Free Zones in Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah free zones are the preferred destinations for company formation due to their cost-effectiveness, tax free status, and liberal government policies. The government body responsible for registering and issuing business licenses to non-resident or foreign companies is the RAK Free Zone Authority.

Understanding that investor requirements for offices, warehouses & land facilities are diverse, unique Free Zone Parks have been setup by the Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone Authority. These free zones are setup at different locations across the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and include Technology Park, Business Park, Industrial Park, and Al Ghail Park. Each RAK free zone caters to the specific business interests and is fully equipped to meet the investors’ requirements.

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) was established to monitor and cumulate the free zones and clients of...

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Ras Al Khaimah Media City

Ras Al Khaimah Media City

Ras Al Khaimah Media City free zone was launched in 2006 as an alternative to Dubai Media City, offering in...

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There are 2 RAK free zones:

  • Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone: Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) was established to monitor and cumulate the free zones and clients of the Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA) and Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ). By dint of its strategic geography, RAKEZ connects businesspeople to expanding markets of the Middle East, Europe, North Africa, and South & Central Asia.
  • Ras Al Khaimah Media City: Ras Al Khaimah Media City free zone was launched in 2006 as an alternative to Dubai Media City, offering investment opportunities and benefits in the media sector, in a relatively cost-effective environment.

Benefits of Setting Up a Company in RAK Free Zone

  • Provision of 100% foreign ownership
  • No restriction on repatriation of capital or profits
  • Exemption from import and export duties
  • Speedy immigration process
  • Competitive real estate price, with properties being available on lease
  • Liberal economic policies favourable to business

RAK Free Zone – Legal Entities

Two types of companies or legal entities can be formed by corporates in RAK Free Zones based on the type of shareholding. These are:

  • Free Zone Establishment (FZE): It is a single shareholder limited liability company
  • Free Zone Company (FZC): It is multiple shareholder limited liability company that can be set up with a maximum of 2 to 5 shareholders

Process of Setting Up a Business in RAK Free Zone

Setting up a company in RAK free zone takes a pretty systematic route, being guided by the laws of the Emirates. The process of business formation follows these steps:

  • Determining one’s business activity type
  • Charting out a detailed plan for the business
  • Coming up with a name for the company, and reserving it
  • Depositing the required minimum capital amount in the bank account of the company in RAK free zone
  • Determining the workforce required to run the company
  • Carrying out business registration
  • Looking after the licensing requirements
  • Obtaining the shareholder(s)’ signatures on the company formation documents, with completion of other business setup formalities in the presence of RAK free zone authorities

Documents Required for Company Formation in RAK Free Zone

  • Proof of trade name reservation
  • Proof of initial approval for business activities
  • Passport copies for the shareholders
  • Passport copy and CV of the manager
  • Personal Information sheet for each shareholder & manager
  • Lease agreement [possessing a physical address for one’s office is mandatory in the UAE]
  • Third party/authority approval for activities, where applicable

Why Us?

Business Setup Worldwide is a one-stop-solution provider that helps businesses in not only setting up their operations in RAK, but also supports in necessary documentation and legal formalities. Wide domain experience and familiarity with the laws of Emirate help us to take care of passport, visa and licensing requirements of our clients, and ensure that their task is completed smoothly without unnecessary bureaucratic hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the norm on licences in RAK Free Trade Zone?

RAK FTZ requires companies in its jurisdiction to obtain trade or business licence before undertaking any activity. The licence issued by RAK FTZ is subject to yearly renewal, for which the company should submit their audit reports.

What are the economic advantages of setting up a business in RAKEZ?

A company in RAKEZ is 100% tax free, allows 100% foreign ownership, 100% repatriation of capital and profits, long term corporate tax exemption, exemption from import and export duties, and economical rental office spaces.

Is it mandatory to have a local resident director for registering a company in RAKEZ?

No. Neither a resident director nor a resident shareholder is required for registering a company in RAKEZ. Companies registered in the Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone can be 100% foreign owned.

What kinds of business entities can be set up in RAKEZ?

A company in RAKEZ can be a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) or a Free Zone Company (FZC). An FZE can have only 1 shareholder whereas an FZC can have between 2 to 5. Foreign companies can open a branch in RAKEZ provided the parent company is over 1 year old.

Which documents are required for setting up a company in RAKEZ?

For registering a business in RAKEZ, one is required to submit copies of passports od shareholders, directors and managers, incorporation forms, a project description, company M&AA, and requisite bank deposit, to RAKEZ free zone authority.

What is the infrastructure in RAKEZ like?

RAKEZ is home to several business towers, executive residences, customized real estate for leasing, has advanced communication facilities, and already built warehouses and industrial units with necessary equipment and furniture.

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