RAKEZ
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) is one of the UAE's most cost-effective free zones, with licences from around AED 6,000. It offers 100% ownership, one of the widest activity lists in the country, and strong industrial/warehouse options — ideal for SMEs, trading and light manufacturing outside the higher-cost Dubai zones.
RAKEZ is a large, low-cost free zone in Ras Al Khaimah covering commercial, professional, industrial and educational activities. It's popular for SMEs and manufacturers who want affordable licences plus real warehouse and land options.
Why choose RAKEZ?
- Low-cost licences (from ~AED 6,000) with 100% ownership
- One of the widest activity lists in the UAE
- Strong industrial, warehouse and land options
- Good for trading, services and light manufacturing
RAKEZ setup costs (2026)
Starting from: AED 6,000+
How much does a RAKEZ licence cost?
A licence here typically runs AED 6,500 - 30,000 for year one. The licence is normally issued in 3 - 10 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.
Broadest package range outside Dubai; scales from licence-only to industrial land.
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 6,500 - 30,000 | 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.
Popular activities
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.