RAK Digital Assets Oasis (RAK DAO)
RAK DAO is a Ras Al Khaimah free zone for non-financial digital asset and creative economy projects. Typical clean cases license in about 3-5 working days after KYC. Visas are available based on your facility (desk or office). Financial, exchange or custodial crypto activities usually require separate approvals in the UAE.
Starting from: AED 12,000 - 45,000 for year one
Why choose RAK Digital Assets Oasis (RAK DAO)?
- Specialized positioning for digital and creative assets.
- IP-friendly structures for licensing and content monetization.
- Works for remote-first teams with UAE key staff on visas.
How much does a RAK Digital Assets Oasis (RAK DAO) licence cost?
A licence here typically runs AED 12,000 - 45,000 for year one. The licence is normally issued in 10 - 45 working days once documents are ready, and entry package tiers carry 0 - 6 visas. The low end is a single-activity licence with no staff visas; the high end reflects extra activities, a dedicated office or a higher visa quota.
Purpose-built for virtual-asset and Web3 companies; activity approval is the gating step.
Estimate. Indicative market range for planning, not confirmed with the authority. Check current figures before you apply.
| Item | Indicative cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trade licence (year one) | AED 12,000 - 45,000 | Varies with activity count and facility |
| Establishment / immigration card | AED 1,200 - 2,000 | One-off per company, required before any visa |
| Investor or partner visa (2 years) | AED 3,500 - 5,500 | Includes medical, Emirates ID and status change |
| Employee visa (2 years) | AED 4,000 - 6,500 | Per employee |
| Annual licence renewal | 85 - 100% of year-one fee | Excludes one-off formation items |
Indicative ranges for planning, not a quote. Zone packages and government fees change — confirm current figures with the authority before you apply.
How many visas do you get?
Quota follows the facility you take, not the licence itself.
| What you lease | Typical visa quota | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Licence only (zero-visa) | 0 | Trade licence with no residency for anyone |
| Flexi desk / smart desk | 1 - 6 | Set by the package tier you buy, not by the activity |
| Dedicated office (15 - 25 sqm) | 4 - 8 | First step up when a flexi desk runs out of quota |
| Larger office or warehouse | about 1 per 9 sqm | Subject to the zone approving the allocation |
Full detail, including how to increase your allocation: free zone visa quota explained.
Licence types available
- Professional / Services
- Commercial (where applicable)
- Holding / IP company
How to set up, step by step
- Define activity and confirm it is non-financial and non-custodial if applicable
- Reserve name and submit application with KYC documents
- License issuance and corporate documents
- Lease facility (desk or office) and sign agreement
- Open bank account; apply for establishment card and visas as needed
Documents you need
- Passport copy and photo for each shareholder and manager
- UAE entry stamp or visa page if applicable
- UAE residents: NOC from current sponsor if required
- Brief project profile or deck describing scope and monetization
- For IP holding: proof of ownership or assignment evidence
Popular activities
- Software and smart contract development
- NFT and digital collectibles platforms (non-custodial)
- Gaming, metaverse content and virtual production
- Advisory, education and non-regulated consulting
- IP holding, licensing and royalty management
Related guides
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Last updated: November 2026
General information, not advice. Fees, packages and visa quotas are set by the free zone authority and change without notice — confirm current terms before applying.