RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone)
One of the UAE's largest, most cost-competitive economic zones.
Overview
RAKEZ is one of the UAE's largest and most cost-competitive economic zones — home to 20,000+ companies across 50+ industries. Formed in 2017 by merging RAK FTZ and RAK Investment Authority, it serves everyone from solo freelancers to industrial manufacturers, offering both free zone and non-free-zone licensing under one authority, with a representative office in Dubai.
Key benefits
- 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor
- 0% personal income tax; customs-duty exemption within the zone
- Broad license range including freelancer and industrial
- Strong industrial infrastructure — warehouses and land at low cost
- Fast, largely remote setup (Dubai representative office)
- Competitive pricing versus Dubai zones for comparable facilities
Business activities & licenses
RAKEZ supports a range of license types and activities, including:
- Commercial / trading & general trading
- Service / professional
- E-commerce & media
- Freelancer / individual
- Industrial (manufacturing, processing)
Ownership & visas
100% foreign ownership — FZE, FZC and branch structures.
Visa quota scales with facility. Flexi-desk packages allow a small number; offices, warehouses and land unlock larger allocations.
Cost & timeline
Indicative from ~AED 6,000–8,500 for basic low/zero-visa packages; AED 15,000–30,000+ with more visas or facilities.
Registration as fast as 1 day; full setup with visas ~1–3 weeks.
Prices are indicative starting points, not quotes. Government and free-zone fees change frequently — we confirm current, all-in figures before you commit.
Is RAKEZ right for you?
Startups, SMEs, freelancers and traders wanting a low-cost, flexible base, plus manufacturers needing affordable warehousing and land — a strong pick for cost-sensitive businesses that still want scale.
What makes RAKEZ different
- One of the UAE's largest economic zones by company count.
- Offers both free zone and mainland-style licensing under one authority.
Compare alternatives
How RAKEZ compares
| Free zone | Emirate | License from* | Typical timeline | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAKEZ This page | Ras Al Khaimah | AED 6,000/yr | Registration as fast as 1 day; full setup with visas ~1–3 weeks | Low budget · Industrial |
| IFZA → | Dubai | AED 12,900/yr | License in ~3–5 working days (fast-track available) | Consultants · E-commerce |
| Meydan → | Dubai | AED 12,500/yr | A few days to ~1 week (digital process) | Agencies · Consultants |
| SHAMS → | Sharjah | AED 5,750/yr | Registration in as little as 24 hours; add visa processing time | Cheapest · Freelancers |
* Indicative license-only starting points for budgeting — not quotes. Compare all 17 zones
RAKEZ — frequently asked questions
01How much does it cost to set up in RAKEZ?＋
Indicative from ~AED 6,000–8,500 for basic low/zero-visa packages; AED 15,000–30,000+ with more visas or facilities. These are indicative figures for budgeting — Incorporate Dubai will confirm current, all-in pricing for your activity and visa needs.
02Can I own 100% of my RAKEZ company?＋
100% foreign ownership — FZE, FZC and branch structures.
03How many visas can I get with RAKEZ?＋
Visa quota scales with facility. Flexi-desk packages allow a small number; offices, warehouses and land unlock larger allocations.
04How long does RAKEZ setup take?＋
Registration as fast as 1 day; full setup with visas ~1–3 weeks. Timelines depend on document readiness, visa processing and bank onboarding.
05Who is RAKEZ best for?＋
Startups, SMEs, freelancers and traders wanting a low-cost, flexible base, plus manufacturers needing affordable warehousing and land — a strong pick for cost-sensitive businesses that still want scale.