U.S.A. Regional Trade Center (USARTC) Free Zone
2011
200+
RTC
Physical Address
U.S.A. Regional Trade Center, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
About U.S.A. Regional Trade Center (USARTC) Free Zone
A strategic hub designed to facilitate trade, business, and cultural exchange between the USA, UAE, and the broader MENA region, offering streamlined setup and comprehensive support for American SMEs
About U.S.A. Regional Trade Center (USARTC) Free Zone
Established as a specialized economic zone in Ras Al Khaimah, the U.S.A. Regional Trade Center (USARTC) Free Zone represents a focused initiative to strengthen commercial ties between the United States and the United Arab Emirates while creating a strategic gateway for American businesses entering Middle Eastern markets and regional companies seeking access to U.S. commercial opportunities. The free zone was developed with a clear vision to create a dedicated business ecosystem where companies engaged in U.S.-UAE trade could establish operations with strategic advantages in terms of market access, regulatory framework, and specialized support services. USARTC Authority, the governing body, has consistently focused on creating an environment that facilitates bilateral trade, commercial representation, and market development activities, establishing the zone as a preferred destination for companies seeking to develop transatlantic business relationships and expand their commercial presence across these strategic markets.
What distinguishes USARTC Free Zone is its specialized focus on U.S.-UAE commercial relations and its comprehensive approach to facilitating bilateral trade. The zone features purpose-designed facilities including representative offices, product showrooms, commercial spaces, and logistics facilities that enable efficient market entry, product demonstration, business development, and distribution activities focused on transatlantic commerce. This specialized approach is complemented by comprehensive business support services including market intelligence, business matching, regulatory guidance, and commercial facilitation that help companies navigate the complexities of cross-border trade and establish effective commercial operations across these diverse markets. The zone’s strategic location in Ras Al Khaimah, with its business-friendly environment and cost advantages, creates an operational advantage for companies seeking efficient market entry with optimized setup and operational costs.
Specialized Business Ecosystem
USARTC Free Zone has developed a specialized business ecosystem supporting focused commercial activities—from market representation and product showcasing to distribution operations and commercial services. This integrated environment creates a dynamic business community where companies engaged in U.S.-UAE trade can establish operations with appropriate infrastructure support, regulatory frameworks, and specialized assistance. The zone’s business model accommodates multiple operational approaches—from representative offices and product showrooms for market entry and business development to commercial spaces and logistics facilities for companies requiring physical operational presence, offering tailored solutions that align with specific business requirements and strategic objectives in today’s competitive international trade landscape.
The zone’s ecosystem emphasizes market access efficiency through a combination of purpose-built facilities, specialized services, and bilateral trade support. This approach creates a business-friendly environment where companies can focus on market development and commercial expansion while benefiting from cost-effective setup options and efficient operational frameworks supported by comprehensive trade facilitation and strategic positioning. Supporting this core approach is a complete service platform including business licensing, facility provision, market intelligence, and administrative facilitation that enhances the commercial capabilities of enterprises within the ecosystem through coordinated methodologies and market-focused solutions designed specifically for transatlantic business development.
Available License Types
Choose from a comprehensive range of specialized business licenses designed to support various commercial activities in the RTC free zone
Agricultural
Agricultural and farming operations
Commercial
General trading and business activities
Consulting
Expert advisory and consulting 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 RTC for Your Business
Discover the unique advantages that make U.S.A. Regional Trade Center (USARTC) Free Zone a leading free zone for international business and strategic growth opportunities
U.S.-UAE Trade Specialization
Dedicated focus on facilitating bilateral trade between the United States and United Arab Emirates, creating a specialized ecosystem for companies engaged in transatlantic commercial activities.
Market Entry Facilitation
Comprehensive support for American companies entering Middle Eastern markets and regional businesses seeking U.S. market access, including market intelligence, business matching, and entry strategy development.
Specialized Business Facilities
Purpose-designed facilities including representative offices, product showrooms, and commercial spaces specifically configured for U.S.-UAE trade activities and bilateral business development.
Rapid Business Setup
Streamlined registration process with efficient documentation requirements and expedited approvals, enabling businesses to establish operations quickly and begin commercial activities within 1-2 weeks.
Competitive Cost Structure
Highly competitive establishment and operational costs compared to other UAE free zones, with flexible facility options and scalable solutions that optimize initial investment and ongoing expenses.
Strategic Geographic Position
Advantageous location in Ras Al Khaimah with excellent connectivity to all UAE emirates and proximity to major transportation hubs, creating logistical advantages for businesses serving the entire UAE market.
Transatlantic Business Support
Specialized services addressing the unique requirements of U.S.-UAE trade including cross-cultural business guidance, regulatory navigation, market intelligence, and bilateral commercial facilitation.
100% Foreign Ownership
Complete ownership of your business enterprise without local partner requirements, giving American companies full control over operations, business development, and strategic direction.
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 for certain activities, and absence of currency restrictions.
Flexible Visa Allocation
Appropriate visa quotas based on facility type and business activity, enabling companies to secure necessary residency permits for executives, specialists, and support staff according to operational requirements.
Business Networking Platform
Access to specialized networking events, business matching programs, and commercial forums focused on U.S.-UAE trade relationships and bilateral business opportunities.
Market Intelligence Services
Specialized market research, competitive intelligence, and commercial insights focused on U.S.-UAE trade dynamics, market trends, and business opportunities across these strategic markets.
Bilateral Trade Community
Presence within a focused business ecosystem of companies engaged in U.S.-UAE trade, creating opportunities for business partnerships, commercial collaboration, and market development initiatives.
Trade-Focused Regulatory Framework
Progressive regulatory environment designed specifically to support bilateral trade activities, market representation, and commercial development between the U.S. and UAE markets.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 U.S.A. Regional Trade Center (USARTC) Free Zone
Initial Consultation
1 day
Engage with USARTC Free Zone consultants to discuss your U.S.-UAE trade objectives, market entry strategy, and facility needs. This consultation addresses how your organization can benefit from the free zone's specialized focus and identifies the optimal approach for your bilateral business activities.
U.S. Connection Verification
1-2 days
Provide documentation establishing your connection to U.S. markets, businesses, or commercial interests, validating your eligibility for the specialized services and focus of USARTC Free Zone.
Business Activity Selection
1 day
Identify and select the specific business activities that align with your U.S.-UAE trade focus and commercial objectives, ensuring proper categorization within USARTC's licensing framework.
Site Visit & Facility Tour
1 day
Visit USARTC Free Zone to experience the business environment, assess available facilities, understand the infrastructure, and identify the optimal facility type for your specific operation.
License Type Selection
1 day
Determine the most appropriate license type based on your specific business activities, operational focus, and strategic objectives, ensuring proper regulatory alignment for your operations.
Company Name Reservation
1-2 days
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 the optimal facility for your business based on your spatial requirements, operational needs, and budget considerations, choosing from representative offices, showrooms, commercial spaces, warehouses, or executive offices.
Application Submission
1 day
Complete and submit the application forms with company information, shareholder details, and proposed business activities to initiate the formal review process with USARTC Free Zone Authority.
Document Submission
1-2 days
Submit required documentation including corporate documents, shareholder information, business specifications, and operational plans through the USARTC application portal.
Application Review
2-3 days
Your application undergoes review by USARTC authorities who evaluate business viability, U.S.-UAE trade focus, regulatory compliance, and alignment with the zone's specialized development strategy.
Initial Approval
1-2 days
Receive initial approval for your business in USARTC Free Zone, confirming eligibility to proceed with registration and facility preparation for your specific U.S.-UAE trade activities.
Fee Payment
1 day
Pay the required fees including registration fee, license fee, facility reservation 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 USARTC Free Zone.
License Issuance
1-2 days
Receive your USARTC Free Zone business license, officially authorizing your company to operate within the free zone for specified U.S.-UAE trade activities and operational 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
3-10 days
Prepare your facility for business operations including interior setup, furniture installation, product displays, and technical configurations according to your operational requirements.
Immigration Card Issuance
2-4 days
Obtain your establishment immigration card, enabling your company to sponsor visas for executives, specialists, and support personnel according to your allocation.
Staff Visa Processing
5-10 days
Begin processing employment visas for your team members according to your visa allocation and operational requirements, with support from USARTC'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 U.S.-UAE trade business including operational funding and transaction processing.
Commencement of Operations
1-2 days
Launch your business operations and U.S.-UAE trade activities following completion of all setup requirements and regulatory approvals, beginning your commercial journey in USARTC Free Zone.
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 (4 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 operational strategy, market approach, and growth projections specific to your U.S.-UAE trade activities, with particular attention to your bilateral business focus.
Permitted Activities
U.S. Product Distribution
Import, distribution, and sales of American products, goods, and merchandise across UAE and Middle Eastern markets, establishing market presence for U.S. brands and manufacturers
UAE-U.S. Trading
Bilateral trading operations facilitating the exchange of goods, products, and commodities between the United Arab Emirates and the United States markets
U.S. Brand Representation
Official representation of American brands, manufacturers, and companies in the UAE and Middle Eastern markets, providing market presence and business development services
Product Showcasing
Operation of product showrooms, display centers, and demonstration facilities for American products, technologies, and solutions targeting Middle Eastern markets
Market Entry Consulting
Provision of specialized consulting services for American companies entering Middle Eastern markets and regional businesses seeking access to U.S. markets
Restricted Activities
Amenities Available in This Free Zone
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U.S.A. Regional Trade Center, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates