Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is becoming a top spot for business setup in the UAE, offering zero corporate taxes, 100% foreign ownership, and flexible licensing options. With its prime location and easy access to global markets, RAK is perfect for both mainland and free zone companies.
This guide will cover the key steps for setting up a company in RAK, from getting a trade license to visa processing, to help your business succeed in this growing economic zone.
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.
Start Your Business Journey with Our Professional Support!
This license is for businesses involved in buying, selling, and distributing goods. It’s one of the most commonly issued licenses, covering trading activities, including both general and specialized trade.
Issued to individuals or businesses that provide services requiring specific expertise, such as consulting, accounting, law, or medical services. This license allows for 100% foreign ownership.
Required for businesses involved in manufacturing or industrial activities. This license covers everything from importing raw materials to manufacturing and exporting finished goods.
Tailored for businesses in the travel and tourism sector, such as hotels, travel agencies, and tour operators, this license is crucial for operating within RAK’s growing tourism industry.
A broader version of the commercial license, allowing businesses to trade multiple types of goods without restriction.
For businesses offering services such as IT, consulting, or business support. This license is essential for companies that don’t trade in physical goods but provide non-tangible services.
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 in Setting up your Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone Company, 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.
