Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is an emirate in the UAE that provides opportunities for businesses to operate in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Entrepreneurs, investors, and companies can benefit from tax incentives, modern infrastructure, and access to international markets. Setting up a business in RAK gives you a strategic location and support for growth.
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is in a good location, giving easy access to markets in the GCC, Asia, Africa, and Europe. It has a simple process for setting up businesses. Companies benefit from tax exemptions, no customs duties, and can send profits abroad freely. RAK is also close to Port Saqr and the free zone, which is useful for trading and logistics businesses.
RAKEZ Free Zone in Ras Al Khaimah is a popular business area. It provides good infrastructure and offers benefits to make starting and running a business easier. RAKEZ supports companies in manufacturing, trading, services, media, and e-commerce.
Companies in RAKEZ Free Zone can use services like warehouse space, land for industrial projects, and office space for small and medium businesses.
A Mainland Company setup lets you operate in Ras Al Khaimah and across the UAE. It usually needs a local sponsor who owns at least 51% of the company, while the foreign investor holds 49%. This setup is suitable for businesses serving the local market or working in sectors not covered by free zones.
Ras Al Khaimah offers different types of licenses depending on the nature of the business:
Commercial License: For businesses involved in the buying, selling, and distribution of goods.
Professional License: For service-based companies offering professional services.
Industrial License: For manufacturing or industrial operations.
General Trading License: For businesses dealing with a wide range of products.
For RAKEZ Free Zone companies, additional documents such as a business plan, financial statements, and other industry-specific permits may be required. Regardless of the business type you choose, certain documents are required for registration:
Foreign investors can fully own their business, especially in free zones and offshore setups. There are no personal or corporate income taxes, and import/export activities are tax-free. Ras Al Khaimah’s location gives access to markets in Asia, Europe, and Africa. The company setup process is quick and simple, with minimal paperwork. The government also provides incentives, including tax breaks and low-cost business setup options.
First, choose your business type Free Zone, Offshore, or Mainland. Then, apply for the business license by submitting the required documents. Next, arrange your office or workspace depending on your business type. After that, complete the company registration with the relevant authority (RAK DED for Mainland or RAKEZ for Free Zone). Once your license is issued, you can start your business operations.
The process involves selecting your business structure, submitting the necessary documents, obtaining the required business license, and establishing your office space.
Yes, you can set up a RAKEZ Free Zone or Offshore business with 100% foreign ownership. For a mainland company, a local sponsor is required.
Businesses in various sectors, including trading, manufacturing, services, e-commerce, and others, can be established in Ras Al Khaimah.
The cost depends on the type of business and the setup chosen (free zone, offshore, or mainland). Specific fees vary based on location, business activity, and license type.
