Skip to content
FreezoneGuide
Compare zonesFind my zoneBy industryGuides
Ras Al KhaimahGeneral businessIndustrialLogisticsE-commerceMediaEducation✓ Checked 2026-10-24

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ)

هيئة مناطق رأس الخيمة الاقتصادية (راكز)

RAKEZ publishes 6 current packages, the lowest without stated conditions at AED 6,000 for year 1, offers up to 1 visa in a published package, states incorporation in 1 day and requires at least a flexi-desk (checked 2026-10-24).

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is a general business, industrial, logistics, e-commerce, media and education free zone in Ras Al Khaimah, licensed by Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone Authority (RAKEZ), Government of Ras Al Khaimah, established in 2017.

Official sources onlyOfficial site ↗Online portal ↗

Key facts

Solo, no visa · year 1
AED 6,000
Biz Starter Package: visa quota not stated
Founder + 1 visa · year 1
AED 12,000
Lite Package / all-inclusive (instant licence)
Team, 3 visas · year 1
Not published
No published package for 3 visas with this office type. Three residence visas, flexi-desk or small office.
Lowest package, any size
AED 6,000
Biz Starter Package · packages with stated conditions excluded
Licence fee from
AED 6,000
Largest visa quota
1
In a published package
Minimum office
Flexi-desk
Incorporation
1 day
As stated by the zone
Min. share capital
AED 10,000
General trading
Yes
VAT Designated Zone
Yes
FTA list
Annual audit
Yes

Verified on 2026-10-24 from rakez.com.

Figures as published by the zone. “Not published” means no official source states it. Scenario prices are the published package closest to each set-up: solo, no visa = one founder, no residence visa, no office beyond a desk or virtual address, one activity; founder + 1 visa = one founder with one residence visa, flexi-desk or virtual office; team, 3 visas = three residence visas, flexi-desk or small office.

Published packages

Lowest priceFits: Solo, no visa

Biz Starter Package

AED 6,000year 1

Flexi-desk · 10 activities

  • Up to 50 shareholders
  • Up to 10 business activities (mix and match)
  • Eligibility for bank account opening*
  • Coworking centre membership
  • Access to business networking events
  • Other essential services including VAT registration, accounting & compliance*
Renewal not publishedSource ↗

All-inclusive SME business set-up package

AED 14,000year 1

1 visa · Flexi-desk · 10 activities

  • UAE residence visa
  • Third-party visa processing
  • Immigration file/e-channel
  • Emirates ID/medical
  • Pre-approval
  • Business licence
  • Shared workstation / unlimited access to Compass Coworking Centre
  • Up to 50 shareholders
  • 20% discount on dependent visas
  • Option to add up to 3 additional visas at AED 4,000 each
Renews AED 14,000Source ↗

Basic Package (instant licence)

AED 6,000year 1

0 visas · Flexi-desk · 1 activities

  • Incorporation with one shareholder
  • One business activity
  • Access to a co-working facility
Renewal not publishedSource ↗
Fits: Founder + 1 visa

Lite Package / all-inclusive (instant licence)

AED 12,000year 1

1 visa · Flexi-desk · 5 activities

  • Up to 5 shareholders
  • Up to 5 business activities
  • Access to a co-working space facility
  • 1 residence visa
Renewal not publishedSource ↗

RAKEZ Designated Zone set-up package (from)

AED 16,550year 1

1 visa

  • One UAE residence visa
  • 50% cashback in the second year
Renewal not publishedSource ↗

E-commerce set-up package (from)

AED 6,000year 1

Flexi-desk

  • Access to Amazon seller services/onboarding
  • Coworking centre membership
  • Access to business networking events
  • Other essential services including VAT registration, accounting & compliance*
Renewal not publishedSource ↗

Verified on 2026-10-24 from rakez.com.

Packages differ in what they include; compare visas, office and fees before choosing.

Identity and legal basis

Official name (Arabic)
هيئة مناطق رأس الخيمة الاقتصادية (راكز) ↗
Former, merged or alternative names
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone), RAKIA Free Zone ↗
Licensing / regulating authority
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone Authority (RAKEZ), Government of Ras Al Khaimah ↗
Parent group / government body
Government of Ras Al Khaimah ↗
Zone type
General business, Industrial, Logistics, E-commerce, Media, Education ↗
Year established
2017 ↗
Official website
rakez.com ↗
Online application portal
eportal.rakez.com ↗
Listed on the Ministry of Economy and Tourism register of free-zone company registrars
Yes ↗
  • Physical locations / campuses: Al Nakheel Business Zone; Al Hamra Business Zone; Al Hamra Industrial Zone; Al Ghail Industrial Zone; Al Hulaila Industrial Zone; RAKEZ Academic Zone; Compass Coworking Centre. [1]
  • Public contact email: info@rakez.com. [2]
  • Public contact phone: +971 7 204 1111. [3]
  • Number of registered companies: 50,000. [4]
  1. [1] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  2. [2] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  3. [3] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  4. [4] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24

Verified on 2026-10-24 from rakez.com, moet.gov.ae.

Business activities

Official approved activity list
rakez.com/en/start-a-business/license-activity-l ↗
Licence types offered
Industrial, Trading, General trading, Services / consultancy, E-commerce, Media, Education, Freelancer ↗
General trading licence available
Yes ↗
  • Activity categories offered: manufacturing; energy; technology; healthcare; aviation; shipping; education; media; professional services; personal and community services. [1]
  • Activities included in base licence: 10. [2]
  • Fee per additional activity: AED 2,000. [3]
  • Trading and services on one licence: no. [1]
  • Activities needing another authority's approval: Clinic (UAE Ministry of Health & Prevention approval); E-commerce activities (TDRA NOC); DNFBP activities: Legal Consultancy, Real Estate Agent, Real Estate Developer, Auditing of Accounts, Precious Metals and Stones Trading, Investment Consultancy, Company Service Providers (DNFBP form signed by all shareholders). [1]
  • Typical external approval time: 2 days. [4]
  • Restricted activities: Retail trading of products within the free zone area (display for marketing only); Conducting business activities outside the RAKEZ free zone area (free zone entity). [1]
  1. [1] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  2. [2] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  3. [3] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  4. [4] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24

Verified on 2026-10-24 from rakez.com.

Cost - year one

Lowest licence fee (zero-visa)
AED 6,000 ↗
  • Cost per visa: AED 3,500. [1]
  • Visa fees: Employment visa package from AED 3,500 (2-year validity, ~8 business days); dependent visa packages from AED 1,505; SME package add-on visas AED 4,000 each (up to 3); SME package includes visa processing, immigration file/e-channel, Emirates ID/medical. No itemised permit/medical/EID/stamping split published. [1]
  • Mandatory deposit or bank guarantee: AED 5,050. [2]
  • Extras included: Coworking centre membership (Compass Coworking Centre); Access to business networking events; Eligibility for bank account opening / bank letter issued with licence; VAT registration, accounting & compliance services (asterisked, T&Cs apply); Instalment payment via Tabby (SME package); Amazon seller onboarding support (e-commerce package). [3]
  1. [1] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  2. [2] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  3. [3] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24

Verified on 2026-10-24 from rakez.com.

Cost - ongoing

  • Renewal costs more than the first-year price: no. [1]
  • Visa validity: 2 years. [2]
  • Late renewal penalty: AED 50 per day from licence expiry date; third-party fines may also accrue on immigration file and Chamber of Commerce membership. [3]
  • Multi-year licence discounts: Free Zone Commercial, Service, General Trading, Individual/Professional and E-commerce licences can be issued/renewed for three years at discounted rates (T&Cs apply); SME package 'Multi-year package options available'. Discount amount not published. [3]
  • Current promotions and expiry: Designated Zone package from AED 16,550 per year incl. 1 visa with 50% cashback in year two (marked 'LIMITED TIME OFFER', no end date); SME all-inclusive package AED 14,000 per year incl. 1 visa; optional AED 2,500 premium upgrade; Biz Starter package AED 6,000; E-commerce package from AED 6,000; BusinessWomen package from AED 6,000 per year. [4]
  1. [1] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  2. [2] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  3. [3] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  4. [4] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24

Verified on 2026-10-24 from rakez.com.

Visas and residency

  • Visa quota rule: FAQ: flexi desks (shared workstations) limited to one visa; downgrading from a physical office to a shared workstation requires cancelling excess visas. SME package page allows 1 + up to 3 additional visas on coworking. Office-based quota formula (e.g. per sqm) not published. [1]
  • Max visas without dedicated office: 4. [2]
  • How to increase quota and cost: Upgrade facility (shared workstation -> serviced/standard/executive office or warehouse) via lease upgrade; lease upgrade/downgrade requests accepted only 60 days before licence expiry (renewal checklist). Under SME package, additional visas at AED 4,000 each (max 3). [3]
  • Investor / partner visa available: yes. [1]
  • Employee visa available: yes. [4]
  • Dependant / family visa sponsorship allowed: yes. [4]
  • Golden Visa support: RAKEZ golden visa service page covers Investor, Real Estate Investor, Specialist, Humanitarian Pioneer, Specialised Talents and Entrepreneurs categories (10-year visa). [5]
  • Typical visa processing time: 8 days. [4]
  1. [1] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  2. [2] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  3. [3] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  4. [4] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  5. [5] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24

Verified on 2026-10-24 from rakez.com.

Office and facilities

Minimum facility requirement
Flexi-desk ↗
Office / facility types
Flexi-desk, Serviced office, Private office, Warehouse, Land plot, Staff accommodation ↗
Warehouse available
Yes ↗
  • Flexi-desk access terms: 24/7 access (Compass Coworking Centre memberships). [1]
  • Land plots for build-to-suit: yes. [2]
  • Premises outside the zone allowed: no. [3]
  • Meeting rooms, co-working, amenities: Meeting rooms; Conference rooms (private office members); Printing credits; Lounge; Cafe; Training/event area; Storage cabinets (dedicated desk/private office). [1]
  1. [1] compasscoworking.com · opened 2026-10-24
  2. [2] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  3. [3] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24

Verified on 2026-10-24 from rakez.com, compasscoworking.com.

Market access and customs

Physical operations on the mainland allowed without an extra licence
No ↗
  • Can open mainland branch: yes. [1]
  • Eligible for UAE government tenders: yes. [1]
  • Rules for selling/shipping to UAE consumers: E-commerce licence plus TDRA NOC required for online activity (website needs .ae domain; social media and app details required); NOC free, ~2 working days. Selling physically into mainland follows the general rule that free zone entities trade on the mainland only via a licensed agent/distributor or dual licence. [2]
  • GCC / re-export notes: Investment Guide: UAE grants duty-free import of most GCC- and GAFTA-origin goods; manufacturers need MOIAT Value-Added Certificate (>=40% national component) and MoE Certificate of Origin to export with GCC/Arab duty benefits. [3]
  • Customs duty in the zone: Goods imported into the RAKEZ free zone are exempt from customs duty if for re-export or use within the free zone; transfers between free zone entities duty-free with documentation; goods moved into UAE mainland attract 5% duty unless an exemption applies. [3]
  • Customs duty exemption details: 100% customs duty exemption on machinery, equipment, raw materials and finished products imported into the free zone for re-export or use within the zone (per RAKEZ). [3]
  1. [1] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  2. [2] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  3. [3] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24

Verified on 2026-10-24 from rakez.com.

Tax status

VAT Designated Zone (per the FTA list)
Yes ↗
  • Which areas of zone are designated: Al Hamra Industrial Zone - Free Zone; Al Ghail Industrial Zone - Free Zone; Al Hulaila Industrial Zone - Free Zone (designated from 4 July 2019). Not the business zones/Compass coworking areas. [1]
  • The zone states that it is a Free Zone for UAE corporate-tax purposes: yes. [2]
  • Qualifying activities the zone says it supports: Manufacturing of goods or materials; Processing of goods or materials; Holding of shares and other securities; Ownership, management, and operation of ships; Headquarter services to related parties; Trading of qualifying commodities; Financing and leasing of aircraft, including engines and rotable components; Logistics services; Distribution of goods or materials in or from a 'Designated Zone'. [2]
  • Help with corporate tax registration: yes. [3]
  • Tax residency certificate: yes. [2]
  • Excise tax notes: Excise tax applies to excise goods (e.g. 100% tobacco/energy drinks, 50% carbonated/sweetened drinks) per Investment Guide; excise designated-zone status requires FTA approval (TAXP010). No RAKEZ excise designated zone confirmation found. [4]

Corporate-tax statements above come from the zone or from general FTA guidance. The schedule of Free Zones under Cabinet Resolution 54/2023 was not available to this research, and the FTA advises taxpayers to confirm their Free Zone or Designated Zone status with the Free Zone authority. The 0% rate applies only to the Qualifying Income of a Qualifying Free Zone Person that meets all conditions; other income is taxed at the standard rate.

  1. [1] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  2. [2] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  3. [3] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  4. [4] tax.gov.ae · opened 2026-10-24

Verified on 2026-10-24 from rakez.com, tax.gov.ae.

Compliance and reporting

Annual audited financial statements required by the zone
Yes ↗
Beneficial-owner register filing required
Yes ↗
  • Audit submission deadline: Within six months of financial year end; AED 2,500 fine for late submission. Financial year January-December under standard MoA; first year 6-18 months. [1]
  • Substance requirements enforced by zone: RAKEZ publishes Economic Substance Regulations, guidance and FAQs (regulations page); for CT, QFZP status requires adequate substance (Investment Guide). No zone-specific substance enforcement detail found. [2]
  • Activities needing anti-money-laundering registration: Legal Consultancy; Real Estate Agent; Real Estate Developer; Auditing of Accounts; Precious Metals and Stones Trading; Investment Consultancy; Company Service Providers. [1]
  • Annual return and renewal documents: Corporate shareholder/parent company good standing or trade licence copy; Valid passport copies of shareholders/directors/manager (if expired); Chamber of Commerce membership renewal form (if any); Renewed lease agreement (two signed copies for physical facilities); NOCs from regulatory authorities (if applicable); Operation Fitness Certificate for warehouse/plot occupants (annual). [3]
  • Data protection law applicable: Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 (Personal Data Protection Law). [4]
  1. [1] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  2. [2] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  3. [3] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  4. [4] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24

Verified on 2026-10-24 from rakez.com.

Banking

Zone offers bank-account facilitation
Yes ↗

Verified on 2026-10-24 from rakez.com.

Setup process and speed

Typical incorporation time stated by the zone
1 day ↗
Direct application without an agent
Yes ↗
  • Documents for an individual shareholder: Valid passport; Visa/Emirates ID (UAE residents only); No-objection letter from sponsor (if applicable); Tenancy contract or lease agreement; Business plan (certain activities only); DNFBP form (DNFBP activities). [1]
  • Attestation requirements for corporate shareholders: Certificate of good standing / commercial register extract, original or copy notarised and legalised up to the UAE embassy (or attested by the relevant free zone authority); UAE mainland parent: valid DED trade licence. Board resolution signed by parent's authorised signatory; POA attested by UAE embassy where needed. [2]
  • Trade name rules: Company name must match activity/nature of business (name change may be required on change of activity); branch must carry the parent company's name. [3]
  1. [1] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  2. [2] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  3. [3] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24

Verified on 2026-10-24 from rakez.com.

Operations, ecosystem and flexibility

  • Moving to larger premises: Coworking/shared workstation -> serviced office -> standard/executive office -> shell & core -> warehouse -> land for development; lease upgrades accepted 60 days before licence expiry. [1]
  • Adding shareholders: Up to 50 shareholders per FZ-LLC; shareholder changes handled as amendments via Portal 360. Fee not published. [2]
  • Moving a company in or out (re-domiciliation): yes. [3]
  • Multi-year licence options: 3-year licence (Commercial, Service, General Trading, Individual/Professional, E-commerce); Freelancer permit 1 and 2-year packages. [2]
  • Multiple licences under one group: yes. [2]
  1. [1] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  2. [2] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  3. [3] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24

Verified on 2026-10-24 from rakez.com.

Freelancer and solo founder

Freelancer permit available
Yes ↗

Verified on 2026-10-24 from rakez.com.

Industry-specific regulation

  • E-commerce platforms and partners: marketplace/fulfilment/payment partners: Amazon (seller onboarding); Tradeling (B2B marketplace); Telr (payment gateway, exclusive rates). [1]
  • Media content licensing / filming permits: Media licence and media zone segments include advertising, animation, broadcasting TV/radio, event management, publishing, production; minimum capital AED 1,000,000 for TV/Radio Broadcasting and AED 50,000 for Publishing and Production (FAQ). [2]
  • Healthcare and education approvals: Clinics require UAE Ministry of Health & Prevention approval; education entities fall under the RAKEZ Academic Zone Regulatory Framework and Academic/Higher Education/Training Regulations. [3]
  • Hazardous goods and environmental approvals: Operation Fitness Certificate (OFC) mandatory before occupying pre-built warehouses/custom facilities; HS&E NOC and development permits from RAKEZ; dangerous goods handling guidelines published. [4]
  1. [1] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  2. [2] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  3. [3] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24
  4. [4] rakez.com · opened 2026-10-24

Verified on 2026-10-24 from rakez.com.

Activity fit (our view)

Needs a regulator's approval

Not offered

  • None

Our assessment from the zone's published licence types. Always confirm your exact activity on the zone's official activity list. Official activity list ↗ Licence types the zone publishes: Industrial, Trading, General trading, Services / consultancy, E-commerce, Media, Education, Freelancer.

Verified on 2026-10-24 from rakez.com.

Notes and history

  1. History · 2017

    RAKEZ states in its November 2024 Investment Guide that it was established in 2017 and consolidated two of Ras Al Khaimah's existing free zones. [source]

  2. History · 2019-07-04

    On 4 July 2019 the Al Hamra, Al Ghail and Al Hulaila industrial zones were added to the FTA's list of Designated Zones; RAKEZ's business zones, academic zone and coworking centre do not appear on that list. [source]

  3. History · 2022-01

    In January 2022 RAKEZ introduced a Dual Licence, which pairs a RAKEZ free zone licence with a mainland branch licence from the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development, so companies can operate in both jurisdictions from the same free zone office. [source]

  4. History · 2022-02-22

    RAKEZ's Compass Coworking Centre, near Al Hamra Village and the 311 highway, was announced as a new RAKEZ facility by the Ras Al Khaimah Government Media Office on 22 February 2022. [source]

  5. Legal basis · 2023

    RAKEZ's current rules for free zone companies are its Companies Regulations of 2023 and Operating Rules of 2023, listed on its Rules and Regulations page. Some answers in the zone's FAQ still refer to the earlier Companies Regulations of 2017 and Operating Rules of 2018. [source 1][source 2]

  6. Names

    Listings for "RAKIA Free Zone" refer to the former Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA), set up by Emiri Decree No. 2 of 2005, which in 2013 described itself as managing the free zones and industrial zones in the Al Hamra and Al Ghail areas. These areas are operated today as RAKEZ zones (Al Hamra and Al Ghail industrial zones), and no licence is issued under the RAKIA name. [source]

  7. Good to know

    Besides free zone companies, RAKEZ also licenses non-free zone entities such as limited liability companies. According to the zone's FAQ, those entities are governed by the federal Commercial Companies Law rather than the RAKEZ Companies Regulations. [source]

Verified on 2026-10-24 from rakez.com, rakmediaoffice.ae, tax.gov.ae.

Questions worth asking

How much does a RAKEZ licence cost?

The lowest package RAKEZ advertises is AED 6,000 for the first year (Biz Starter Package). Packages differ in what they include, so check visas, office and fees before comparing.

Does RAKEZ require a physical office?

The minimum facility RAKEZ states is: flexi-desk. Facility types offered: flexi-desk, serviced office, private office, warehouse, land plot, staff accommodation.

How many visas come with a RAKEZ package?

The largest visa quota in a package RAKEZ publishes is 1. Larger quotas usually need more office space; ask the zone for the rule that applies to you.

How long does RAKEZ company setup take?

RAKEZ states about 1 day for incorporation. Visas take extra time after the licence is issued.

Can I get a general trading licence in RAKEZ?

Yes, RAKEZ offers a general trading licence.

Is RAKEZ a VAT Designated Zone?

RAKEZ appears on the Federal Tax Authority's list of VAT Designated Zones. Often only some areas of a zone are designated; see the tax section and confirm with the zone.

What is the minimum share capital in RAKEZ?

RAKEZ states a minimum share capital of AED 10,000.

About this data

Every fact comes from RAKEZ's own channels or a UAE government source, linked next to it. Last checked 2026-10-24. Information collected from free-zone authorities and UAE government sources on the dates shown. Fees and rules change; the zone's current schedule prevails. Not legal, tax or financial advice.

Rules for every zone

Explained in the guides on corporate tax, VAT Designated Zones and mainland access.

How we check

Prices are re-checked every 90 days and other facts on a schedule. How we verify →