Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone (RAKEZ / RAK FTZ)
Founded in 2000, Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (now RAKEZ) is one of the UAE’s fastest-growing and most cost-effective free zones. More than 12,000 companies from 100+ countries and 50+ industry sectors operate here. Located just a one-hour drive from Dubai, RAKEZ offers direct links to five seaports (including Saqr Port, the region’s largest bulk hub) and an international airport placing your business within easy reach of emerging markets in South-East Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Benefits of Company Formation in RAK Free Zone
- Lowest setup & living costs among UAE free zones
- 100 % foreign ownership and full profit repatriation
- No taxes or VAT and no foreign-exchange controls
- Pro-business regulations that are clear and flexible
- Geostrategic reach to 1.2 billion consumers across GCC & beyond
- Specialized parks (Industrial & Technology) adjacent to seaport + airport
- Ideal logistics hub for warehousing and distribution
Business Activities Permitted
| Category | Typical Examples |
|---|---|
| Commercial / General Trading | Import–export, wholesale, retail |
| Industrial | Manufacturing, processing, packaging |
| Professional | Accounting, consulting, management services |
| Educational | Training centres, educational consultancy |
| E-Commerce | Online trading platforms |
| Media | Advertising, content creation, production |
| Freelancer | Solo practitioners in media or education |
Trade Licences Available
| Licence | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Consulting & Service / Real-Estate Licence | Finance, investment, legal, management, restaurants, travel, cargo, insurance, etc. |
| Commercial Licence | Import, export, storage & distribution of approved goods |
| Industrial Licence | Import of raw materials, manufacturing, assembly, packaging, export (feasibility & EIA approval required) |
| General Trading Licence | Wide-range trading, warehousing, distribution |
Legal Structures in RAKEZ
- Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) – separate legal entity with flexible shareholding
- Branch Office – UAE or foreign company extension, same legal identity as parent
RAK Company Formation: Step-by-Step
- Choose your business activity (commercial, professional, industrial).
- Select legal form (FZ-LLC or Branch).
- Reserve a company name – must observe RAKEZ naming rules (no religious/offensive terms; full personal names, etc.).
- Apply for the relevant licence – submit forms and obtain RAKEZ approvals.
- Secure visas:
- Establishment Card → eChannel → Entry Permit → Medical & Emirates ID → Residence-visa stamping.
- Lease office or facility – desk, flexi-office, warehouse, or land.
RAKEZ Specialised Parks
| Park | Focus & Facilities |
|---|---|
| Business Park | Furnished offices, flexi-desks, shared workspaces for service firms |
| Industrial Park | Heavy-industry plots & large warehouses |
| Technology Park | Light manufacturing, automated production, capital-intensive projects |
| Academic Zone | Universities, colleges, training institutes |
