RAKEZ
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone
RAKEZ, formed in 2017 from the merger of RAK Free Trade Zone and RAK Investment Authority, now hosts more than 18,000 companies and is consistently 20 to 30 percent cheaper than comparable Dubai free zones. Licences start from around AED 6,000, dedicated industrial zones at Al Hamra and Al Ghail support genuine manufacturing, and a RAKEZ residency visa carries full UAE-wide residence rights, including the right to live in Dubai.
IncHub Corporate Services Providers LLC is a duly licensed business operating in the United Arab Emirates, authorised to provide corporate and business setup consultancy services in accordance with its trade licence. The trade licence serves as official proof of the company’s legal registration and authorised business activities, demonstrating that IncHub operates as a licensed corporate service provider in the UAE.
What Is RAKEZ?
RAKEZ, the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, is one of the UAE’s leading destinations for RAKEZ business setup and company incorporation. Formed in 2017 through the merger of the RAK Free Trade Zone (operating since 2000) and the RAK Investment Authority, it created a unified authority for business licensing and investment. Today, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone company formation supports more than 18,000 companies across over 50 industries, from freelance professionals to heavy manufacturers, making it one of the region’s largest economic zones by company count.
RAKEZ’s core pitch is straightforward: meaningfully lower cost than equivalent Dubai or Abu Dhabi free zones, commonly cited at 20 to 30 percent less on licence fees and office rents, combined with proximity to Saqr Port and genuine industrial land at Al Hamra and Al Ghail for businesses that actually need to manufacture rather than just hold a licence. A RAKEZ residency visa also grants the right to live anywhere in the UAE, including Dubai, which addresses a common concern that a Ras Al Khaimah company somehow restricts where an investor or employee can actually reside. This combination of affordability, industrial infrastructure and flexible licensing makes RAKEZ business setup one of the most cost-effective options for entrepreneurs and manufacturers entering the UAE.
Three Zones Under One Authority
Al Hamra & Al Ghail
Dedicated industrial zones offering genuine manufacturing land, warehouses and stable power supply for heavy and light industry.
Near Saqr Port
Close to Saqr Port for shipping, import and export, with some of the UAE’s most competitive operating costs.
Instant Licence Option
A trade licence can be issued in as fast as 24 hours once your documentation is complete.
Who Is RAKEZ For?
Businesses seeking affordable Ras Al Khaimah company formation with access to UAE residency, industrial facilities and international trading advantages often choose RAKEZ over higher-cost alternatives.
SMEs, Traders & E-Commerce
Cost-conscious SMEs, traders and e-commerce businesses serving international or online customers.
Freelancers & Creative Professionals
Freelancers and creative professionals in media, education, IT and consultancy seeking an affordable, legitimate invoicing structure.
Manufacturers & Industrial Operators
Manufacturers and industrial operators needing genuine production land, supported by dedicated zones at Al Hamra and Al Ghail.
Free Zone + Mainland Hybrid
Companies wanting to combine free zone and mainland activity through RAKEZ’s dual licence or its exclusive “Global Product” mid-shore offering.
Founders Seeking UAE Residency
Founders who want UAE residency without needing the company’s registered address to be in Dubai specifically.
Not Suitable For
Businesses where the registered address itself needs Dubai-specific brand weight for clients or banks, even though RAKEZ residency visas carry full UAE-wide residence rights.
What RAKEZ Is Famous For
RAKEZ business setup is widely recognized for providing one of the UAE’s most cost-effective environments for manufacturing and industrial businesses, with significantly lower land, warehouse and operating costs than many Dubai or Abu Dhabi free zones. Its tenant base includes Indian and Pakistani manufacturers, steel and ceramic tile producers, food processing companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers and building materials businesses that need UAE manufacturing credentials but cannot absorb Dubai Industrial City’s premium land pricing.
RAKEZ solves the manufacturing-cost-viability problem for mid-scale producers. A ceramics manufacturer competing on price in GCC markets cannot justify AED 400 per square metre per year for factory space in Dubai Industrial City when RAKEZ offers equivalent manufacturing space in Ras Al Khaimah at materially lower rates. With Ras Al Khaimah also offering the lowest residential costs in the UAE for employee accommodation, the total cost of operating a manufacturing business at RAKEZ, land, utilities, labour, housing, can be 30-40% below comparable Dubai operations. For manufacturers competing on production cost rather than premium pricing, this cost differential is the margin that determines whether the business is viable.
Partial. The main RAKEZ business zones are not Designated Zones under Cabinet Decision No. 59; however, specific RAK industrial zones managed under the RAKEZ authority umbrella (including Al Hamra, Al Ghail, Al Hulaila Industrial Zones, RAK Maritime City Free Zone and RAK Airport Free Zone) are designated. Companies should confirm their specific location and zone status with RAKEZ at setup, as the designation status depends on which RAKEZ park or facility they occupy.
Licence Types, Company Structures & Share Capital
Explore the licence types and company structures available in RAKEZ.
License Types Available
Company Structures
FZE
Free Zone Establishment: a single shareholder, individual or corporate.
FZC
Free Zone Company: two or more shareholders.
Branch / Department of a Foreign Company
For existing companies establishing a RAK presence.
Visa quotas depend on workspace, with flexi-desks typically supporting up to 2 visas and larger offices supporting more. RAKEZ Instant Licences can be issued within 24 hours, while residence visas usually take 3–4 weeks.
RAKEZ Business Setup Cost at a Glance
The RAKEZ business setup cost depends on the license type, visa allocation and workspace selected. Entrepreneurs looking for RAKEZ company formation cost estimates should also consider visa fees, office requirements and annual license renewal costs.
Zero-Visa Licence (Up to 6 Activities)
From approx. AED 6,000 to 8,240.
One-Visa All-Inclusive Licence
From approx. AED 11,440 to 14,000.
Freelancer Permit
Approx. AED 6,000 to 10,000, activity dependent.
Investor Visa
Approx. AED 4,000 to 4,500.
RAKEZ Cost Calculator
Not sure what your business setup will cost? Receive a personalised, itemised quote based on your activity, licence and company structure—in under 2 minutes.
Prefer to talk it through first? Book a free consultation call.
The 5-Step RAKEZ Formation Process
Five stages from activity selection to a fully operational bank account. Each links to a full guide below.
Why Businesses Choose RAKEZ
Three Zone Types Under One Authority
Academic, Industrial and Business zones under a single free zone authority accommodate education institutions, heavy manufacturers and general business operators without requiring separate regulatory relationships.
UAE’s Most Competitive Cost Base for Employees
RAK’s residential and commercial costs are meaningfully lower than Dubai or Abu Dhabi, translating into lower employee accommodation, transport and operational expenses for businesses that base employees in the emirate.
RAKEZ Global Product for Mid-Shore Holdings
A mid-shore holding option with a UAE free zone address distinct from standard free zone entities and from pure offshore structures.
Dual Licence with RAK Mainland DED
RAKEZ entities can apply for a concurrent RAK mainland DED licence, enabling direct UAE mainland market access without forming a separate entity.
Industrial Land at Competitive Rates
Land and warehouse leasing at rates that are structurally lower than comparable Dubai industrial free zones, relevant for capital-intensive manufacturing businesses.
When RAKEZ May Not Be the Right Fit
Dubai or Abu Dhabi Flagship Address
If you need a Dubai or Abu Dhabi flagship address for client-facing credibility, IFZA, DMCC or Meydan will carry more weight with UAE-based banks and international clients than a Ras Al Khaimah address.
Port-Adjacent Large-Scale Logistics
If your business requires port-adjacent large-scale logistics infrastructure, JAFZA’s Jebel Ali Port is a better fit for high-volume sea freight operations.
Regulated Financial Services
If your financial services activity requires DFSA, FSRA or any other regulated financial services licensing, DIFC or ADGM are the only appropriate frameworks.
Commodity, Precious Metals or Crypto
If commodity trading, precious metals or crypto activity is the core business, DMCC’s sector-specific infrastructure and Tradeflow platform are not replicated by RAKEZ.
IncHub compares RAKEZ against IFZA, JAFZA and Dubai options before recommending it; RAKEZ is strongest when industrial manufacturing, cost-conscious staffing and Northern Emirates entry cost are all genuine priorities.
RAKEZ vs IFZA vs JAFZA
RAKEZ, IFZA and JAFZA take very different approaches to cost, manufacturing and logistics. IncHub compares each one so you choose the authority that matches what your business actually needs, not just the most recognisable name.
| Factor | RAKEZ | IFZA | JAFZA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Industries | Manufacturing, industrial, trading, freelancers | Professional services, SMEs, e-commerce | Logistics, import-export, distribution |
| Major Infrastructure | Al Hamra & Al Ghail industrial zones + Saqr Port | Dubai commercial office hubs | Jebel Ali Port + industrial parks |
| Manufacturing & Industrial Land | Excellent | Limited | Moderate |
| Port & Logistics Access | Moderate | Limited | Excellent (Jebel Ali) |
| Regulated Financial Services | No pathway | No pathway | No pathway |
| Cost of Operations | Lowest (Northern Emirates) | Low-mid | Mid |
| Entry-Level Licence Cost | From AED 6,000 (zero visa) | Activity dependent | Higher |
| Ideal Company Types | Manufacturers, traders, freelancers, e-commerce | Consultants, SMEs, online businesses | Logistics, trade, large-scale distribution |
IncHub holds direct relationships across the UAE’s free zones, helping you choose the one that best fits your sector and regulatory needs, not just the one with the strongest brand.
What RAKEZ Companies Must Stay Compliant With
Standard UAE compliance requirements, including corporate tax, VAT, UBO, accounting, licence and visa renewals, and FTA amendments, are covered in IncHub’s UAE Free Zone Compliance Guide at www.inchub.ae/uae-free-zone-compliance. RAKEZ-specific obligations are listed below.
Annual Audit
RAKEZ companies should confirm the current annual audit requirement for their specific zone type and entity at setup; industrial and manufacturing entities may have stricter audit requirements than standard business zone entities.
Economic Substance Regulations (ESR)
Companies carrying out a relevant activity, including holding, distribution and service centre, intellectual property, headquarters, shipping, fund management, banking, insurance, lease-finance, and high-risk IP activities, must file annual ESR notifications and, where applicable, full ESR reports with the FTA. First-violation penalties are AED 50,000 rising to AED 400,000 on repetition.
Industrial Environmental Compliance
Manufacturing and industrial companies at RAKEZ must maintain compliance with Ras Al Khaimah environmental and industrial safety regulations. Companies in the industrial zone with processes involving chemical handling, waste discharge or atmospheric emissions should confirm applicable RAK Environment and Natural Resources Authority requirements at setup.
RAKEZ Compliance Guide
Standard UAE federal compliance obligations for free zone companies corporate tax, VAT, UBO, accounting, licence and visa renewal, and FTA amendments covered in one detailed guide.
Want IncHub to manage compliance for your RAKEZ company? Book a free review call.
Prefer to read it yourself first?
Read the Compliance Guide →What Our Clients Say
Watch how IncHub helped businesses set up companies in RAKEZ and across the UAE.
Visa renewal can often feel complicated due to the multiple steps involved. However, my experience with IncHub was very smooth. They planned the process in advance, guided me at every stage, and ensured everything was completed on time. What I liked most was that I didn’t have to follow up everything was managed efficiently by their team.
Setting up my free zone company was not straightforward, especially when it came to choosing the right jurisdiction for my business model. Making the wrong decision could have resulted in unnecessary time and cost. IncHub provided clear and practical guidance, helping me select the most suitable free zone based on my activities.
Setting up a company in Dubai can get confusing, especially with so many free zones. I wasn’t sure what would suit my business, but IncHub made it simple. They guided me clearly, handled everything, and kept me updated throughout. The whole process felt very smooth. Definitely recommend speaking to them before you get started.
Setting up my free zone company through IncHub was seamless from start to finish. Their team handled everything — trade licence, immigration card, and office registration — within the promised timeline. No surprises on costs. If you’re serious about establishing in the UAE, IncHub is who you call first.
Most consultants only react when you approach them, but Inchub is different. They track your renewal timelines and remind you in advance. The execution was smooth, and everything was done exactly when it should be. If you want it done right the first time, Inchub is the way to go.
I had a very positive experience with Inchub for my license renewal. What stood out the most was their follow-up system — I was reminded well before the expiry date, which gave enough time to plan everything properly. The team handled the entire process efficiently, and the renewal was completed without delays.
Inchub handled the entire business setup process smoothly — everything was clearly explained, and the execution was efficient from start to finish. They have also assisted and guided us when there were AML compliance notifications from the authority. Overall, a reliable partner for end-to-end corporate services.
We had a bit of a challenge when it came to opening the labor file and processing new visas. There were a few complications along the way. That’s where Inchub really stepped in. Their team handled the entire process clearly and kept us updated throughout without us having to follow up constantly. Very reliable team.
Our experience with Inchub has genuinely exceeded expectations. From the very beginning, the team has been extremely professional, approachable, and proactive. They’ve supported us across multiple areas — including corporate services, corporate tax filing, and visa renewals — all managed in a structured manner.
We worked with Inchub on a share amendment, which was quite complex. Their team guided us through each step, managed the process efficiently, and ensured everything was handled correctly despite the challenges. They also handle our accounting and VAT filing smoothly. A reliable and professional team.
We’ve been working with Inchub across multiple areas. They initially helped us with setting up both our offshore and free zone company, guiding us clearly. Since then, they’ve assisted us with annual renewals on time, and they manage our accounting and VAT filings efficiently. A highly dependable partner.
I’ve been working with Inchub for several years, and the experience has been consistently positive. Their services are reliable and efficient. They’ve supported me across multiple areas — from managing trade license renewals to assisting with business bank account opening. Having everything under one team saved a lot of effort.
Managing compliance alongside running a business can get overwhelming. Inchub takes care of our accounting, VAT, CT filings, and license renewal, which has saved us a lot of time and effort. Everything is handled efficiently and professionally. IncHub operates across every discipline and maintains high quality.
We’ve been working with Inchub for our ongoing compliance and business support. They handle everything from maintaining our company’s good standing to managing renewals on time, along with accounting and VAT filings. A very smooth experience, and they are definitely a reliable partner.
We have engaged Inchub for ongoing compliance support. They handle our company’s good standing, ensure renewals are completed on time, and manage accounting and VAT filings efficiently. The team is proactive, well-organized, and keeps everything on track without the need for constant follow-ups.
We worked with Inchub for setting up our offshore holding company. They facilitated the entire process smoothly, including the company formation and opening the corporate bank account. They also manage our accounting and bookkeeping. It’s helpful to have one team handling both setup and ongoing requirements.
We engaged Inchub for setting up our RAK ICC foundation. They supported us throughout the entire formation process, including documentation, and guided us at every step. They also assisted with opening the bank account, which was handled smoothly. The team was very organized and efficient.
We worked with Inchub for both our license renewal and visa renewal. The entire process was handled very smoothly and efficiently from start to finish. Everything was completed right on time without any complications. Their structured approach and clear communication make them very easy to work with.
Setting up a company in the UAE can feel complex. With Inchub, the entire process was handled seamlessly. They took care of everything — from the trade license and immigration card to visa application and even opening the company bank account. The team managed the entire process efficiently.
We’ve been working with Inchub since day one for license renewals, accounting and bookkeeping, and visa processing. The experience has been very smooth. One thing that stands out is how responsive their team is. Whenever we need support, they’re quick to respond and guide us clearly.
How IncHub Can Help You Set Up in RAKEZ
IncHub supports RAKEZ business setup for trading, industrial, freelance and e-commerce businesses, managing the complete Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone company formation process from licence selection through company incorporation, visa processing, banking assistance and ongoing compliance. Our specialists also advise on dual licence structuring, Global Product entities and environmental compliance for industrial operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Set Up Your RAKEZ Company with IncHub
IncHub manages the full RAKEZ process end-to-end free zone suitability assessment and zone type selection, licence selection and instant licence activation, Global Product mid-shore structuring, dual licence coordination for RAK mainland access, industrial environmental compliance guidance, visa processing, bank account introduction, and ongoing ESR and audit compliance. One partner, from application to fully operational.