RAKEZ Free Zone Business Setup

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RAKEZ Free Zone Business Setup — Authorized Agent UAE

If you want one of the most affordable, flexible, and well-established free zones in the UAE, RAKEZ is one of the strongest options available in 2026.

RAKEZ — Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone is a UAE government-backed free zone authority in Ras Al Khaimah, hosting over 38,000 businesses from 100+ countries across 50+ industry sectors. It is suitable for a wide range of entrepreneurs freelancers, startups, SMEs, trading companies, manufacturers, media businesses, and large corporations.

Silver Oak Auditing and Accounting Company in Dubai, is an authorized agent for RAKEZ  meaning we have a direct working relationship with the RAKEZ authority and can process your company registration faster and more efficiently than going through the process alone.

What Is RAKEZ?

RAKEZ — Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone is the flagship economic zone of Ras Al Khaimah emirate, formed by the merger of RAK Free Trade Zone and RAK Investment Authority.

What sets RAKEZ apart from many UAE free zones is its dual mandate, it can issue both free zone licenses and non-free zone mainland compatible licenses from the same authority. That means you get the 100% foreign ownership and tax advantages of a free zone without necessarily losing the ability to operate within the wider UAE market through a single registered entity.

RAKEZ is located in Ras Al Khaimah just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport. It sits in one of the UAE’s most business-friendly and fastest-growing emirates, with easy access to Middle Eastern, African, European, and Asian markets.

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Why Choose RAKEZ for Business Setup?

  • One of the Most Affordable Free Zones in UAE RAKEZ company setup costs in 2026 start from AED 6,000 per year for the Biz Starter zero-visa package significantly cheaper than IFZA at AED 12,900 and DMCC at AED 18,000.
  • Widest Range of Business Activities RAKEZ has the widest range of activities 4,000 plus approved business activities across trading, manufacturing, services, media, technology, and more. Choose up to 6 activities from RAKEZ’s approved list.
  • 100% Foreign Ownership You own your company completely no local UAE national partner or sponsor required.
  • Both Free Zone and Mainland Compatible Licenses RAKEZ can issue both free zone licenses and non-free zone mainland-compatible licenses from the same authority. This gives you more flexibility than most other UAE free zones.
  • Dedicated Industrial Zones For manufacturing, processing, and assembly RAKEZ has dedicated industrial zones with access to land and warehouses. This makes it one of the best free zones for manufacturing businesses in the UAE.
  • No Paid-Up Capital for Most Licenses For standard commercial and professional licenses, no significant paid-up capital is required. Industrial licenses may require a minimum capital of AED 15,000. There is no mandatory share capital deposit requirement for most RAKEZ packages making it very accessible for startups and first-time business owners.
  • 0% Corporate Tax on Qualifying Income RAKEZ is a designated UAE free zone qualifying companies can benefit from the 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income under UAE corporate tax law.
  • 0% Personal Income Tax All personal income earned through your RAKEZ company is completely tax free.
  • Strong Infrastructure RAKEZ provides modern offices, warehouses, industrial units, and world-class infrastructure making it suitable for businesses at every stage of growth.

RAKEZ Packages and Costs 2026

RAKEZ company setup costs in 2026 start from AED 6,000 per year. Here is a clear breakdown of available packages:

Biz Starter — From AED 6,000 per year The most affordable entry-level package with zero visa quota. Best for remote founders, freelancers, and digital businesses that do not need immediate UAE residency. Includes a trade license and registered address.

1 Visa Package — From AED 14,000 per year The all-inclusive business setup package costs AED 14,000 per year and includes a business trade license with up to 10 mixed activities. Best for solo entrepreneurs and founders who need a UAE residence visa.

2 Visa Package — From AED 16,000 per year Suitable for small partnerships and businesses with two people needing UAE residency.

3 Visa Package — From AED 18,000 per year For small teams of three people requiring UAE residency.

4 Visa Package — From AED 26,000 per year For businesses with a small team requiring multiple UAE residency visas.

6 Visa Package — From AED 22,000 per year A 6-visa package is available from AED 22,000 per year.

Premium Upgrade — AED 2,500 additional An optional premium upgrade is available for AED 2,500 adding VIP visa support, banking assistance, corporate tax registration and filing, and more services worth over AED 30,000 in combined value.

Business Women Package — From AED 6,000 per year The RAKEZ Business Women Package starts from AED 6,000 per year, one of the most affordable business in a box packages available in any UAE free zone. Designed specifically to support women entrepreneurs with a cost-effective and complete setup solution.

Total Annual Running Cost Annual costs comprising office lease, license renewal, visa renewal, VAT filing, audit, and bookkeeping total AED 8,000 to AED 20,000 depending on business scale.

Contact Silver Oak Dubai for a complete and accurate cost breakdown based on your specific activity and visa requirements.

Types of Licenses Available in RAKEZ

  1. Commercial License For businesses involved in trading importing, exporting, distributing, and selling goods. Unrestricted trading across product categories higher cost but maximum flexibility.
  2. Professional / Service License For service businesses consultants, IT companies, marketing agencies, HR services, financial advisors, and other professional service providers. Service or consultancy business activity cost at RAKEZ is around AED 7,500 to AED 13,000.
  3. Industrial License For manufacturing, production, processing, and assembly businesses. For manufacturing, processing, and assembly RAKEZ has dedicated industrial zones with access to land and warehouses.
  4. General Trading License Allows trading across multiple product categories under one license ideal for businesses that deal in diverse goods.
  5. Freelancer Permit Individual professionals can operate under their own name. A cost effective option for solo professionals who want to work legally in the UAE without setting up a full company.
  6. Media and Technology License Available for media, tech, consulting, and education activities. Suitable for digital businesses, content creators, and technology companies.

Business Activities in RAKEZ

RAKEZ has 4,000 plus approved business activities across trading, manufacturing, services, media, and technology. Popular categories include:

  • General and retail trading
  • Import and export
  • Manufacturing and industrial production
  • IT services and software development
  • Business and management consultancy
  • Marketing and advertising
  • E-commerce and online retail
  • Logistics and freight forwarding
  • Media production and content creation
  • Education and training
  • Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
  • Financial advisory services
  • Food and beverage trading
  • Construction and engineering consultancy
  • Real estate consultancy

Office Space Options in RAKEZ

Biz Starter — Virtual Package Entry-level option with a registered address but no physical workspace. Suitable for remote founders who need a legal UAE company without office costs.

Flexi-Desk A flexi-desk in RAKEZ is a shared office space you can use part-time. It gives your business a registered address, access to meeting rooms, and the legal right to apply for visas. Annual costs typically range from AED 6,000 to AED 8,500 depending on services included.

Smart Office A dedicated private office for businesses that need their own workspace with full office facilities and a higher visa quota.

Industrial Unit For manufacturing and production businesses dedicated industrial units with warehouse space, land access, and heavy-duty facilities within RAKEZ’s dedicated industrial zones.

Company Structures in RAKEZ

Free Zone Establishment — FZE Single shareholder structure ideal for solo founders who want full ownership and control of their company.

Free Zone Company — FZCO FZCO is for 2 to 5 shareholders. No local sponsor needed. Suitable for business partnerships and joint ventures.

Branch of a Foreign Company An existing foreign company can open a branch in RAKEZ operating under the same legal identity as the parent company.

Step-by-Step RAKEZ Company Formation Process

Step 1 — Choose Your Package Choose between Biz Starter, Flexi-Desk, Smart Office, or Industrial unit based on your budget and visa needs. Our team helps you select the right package from the start.

Step 2 — Select Your Business Activities Choose up to 6 activities from RAKEZ’s approved list of 500 plus activities. Extra activities can be added for a small fee. We help you identify the right activities for your specific business.

Step 3 — Choose Your Legal Structure Choose FZE for one shareholder or FZCO for two to five shareholders. No local sponsor needed.

Step 4 — Reserve Your Trade Name Submit your proposed company name to RAKEZ for approval. Your name must be unique and comply with UAE naming rules. We check availability and handle the submission on your behalf.

Step 5 — Submit Documents and Application Required documents include:

  • Passport copies of all shareholders
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • Proof of residential address
  • Completed RAKEZ application form
  • Business activity description

We prepare and organize all documents on your behalf.

Step 6 — Pay Fees and Receive License Once approved, pay the required fees and your RAKEZ license is issued. The full registration process typically takes three to five business days.

Step 7 — Apply for Visas Our PRO team handles all visa applications medical tests, Emirates ID, and visa stamping. Visa processing typically takes seven to ten working days.

Step 8 — Open a Corporate Bank Account Banking assistance is available through the premium upgrade package. Silver Oak helps you choose the right bank for your RAKEZ company and prepares all documentation for a smooth bank account opening.

RAKEZ vs Other UAE Free Zones 2026

RAKEZ stands out for several compelling reasons in 2026 lowest entry cost from AED 6,000 significantly cheaper than IFZA at AED 12,900 and DMCC at AED 18,000 and the widest range of activities with 4,000 plus approved business activities.

Here is a quick honest comparison:

RAKEZ vs IFZA RAKEZ is more affordable at the entry level and has a wider activity list. IFZA has a Dubai address advantage and slightly stronger banking recognition for some banks. For cost and activity flexibility, RAKEZ wins.

RAKEZ vs Meydan Free Zone Meydan offers a premium Dubai address and faster digital setup. RAKEZ is more affordable and better for manufacturing and industrial businesses. For pure cost efficiency and wider activities, RAKEZ is the stronger choice.

RAKEZ vs Ajman Free Zone Both are affordable options for trading and manufacturing. RAKEZ has a more established reputation, a wider activity list, and stronger banking recognition. Ajman Free Zone is slightly cheaper at the entry level.

RAKEZ vs UAQ FTZ UAQ offers the cheapest license in the UAE from AED 5,500. RAKEZ offers more activities, better infrastructure, and stronger overall credibility particularly for manufacturing and industrial businesses.

RAKEZ vs SHAMS SHAMS is better for media, creative, and freelance businesses. RAKEZ is better for trading, manufacturing, and businesses needing a wide range of activities.

Our team gives you an honest comparison and recommends the right option for your specific business and budget.

RAKEZ for Manufacturing and Industrial Businesses

One area where RAKEZ truly stands out among UAE free zones is manufacturing and industrial setup.

RAKEZ has dedicated industrial zones with:

  • Warehouses of different sizes available for lease
  • Industrial land plots for private development
  • Production units for light and heavy manufacturing
  • Purpose-built facilities for food processing, packaging, and assembly
  • Easy access to Saqr Port one of the largest ports in the Middle East
  • Proximity to Al Hamra Industrial Zone and other key logistics hubs

For any business involved in manufacturing, processing, assembly, or industrial storage RAKEZ offers infrastructure and facilities that most other UAE free zones simply cannot match at this price point.

Corporate Tax and Compliance for RAKEZ Companies

Corporate Tax RAKEZ is a designated UAE free zone. Qualifying companies can benefit from the 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income. To maintain this benefit:

  • Your company must qualify as a Qualifying Free Zone Person
  • You must maintain adequate economic substance in the UAE
  • Your income must come from qualifying activities
  • Annual corporate tax returns must be filed with the Federal Tax Authority

Our team assesses your qualifying free zone person status and handles your corporate tax registration and annual filing correctly.

VAT Compliance If your business meets the VAT registration threshold of AED 375,000 in annual turnover, VAT registration is mandatory. We handle the full VAT registration process and manage all quarterly VAT return filings with the Federal Tax Authority.

Accounting and Bookkeeping We maintain accurate financial records for your RAKEZ company throughout the year keeping your books organized, compliant, and ready for any audit or tax review.

Annual License Renewal We track your license renewal date and manage the full renewal process so your RAKEZ license never lapses and your business remains fully operational.

Why Choose Silver Oak as Your RAKEZ Authorized Agent?

We Are an Authorized RAKEZ Agent Silver Oak has a direct working relationship with RAKEZ authority giving our clients faster processing, direct access to the authority, and a smoother overall setup experience.

Complete End to End Service We handle everything license selection, company registration, document preparation, visa processing, bank account opening, VAT, corporate tax, accounting, and annual renewal all under one roof.

Honest and Transparent Pricing We give you a complete and accurate cost breakdown before you commit to anything. No hidden fees. No surprises.

Ongoing Support Our support continues well beyond your initial setup. We provide accounting, bookkeeping, VAT, corporate tax, audit, and PRO services throughout your full business journey with RAKEZ.

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Set Up Your Business in RAKEZ Today

RAKEZ offers one of the most affordable, flexible, and well-connected free zone environments in the UAE with packages for every budget, the widest range of activities, dedicated industrial infrastructure, and the unique ability to issue both free zone and mainland-compatible licenses.

As an authorized RAKEZ agent, Silver Oak handles your complete company formation from license selection and registration to visa processing, bank account opening, and ongoing accounting, VAT, corporate tax, and compliance support.

Contact us today for a free consultation and a clear cost breakdown for your RAKEZ free zone business setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

RAKEZ is a UAE government-backed free zone authority in Ras Al Khaimah hosting over 38,000 businesses from 100 plus countries across 50 plus industry sectors. It offers one of the most affordable and flexible free zone setups in the UAE.

RAKEZ company setup costs start from AED 6,000 per year for the Biz Starter zero-visa package. The all-inclusive one-visa package costs AED 14,000 per year. Contact Silver Oak for a complete and accurate quote based on your specific requirements.

The RAKEZ Business Women Package starts from AED 6,000 per year one of the most affordable business-in-a-box packages available in any UAE free zone. It is designed specifically to support women entrepreneurs entering the UAE business market.

The all-inclusive package includes a business trade license with up to 10 mixed activities. Standard packages allow up to 6 activities with additional activities available for a small fee.

RAKEZ can issue both free zone licenses and non-free zone mainland-compatible licenses from the same authority. Free zone companies can also register a mainland branch under Resolution 11/2025 to trade directly in the UAE domestic market.

RAKEZ offers FZE for single shareholders, FZCO for two to five shareholders, and branch office for existing foreign or UAE companies. No local sponsor is required for any structure.

No. The Biz Starter and flexi-desk options give you a registered address without a dedicated physical office. Dedicated office spaces and industrial units are available for businesses that need them.

Yes. All RAKEZ packages except the Biz Starter zero-visa option include visa quota for investors and employees. Visa costs are included in most packages above the entry level.

Yes. RAKEZ has dedicated industrial zones with warehouses, industrial land plots, and production facilities making it one of the best free zones in the UAE for manufacturing and industrial businesses.

RAKEZ is a designated UAE free zone. Qualifying companies can benefit from the 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income. All companies must register for corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority regardless of expected tax liability.