RAK Maritime City Free Zone Authority (RMCFZA)
2009
500+
RMC
Physical Address
RAK Maritime City Free Zone Authority, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
About RAK Maritime City Free Zone Authority (RMCFZA)
A purpose-built maritime hub offering direct access to deep-water berths and comprehensive facilities for shipping, logistics, and marine-related industries
About RAK Maritime City Free Zone Authority (RMCFZA)
Established as a specialized maritime economic zone in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, RAK Maritime City Free Zone Authority (RMCFZA) represents a focused initiative to develop a thriving ecosystem for maritime industries, shipping operations, and marine services in the northern Emirates. The free zone was conceived with a progressive vision to create an enabling environment where maritime companies, shipping enterprises, and marine service providers could establish and grow their ventures with strategic advantages in terms of deep-water access, maritime infrastructure, and industry-specific support. The RMCFZA, the governing body, has consistently focused on creating an environment that balances maritime specialization with business practicality, establishing the zone as a preferred destination for maritime businesses seeking to develop their operations in a supportive and value-driven ecosystem.
What distinguishes RMCFZA is its dedicated focus on maritime industries and its commitment to maintaining competitive cost structures. The free zone features a progressive licensing framework that accommodates various maritime operational models—from specialized service providers and marine equipment suppliers to shipping companies and offshore support operations—with flexible packages designed to address the specific needs of maritime businesses at different stages of their development journey. This specialized approach is complemented by purpose-built facilities including waterfront plots, marine workshops, warehousing solutions, and office spaces that support diverse maritime activities from ship management and vessel maintenance to maritime logistics and offshore services. The zone’s strategic location in Ras Al Khaimah, with its natural deep-water harbor, excellent maritime access, and business-friendly environment, creates an enabling ecosystem for maritime companies seeking to optimize operational expenses while maintaining full maritime functionality and market access.
Maritime Business Ecosystem
RMCFZA has developed a dynamic maritime ecosystem supporting diverse marine-focused activities—from shipping operations and vessel management to maritime services, marine equipment supply, and offshore support. This integrated environment creates a collaborative community where maritime professionals and marine businesses can establish operations with appropriate infrastructure support, regulatory frameworks, and development opportunities. The zone’s business model accommodates multiple maritime approaches—from office spaces and shared facilities for maritime service providers and consultants to dedicated plots, workshops, and waterfront facilities for established shipping companies and marine operations, offering tailored solutions that align with specific maritime requirements and operational objectives in today’s evolving marine landscape.
The zone’s ecosystem emphasizes maritime enablement through a combination of specialized facilities, supportive frameworks, and essential services. This approach creates an environment where maritime companies can focus on core marine activities while benefiting from cost-effective setup options and efficient operational frameworks supported by comprehensive business facilitation and maritime development assistance. Supporting this core approach is a complete service platform including maritime licensing, facility provision, operational support, and administrative facilitation that enhances the capabilities of maritime enterprises within the ecosystem through coordinated methodologies and practical solutions designed specifically for maritime business optimization and sustainable growth.
Available License Types
Choose from a comprehensive range of specialized business licenses designed to support various commercial activities in the RMC free zone
Commercial
General trading and business activities
Industrial
Manufacturing and production
Maritime
Maritime and shipping operations
Service
Support and service industries
Trading
Import / export and commodity tradingEach license type has specific approvals and requirements to suit different types of businesses. Our experts will help you choose the most appropriate license for your business operations.
Why Choose RMC for Your Business
Discover the unique advantages that make RAK Maritime City Free Zone Authority (RMCFZA) a leading free zone for international business and strategic growth opportunities
Specialized Maritime Ecosystem
Dedicated focus on maritime industries, shipping operations, and marine services, creating a specialized ecosystem for maritime companies with industry-specific advantages and operational benefits.
Deep-Water Port Access
Direct access to deep-water port facilities with appropriate draft for various vessel types, enabling efficient maritime operations, shipping activities, and marine logistics with minimal navigational constraints.
Comprehensive Maritime Infrastructure
Purpose-built maritime infrastructure including quayside facilities, vessel berthing areas, loading/unloading equipment, and marine operational zones supporting diverse shipping activities and maritime operations.
Waterfront Development Opportunities
Availability of waterfront plots and marine-accessible facilities enabling direct water access for maritime operations, vessel services, and shipping activities requiring immediate sea connectivity.
Maritime Operational Efficiency
Streamlined maritime operations with efficient port procedures, vessel handling protocols, and marine logistics systems optimizing shipping activities and maritime business functions.
Specialized Maritime Licensing
Industry-specific licensing options including Maritime Commercial, Maritime Industrial, Maritime Service, Shipping, and Offshore licenses tailored to various maritime business models and marine operational approaches.
Maritime Business Support
Specialized business support addressing the unique requirements of maritime operations including shipping facilitation, vessel documentation, marine certifications, and maritime business services.
Diverse Maritime Facility Options
Extensive range of maritime facilities including offices, warehouses, industrial plots, waterfront plots, marine workshops, and quayside facilities accommodating various shipping business types and maritime operational scales.
Strategic Maritime Location
Advantageous position along major shipping routes with proximity to international maritime corridors, regional ports, and global shipping lanes facilitating efficient vessel movement and maritime trade.
100% Foreign Ownership
Complete ownership of your maritime business without local partner requirements, giving international shipping companies and marine enterprises full control over operations, direction, and business development.
100% Repatriation of Capital & Profits
Full repatriation rights for capital investment and business profits without restrictions, providing financial flexibility and investment security for international maritime businesses.
Tax Advantages
Comprehensive tax benefits including 0% corporate and personal income tax, exemption from import and export duties for maritime equipment and marine supplies, and absence of currency restrictions.
Maritime Customs Facilitation
Streamlined customs procedures, efficient import/export processing, and dedicated customs support facilitating international maritime trade operations and cross-border shipping activities.
Maritime Community Environment
Vibrant community of maritime professionals, shipping companies, marine service providers, and maritime entrepreneurs creating networking opportunities, potential partnerships, and collaborative possibilities.
Maritime Talent Access
Access to maritime talent, shipping professionals, marine specialists, and industry experts through established recruitment channels and facilitated visa processes for international maritime personnel.Ready to Join the World's Leading Trading Hub?
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Setup Process
A streamlined 22-step process to establish your commodity trading business in the RAK Maritime City Free Zone Authority (RMCFZA)
Initial Maritime Consultation
1 day
Engage with RMCFZA consultants to discuss your maritime business objectives, shipping operational needs, and marine facility requirements. This consultation addresses how your maritime business can benefit from RMCFZA's specialized ecosystem and identifies the optimal license type for your specific marine activities.
Maritime License Type Selection
1 day
Select the appropriate maritime license type (Maritime Commercial, Maritime Industrial, Maritime Service, Shipping, or Offshore) based on your core maritime activities and operational objectives within the marine business landscape.
Maritime Business Activity Selection
1 day
Identify and select the specific maritime activities that align with your marine business focus and operational objectives, ensuring proper categorization within RMCFZA's specialized licensing framework.
Maritime Company Name Reservation
1 day
Submit your proposed maritime company name for approval and reservation. Names are evaluated for compliance with naming conventions and to prevent confusion with existing organizations in the UAE registry.
Maritime Facility Selection
1-2 days
Identify and select your required maritime facilities based on your shipping operations and budget considerations, choosing from offices, warehouses, industrial plots, waterfront plots, marine workshops, or quayside facilities.
Maritime Document Preparation
1-2 days
Prepare and organize all required documentation including personal identification, maritime business plans, shipping company profiles, and marine operational information according to RMCFZA requirements.
Maritime Application Submission
1 day
Complete and submit the application forms with maritime company information, shareholder details, and selected shipping activities to initiate the formal review process with RMCFZA.
Maritime Document Submission
1 day
Submit required documentation including identification documents, maritime business plans, shipping company profiles, and marine operational information through the RMCFZA application portal or service center.
Maritime Application Review
2-3 days
Your maritime application undergoes review by RMCFZA authorities who evaluate shipping credentials, marine operational focus, maritime regulatory compliance, and alignment with the zone's maritime development strategy.
Maritime Initial Approval
1 day
Receive initial approval for your maritime business in RMCFZA, confirming eligibility to proceed with registration and facility preparation for your specific shipping and marine activities.
Maritime Fee Payment
1 day
Pay the required maritime fees including registration fee, license fee, facility fee, and other applicable charges through the designated payment channels.
Maritime Lease Agreement Signing
1 day
Formally execute the lease agreement for your selected maritime facility, establishing the legal framework for your marine business premises in RMCFZA.
Maritime License Issuance
1-2 days
Receive your RMCFZA maritime business license, officially authorizing your company to operate within the free zone for specified shipping activities and marine business functions.
Maritime Facility Handover
1 day
Take possession of your leased maritime facility with formal handover of keys, access cards, and facility documentation, allowing you to begin preparation for your shipping operations.
Maritime Facility Setup
5-10 days
Prepare your maritime facility for shipping operations including office setup, warehouse arrangement, workshop preparation, or quayside facility organization according to your marine operational requirements.
Maritime Immigration Card Issuance
2-3 days
Obtain your maritime establishment immigration card, enabling your shipping company to sponsor visas for maritime employees, marine specialists, and support personnel according to your allocation.
Maritime Staff Visa Processing
5-10 days
Begin processing employment visas for your maritime team according to your visa allocation and shipping operational requirements, with support from RMCFZA's visa services department.
Maritime Bank Account Opening
5-10 days
Open corporate bank accounts with local or international banks operating in the UAE, facilitating financial operations for your maritime business including shipping transactions and marine payments.
Maritime Utility Connections
3-5 days
Establish connections for essential maritime utilities including electricity, water, telecommunications, and internet services for your shipping business premises and marine operations.
Maritime Operational Permits
5-10 days
Obtain necessary operational permits, marine certifications, and shipping authorizations required for your specific maritime activities and vessel operations within the free zone.
Maritime Customs Registration
3-5 days
Register with customs authorities for import/export operations, establishing the necessary frameworks for efficient customs clearance and international shipping activities.
Commencement of Maritime Operations
1 day
Launch your maritime business operations following completion of all setup requirements and regulatory approvals, beginning your shipping and marine journey in RMCFZA.
Total Timeline
2-4 weeks typical setup
Documentation
Comprehensive support provided
Expert Guidance
End-to-end assistance
Eligibility Requirements & Documentation
Comprehensive requirements and documentation needed for establishing your free zone business
Required Documents
Passport copies
Color copies of passport with minimum 6 months validity for all shareholders, directors, and key personnel. Digital scans must be high-resolution and clearly show all passport details and biometric information.
UAE visa copies
For existing UAE residents - copies of current residence visa with sponsor information clearly indicated and validity dates visible.
Emirates ID
For existing UAE residents - clear copies of Emirates ID (front and back) with all information legible and expiry dates visible.
Passport-size photographs
Recent passport-size photographs with white background (2 copies). Photos must be professional quality, showing full face with neutral expression and meeting international ID photo standards.
Maritime business plan
Comprehensive business plan outlining your maritime activities, operational approach, market strategy, and commercial objectives. The plan should provide clear understanding of your maritime business model and intended operations.
Permitted Activities
Ship Management
Management of vessel operations, maritime logistics, and shipping activities including crew management, technical supervision, and operational coordination
Maritime Services
Provision of specialized services for maritime operations, shipping activities, and vessel management including technical support, operational assistance, and marine services
Vessel Maintenance
Maintenance, repair, and servicing of maritime vessels, ships, and marine equipment through appropriate technical operations and specialized services
Ship Chandling
Supply of provisions, equipment, spare parts, and consumables to vessels, ships, and maritime operations through specialized procurement and delivery services
Maritime Logistics
Management of maritime cargo movement, shipping logistics, vessel scheduling, and marine transportation coordination for various commercial requirements
Restricted Activities
Amenities Available in This Free Zone
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RAK Maritime City Free Zone Authority, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates