General information
Equipped and semi-closed workplaces or offices.
Shared computers or the ability to use a personal laptop.
Advanced IT/telecommunications infrastructure.
Dedicated telephone numbers and mailing addresses, as well as shared fax.
Fax and correspondence processing service.
Why choose RAKEZ
The economics are straightforward: for a comparable set of options, the entry cost in RAKEZ is lower than in Dubai’s zones, while the infrastructure is broader than that of its “budget” neighbors. The zone was established under Ras Al Khaimah Emiri Decree No. 2 of 2017, which merged the RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA) and the RAK Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ) — today, RAKEZ operates as the emirate’s single licensing authority, and the older names only surface in outdated overviews.
Key advantages: one of the lowest entry thresholds among UAE free zones (packages from AED 6,000), a RAKEZ license issued within 24 hours for a number of activities, the choice between free zone and mainland-facing registration in a single application, a dedicated designated zone with a 0% rate on qualifying income, and industrial infrastructure — warehouses and land plots for manufacturing. Personal presence isn’t required to register: part of the process can be completed fully online.
Licenses and registration formats
RAKEZ issues four main license types: commercial (import-export and distribution of specified product categories), general trading (any category, no restrictions), professional (consulting, IT, design, and other services), and industrial (raw material import, manufacturing, and export of finished goods). Separate e-commerce configurations exist for online businesses.
The company format is matched to the business goal: an FZ-LLC in the free zone for international trade and services, non-free zone registration for working directly with the UAE mainland market without local agents, or a branch for extending an existing business. Workspace options range from a flexi-desk and virtual office to standalone offices, warehouses, and land plots from 205 sq. m for industrial projects.
Cost of RAKEZ company setup in 2026
Zone fees are published by the RAKEZ administration; the figures below reflect 2026 benchmarks, checked against rakez.com. The final amount depends on the business activity, the number of visas, and the workspace format.
|
Expense item |
Amount, AED |
Comment |
|---|---|---|
|
Base package (SME/startup) |
from 6,000 |
License + minimum service bundle |
|
FZ-LLC license |
7,500 – 7,800 |
Depends on business activity |
|
Establishment card |
~2,200 |
One-time payment |
|
Visa (per person) |
~4,000 |
Plus medical insurance |
|
Turnkey package with residency |
from 14,000 |
License + visa + related services |
Base packages are processed in 3–4 business days; select digital licenses are issued within 24 hours. Dynasty Business Adviser’s support fees are quoted separately for each configuration — we lock in the exact figure, including all government fees, before work begins.
Taxes for RAKEZ companies
Companies in the zone operate under the UAE’s standard tax framework: 9% corporate tax on profit above AED 375,000 under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, and 5% VAT on most transactions under Decree-Law No. 8/2017. RAKEZ’s advantage is its designated zone status: when the criteria for a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) are met, qualifying income is taxed at 0%.
The detail that decides the outcome: the list of qualifying income categories and the QFZP conditions are set out in Ministry of Finance implementing regulations and require the revenue structure to be set up correctly from day one. We design that structure at the licensing stage and bring in [internal link: accounting services] so the zero rate doesn’t get disqualified on a technicality.
How RAKEZ company formation works: six steps
It starts with choosing the package and activity — trading, services, e-commerce, or manufacturing — since this determines the fee and the number of available visas. Next, we reserve the trade name and submit the application with the shareholders’ documents, secure initial approval, pay the license fee, and sign the incorporation documents. Once the RAKEZ trade license is issued, we arrange the establishment card, residency visas (Emirates ID, medical test — we support you at every step), and open a UAE bank account.
Our lead lawyer, Sergei, on how the zone positions itself: “RAKEZ wins on the combination of a low entry threshold and industrial infrastructure — that’s a rare pairing for a free zone company in this price segment.”
Who RAKEZ suits
Three typical client profiles. Startups and freelancers on a tight budget get a license, a visa, and a UAE address for a minimal outlay. Trading and service companies value speed — registration takes days, not weeks, and doesn’t require a flight in. Manufacturing and logistics projects value the warehouses, land, and port access — most “budget” zones simply don’t offer industrial capacity at this level.
If a Dubai address or a specific industry ecosystem matters more to you, compare RAKEZ against Dubai’s free zones — we’ll walk you through which setup costs less over a three-year horizon, not just at the start.
Set up your company in RAKEZ with Dynasty Business Adviser
We’ll help you choose the package and activity, prepare the documents and license, arrange visas and a bank account — no intermediaries, with our own office in Dubai and 24/7 support. Submit a request through the “Get a consultation” form or message us on Telegram or WhatsApp: we’ll calculate the full cost for your case free of charge.
Get a consultation
Pricing data is current as of the publication date (July 2026) and has been checked against public sources, including rakez.com; confirm rates directly with the zone administration before payment. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
