RAKEZ Free Zone Setup — UAE’s Lowest-Cost License
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) offers UAE company formation starting from 11,000 AED. Strong for industrial, e-commerce, manufacturing and warehousing. 21,000+ companies, 50+ industries served.
What is RAKEZ?
The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone is the merged Free Zone of Ras Al Khaimah emirate. With over 21,000 companies and serving 50+ industries, it is the UAE’s leading low-cost Free Zone for industrial, manufacturing, e-commerce and trading.
RAKEZ grants 100% foreign ownership, 0% personal income tax and full profit repatriation. Its industrial parks offer the cheapest warehousing in the UAE — useful for stock-heavy e-commerce and light manufacturing.
RAKEZ Activities
RAKEZ supports 2,500+ business activities across these key sectors.
Industrial & Manufacturing
Food production, textiles, plastics, metals, packaging, building materials. Lowest industrial land rates in the UAE.
E-commerce & Trading
Online retail, drop-shipping, general trading, B2B distribution. Warehousing from AED 35/sqft/year.
Services & Consulting
Management consulting, marketing, IT services, training and HR consulting at entry-level prices.
Media & Education
RAK Academic Zone supports universities and vocational training. RAK Media Zone serves publishing, content and broadcasting.
RAKEZ Cost Overview & Visa Quotas
RAKEZ is the UAE’s price leader. Below are realistic 2026 ranges.
- License-only (0 visa) — Starting from 11,000 AED per year (Promoter package).
- License + 1 visa — Starting from 17,500 AED all-in.
- License + 2 visas — Starting from 21,000 AED all-in.
- License + warehouse (industrial) — Starting from 30,000 AED with land plot.
- Visa quotas — up to 6 visas standard; more with larger office or warehouse.
- Office requirement — Flexi desk included; physical office optional.
Banking Access & Best Fit
RAKEZ trades premium banking access for unbeatable cost. Here’s the trade-off.
- Banking access — fair. Digital banks (WIO, Mashreq NEOBiz) accept readily. Tier-1 banks take longer for RAK-based companies than Dubai-based.
- Best for — e-commerce founders with inventory, light manufacturers, warehousing-driven businesses, cost-sensitive startups.
- Not ideal for — high-end consulting needing premium Dubai address (Meydan), or trading firms needing tier-1 banking on day one (DMCC).
- Compliance — same UAE rules apply: Corporate Tax registration, VAT if over AED 375,000. Our accounting team handles all FTA filings.
RAKEZ FAQ
How does RAKEZ compare to Dubai Free Zones?
RAKEZ is 20-40% cheaper than equivalent Dubai Free Zones. The trade-off: a Ras Al Khaimah registered address rather than Dubai, and slightly slower bank approvals with tier-1 institutions.
Can I sponsor my family on a RAKEZ visa?
Yes. RAKEZ investor and employment visas qualify for family sponsorship at the same UAE federal salary thresholds (AED 4,000+ for spouse, AED 20,000+ for parents).
Can I have a Dubai office on a RAKEZ license?
You can rent in Dubai as a tenant, but your registered office stays in Ras Al Khaimah for license purposes. Practically, many founders run RAKEZ-licensed businesses from anywhere in the UAE.
Is RAKEZ a Designated Free Zone for QFZP?
RAKEZ has Designated Free Zone status for QFZP-eligible activities. Meet the qualifying activity, substance and audit tests and qualifying income stays at 0% Corporate Tax. Our accounting team performs the assessment.
Compare with other zones on our Free Zones hub or see the Free Zone formation process.
Get Your RAKEZ Quote
Tell us your activity and visa needs. We’ll reply within 24h with a fixed RAKEZ package.