Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
2017
18K+
RAK
Physical Address
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
About Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
A highly diversified economic zone offering tailored solutions for startups, SMEs, and large enterprises across a wide range of industries, with flexible facilities and cost-effective packages
About Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
Established in 2017 through the merger of RAK Free Trade Zone and RAK Investment Authority, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) represents one of the UAE’s most comprehensive and versatile business destinations, offering a balanced combination of cost-efficiency, operational flexibility, and strategic advantages for companies seeking to establish presence in the region. Located in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, the economic zone has evolved into an integrated business ecosystem that accommodates diverse commercial and industrial activities while maintaining a distinctive value proposition centered on affordability, accessibility, and practical business support. The RAKEZ Authority has consistently focused on creating an environment that balances regulatory compliance with operational simplicity, establishing the zone as a preferred destination for investors, manufacturers, and service providers seeking cost-effective business solutions without compromising on quality or capabilities.
What distinguishes RAKEZ is its comprehensive approach to business facilitation and its commitment to maintaining competitive cost structures. The economic zone features a progressive licensing framework that accommodates various operational models—from individual entrepreneurs and small businesses to medium-sized companies and large industrial enterprises—with flexible packages designed to address the specific needs of businesses at different stages of their development journey. This practical approach is complemented by extensive facilities including modern office spaces, warehousing solutions, industrial plots, and specialized zones that support diverse business activities from commercial services and trading operations to manufacturing, logistics, and educational institutions. The zone’s strategic location in Ras Al Khaimah, with its lower cost of living, excellent connectivity, and business-friendly environment, creates an enabling ecosystem for companies seeking to optimize operational expenses while maintaining full business functionality and market access.
Business Ecosystem
RAKEZ has developed a dynamic business ecosystem supporting diverse commercial and industrial activities—from manufacturing and trading to services, education, and logistics operations. This integrated environment creates a collaborative community where entrepreneurs and businesses can establish operations with appropriate infrastructure support, regulatory frameworks, and development opportunities. The zone’s business model accommodates multiple operational approaches—from small offices and flexi desks for startups and small businesses to dedicated facilities, warehouses, and industrial plots for established companies and manufacturing operations, offering tailored solutions that align with specific business requirements and operational objectives in today’s evolving commercial landscape.
The zone’s ecosystem emphasizes business enablement through a combination of practical facilities, supportive frameworks, and essential services. This approach creates an environment where companies can focus on core business activities while benefiting from cost-effective setup options and efficient operational frameworks supported by comprehensive business facilitation and development assistance. Supporting this core approach is a complete service platform including business licensing, facility provision, operational support, and administrative facilitation that enhances the capabilities of enterprises within the ecosystem through coordinated methodologies and practical solutions designed specifically for 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 RAK free zone
Agricultural
Agricultural and farming operations
Commercial
General trading and business activities
Construction
Construction and infrastructure services
Consulting
Expert advisory and consulting services
E-commerce
Online trading and digital commerce
Education
Educational institutions and training
Healthcare
Medical and healthcare services
Holding Company
Investment and holding activities
Industrial
Manufacturing and production
Professional
Consulting and professional services
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 RAK for Your Business
Discover the unique advantages that make Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) a leading free zone for international business and strategic growth opportunities
Comprehensive Business Ecosystem
Integrated business environment supporting diverse commercial and industrial activities with comprehensive facilities, infrastructure, and services addressing various business requirements and operational needs.
Cost-Effective Business Environment
Highly competitive setup and operational costs compared to other UAE economic zones, with affordable licensing packages, reasonable facility rates, and economical service fees optimizing business economics.
Diverse Licensing Options
Extensive range of license types including Commercial, Industrial, Service, Educational, Media, and E-commerce, accommodating various business models and operational approaches with appropriate regulatory frameworks.
Flexible Facility Solutions
Diverse facility options including flexi desks, offices of various sizes, warehouses, industrial plots, showrooms, and retail spaces, accommodating different business types and operational scales with appropriate infrastructure.
Industrial Development Focus
Specialized infrastructure and support for industrial operations including manufacturing facilities, production units, and industrial developments with appropriate utilities, logistics support, and operational frameworks.
Strategic Location Advantages
Convenient location in Ras Al Khaimah with proximity to major ports, airports, highways, and commercial centers, providing logistical advantages and market access with efficient transportation connections.
Comprehensive Business Support
Dedicated business support services addressing various operational needs including company formation, visa processing, facility management, and administrative assistance throughout the business lifecycle.
Zero Capital Requirement
No minimum capital requirement for business establishment, removing financial barriers to entry and enabling entrepreneurs to formalize their operations without significant initial investment.
100% Foreign Ownership
Complete ownership of your business without local partner requirements, giving international entrepreneurs and companies 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 businesses.
Tax Advantages
Comprehensive tax benefits including 0% corporate and personal income tax, exemption from import and export duties, and absence of currency restrictions enhancing business profitability.
Customs Facilitation
Streamlined customs procedures, efficient import/export processing, and dedicated customs support facilitating international trade operations and cross-border business activities.
Logistics Advantages
Strategic proximity to Saqr Port, RAK International Airport, and major highways, providing efficient logistics solutions, transportation advantages, and supply chain optimization for businesses.
Business Community Environment
Vibrant community of entrepreneurs, SMEs, and established businesses creating networking opportunities, potential partnerships, and collaborative possibilities within the economic zone ecosystem.
Lower Operating Costs
Significantly lower operational costs compared to other emirates, enabling businesses to optimize expenses for facilities, utilities, labor, and daily operations while maintaining quality and efficiency.Ready to Join the World's Leading Trading Hub?
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Setup Process
A streamlined 20-step process to establish your commodity trading business in the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)
Initial Consultation
1 day
Engage with RAKEZ consultants to discuss your business objectives, operational needs, and facility requirements. This consultation addresses how your business can benefit from RAKEZ's ecosystem and identifies the optimal license type for your specific activities.
License Type Selection
1 day
Select the appropriate license type (Commercial, Industrial, Service, Educational, Media, or E-commerce) based on your core business activities and operational objectives within the commercial and industrial landscape.
Business Activity Selection
1 day
Identify and select the specific business activities that align with your commercial or industrial focus and operational objectives, ensuring proper categorization within RAKEZ's licensing framework.
Company Name Reservation
1 day
Submit your proposed 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.
Facility Selection
1-2 days
Identify and select your required facilities based on your business operations and budget considerations, choosing from flexi desks, offices, warehouses, industrial plots, showrooms, or retail spaces.
Document Preparation
1-2 days
Prepare and organize all required documentation including personal identification, business plans, company profiles, and operational information according to RAKEZ requirements.
Application Submission
1 day
Complete and submit the application forms with company information, shareholder details, and selected business activities to initiate the formal review process with RAKEZ Authority.
Document Submission
1 day
Submit required documentation including identification documents, business plans, company profiles, and operational information through the RAKEZ application portal or service center.
Application Review
1-2 days
Your application undergoes review by RAKEZ authorities who evaluate business credentials, operational focus, regulatory compliance, and alignment with the zone's development strategy.
Initial Approval
1 day
Receive initial approval for your business in RAKEZ, confirming eligibility to proceed with registration and facility preparation for your specific commercial or industrial activities.
Fee Payment
1 day
Pay the required fees including registration fee, license fee, facility fee, and other applicable charges through the designated payment channels.
Lease Agreement Signing
1 day
Formally execute the lease agreement for your selected facility, establishing the legal framework for your business premises in RAKEZ.
License Issuance
1 day
Receive your RAKEZ business license, officially authorizing your company to operate within the economic zone for specified commercial or industrial activities and business functions.
Facility Handover
1 day
Take possession of your leased facility with formal handover of keys, access cards, and facility documentation, allowing you to begin preparation for your business operations.
Facility Setup
3-7 days
Prepare your facility for business operations including office setup, warehouse arrangement, or industrial facility preparation according to your operational requirements.
Immigration Card Issuance
1-2 days
Obtain your establishment immigration card, enabling your company to sponsor visas for employees, managers, and support personnel according to your allocation.
Staff Visa Processing
5-10 days
Begin processing employment visas for your team according to your visa allocation and operational requirements, with support from RAKEZ's visa services department.
Bank Account Opening
5-10 days
Open corporate bank accounts with local or international banks operating in the UAE, facilitating financial operations for your business including transactions and payments.
Utility Connections
3-5 days
Establish connections for essential utilities including electricity, water, telecommunications, and internet services for your business premises and operations.
Commencement of Operations
1 day
Launch your business operations following completion of all setup requirements and regulatory approvals, beginning your commercial or industrial journey in RAKEZ.
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.
Business plan
Comprehensive business plan outlining your business activities, operational approach, market strategy, and commercial objectives. The plan should provide clear understanding of your business model and intended operations.
Permitted Activities
Manufacturing
Production of goods, products, and merchandise through industrial processes, manufacturing operations, and production activities with appropriate equipment and facilities
General Trading
Import, export, and distribution of multiple product categories and diverse merchandise across various markets and commercial channels
Specific Trading
Import, export, and distribution of specific product categories, specialized merchandise, or focused commercial goods within defined market segments
Commercial Services
Provision of business-to-business services, commercial support functions, and enterprise assistance across various operational domains and business requirements
Professional Services
Delivery of specialized professional services requiring specific expertise, qualifications, or industry knowledge across various business sectors and client needs
Restricted Activities
Amenities Available in This Free Zone
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Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates