Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ)
2000
14K+
RFZ
Physical Address
Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
About Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ)
A versatile free zone offering a wide range of business activities and cost-effective solutions, making it an attractive destination for SMEs and large enterprises alike
About Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ)
Established in 2000 as a dedicated free trade zone in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, RAK FTZ emerged as a strategic business destination offering entrepreneurs, SMEs, and international corporations an enabling environment to establish and grow their ventures with significant cost advantages and operational benefits. The free zone was conceived with a forward-thinking vision to create a business-friendly ecosystem where companies could operate with full ownership, enjoy tax exemptions, and benefit from streamlined procedures while accessing regional and global markets. RAK FTZ, as the governing authority, consistently focused on creating an environment that balanced commercial practicality with strategic advantages, establishing the zone as a preferred destination for businesses seeking to optimize their operational costs while maintaining full business functionality. In 2017, RAK FTZ merged with RAKIA to form RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone), which now administers the business parks and commercial zones previously managed by RAK FTZ.
What distinguished RAK FTZ was its dedicated focus on business facilitation and its commitment to maintaining competitive cost structures. The free zone featured a progressive licensing framework that accommodated various business models—from freelancers and entrepreneurs to SMEs and multinational corporations—with flexible packages designed to address the specific needs of businesses at different stages of their development journey. This practical approach was complemented by extensive facilities including offices, warehouses, land parcels, and specialized zones that supported diverse business activities from trading and services to light manufacturing and assembly operations. The zone’s strategic location in Ras Al Khaimah, with its lower cost of living, excellent connectivity, and business-friendly environment, created an enabling ecosystem for companies seeking to optimize operational expenses while maintaining full business functionality and market access.
Business Park Ecosystem
RAK FTZ developed a dynamic business ecosystem supporting diverse commercial activities through four specialized business parks—Business Centre, Academic Zone, Industrial Park, and Technology Park. This integrated environment created a collaborative community where businesses could establish operations with appropriate infrastructure support, regulatory frameworks, and development opportunities. The free zone’s business model accommodated multiple operational approaches—from virtual offices and flexi-desks for startups and entrepreneurs to dedicated offices, warehouses, and land parcels for established companies and growing enterprises, offering tailored solutions that aligned with specific business requirements and operational objectives in the evolving commercial landscape.
The free zone’s ecosystem emphasized business enablement through a combination of specialized facilities, supportive frameworks, and essential services. This approach created an environment where companies could focus on core activities while benefiting from cost-effective setup options and efficient operational frameworks supported by comprehensive business facilitation and administrative assistance. Supporting this core approach was a complete service platform including company formation, visa processing, facility provision, and operational support that enhanced 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 RFZ free zone
Commercial
General trading and business activities
Consulting
Expert advisory and consulting services
E-commerce
Online trading and digital commerce
Industrial
Manufacturing and production
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 RFZ for Your Business
Discover the unique advantages that make Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) a leading free zone for international business and strategic growth opportunities
Cost-Effective Business Environment
Highly competitive setup and operational costs compared to other UAE free zones, with affordable licensing packages, reasonable facility rates, and economical service fees optimizing business economics.
Strategic Location Advantages
Advantageous position in Ras Al Khaimah with proximity to major ports, airports, highways, and commercial centers, providing logistical advantages and market access with efficient transportation connections.
Flexible Business Solutions
Diverse facility options including virtual offices, flexi-desks, dedicated offices, warehouses, and land parcels, accommodating different business types and operational scales with appropriate infrastructure.
Specialized Business Parks
Four distinct business parks (Business Centre, Academic Zone, Industrial Park, and Technology Park) catering to specific business sectors with specialized facilities, services, and operational environments.
Comprehensive Business Support
Dedicated business support services addressing various 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.
Streamlined Business Processes
Efficient administrative procedures, simplified documentation requirements, and expedited approval processes reducing bureaucratic complexity and operational delays.
Customs Facilitation
Streamlined customs procedures, efficient import/export processing, and dedicated customs support facilitating international trade operations and cross-border commercial activities.
Logistics Advantages
Strategic proximity to Saqr Port, RAK International Airport, and major highways, providing efficient logistics solutions, transportation advantages, and supply chain optimization.
Business Community Environment
Vibrant community of entrepreneurs, SMEs, and international companies creating networking opportunities, potential partnerships, and collaborative possibilities within the business 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.
Lifestyle Advantages
Attractive living environment with lower cost of living, diverse residential options, recreational facilities, and natural attractions enhancing quality of life for business owners and employees.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 Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ)
Initial Business Consultation
1 day
Engage with RAK FTZ consultants to discuss your business objectives, operational needs, and facility requirements. This consultation addresses how your business can benefit from RAK FTZ's ecosystem and identifies the optimal license type for your specific activities.
License Type Selection
1 day
Select the appropriate license type (Commercial, Service, General Trading, Consulting, or Educational) based on your core business activities and operational objectives within the commercial landscape.
Business Activity Selection
1 day
Identify and select the specific business activities that align with your commercial focus and operational objectives, ensuring proper categorization within RAK FTZ'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.
Business Facility Selection
1-2 days
Identify and select your required business facilities based on your operations and budget considerations, choosing from virtual offices, flexi-desks, dedicated offices, warehouses, or land parcels.
Document Preparation
1-2 days
Prepare and organize all required documentation including personal identification, business plans, company profiles, and operational information according to RAK FTZ 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 RAK FTZ Authority.
Document Submission
1 day
Submit required documentation including identification documents, business plans, company profiles, and operational information through the RAK FTZ application portal or service center.
Application Review
1-2 days
Your application undergoes review by RAK FTZ 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 RAK FTZ, confirming eligibility to proceed with registration and facility preparation for your specific commercial 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 business facility, establishing the legal framework for your business premises in RAK FTZ.
License Issuance
1 day
Receive your RAK FTZ business license, officially authorizing your company to operate within the free zone for specified business activities and commercial functions.
Facility Handover
1 day
Take possession of your leased business facility with formal handover of keys, access cards, and facility documentation, allowing you to begin preparation for your commercial operations.
Facility Setup
3-7 days
Prepare your business facility for operations including office setup, equipment installation, or operational area preparation according to your business requirements.
Immigration Card Issuance
1-2 days
Obtain your establishment immigration card, enabling your company to sponsor visas for employees and dependents 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 RAK FTZ'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 journey in RAK FTZ.
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
Concise business plan outlining your business activities, market approach, and commercial objectives. The plan should provide clear understanding of your business model and intended operations.
Permitted Activities
Trading
Import, export, and distribution of products, goods, and merchandise across various markets and commercial channels with appropriate logistics and supply chain management
Consulting Services
Provision of professional advice, expert guidance, and specialized consulting across various domains including business, management, finance, and technical fields
IT Services
Provision of information technology services, software development, system integration, technical support, and digital solutions for various business requirements
Educational Services
Provision of educational programs, training courses, academic services, and learning solutions across various disciplines and educational levels
Media Services
Provision of media-related services including content creation, publishing, production, distribution, and media management across various platforms
Restricted Activities
Amenities Available in This Free Zone
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Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates