RAKEZ Free Zone — Practical Guide
TL;DR: RAKEZ is Ras Al Khaimah’s flagship multi-industry free zone for trading, services and manufacturing. Clean files typically license in 3–5 working days post KYC, with visa quotas tied to your chosen facility (flexi-desk, office, warehouse or industrial land). It is a cost-efficient alternative to larger zones while keeping strong UAE market access and logistics.
Why choose RAKEZ?
- Multi-park ecosystem with scalable facilities (desk → office → warehouse → land).
- Competitive cost base vs larger Dubai zones while retaining UAE market access.
- Common activities are straightforward to license; supportive customer service.
License types & popular activities
License types: Commercial (Trading) · Professional / Services · Industrial / Manufacturing · General Trading (upgrade) · Holding / SPV · E-commerce add-on
Popular activities: General Trading · Import/Export · IT & Software Services · Marketing/Media Services · Light Manufacturing · Warehousing & Logistics · Consultancy (non-regulated)
Setup steps
- Choose activity & license type; reserve company name
- Submit application with KYC; pay initial fees
- License issuance & corporate documents
- Lease facility (flexi-desk/office/warehouse/land) and sign agreement
- Apply for establishment card & visas; open a bank account
Documents required
- Passport copy & recent photo for each shareholder and manager
- UAE entry stamp / visa page (if applicable)
- UAE residents: NOC from current sponsor (if required)
- Proof of address & KYC forms; basic CV or company profile
- For industrial: facility layout, equipment list and HSE notes (where relevant)
Timeline notes
- Name approval: 1–2 working days
- License issuance: typically 3–5 working days post-KYC
- Visa process: medical → Emirates ID → stamping after license
Office options
- Flexi-desk / shared workstation (cost-efficient, limited visas)
- Dedicated serviced offices (higher visa quota)
- Warehouses with logistics access
- Industrial land for build-to-suit
Banking & compliance
- Prepare a concise business plan and realistic flow of funds.
- Keep UBO, source-of-funds and contracts ready for onboarding.
- Pick banks aligned with your trade lanes and risk profile.
- Assess eligibility as a Qualifying Free Zone Person under UAE Corporate Tax.
- Maintain substance (people, premises, activities) in the free zone.
- Meet ESR, UBO and accounting/record-keeping obligations.
Other popular free zones
RAKEZ — FAQs
Is RAKEZ good for manufacturing?
Yes. Warehouses, industrial plots and utilities suit light to medium manufacturing with port connectivity.
Do I need to be in the UAE to set up?
Many setups can start remotely. Physical presence is required later for medical and Emirates ID if you apply for visas.
Can I add visas on a flexi-desk?
Visa eligibility depends on the package/facility. Flexi-desk options usually allow a limited quota.
How long does bank account opening take?
Varies by bank and profile. Solid KYC and a clear plan help accelerate onboarding.
Can a RAKEZ company sell in UAE mainland?
Free zone entities can trade B2B with mainland via distributors or by establishing a mainland branch.
Last updated: November 2025
*Estimates. Fees and rules can change. Confirm current pricing before applying.