RAKEZ in Ras Al Khaimah is considered to be one of the leading economic zones in the UAE. Local companies can take advantage of beneficial conditions for business, affordable licenses, exemption from income tax, easy registration process, and 100% foreign ownership. Today, it is home to more than 23,000 companies operating in about fifty industries. Company registration in Ras Al Khaimah is one of our services that is in stable demand. We annually work with hundreds of entrepreneurs from different corners of the globe to help them become owners of a RAKEZ company without much hassle. This truly unique structure is definitely worth it!
Why Opt for RAKEZ?
The United Arab Emirates offers a progressive business environment that includes a stable economy, well-developed infrastructure, low tax rates, and a strategic location. The Ras Al Khaimah free zone gives investors easy access to the growing markets of North Africa, Europe, South and Central Asia, and the Middle East. Company registration expenses in this zone remain at a low level compared to the whole region, which makes it an attractive choice for businesses.
Advantages of business establishment in RAKEZ:
- 100% foreign ownership. You are under no obligation to have a resident partner in your company, and there are no restrictions as to the business owner’s country of residence.
- Tax optimization. RAKEZ offers zero corporate and personal income rates, as well as an exemption from import and export duties in the majority of cases.
- Ease of business setup. The process of company registration takes just several days and requires a minimum package of documents. You can set up your business remotely if you want to.
- Well-developed infrastructure. RAKEZ offers modern, well-equipped offices, warehouse premises, and industrial zones suitable for companies of different scales.
- A variety of business models. Ras Al Khaimah zone is home to startups, small and medium-sized businesses, as well as international corporations, which creates a favorable ecosystem to exchange experience and growth.
UAE’s political stability and strong economy provide a comfortable environment for long-term business.
Company Types in RAKEZ
Depending on their business goals and structure, entrepreneurs can register several company types in the RAKEZ economic zone.
These are:
- FZE, where one person is a shareholder.
- FZC, where two or more people can be shareholders.
- A branch of a company registered in the UAE or abroad.
FZE provides limited liability – that is, the shareholder’s liability is limited by the amount of capital contributed to the company.
License Types
| License | License Description | Features |
| Commercial | Sales of goods and provision of services | — A wide range of categories is available; — Suitable for B2B and B2C trade; — Import and export operations |
| General Trading | Trade in different categories of goods | — Trading in several categories of products; — Suitable for companies that offer multi-profile products |
| Industrial | Products manufacturing and assembly | — Access to warehouse premises; — Support in the import of raw materials; — Export support |
| Media | Engaging in mass media-related activities | — Suitable for designers, marketing agencies, and content makers; — Ensures access to media infrastructure |
| E-Commerce | Selling products and services with the help of electronic media | — Suitable for Internet stores and online services; — Ensures the support of marketing platforms and logistics |
| Educational | For schools, educational centers, and training companies | — Suitable for educational institutions and professional courses; — This is a good option for the providers of educational services |
| Service | Provision of services or consultancy in any sphere | Suitable for consultancy services in any sphere |
RAKEZ offers well-developed infrastructure, including offices, warehouses, and industrial zones. As a result, entrepreneurs find it very convenient to do business here.
Company Registration Procedure
The process of company incorporation in the RAKEZ free zone is quicker and simpler than you can imagine. It includes just a few steps:
Get in touch with our experts to discuss the details.
Provide at least three company names.
Describe the corporate structure.
Choose the activity type.
Collect and provide a package of documents, including copies of passports for the company’s key persons, copies of resident visas, CVs, and personal information.
Submit the documents to the registration authority (our experts will handle this).
Company registration in the UAE’s free economic zone.
As soon as the procedure is over, the owner will receive the following documents:
- A license to engage in business activities in the selected sphere (it needs to be renewed on an annual basis)
- A Certificate of Shareholder
- A Memorandum of Association
- An office premises rental agreement for a year.
We will also help you open a corporate account with a local bank if you need to.
Discuss the details with an expert
Check the list of required documents, and get the details of the process, terms, and costs.
Contact a consultantLet’s talk via messenger
Cost of Company Registration
The cost of company registration in the Ras Al Khaimah free economic zone starts at USD 2,000.
The service includes:
- Preparation of documents
- Registration processes
- Obtaining a license
- Interaction with state authorities.
The cost of a license depends on its type.
No requirements for the minimum registered capital are set for local companies. The amount depends on the type of business and selected structure and is determined on a case-by-case basis.
The usual amount for a Free Zone Company (FZC) starts at AED 10,000, but you don’t always need to deposit it with a bank to register a company.
The companies registered in RAKEZ must have a registered office in the free zone.
Here are the options available:
- A co-working space
- Flexi-desk offices
- Private offices for long-term rental
- Furnished office spaces of a different size
- Storage, logistics, and production spaces
- Specialized sites for factories and assembly lines.
Freelancers and offshore companies can operate without a physical office, using a RAKEZ address as an official one. As the business grows and develops, enterprises can change the type of office or expand working spaces.
Obtaining Residency Visas
Company owners in the Ras Al Khaimah free zone and their family members can obtain residency visas that come with the following advantages:
- The right to legally reside in the territory of the UAE
- The right to open bank accounts with local financial institutions
- The right to rent accommodation
- The light to leave and enter the country multiple times.
Our specialists provide professional assistance at all stages of obtaining visas and can provide consultancy services to you.
Taxation and Reporting
| Tax | Conditions |
| Corporate | — If the income generated by companies does not exceed AED 375,000, the tax rate equals 0%. If the company’s income is more than the limit set, it has to pay a tax at a rate of 9% |
| VAT | — Standard rate — 5%; — Companies with an annual turnover that exceeds AED 375,000 must be registered as VAT payers; — If the company’s turnover ranges between AED 187,500 and AED 375,000, there is no need to be registered as a VAT payer |
| Income | Individuals are taxed at 0% |
| Customs duties | There is no need to pay customs duties if you import products to the RAKEZ zone. |
Requirements for financial reports:
- A financial report has to be submitted once a year.
- Companies registered as VAT payers must submit quarterly VAT returns to the tax authorities.
- Companies that pay a corporate tax must submit a tax return once a year.
Companies must keep accounting records that reflect all operations.
Closing Down a Company
If you want to close down your company based in the Ras Al Khaimah free zone, you will need to comply with a number of legal, financial, and administrative requirements.
Steps required for company liquidation:
Submission of a relevant notification that specifies the reasons for company liquidation.
Payment of all debts and fulfillment of all obligations.
Closing the corporate account.
Submission of corporate documents.
Cancellation of residence visas.
The cost of closing down a company in RAKEZ will depend on its type, size, and the number of outstanding liabilities. The process of liquidation may take up to 90 days. Incompetent termination of the company’s activities may result in fines and prohibition to carry out business activities in the UAE in the future. Therefore, it is very important to use the services provided by seasoned experts.
Conclusion
Today, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone is one of the most recommendable places for foreign company registration thanks to its flexible conditions, affordable prices, advantageous location, and tax benefits. Entrepreneurs get access to the key markets of the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe and have the possibility to take advantage of all the logistics benefits of the developed local infrastructure. Companies can obtain visas for owners, employees, and their families. RAKEZ offers transparent laws that comply with international standards. This is an optimal choice for startups and international corporations that wish to receive a strategic competitive edge in quickly-growing markets.
Get in touch with our experts to discuss business registration in Ras Al Khaimah’s free economic zone and start your new project in no time!
