure suited to international trade or to the local market.
What is the difference between an FZE and an FZC in RAKEZ?
An FZE (Free Zone Establishment) has a single shareholder. An FZC (Free Zone Company) has multiple shareholders. Both are limited liability entities.
Is RAKEZ good for manufacturing?
Yes. RAKEZ has industrial zones at Al Ghail, Al Hamra and Al Hulaila with land for development, customisable warehouses and government-supplied utilities.
Can I live in Dubai with a RAKEZ visa?
A UAE residence visa allows you to live anywhere in the UAE, but your company’s licensed premises and operations must stay within its licensed area.
Official sources
Verify it yourself
Zones change packages and rules. These official pages are the references behind this guide.
Related
Services and guides
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