Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
UAE's most affordable free zone — industrial strength and commercial flexibility from just AED 5,000/year.
Emirate
Ras Al Khaimah
Est.
2017
Cost/Year
AED 5,000 – 20,000 / year
Setup Time
1–3 working days (standard); same-day available
Visas
Flexible — flexi-desk packages can include 0–6 visas
Office
Flexi-desk available (no physical office required)
About RAKEZ
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) was formed in 2017 through the merger of two established RAK free zones — RAK Free Trade Zone and RAK Investment Authority — creating a comprehensive single-window business hub. RAKEZ offers one of the lowest entry costs of any UAE free zone, making it ideal for budget-conscious entrepreneurs, manufacturing SMEs, and businesses wanting industrial land or warehousing at a fraction of Dubai prices. Its Academic Zone also accommodates educational institutions.
Ideal for
Manufacturing companies, light industrial operations, budget-conscious entrepreneurs, educational institutions, healthcare companies, and trading businesses seeking low overheads.
Pros & Considerations
Advantages
- Among the lowest-cost free zones in the UAE — from AED 5,000/year
- Industrial land and warehouses significantly cheaper than Dubai
- Same-day business setup available
- Wide range of industrial and commercial activities
- Academic zone for educational businesses
- 100% foreign ownership with full tax exemption
- Close to UAE's border with Oman (logistics advantage)
- Accessible from Dubai (approx. 1 hour drive)
Watch out for
- Ras Al Khaimah location — not a prestige address
- Smaller international business community than Dubai free zones
- Banking can be slightly more complex for RAK-registered companies
- Less developed transport infrastructure vs Dubai
- Not suitable for businesses requiring a premium UAE address
Licence Types
Popular Business Activities
Permitted activities vary — we confirm your specific activity before registration.
Setup Process
Package Selection
Choose between commercial, industrial, or educational packages. Select visa count and facility type (flexi-desk, office, warehouse, or industrial plot).
Document Submission
Submit passport copy, visa-size photo, and business activity details. Process is largely online.
Approval & Payment
Approval within 24 hours for standard setups. Payment of licence and registration fees.
Licence Issuance
Trade licence issued within 1–3 working days. Digital copy immediately; originals couriered.
Visas & Banking
Employment visa processing begins. Bank account applications initiated in parallel.
Cost Breakdown
| Licence fee (annual) | AED 5,000 – 20,000 / year |
| Registration / one-time fees | AED 2,000–5,000 (one-time) |
| Visa cost (per person) | AED 3,500–5,500 |
| Emirates ID (per person) | AED 370 |
| Medical test (per person) | AED 300–600 |
| goCorp service feeIncluded | Advisory — get a quote |
| Bank account setup | Advisory — get a quote |
Flexi-desk packages start from AED 5,000. Warehouse and industrial plots are priced significantly lower than Dubai equivalents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Started
Set up in RAKEZ today
Free consultation, full quote, and end-to-end formation support. Typical timeline: 1–3 working days (standard); same-day available.
Get a free quote Talk to an expertQuick Specs
Emirate
Ras Al Khaimah
Founded
2017
Setup Timeline
1–3 working days (standard); same-day available
Annual Cost
AED 5,000 – 20,000 / year
Visa Allocation
Flexible — flexi-desk packages can include 0–6 visas. Industrial facilities provide visa quota based on size.
Office Requirement
Flexi-desk available (no physical office required). Physical offices, warehouses, and industrial plots also available at competitive rates.
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