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RAKEZ Freezone Company Formation

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Start Your Business in RAKEZ Freezone

Unlock ownership, tax efficiency, and market access with RAKEZ one of the UAE’s most dynamic free zones.
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What is RAKEZ Freezone Company Formation?

The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) was formed in 2017 by merging the RAK Free Trade Zone and RAK Investment Authority. Today, it spans over 33 million square meters and hosts more than 15,000 companies from 100+ countries, making it a global hub for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and industrial players. With dedicated zones for business, industry, and education, RAKEZ offers flexibility, world-class infrastructure, and highly competitive costs. Its location in Ras Al Khaimah connects investors seamlessly to markets across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

Benefits of RAKEZ Freezone Company Formation

100% Foreign Ownership & Profit Repatriation

Investors retain complete control over their ventures, with the ability to repatriate capital, profits, and dividends in full. This eliminates dependency on local sponsors, providing entrepreneurs with strategic independence.

Zero Tax Environment

RAKEZ entities enjoy a tax-free regime with no corporate or personal income taxes. Companies also benefit from exemptions on import and export duties, ensuring greater profitability for global trade operations.

Streamlined & Quick Setup

With simplified structures such as FZE and FZ-LLC, most licences can be issued within a few working days. The process requires minimal documentation, allowing investors to establish businesses without physically being present in the UAE.

Vast Range of Business Activities

RAKEZ supports over 4,000 approved activities covering trade, consultancy, services, media, e-commerce, and manufacturing. This broad scope allows companies to diversify operations without restrictions.

Strategic Location & Global Access

Proximity to international airports, seaports, and regional trade corridors gives RAKEZ investors direct access to regional and global markets, making it ideal for import/export and logistics businesses.

Investor-Friendly Policies

Special packages for women entrepreneurs, freelancers, and startups encourage inclusivity and innovation. Tailored incentives make the zone more appealing to new and small businesses.

Permitted Business Activities

Commercial & Trading Activities

Licenses allow import, export, wholesale, retail, and e-commerce operations. General Trading licenses make it easy to deal in multiple product categories under one entity, cutting costs and admin complexity.

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Industrial & Manufacturing

Companies can engage in product assembly, packaging, light and heavy manufacturing, and warehousing. RAKEZ’s industrial clusters at Al Hamra and Al Ghail are designed to accommodate both SMEs and large manufacturers.

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Professional & Consultancy Services

Licenses for consultancy, legal, accounting, engineering, IT, marketing, and other services. These allow entrepreneurs and professionals to operate without needing physical warehouse space.

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Media & Creative Industries

Activities such as publishing, broadcasting, production, advertising, and content creation are fully supported. Tailored licenses enable media companies to operate locally and reach international markets.

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Education & Training

RAKEZ provides licenses for private schools, training institutes, universities, and skill development centers, creating a hub for knowledge and academic growth.

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Freelancer Permits

Designed for individuals in fields like media, IT, analytics, and consultancy, freelancer licenses offer cost-effective entry into the UAE market with full visa eligibility.

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E-Commerce & Digital

Entrepreneurs can establish online stores, digital platforms, and social-commerce businesses. These licenses support remote operations while giving full access to UAE residency visas.

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Holding Structures

Investors can create holding companies to manage real estate, intellectual property, or shares in subsidiaries. These structures simplify asset consolidation and estate planning.

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Types of Legal Entities in RAKEZ

Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)

An FZ-LLC allows 2–50 shareholders, offering 100% foreign ownership and limited liability. Minimum capital usually starts at AED 10,000, though higher is required in specialized sectors. It’s the most flexible and popular structure for SMEs and larger companies seeking credibility and protection.

Free Zone Establishment (FZE)

The FZE is for single shareholders either an individual or corporate body. It provides full ownership, limited liability, and a simplified compliance framework. Best suited for consultants, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want independence with full free zone benefits.

Branch of a Company (Local or Foreign)

Branches act as extensions of existing UAE or foreign companies, carrying the same name and activities. With no share capital requirement, they are quick to set up and cost-effective. Ideal for businesses expanding into the UAE without creating a new legal entity.

Non-Free Zone Entities (Mainland-Integrated)

For investors targeting the UAE mainland, RAKEZ offers sole proprietorships and LLCs. These allow participation in government contracts and local trade but require a UAE national partner or service agent in some cases. A good option for firms seeking deeper market access.

Step-by-Step Process for RAKEZ Freezone Company Formation

1. Step 1: Select Activity & Structure 

Choose your business activity and decide between FZ-LLC, FZE, or branch. This sets the foundation for your license type, office needs, and visa eligibility.

2. Step 2: Reserve Name & Get Approval 

Submit preferred trade names and secure initial approval for your activity. This ensures your company concept is acceptable under RAKEZ regulations.

3. Step 3: Submit Documentation   

Provide passport copies, UBO declaration, and corporate papers where required. Proper filing avoids delays and speeds up approvals.

4. Step 4: Sign Agreements & Pay Fees    

Sign legal incorporation documents and settle government fees. This officially registers your company under RAKEZ authority.

5. Step 5: Secure Office or Facility  

Select from flex-desks, offices, or industrial units. Your choice also defines how many visas your business can sponsor.

6. Step 6: Receive License & Establishment Card  

Once approvals are cleared, RAKEZ issues your licence and establishment card. These grant you legal operating status and enable visa applications.

7. Step 7: Apply for Visas  

Process investor, employee, and dependent visas. This includes medical tests, Emirates ID registration, and residence stamping.

8. Step 8: Open Corporate Bank Account  

With your license, open a UAE corporate bank account. DSA facilitates introductions and compliance checks with top banks.

9. Step 9: Ensure Annual Compliance   

Renew licences and visas yearly while meeting VAT, UBO, and accounting requirements. Ongoing compliance keeps your company fully operational.

Documents Required for RAKEZ Setup

How DSA Helps

Dubai Setup Advisors (DSA) simplifies every step of your UAE business formation journey from initial planning to long term operational support. We’re not just consultants; we’re your on ground execution partners with deep expertise in UAE legal, regulatory, and commercial frameworks.

Business Planning & Jurisdiction Comparison
Trade Name Reservation & Licensing Approvals
Legal Documentation, Drafting & Translation
Workspace & Tenancy Solutions
Bank Account Opening & Compliance Setup
Visa & Immigration Processing
PRO & Legal Documentation Services
Post-Incorporation Support & Growth Enablement

Why Choose Us?

At Dubai Setup Advisors (DSA), we go beyond basic company registration. We provide strategic guidance, legal clarity, and operational support tailored for global entrepreneurs and investors entering the UAE market. Here’s why clients from over 30 countries trust us to build their presence in the Emirates.

Extensive Experience

End-to-End Service

Transparent Pricing

Global Perspective

Personalized Approach

Comprehensive Network

FAQs – RAKEZ Freezone Company Formation

Yes, RAKEZ allows 100% foreign ownership with complete profit repatriation, ensuring full control without local partner requirements.

Most licences are issued in 2–3 working days, with complete setup including visas and bank accounts typically finalised within 1–2 weeks.

The minimum starts at AED 10,000 for most sectors. Certain industries, such as aviation or finance, may require higher thresholds, which DSA will guide you through.

No, RAKEZ allows remote incorporation. However, you may need to visit for visa processing or bank account opening depending on your chosen setup.

Choices include flex desks, serviced offices, executive offices, warehouses, and land plots for industrial development. Visa quotas depend on the office type.

Yes, RAKEZ entities are eligible for corporate bank accounts. DSA assists with introductions, documentation, and compliance checks to smoothen the process.

Free zone entities remain tax-exempt if they meet substance requirements. Non-qualifying income or mainland branches may be subject to UAE corporate tax.

Yes, RAKEZ offers specialized e-commerce licenses enabling online product sales, marketplace management, and digital operations with full residency benefits.

Yes, with the right restructuring and approvals, your company can migrate to a mainland setup to access government contracts and wider B2B markets.

Yes, investors can sponsor dependents and family members under their RAKEZ visa, making relocation smooth and convenient.