Finding the most convenient free zone for your business is the best decision to have a fresh start. And like other free zones in the UAE, the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone is among the most popular locations. In RAKEZ, foreign investors obtain many benefits and support services to set up their companies in the best conditions.

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the RAKEZ free zone. You will learn basic information, the benefits it provides, and the licenses investors can apply for. It is also important to know the different types of companies that investors can establish here. And to complete the setup process, you need to learn about the documents that are required. Let’s observe:

1. What does Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone offer to you?

2. Why should you start setting up your company in RAKEZ?

3. How many benefits does RAKEZ offer to new investors like you?

4. What business licenses can you obtain in RAKEZ?

5. What do you need to do to set up your company in RAKEZ?

6. How many documents are required to set up a company in RAKEZ?

7. How can Connectfz help you set up your company in the RAKEZ efficiently?

1. What does Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone offer to you?

This location is known for being a business, commercial and industrial hub among business people. Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone provides customizable solutions for the companies of it clients. Also, it is home to over 50 different sectors, making it a thriving multinational business community.

In this popular free zone, authorities support all investors, entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs during the setup process. As an investor, you can establish a free zone company or a non-free zone company in RAKEZ. Many business activities, licenses, and customizable facilities are among the benefits that it offers. Moreover, all business regulations and laws are friendly enough to make any business run efficiently.

In RAKEZ, 4 key pillars make this location a perfect place to start a business, For example:

• Diversification: includes a wide range of business sectors and industries for all startups, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, SMEs, traders, and logistics companies. Besides, it offers access to global markets through specialized zone locations.
• Customized solutions: many customized packages with smart solutions are available for all clients. These will help them establish and run their businesses using the best tools and advantages.
• Cost-effectiveness: it is possible to establish a company without spending too much money or resources in RAKEZ thanks to it. You will be able to choose affordable premium solutions for your business.
• Efficiency in every process: in RAKEZ, you can obtain the services you need in no time and a transparent environment. It will allow you to do business in the free zone easily.

Here you can learn about free zones in the United Arab Emirates and tips to establish a company.

2. Why should you start setting up your company in RAKEZ?

There are several reasons to settle in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, and here you will find the main ones. The benefits that all UAE free zones offer to foreign clients will be guaranteed. However, other 4 reasons will make you consider this free zone as the best option. These other reasons are the following ones:

• The rising popularity of RAKEZ among business people. This location has grown over the years, which is why it is now attractive to many investors from everywhere. Most importantly, RAKEZ has received many prestigious awards. The Legal 500’s GC Powerlist inclusion, UAE Prime Minister’s 4-star rating, and fDi’s Global Free Zones of the Year Award.
• Customized warehouse services at your disposal. Warehousing solutions in RAKEZ start from 150 sqm, and they are available to every type of license holder on lease. These services are also customizable to fulfill all business requirements. Warehouses in RAKEZ have heat-insulated doors and roofs, suitable areas for loading/unloading goods, and more. Onsite-labor accommodation and office facility inside are also included on the list.
• Seaport and airport facilities. Distribution procedures require easy access to ports and in RAKEZ you will find it. Shipment of goods is easy in this location since there are several ports near and available for doing business. The Saqr Port and the RAK International Airport are the most popular seaport and airport in the region, for instance.
• Cost-effective financing availability. The RAK free zone company setup cost will depend on several features. However, RAKEZ offers up to 40% of investment to companies looking forward to starting up in the zone. In addition, RAKEZ signed an MOU with RAK Bank, which means they guarantee easy availability of financial services for companies.

Here you can learn how to run a free zone company in Dubai mainland.

3. How many benefits does RAKEZ offer to new investors like you?

As for the guaranteed benefits, here are the ones that you will obtain when forming your business in RAKEZ:

• 100% foreign ownership.
• Full income, corporate, and personal tax exemption.
• Total capital and profit repatriation.
• Fast and efficient business set-up processes.
• Fast procedure to issue UAE residencies and visas.
• Wide-ranging business and industrial facilities.
• Low-cost storage and leasing facilities.
• No customs duty on re-exported goods.
• A wide range of Flexi-desk alternatives.
• World-class airport and seaport availability.
• Easy access to markets across MENA (the Middle East and North Africa region), Europe, and Asia.
• Provision to build on-site staff and labor accommodations.
• Real estate facilities to meet out individual startup needs.
• Investors are able to establish free zone and non-free zone companies.
• There is an on-stop shop for all government services.
• A self-service client portal is available for all investors and entrepreneurs.
• There is efficient connectivity to major logistics hubs and accessibility via an international spread of regional offices.
• Access to 5 specialized zones for specific industries. These are Al Hulaila Industrial Zone, RAKEZ Business Zone, Al Hamra Industrial Zone, Academic Zone, and Al Ghail Industrial Zone.

Here you can learn tips you should follow and traps to avoid when setting up your company in Dubai.

4. What business licenses can you obtain in RAKEZ?

To set up your company in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, you will need to obtain certain documents. The business license is essential to run a business in RAKEZ, but first, you need to know the available types. In this free zone, you will be able to find the following available licenses:

• Commercial license: with this license, investors are able to do trading activities. For instance, export, import, storage, and warehousing of products.
• General trading license: it allows investors to trade multiple kinds of goods.
• Industrial license: this license permits doing business activities like manufacturing, assembling, importing raw materials, processing, and exporting finished products.
• Professional license: this one is issued for one owner only. The owner’s business activity will be related to only one specific area of expertise.
• Consultancy or service license: it allows entrepreneurs and investors to do certain business activities. For example, some of them could be management consultancy, legal, insurance, accounting, and many others.
• Media license: this license is issued for those investors who want to perform media-related activities.
• E-commerce license: this license permits trading services and goods. However, these are conducted online or by using electronic networks.
• Education license: RAKEZ also provides this license for educational support services and management training to education providers. For example, for universities and other institutions.

4.1. Important information regarding the license renewal process in RAKEZ.

The best part of this process is that personal presence is not required to renew a business license. You will need to submit some documents and complete the payment. The renewal cost is usually AED 1,000 less than the license cost during the incorporation process.

The process to renew your license is as follows:

• Get your license renewal invoice.
• Complete the payment.
• Collect your lease agreement set and sign it.
• Submit it along with the renewal documents.
• Collect your attested lease agreement and renewed license.

You can contact your business setup partner to obtain more information regarding this matter.

Learn about the Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone and why it is a good option for your business.

5. What do you need to do to set up your company in RAKEZ?

Before starting to establish your company in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, you need to learn about the setup process. It will require some documentation, which you can find below, and steps to follow. With this simple setup process guide, you will be able to succeed efficiently and without wasting your time:

• The first step you must take is choosing your business activities. A wide range of activities is allowed in RAKEZ, including commercial, educational, professional, service, industrial, and more. Choose the one you want to define your business activities. After completing this step, you can choose the correct license you need.
• Right after selecting your activities, you can now choose a proper name for your company. However, there are some rules you must follow when choosing a name. You cannot include offensive content nor religious references, for instance. On the other hand, you must use your full name if the company will carry your name. Make sure to avoid using initials or the surname alone. As a tip, you should check if your selected name is available in RAKEZ.
• Applying for your business license is the third step. Make sure to submit a completed application form, a passport copy, a color photograph, and your business plan. You can complete your application with the RAKEZ managing authority.
• Apply for your visas and open a bank account to finish the setup process. You can complete these steps with your business setup partner.

Here you can learn more about the company setup process in SAIF Zone.

6. How many documents are required to set up a company in RAKEZ?

To complete the Ras Al Khaimah Company registration process to establish your business, you must gather and submit certain documents. Here is a list of those documents that you will need to continue the setup process:

• The application form for Free Zone Entity (FZE) or Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZLLC).
• Passport copies of the manager and shareholders.
• The latest visa copy or UAE immigration stamp of the manager and shareholders.
• The No Objection Certificate (NOC) letter from the sponsor. This is in case the manager holds a valid UAE residency visa.

The authorities may require other documents, but it can vary according to certain features (business size, type, activities, etc.). In some cases, the process requires third-party approvals too.

Here you can read a guide to learn how to establish a business in the Ajman Free Zone successfully.

7. How can Connectfz help you set up your company in RAKEZ efficiently?

With Connectfz as your partner, completing the setup process in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone will be easy. You can skip some tedious procedures and let your partner take care of them. In addition, you can receive useful information and recommendations to make the process even more efficient.

Contact our team members to receive the guidance you need to establish your business successfully. Also, you will be able to run your company effectively in the long term. What you need to do is requesting our services to accomplish your goal in RAKEZ.

Among the services you can request for your business, you can find our UAE market entry services. It will help your company get access to the many customers across the country. If you need your HR department to be more efficient, you can request HR consultancy services, payroll services, etc.

Would you like to contact Connectfz to know more about company setup in UAE free zones such as RAKEZ If you have any questions, call us on +97143316688. You can email us at info@connectfz.ae. and you will talk to one of our representatives who will answer your questions.