Benefits of
Setting Up A Company In
Rakez Free Zone

Ras Al Khaimah is quietly doing what other emirates can’t. With the rise of RAKEZ, this free zone has become the go-to destination for entrepreneurs who care less about noise and more about results. 

Over 18,000 businesses already operate here, drawn by its low setup costs, broad range of RAKEZ license activities, and the kind of operational freedom most places only promise on paper. 

If you’re eyeing a business setup in RAK Free Zone, you’re choosing practicality over pretense, and that’s exactly where ExpressPRO comes in. We simplify the process and align your business model with RAKEZ’s powerful infrastructure so you can hit the ground running. 

Why RAK Free Zone Is a Preferred Business Destination 

In a market where cost-efficiency and speed-to-market are essential, RAKEZ delivers both. Businesses that choose this jurisdiction benefit from: 

• Full foreign ownership 

• Zero corporate and personal income tax 

• Unrestricted capital and profit repatriation 

• Strategic location close to the UAE’s major ports and airports 

• Wide spectrum of RAKEZ license activities 

According to RAKEZ’s 2023 report, more than 2,000 new companies were registered within the zone last year alone, with a significant portion coming from the commercial and consultancy sectors. This steady growth reflects its increasing relevance among entrepreneurs seeking a stable and profitable base of operations in the UAE. 

RAKEZ License Types: Designed for Diverse Businesses 

Whether you are, whether a solo consultant, a regional trader, or an industrial manufacturer, RAKEZ offers a flexible licensing structure that can be tailored to your operational model. You can choose from the following license types: 

• Commercial License: For the import, export, distribution, and storage of goods. 

• Service License: Suitable for consultancy, legal, IT, HR, and marketing services. 

• Industrial License: Grants the right to manufacture, process, and assemble goods. 

• Freelancer Permit: Ideal for solo professionals across creative and digital industries. 

• Educational License: For institutions, training centers, and skill development companies. 

Each license type includes a wide scope of RAKEZ license activities, providing businesses with the operational flexibility they need to expand or diversify later on. 

What Kind of Business Activities Can You Do in RAKEZ? 

Choosing the right business activity is a critical step in the company formation process, and RAKEZ makes this easier by offering a comprehensive list of approved business activities under each license. 

Some of the most popular categories include: 

• Professional Services: Accounting, legal consultancy, software development, project management, and corporate training. 

• Commercial Trading: E-commerce, general trading, wholesale distribution, auto parts, and electronics. 

• Light Industrial Manufacturing: Food packaging, garment production, equipment assembly, and custom fabrication. 

• Logistics and Warehousing: Freight forwarding, 3PL services, and export processing zones. 

And since RAKEZ allows for multiple activities under a single license (as long as they fall under the same category), entrepreneurs enjoy the freedom to scale without the burden of excessive bureaucracy. 

RAKEZ Company Setup Options 

You’ll find multiple entity types when initiating a RAKEZ company setup, giving you the flexibility to align your legal structure with your long-term vision: 

• Free Zone Establishment (FZE): A single-shareholder entity that allows 100% ownership. 

• Free Zone Company (FZC): Designed for two to five shareholders, suitable for joint ventures or group ownership. 

• Branch of a UAE Company: For domestic companies expanding into RAKEZ without forming a new legal entity. 

• Branch of a Foreign Company: For international businesses establishing a presence in the UAE. 

Each option is tailored to meet various capital, liability, and ownership considerations, helping you make choices aligned with your business goals. 

Step-by-Step Process for RAK Free Zone Business Setup 

The RAK Free Zone business setup process is known for its clarity and efficiency, typically completed in a matter of days with the right guidance. Here’s how it unfolds: 

1. Define Your Business Activity and License Type 

Select the category that best matches your operation: commercial, service, industrial, or educational. Your license type and permitted activities are directly tied to this initial decision. 

2. Choose a Trade Name 

Pick a name that complies with UAE naming regulations. This should be unique, non-offensive, and reflect the nature of your business. 

3. Submit the Application 

Complete your application and submit the required documents (outlined in the next section). ExpressPRO facilitates this stage, ensuring all paperwork meets regulatory standards. 

4. Lease Your Facility 

Based on your business needs, choose between a flexi-desk, standard office, warehouse, or custom-built premises within RAKEZ. 

5. Pay the Fees 

Licensing, registration, and facility rental fees must be paid before issuance. ExpressPRO offers transparent cost breakdowns to avoid surprises. 

6. Collect Your License and Company Documents 

Once approvals are in place and payment is cleared, you’ll receive your official trade license, certificate of incorporation, and lease agreement, completing your legal setup in RAKEZ. 

Documents Required for RAKEZ Business Setup 

To avoid delays and ensure a smooth formation process, prepare the following documents in advance: 

For Individuals: 

• Passport copies of shareholders and directors 

• Recent passport-sized photographs 

• UAE entry stamp or visa copy (if applicable) 

• Emirates ID (for UAE residents) 

• Business plan (in some cases) 

For Corporate Shareholders: 

• Certificate of Incorporation 

• Memorandum and Articles of Association 

• Board resolution authorizing the new company 

• Passport copy of the authorized signatory 

• Power of Attorney 

All corporate documents must be notarized and attested in the country of origin and legalized in the UAE. 

RAK Free Zone Business Setup Cost: Competitive & Transparent 

When compared to other emirates, the RAK Free Zone business setup cost is significantly lower without compromising on infrastructure or service quality. RAKEZ offers one of the most cost-effective company formation packages in the UAE. 

Estimated Costs Breakdown: 

• Trade license (starting): AED 5,750 – AED 11,000 annually 

• Flexi-desk facility: AED 2,000 – AED 4,000 

• Office space (standard): AED 10,000+ 

• Visa eligibility: AED 3,000 – AED 5,000 per visa 

• Registration and legal processing: AED 2,500 – AED 6,000 

RAKEZ Facilities: Infrastructure That Supports Growth 

The zone is segmented into dedicated clusters that support specific business needs: 

• Business Zone: Ideal for consultancies, media agencies, and education providers. 

• Industrial Zone: Fully equipped for manufacturers and warehouses with large plot allocations. 

• Technology Park: Designed for IT firms and R&D centers. 

• Al Hamra and Al Ghail Zones: Suited for logistics, construction, and heavy manufacturing. 

Office types include: 

• Flexi-desks: Co-working style, minimal cost, ideal for remote entrepreneurs. 

• Executive offices: Private, fully serviced offices. 

• Warehouses: Scalable storage and production units with a customizable layout. 

• Land for development: For large-scale industrial or real estate projects. 

Why ExpressPRO? 

We know what it’s like to have a dream that keeps you up at night. A vision that deserves direction, care, and the kind of attention that turns a plan into a legacy. 

At ExpressPRO, we don’t treat the RAKEZ company setup as just another transaction. To us, it’s personal. We walk with you step by step, not just to tick off requirements but to ensure every move aligns with your bigger picture. With years of hands-on experience and trusted relationships with RAKEZ authorities, we clear the path so you can focus on building your brand. 

From choosing the right RAKEZ license activities to setting up your office, opening your bank account, or securing your visa, we handle the details so your energy stays on the vision. We don’t rush. We build things right because you only get one shot at a strong foundation. 

Final Thoughts: Take the Leap with ExpressPRO 

A RAK Free Zone business setup is a combination of low operational costs, versatile license activities, and investor-focused policies, making RAKEZ one of the most practical jurisdictions in the region. 

As you consider your options, remember that the right location and the right partner make all the difference. 

Let ExpressPRO be that partner, your guide, advisor, and advocate through every stage of your RAKEZ business setup. Because when you’re building something meaningful, you deserve nothing less than precision, passion, and a partner who gets it. 

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