RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) is the business and industrial free zone of Ras Al Khaimah, about an hour’s drive north of Dubai. It is one of the largest economic zones in the UAE, home to a community of more than 50,000 companies across over 50 sectors, and it is the usual choice for entrepreneurs who want low running costs, industrial land or warehousing, and a licence that covers trading, services and manufacturing in one place. Set Hub handles your RAKEZ registration, visas and bank account from Dubai, so you do not need to travel to Ras Al Khaimah for the paperwork.
Why entrepreneurs choose RAKEZ
- Up to 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of capital and profits.
- More than 3,000 business activities, including combinations of trading, service and industrial activities on one licence.
- Free zone and non-free zone entities are registered through the same authority, so you can pick the structure that matches where your customers are.
- Facilities for every stage: flexi desks and shared workstations, standard and executive offices, shell-and-core units, warehouses in several sizes and plots of land for development.
- Lower office and warehouse costs than Dubai free zones, which matters for light industry, logistics and e-commerce stock.
- Residence visas for owners, employees and dependants, with the quota linked to the facility you lease. See our visa services.
RAKEZ zones
| Zone | Best for |
|---|---|
| Al Nakheel Business Zone | Service and trading companies that want an office in the city centre |
| Al Hamra Business Zone | Businesses near the coast: hospitality, retail and consultancies |
| Al Hamra Industrial Zone | Light manufacturing and warehousing |
| Al Ghail Industrial Zone | Heavy and medium industry with land plots |
| Al Hulaila Industrial Zone | Large-scale manufacturing and logistics |
Company types in RAKEZ
- Free Zone Establishment (FZE): one shareholder, limited liability.
- Free Zone Company (FZC): two or more shareholders, limited liability.
- Branch: an extension of an existing UAE or foreign company, with no separate share capital.
- Non-free zone entity: a Ras Al Khaimah mainland company registered through RAKEZ, for businesses that trade directly in the UAE market.
Not sure which structure fits? Read our guide to FZE vs FZCO vs LLC.
Licence types
Commercial (trading), general trading, service, industrial, e-commerce, educational, media, and freelancer permits for individuals. Set Hub checks which licence fits your activity list before you apply, because the licence decides your visa quota and the facility you must lease.
How to set up a RAKEZ company, step by step
- Choose your activities and structure. We map your business to the RAKEZ activity list and recommend FZE, FZC or branch.
- Pick your facility. A flexi desk for a service business with a small team, an office for a larger one, a warehouse or land for trading and industry.
- Reserve the trade name and submit the application. Passport copies and proof of address for each shareholder, a business plan for industrial activities, and the parent-company documents for a branch.
- Sign the lease and incorporation documents and pay the fees. RAKEZ issues the licence and the certificate of incorporation.
- Establishment card, visas and bank account. We apply for your immigration establishment card, residence visas, Emirates IDs and medicals, and introduce you to partner banks.
How much does a RAKEZ licence cost?
RAKEZ publishes starter packages for small businesses, and the full cost depends on the activities, the facility and the number of visas you need. Government fees for visas, Emirates IDs and medicals come on top. Tell us what you plan to do and we will send a personalised quote with every government fee itemised. To compare zones, see our free zone cost comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Can I run a RAKEZ company from Dubai?
Yes. Many RAKEZ licence holders live and work in Dubai. Your registered address is in Ras Al Khaimah, and you can lease a flexi desk there while operating elsewhere, as long as your activity allows it.
Can a RAKEZ free zone company sell to the UAE mainland?
Free zone companies sell to mainland customers through a local distributor or by opening a mainland branch. If most of your customers are in the UAE, ask us about a RAKEZ non-free zone (mainland) entity instead.
How many visas can I get?
The quota depends on the facility: a flexi desk supports a small number of visas, while offices and warehouses support more according to their size. We confirm the quota before you commit to a package.
What is the difference between RAKEZ and RAK ICC?
RAKEZ licenses companies that operate in the UAE with offices, staff and visas. RAK ICC registers offshore holding companies that cannot trade inside the UAE and do not get visas. See our RAK ICC page.
Do RAKEZ companies pay UAE corporate tax?
The 9% federal corporate tax applies across the UAE. A free zone company can qualify for the 0% rate on qualifying income if it meets the qualifying free zone person conditions. Our tax team can assess this for you.
Can I move my Dubai free zone company to RAKEZ?
Usually by setting up a new RAKEZ entity and transferring assets and contracts, or by opening a RAKEZ branch of the existing company. We will tell you which route costs less.
Ready to start? Book a consultation and a Set Hub consultant will confirm your activities, the right RAKEZ zone and facility, and the full cost before you commit.