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.

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Build business with trusted experts. Achieve the real success.

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

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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.

Aerial night view of The Gate building and skyscrapers in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) business district.

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

Business partners shaking hands to celebrate a business agreement during a professional gathering at the Dubai International Financial Centre.

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.

A man completing documents for Dubai Mainland License, preparing the required paperwork for business setup
A man completing documents for Dubai Mainland License, preparing the required paperwork for business setup
A man completing documents for Dubai Mainland License, preparing the required paperwork for business setup

/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.

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.

Can I open a bank account?
icon

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.

Do I need to visit the UAE to set up an offshore company in RAKEZ?
icon

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.

Can the company own property in the UAE?
icon

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.

Is a RAKEZ offshore company the same as a RAKEZ free zone company?
icon

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.

How long does registration take?
icon

Registration typically takes between five and ten working days from the date of complete document submission and payment.

Can my company have multiple shareholders?
icon

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.

Can I open a bank account?
icon

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.

Do I need to visit the UAE to set up an offshore company in RAKEZ?
icon

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.

Can the company own property in the UAE?
icon

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.

Is a RAKEZ offshore company the same as a RAKEZ free zone company?
icon

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.

How long does registration take?
icon

Registration typically takes between five and ten working days from the date of complete document submission and payment.

Can my company have multiple shareholders?
icon

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.

Can I open a bank account?
icon

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.

Do I need to visit the UAE to set up an offshore company in RAKEZ?
icon

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.

Can the company own property in the UAE?
icon

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.

Is a RAKEZ offshore company the same as a RAKEZ free zone company?
icon

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.

How long does registration take?
icon

Registration typically takes between five and ten working days from the date of complete document submission and payment.

Can my company have multiple shareholders?
icon

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.

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