How long does it take to apply for a free zone company in Ras Al Khaimah?

Most applications are completed in 10–15 working days once documents are approved.

What is the minimum capital required in RAKEZ or RAK ICC?

Service activities start from AED 15,000; industrial or trading activities may require AED 100,000–300,000. Verify current fee with RAKEZ or RAK ICC.

Can I get a visa with a Ras Al Khaimah free zone licence?

Yes, two to six visas are usually included depending on the package you choose.

Is corporate tax payable in RAKEZ or RAK ICC?

Qualifying free zone income remains 0 % tax if you meet substance rules; non-qualifying income is taxed at 9 %.

Can I upgrade from flexi-desk to a physical office later?

Yes, you can amend your licence and lease at renewal or mid-term by paying a variation fee.

Apply for Free Zone Company in Ras Al Khaimah 2026

Quick answer

Apply for a free zone company in Ras Al Khaimah through RAKEZ or RAK ICC. The process takes 5–15 working days. You need a valid passport, proof of address, business plan, and a minimum capital that starts from AED 15,000 for service activities. Total setup cost usually ranges between AED 12,000–25,000 depending on activity and visa allocation.

Why choose Ras Al Khaimah free zones in 2026?

Ras Al Khaimah offers two main free zones: RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) and RAK ICC (International Corporate Centre). Both provide 100 % foreign ownership, 0 % personal and corporate tax for qualifying income, and fast-track licensing. Compared with mainland or other emirates, RAK free zones have lower setup fees and competitive annual renewals.

Step-by-step: how to apply for free zone company in Ras Al Khaimah

1. Choose your free zone and legal structure

Decide between RAKEZ (industrial, general trading, consultancy) and RAK ICC (holding, international business). Most expats start with a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC). Verify current fee with RAKEZ or RAK ICC before committing.

2. Reserve your trade name

Submit three preferred names via the free zone portal. The name must end with “FZ-LLC”, “Ltd”, or “Limited”. Approval usually takes 1–2 days and costs AED 200–500.

3. Submit initial documents

Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
Passport-size photos (white background)
Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)
Business plan (1–2 pages)
Completed application form

4. Choose your activity and get initial approval

Pick from the free zone activity list. Consultancy, e-commerce, and general trading are popular. Once the authority approves, you receive an Initial Approval Certificate valid for 90 days.

5. Sign the lease agreement

RAKEZ and RAK ICC offer flexi-desks, offices, or warehouses. A flexi-desk starts around AED 8,000–12,000 per year. Sign the Ejari-style lease contract inside the free zone system.

6. Pay the licence and visa fees

Fees cover: licence (AED 12,000–18,000), establishment card, medical typing, Emirates ID, and medical test. Two visas are often included in the basic package; additional visas cost AED 3,000–4,000 each. Verify current fee with RAKEZ or RAK ICC.

7. Final submission and collection

After payment, the free zone issues your digital licence and stamped Memorandum of Association within 3–5 days. You can collect physical documents or download them from the portal.

Common mistakes when applying for a free zone company in Ras Al Khaimah

Choosing an activity that requires mainland approval (e.g., certain food trading)
Underestimating visa costs when planning for multiple shareholders
Skipping the business plan—some activities need detailed operational descriptions
Not checking if your nationality requires security clearance (adds 5–10 days)

Free zone vs mainland: quick comparison 2026

Aspect	RAKEZ / RAK ICC	Mainland (DED)
Foreign ownership	100 %	100 % (most sectors)
Corporate tax	0 % on qualifying income	9 % above AED 375,000
Office requirement	Flexi-desk allowed	Physical premises often needed
Visa allocation	2–6 per licence	Linked to office size
Renewal cost	AED 10,000–15,000	AED 15,000–25,000

Pro tips from expats who set up in 2025

Use a consultant registered with RAKEZ for AED 3,000–5,000 to avoid rejections.
Apply for a 3-year visa if you plan to stay long-term; costs AED 1,200 extra but saves renewal hassle.
Keep your personal bank statements ready—some banks ask for three months’ proof of funds before opening a corporate account.
Register for corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority within 30 days even if your income is below the threshold.

Timeline and costs at a glance

Name reservation: 1–2 days, AED 200–500
Initial approval: 3–5 days, included in package
Lease + medicals: 5–7 days, AED 1,500–2,000
Licence issuance: 3–5 days
Total: 10–20 working days, AED 12,000–25,000

Next steps after licence approval

Open a corporate bank account with RAK Bank, Mashreq, or Emirates NBD. Register for VAT if turnover exceeds AED 375,000. Get a tenancy contract stamped by Ejari if you later move to a physical office outside the free zone. Finally, update your Golden Visa application if you meet the AED 2 million investment threshold.

Key takeaway: Applying for a free zone company in Ras Al Khaimah in 2026 is straightforward if you pick the right activity, prepare clean documents, and budget AED 15,000–20,000 for the first year. Start with RAKEZ or RAK ICC portals, or use a trusted local consultant to keep everything on track.