Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is a top choice for starting a business in the UAE, offering zero corporate tax, full foreign ownership, and flexible licenses. With easy access to global markets, RAK is ideal for trade and investment.
This guide will walk you through the steps to set up your business in RAK mainland, covering everything from getting a trade license to visa processing.
Choose the specific activity your business will engage in (e.g., commercial, industrial, professional). This will guide the type of license and approvals needed.
Decide on the legal entity type (LLC, Free Zone Company, Offshore Company, Sole Establishment, etc.), which impacts ownership, liability, and operational requirements.
Select whether your business will operate in Mainland, a Free Zone, or as an Offshore entity. Each jurisdiction has different regulations and benefits, such as foreign ownership rights and tax incentives.
Reserve a unique trade name that complies with UAE regulations. It must reflect the nature of the business and adhere to the naming guidelines set by RAK authorities.
Submit an application to the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant Free Zone Authority to receive initial approval for your business activity.
Prepare the required legal documents, including the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA), and have them notarized. These documents outline the structure and operation of the company.
Lease office space as required for the business. Free zones offer virtual office options, while mainland companies must rent a physical office space that complies with local regulations.
Submit the necessary documents, including the notarized legal papers, trade name certificate, and initial approvals, along with the required registration and licensing fees to the appropriate authority.
After the approvals, you will be issued your business license, enabling you to legally operate your company in RAK.
Apply for the relevant visas for business owners, employees, and dependents. Free zones provide flexible visa options depending on the size of the business.
With your trade license, you can open a corporate bank account in the UAE to manage the financial operations of your company.
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The capital required depends on the jurisdiction (Mainland, Free Zone, Offshore) and business type, with free zones generally having lower thresholds.
Mainland businesses require a UAE national to hold 51% ownership, but in RAK Free Zones, 100% foreign ownership is allowed.
Mainland companies need a physical office, while free zone setups offer flexible options like virtual offices or flexi-desks.
Visa packages depend on office size and location, with free zones offering tailored options for foreign workers.
A partnership between a UAE national and a foreign investor. Profits and responsibilities are shared as per agreement.
Owned by one person with full control but also full liability. Common for consultants and service providers.
Popular business structure with 2-50 shareholders. Limits liability to invested capital. Ideal for local market access.
For international trade, offering 100% foreign ownership and confidentiality. No physical presence needed in the UAE.
Allows public shareholding with a minimum of 10 shareholders. Common for large companies raising capital.
Used for international business outside the UAE. No physical office, 100% foreign ownership, and tax-free.
100% foreign-owned, tax-free, and can repatriate profits. Operate within free zones and need a local agent to trade in the UAE.
Allows a foreign company to set up a branch under the parent company’s name and structure.
Similar to a PJSC but not publicly traded. Needs at least three shareholders, suitable for family or private businesses.
For professionals like lawyers and doctors. Allows 100% foreign ownership but requires a local service agent.
RAK offers industrial parks, affordable energy, and market access, ideal for manufacturing.
RAK’s ports and airports support efficient regional and global distribution.
Tax incentives and transport access benefit import-export businesses.
Growing tourism and real estate sectors offer profitable opportunities.
Infrastructure supports food processing and agricultural exports.
RAK’s resources, like limestone, offer investment in mining.
Riz & Mona Consultancy is renowned as one of the top business setup consultants in Dubai, with over 15 years of experience facilitating a wide range of businesses throughout the UAE. Our deep connections with government officials and key authorities, combined with our extensive expertise in consultancy, streamline the process of establishing your business in Dubai. Additionally, we offer comprehensive financial, legal, and corporate services to support our clients throughout their business endeavors.
We are here to provide comprehensive support for your Business Setup in Ras Al Khaimah RAK, from preparing your documents to completing the process. Connect with us now to begin your journey with a FREE consultation!
To open a RAK offshore company, submit the required documents (passport copies, application forms, and MOA), reserve a trade name, and pay the registration fees to the RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC).
Office space in RAK depends on your business type and jurisdiction. Free zones offer flexible options like virtual offices, while mainland companies require a physical office space.
Mainland companies in RAK must have a physical office, but free zone companies offer options like flexi-desks and virtual offices for more flexibility.
For mainland companies, a local sponsor is required, but free zone and offshore companies do not need a local resident director or sponsor.
RAK offshore companies offer 100% foreign ownership, no corporate tax, full capital repatriation, and confidentiality of shareholder information.
RAK has several free zone parks, including RAKEZ Business Park, Industrial Park, Technology Park, and Academic Zone, each catering to different industries.
