Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) Trade License
A cost-effective free zone license for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and manufacturers looking to establish a business in the UAE.

Build business with trusted experts. Achieve the real success.
Build your business with trusted experts. Achieve the real success.




Launch Your Business in RAKEZ
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, commonly known as RAKEZ, is one of the UAE's most established and versatile free and offshore zones. It's home to over 18,000 businesses across more than 50 industry sectors, offering a flexible and strategically positioned base for growth.
Located approximately one hour from Dubai with proximity to RAK International Airport and a dedicated seaport,RAKEZ supports both free zone and offshore structures, making it an accessible option for a wide range of business types and budgets.

Launch Your Business in RAKEZ
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, commonly known as RAKEZ, is one of the UAE's most established and versatile free and offshore zones. It's home to over 18,000 businesses across more than 50 industry sectors, offering a flexible and strategically positioned base for growth.
Located approximately one hour from Dubai with proximity to RAK International Airport and a dedicated seaport,RAKEZ supports both free zone and offshore structures, making it an accessible option for a wide range of business types and budgets.
Why Choose a RAKEZ Trade License?
Operating in RAKEZ gives your business a credible UAE presence with a practical and affordable setup structure.
Key Benefits
100% foreign ownership, no local sponsor required
Zero corporate and personal income tax on qualifying activities
Full profit and capital repatriation
Flexible office solutions, from flexi-desk to warehouses and land plots
Streamlined registration with minimal documentation
Eligibility for UAE residency visas
Access to a reputable UAE business address

RAKEZ Trade License Types and Business Activities
You can choose from several license categories based on the nature of your business operations. Each type supports a defined set of activities, and companies may select between one and seven activities under a single license. Activities can also be combined across compatible categories, subject to approval.
Commercial License
For businesses involved in the trading of goods.
Includes
General and specialist trading
Import, export, and re-export
Distribution and supply chain operations
Commodity trading
Service License
For businesses providing professional or consultancy-based services.
Includes
Management and business consultancy
IT and technology services
Marketing, PR, and advertising
Accounting and financial advisory
HR and recruitment services
Industrial License
For businesses engaged in manufacturing, processing, or assembly. Includes access to dedicated industrial zones such as Al Ghail and Al Hulaila.
Includes
Light and heavy manufacturing
Food processing and packaging
Industrial assembly and production
Product development and testing
E-Commerce License
For businesses operating primarily through digital platforms.
Includes
Online retail and digital marketplaces
Drop-shipping and fulfilment operations
Digital product and subscription services
Educational License
For businesses delivering educational programmes or academic consultancy services.
Includes
Training institutes and coaching centres
Academic consultancy
Corporate learning and development
Media License
For businesses working in content, communications, and creative production.
Includes
Broadcasting and digital media
Content creation and production
Advertising agencies and PR firms
Freelancer Permit
For individual professionals operating independently without a corporate structure.
Includes
Freelance media and creative professionals
Independent consultants
Remote workers and digital nomads
Selecting the correct license type and activities at the outset is critical as it affects your visa eligibility, banking prospects, and operational scope. We advise on the right combination for your business model before you submit your application.
RAKEZ Trade License Types and Business Activities
You can choose from several license categories based on the nature of your business operations. Each type supports a defined set of activities, and companies may select between one and seven activities under a single license. Activities can also be combined across compatible categories, subject to approval.
Commercial License
For businesses involved in the trading of goods.
Includes
General and specialist trading
Import, export, and re-export
Distribution and supply chain operations
Commodity trading
Service License
For businesses providing professional or consultancy-based services.
Includes
Management and business consultancy
IT and technology services
Marketing, PR, and advertising
Accounting and financial advisory
HR and recruitment services
Industrial License
For businesses engaged in manufacturing, processing, or assembly. Includes access to dedicated industrial zones such as Al Ghail and Al Hulaila.
Includes
Light and heavy manufacturing
Food processing and packaging
Industrial assembly and production
Product development and testing
E-Commerce License
For businesses operating primarily through digital platforms.
Includes
Online retail and digital marketplaces
Drop-shipping and fulfilment operations
Digital product and subscription services
Educational License
For businesses delivering educational programmes or academic consultancy services.
Includes
Training institutes and coaching centres
Academic consultancy
Corporate learning and development
Media License
For businesses working in content, communications, and creative production.
Includes
Broadcasting and digital media
Content creation and production
Advertising agencies and PR firms
Freelancer Permit
For individual professionals operating independently without a corporate structure.
Includes
Freelance media and creative professionals
Independent consultants
Remote workers and digital nomads
Selecting the correct license type and activities at the outset is critical as it affects your visa eligibility, banking prospects, and operational scope. We advise on the right combination for your business model before you submit your application.
Required Documents
Individual Shareholders
Passport copy
Passport-sized photograph
Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement dated within three months)
Corporate Shareholders
Certificate of Incorporation
Memorandum and Articles of Association
Certificate of Good Standing
Board Resolution with Power of Attorney
Additional documents may be requested depending on the business activity or shareholder nationality. Regulated sectors such as financial services, healthcare, and education may require external approvals prior to license issuance.



/HOW IT WORKS/
Step-by-Step RAKEZ Company Setup
01
Choose Your License Type and Business Activities
Define your business operations and select the appropriate license category. This step determines your visa eligibility, documentation requirements, and banking suitability.
02
Select Your Legal Structure
03
Prepare and Submit Your Documents
04
Receive Your Corporate Documents
05
Secure Your Establishment Card
06
Apply for Residency Visas
07
Open a Corporate Bank Account
Visa Options and Eligibility
RAKEZ trade license holders are eligible to apply for UAE residency visas. The number of allocations is determined by the type and size of the office facility selected.
Processing Timeline
Most setup procedures can be completed without visiting Ras Al Khaimah directly. RAKEZ operates a representative office in Dubai for document submission and shareholder meetings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get quick answers to frequently asked questions about free zone license in the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get quick answers to frequently asked questions about free zone license in the UAE.
Yes, though it requires careful preparation. RAKEZ is considered a credible jurisdiction by UAE and international banks. However, offshore entities face additional scrutiny during the account opening process. We can advise on the most suitable banking options and help prepare your application to maximise the chances of approval.
In most cases, the registration process can be completed remotely. However, a visit to the UAE is typically required to open a corporate bank account, as UAE Central Bank regulations generally require in-person identity verification.
RAKEZ offshore companies are permitted to own freehold property in designated areas of Ras Al Khaimah. Property ownership in other emirates may be subject to separate regulations.
No. A RAKEZ offshore company is a separate legal structure designed for international business, holding, and asset protection. It does not permit the holder to conduct business within the UAE, obtain UAE residency visas, or maintain a physical office in the country. A free zone company offers these capabilities but at a higher cost and with greater compliance requirements.
Registration typically takes between five and ten working days from the date of complete document submission and payment.
Yes. RAKEZ offshore companies can accommodate multiple shareholders. Share ownership can be held by individuals or corporate entities, including other offshore or free zone companies.
Yes, though it requires careful preparation. RAKEZ is considered a credible jurisdiction by UAE and international banks. However, offshore entities face additional scrutiny during the account opening process. We can advise on the most suitable banking options and help prepare your application to maximise the chances of approval.
In most cases, the registration process can be completed remotely. However, a visit to the UAE is typically required to open a corporate bank account, as UAE Central Bank regulations generally require in-person identity verification.
RAKEZ offshore companies are permitted to own freehold property in designated areas of Ras Al Khaimah. Property ownership in other emirates may be subject to separate regulations.
No. A RAKEZ offshore company is a separate legal structure designed for international business, holding, and asset protection. It does not permit the holder to conduct business within the UAE, obtain UAE residency visas, or maintain a physical office in the country. A free zone company offers these capabilities but at a higher cost and with greater compliance requirements.
Registration typically takes between five and ten working days from the date of complete document submission and payment.
Yes. RAKEZ offshore companies can accommodate multiple shareholders. Share ownership can be held by individuals or corporate entities, including other offshore or free zone companies.
Yes, though it requires careful preparation. RAKEZ is considered a credible jurisdiction by UAE and international banks. However, offshore entities face additional scrutiny during the account opening process. We can advise on the most suitable banking options and help prepare your application to maximise the chances of approval.
In most cases, the registration process can be completed remotely. However, a visit to the UAE is typically required to open a corporate bank account, as UAE Central Bank regulations generally require in-person identity verification.
RAKEZ offshore companies are permitted to own freehold property in designated areas of Ras Al Khaimah. Property ownership in other emirates may be subject to separate regulations.
No. A RAKEZ offshore company is a separate legal structure designed for international business, holding, and asset protection. It does not permit the holder to conduct business within the UAE, obtain UAE residency visas, or maintain a physical office in the country. A free zone company offers these capabilities but at a higher cost and with greater compliance requirements.
Registration typically takes between five and ten working days from the date of complete document submission and payment.
Yes. RAKEZ offshore companies can accommodate multiple shareholders. Share ownership can be held by individuals or corporate entities, including other offshore or free zone companies.
Explore More Free Zone Options
Explore More Free Zone Options
Here are additional free zones worth exploring for your business setup.
Here are additional free zones worth exploring for your business setup.

DMCC Free Zone
Jumeirah Lakes Towers / Dubai
1,000 business activities
Commodities, trading, corporate HQs, fintech, Crypto services, etc.

Meydan Free Zone
Dubai (near Business Bay and Downtown)
2,500 business activities
Consultancy, tech startups, education Licenses, etc.

SHAMS Free Zone
Sharjah (near Al Zahia and Sharjah Airport)
120 business activities
Media, creative, digital entrepreneurs, startup licenses, etc.

IFZA
Dubai (Jebel Ali / Dubai central locations)
2,000 business activities
SMEs, trading, e-commerce, professional licenses, etc.

DMCC Free Zone
Jumeirah Lakes Towers / Dubai
1,000 business activities
Commodities, trading, corporate HQs, fintech, Crypto services, etc.

Meydan Free Zone
Dubai (near Business Bay and Downtown)
2,500 business activities
Consultancy, tech startups, education Licenses, etc.

SHAMS Free Zone
Sharjah (near Al Zahia and Sharjah Airport)
120 business activities
Media, creative, digital entrepreneurs, startup licenses, etc.

IFZA
Dubai (Jebel Ali / Dubai central locations)
2,000 business activities
SMEs, trading, e-commerce, professional licenses, etc.

DMCC Free Zone
Jumeirah Lakes Towers / Dubai
1,000 business activities
Commodities, trading, corporate HQs, fintech, Crypto services, etc.

Meydan Free Zone
Dubai (near Business Bay and Downtown)
2,500 business activities
Consultancy, tech startups, education Licenses, etc.

SHAMS Free Zone
Sharjah (near Al Zahia and Sharjah Airport)
120 business activities
Media, creative, digital entrepreneurs, startup licenses, etc.

IFZA
Dubai (Jebel Ali / Dubai central locations)
2,000 business activities
SMEs, trading, e-commerce, professional licenses, etc.

DMCC Free Zone
Jumeirah Lakes Towers / Dubai
1,000 business activities
Commodities, trading, corporate HQs, fintech, Crypto services, etc.

Meydan Free Zone
Dubai (near Business Bay and Downtown)
2,500 business activities
Consultancy, tech startups, education Licenses, etc.

SHAMS Free Zone
Sharjah (near Al Zahia and Sharjah Airport)
120 business activities
Media, creative, digital entrepreneurs, startup licenses, etc.

IFZA
Dubai (Jebel Ali / Dubai central locations)
2,000 business activities
SMEs, trading, e-commerce, professional licenses, etc.

DMCC Free Zone
Jumeirah Lakes Towers / Dubai
1,000 business activities
Commodities, trading, corporate HQs, fintech, Crypto services, etc.

Meydan Free Zone
Dubai (near Business Bay and Downtown)
2,500 business activities
Consultancy, tech startups, education Licenses, etc.

SHAMS Free Zone
Sharjah (near Al Zahia and Sharjah Airport)
120 business activities
Media, creative, digital entrepreneurs, startup licenses, etc.

IFZA
Dubai (Jebel Ali / Dubai central locations)
2,000 business activities
SMEs, trading, e-commerce, professional licenses, etc.

DMCC Free Zone
Jumeirah Lakes Towers / Dubai
1,000 business activities
Commodities, trading, corporate HQs, fintech, Crypto services, etc.

Meydan Free Zone
Dubai (near Business Bay and Downtown)
2,500 business activities
Consultancy, tech startups, education Licenses, etc.

SHAMS Free Zone
Sharjah (near Al Zahia and Sharjah Airport)
120 business activities
Media, creative, digital entrepreneurs, startup licenses, etc.

IFZA
Dubai (Jebel Ali / Dubai central locations)
2,000 business activities
SMEs, trading, e-commerce, professional licenses, etc.

DMCC Free Zone
Jumeirah Lakes Towers / Dubai
1,000 business activities
Commodities, trading, corporate HQs, fintech, Crypto services, etc.

Meydan Free Zone
Dubai (near Business Bay and Downtown)
2,500 business activities
Consultancy, tech startups, education Licenses, etc.

SHAMS Free Zone
Sharjah (near Al Zahia and Sharjah Airport)
120 business activities
Media, creative, digital entrepreneurs, startup licenses, etc.

IFZA
Dubai (Jebel Ali / Dubai central locations)
2,000 business activities
SMEs, trading, e-commerce, professional licenses, etc.

DMCC Free Zone
Jumeirah Lakes Towers / Dubai
1,000 business activities
Commodities, trading, corporate HQs, fintech, Crypto services, etc.

Meydan Free Zone
Dubai (near Business Bay and Downtown)
2,500 business activities
Consultancy, tech startups, education Licenses, etc.

SHAMS Free Zone
Sharjah (near Al Zahia and Sharjah Airport)
120 business activities
Media, creative, digital entrepreneurs, startup licenses, etc.

IFZA
Dubai (Jebel Ali / Dubai central locations)
2,000 business activities
SMEs, trading, e-commerce, professional licenses, etc.

DMCC Free Zone
Jumeirah Lakes Towers / Dubai
1,000 business activities
Commodities, trading, corporate HQs, fintech, Crypto services, etc.

Meydan Free Zone
Dubai (near Business Bay and Downtown)
2,500 business activities
Consultancy, tech startups, education Licenses, etc.

SHAMS Free Zone
Sharjah (near Al Zahia and Sharjah Airport)
120 business activities
Media, creative, digital entrepreneurs, startup licenses, etc.

IFZA
Dubai (Jebel Ali / Dubai central locations)
2,000 business activities
SMEs, trading, e-commerce, professional licenses, etc.

DMCC Free Zone
Jumeirah Lakes Towers / Dubai
1,000 business activities
Commodities, trading, corporate HQs, fintech, Crypto services, etc.

Meydan Free Zone
Dubai (near Business Bay and Downtown)
2,500 business activities
Consultancy, tech startups, education Licenses, etc.

SHAMS Free Zone
Sharjah (near Al Zahia and Sharjah Airport)
120 business activities
Media, creative, digital entrepreneurs, startup licenses, etc.

IFZA
Dubai (Jebel Ali / Dubai central locations)
2,000 business activities
SMEs, trading, e-commerce, professional licenses, etc.

DMCC Free Zone
Jumeirah Lakes Towers / Dubai
1,000 business activities
Commodities, trading, corporate HQs, fintech, Crypto services, etc.

Meydan Free Zone
Dubai (near Business Bay and Downtown)
2,500 business activities
Consultancy, tech startups, education Licenses, etc.

SHAMS Free Zone
Sharjah (near Al Zahia and Sharjah Airport)
120 business activities
Media, creative, digital entrepreneurs, startup licenses, etc.

IFZA
Dubai (Jebel Ali / Dubai central locations)
2,000 business activities
SMEs, trading, e-commerce, professional licenses, etc.

DMCC Free Zone
Jumeirah Lakes Towers / Dubai
1,000 business activities
Commodities, trading, corporate HQs, fintech, Crypto services, etc.

Meydan Free Zone
Dubai (near Business Bay and Downtown)
2,500 business activities
Consultancy, tech startups, education Licenses, etc.

SHAMS Free Zone
Sharjah (near Al Zahia and Sharjah Airport)
120 business activities
Media, creative, digital entrepreneurs, startup licenses, etc.

IFZA
Dubai (Jebel Ali / Dubai central locations)
2,000 business activities
SMEs, trading, e-commerce, professional licenses, etc.
Get in Touch
Phone
Dubai
1402, Level 14 - Boulevard Plaza Tower 1 Downtown Dubai - Dubai
Abu Dhabi
Aldar HQ, Level 3, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi


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