Emirate guide
Company Setup in Ras Al Khaimah: RAKEZ, Mainland and Offshore
Company setup in Ras Al Khaimah is usually done through RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone), which offers both free zone and non-free zone (mainland) licences, or through RAK ICC for offshore companies. The emirate is chosen for industrial land, lower costs and flexible structures, from flexi desks to factories.
Fact-checked against official sources on · EH Management Consultancy LLC
At a glance
Key facts about Ras Al Khaimah
- Economic zone
- RAKEZ – free zone and non-free zone licences
- Offshore registry
- RAK ICC
- Industrial zones
- Al Ghail, Al Hamra, Al Hulaila
- Business zones
- Al Nakheel, Al Hamra
- Ownership
- Up to 100% foreign ownership for most activities
How does company setup in Ras Al Khaimah work?
Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost of the larger emirates, with ports, quarries and a strong manufacturing base. RAKEZ, established by the Government of Ras Al Khaimah, combines free zone and non-free zone entity formation, with business zones at Al Nakheel and Al Hamra and industrial zones at Al Ghail, Al Hamra and Al Hulaila.
For holding structures that will not trade in the UAE, RAK ICC is one of the UAE’s offshore company registries. An offshore company can own shares and assets but cannot trade inside the UAE or sponsor residence visas.
Beyond manufacturing, Ras Al Khaimah has a significant building-materials and quarrying industry and a growing tourism sector along its coast and mountains. For businesses that sell mainly to Dubai, factor in travel time, which is longer than from Sharjah or Ajman, when choosing where your team will be based.
Free zones and registries
Which free zones are in Ras Al Khaimah?
Good fit
Who is Ras Al Khaimah best for?
- Manufacturers needing land and utilities
- Cost-conscious start-ups and SMEs
- Holding structures using an offshore company
- Businesses wanting free zone and mainland options under one authority
Think twice
When is it not the right fit?
- Firms whose team and clients must be in Dubai daily
- Regulated financial services
Process
How to set up a company in Ras Al Khaimah
-
01
Choose mainland or free zone
Decide where you will sell and how many visas you need.
-
02
Reserve the trade name
Book a compliant name with the licensing authority.
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03
Obtain initial approval and any sector approvals
Some activities need another authority’s approval first.
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04
Secure premises
Register the tenancy or lease the free zone facility.
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05
Issue the licence
Submit documents and pay fees.
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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 Ras Al Khaimah.
- 01
Decide between a RAKEZ free zone entity, a non-free zone entity and a RAK ICC offshore company.
- 02
For industry, confirm land, utilities and environmental approvals.
- 03
Remember that offshore companies cannot sponsor visas or trade in the UAE.
- 04
Plan staff commuting if your team lives in Dubai.
- 05
Register for corporate tax regardless of the structure.
Frequently asked
Questions about Ras Al Khaimah
Does RAKEZ issue mainland licences?
Yes. RAKEZ offers non-free zone (mainland) entity formation alongside its free zone entities.
What is RAK ICC?
RAK ICC is an offshore company registry in Ras Al Khaimah, used for holding shares, property and other assets. Offshore companies cannot trade in the UAE or sponsor residence visas.
Is Ras Al Khaimah good for manufacturing?
Yes. RAKEZ industrial zones offer land for development, customisable warehouses and government-supplied power, gas and water.
Can I live in Dubai with a Ras Al Khaimah company visa?
A UAE residence visa lets you live anywhere in the UAE, but the company must operate from its licensed premises in Ras Al Khaimah.
Can I use a RAK ICC company to hold UAE property?
Offshore companies are often used for holding structures, but property ownership rules depend on the emirate and the area. Check the land department’s rules before you structure.
Is Ras Al Khaimah cheaper than Dubai for company setup?
Premises and industrial land are often cheaper, but the total depends on activity, visas and premises. We compare real quotes for your case.
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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