United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates

Company Formation in RAKEZ

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone Authority

Formation Time
2–4 business days
Min. Capital
No minimum required
Corporate Tax
0% qualifying / 9%
Foreign Ownership
100%

Overview

RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) is one of the largest and most comprehensive commercial and industrial powerhouses in the UAE, hosting over 21,000 businesses from more than 100 countries. Formed by consolidating RAK Free Trade Zone and RAK Investment Authority, RAKEZ offers an expansive ecosystem encompassing commercial, service, educational, media, and heavy industrial zones. RAKEZ provides highly customizable packages, ranging from low-cost co-working desks for startups to 3,000-square-meter pre-built warehouses and large industrial land plots for manufacturing, all at costs up to 50% lower than Dubai.

Costs up to 50% lower than Dubai
21,000+ businesses
Saqr Port bulk cargo access
Warehouses & industrial plots
RAKBANK priority support

Why Choose RAKEZ

1

Operating costs, warehouses, and industrial land plots up to 50% cheaper than Dubai

2

Over 21,000 registered multinational businesses across commercial, trade, and industry

3

Pre-built warehouses, staff accommodations, and customizable industrial land plots available

4

0% Corporate Tax on Qualifying Income under UAE Federal Corporate Tax QFZP rules

5

No minimum capital requirement and no mandatory annual audit submission for standard licenses

6

Dual-license framework allowing simultaneous free zone and mainland commercial operations

7

Direct access to Saqr Port — the largest bulk cargo harbor in the Middle East

8

Rapid 2 to 4-day electronic incorporation via the RAKEZ Portal 360

Business Entity Types

EntityOwnershipDirectorsCapitalTaxBest For
FZ-LLC100%1None0% on Qualifying Income; 9% on non-qualifying incomeTrading, manufacturing, logistics, consulting, e-commerce, industrial assembly
Branch Office100%1None0% qualifying / 9% standardInternational manufacturing groups and trading houses

Step-by-Step Formation Process

1

Application & Name Clearance

1 day

Submit application via Portal 360 and clear name.

2

Facility Selection

1–2 days

Choose co-working space, executive office, or industrial warehouse.

3

Digital Signing & License

1 day

Execute electronic corporate documents and receive RAKEZ trade license.

4

Immigration & Entry Permit

3–5 days

Issue establishment card and electronic visa entry permits.

5

Banking & Emirates ID

1–2 weeks

Open accounts with RAKBANK or Wio and complete Emirates ID process.

Costs & Fees

Government / License FeeAED 7,500 – 25,000
Our Service FeeUSD 3,000+
Annual RenewalAED 7,500 – 22,000

Fees are indicative and may vary based on business activity, entity type, and additional approvals required. Contact us for a precise custom quote.

Get Custom Quote

Banking

RAKBANK provides priority corporate banking support for RAKEZ companies, complemented by digital banking options like Wio Bank Business.

Account Opening Time
2–4 weeks (3 days via Wio)
Multi-Currency
Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

RAKBANK (premier local partner bank)Wio BankMashreqEmirates NBD

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax
0% on Qualifying Income; 9% on non-qualifying income
Personal Income Tax
0%
VAT / Sales Tax
5% standard VAT
Capital Gains Tax
0%
Withholding Tax
0%
Double Tax Treaties
137 countries

Subject to UAE Federal Corporate Tax Law (Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022). RAKEZ entities must register with the FTA and obtain a Tax Registration Number (TRN).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is RAKEZ popular for manufacturing and warehousing?
RAKEZ offers the most affordable industrial land plots and pre-built warehouses in the UAE, with low utility rates, direct connectivity to Saqr Port, and setup costs up to 50% lower than Dubai.
Can a RAKEZ company trade throughout the UAE?
A RAKEZ free zone company can trade internationally and within free zones at 0% tax. For mainland UAE sales, RAKEZ offers a dual-license option allowing companies to operate on the mainland without setting up a completely separate company.
Does RAKEZ require an annual audit?
Standard commercial and service licenses in RAKEZ do not require submission of audited accounts for license renewal, though maintaining audited accounts is necessary to claim 0% QFZP corporate tax status with the FTA.
What banking options are available for RAKEZ companies?
RAKBANK offers dedicated corporate banking services tailored to RAKEZ entities, and digital banks like Wio Bank Business offer rapid online onboarding.
How long does it take to form a RAKEZ company?
Through RAKEZ Portal 360, company formation is completed in 2 to 4 business days.
What is the Wynn Al Marjan Island impact on RAKEZ?
The development of Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah is driving unprecedented commercial and hospitality investment, creating immense demand for RAKEZ-registered suppliers, contractors, and service providers.