RAK Maritime City
RAK Maritime City is a port-adjacent free zone built for marine, logistics and industrial operators. It offers yards, warehouse space and plots with quick access to shipping routes. Licensing time for straightforward cases is often under a week after KYC, with visas tied to your leased facility.
Starting from: AED 12,000 - 40,000 for year one
Why choose RAK Maritime City?
- Operational advantage for marine and project cargo businesses.
- Scalable facilities with potential for open yard and covered storage.
- Simplified customs handling via port adjacency and local brokers.
How much does a RAK Maritime City licence cost?
A licence here typically runs AED 12,000 - 40,000 for year one. The licence is normally issued in 7 - 20 working days once documents are ready, and entry package tiers carry 1 - 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.
Deep-water port for bulk cargo and marine industry.
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 - 40,000 | 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
- Commercial (Trading)
- Services / Technical Services
- Industrial / Light Manufacturing
- Logistics and Warehousing
How to set up, step by step
- Confirm activity compatibility and HSE needs; reserve company name
- Submit application and KYC; pay initial fees
- Lease facility (yard/warehouse/plot) and secure clearances
- License issuance; proceed with bank account and visas
Documents you need
- Passport and photo for shareholders and managers
- KYC and proof of address; UAE residents may need NOC
- Activity-specific method statements or HSE plans if required
Popular activities
- Marine equipment trading and services
- Ship support services and spares
- Project cargo logistics and warehousing
- Fabrication, assembly and maintenance
Related guides
Compare before you commit
Last updated: October 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.