A Complete Guide for Entrepreneurs

If you are planning to start a business in the UAE, RAKEZ Free Zone (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) is one of the most flexible and cost-effective options. Whether you are a freelancer, consultant, e-commerce entrepreneur, or a small-scale manufacturer, RAKEZ offers a man licences, business activities, and office solutions. In this article, we’ll take you step by step through everything you need to know to start your business in RAKEZ, including Licence types, allowed activities, office options, costs, benefits, and practical tips for success.

Introduction about RAKEZ Free Zone?

RAKEZ, or Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, is a government-owned free zone in the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. It serves as a hub for industrial, service, and trading businesses, connecting entrepreneurs to local, regional, and international markets. The zone is suitable for startups, freelancers, SMEs, and industrial businesses looking to start and operate legally in the UAE with minimal bureaucracy.

RAKEZ offers:

• 100% foreign ownership of most businesses.
• Quick and hassle-free company registration.
• A variety of licences customized for different business models.
• Flexible office solutions, warehouses, and industrial land.
• Visa support for owners, employees, and dependents.
• Banking assistance and government liaison services.

Step 1: Decide the Type of Licence You Need

Choosing the right licence is important, as it defines what business activities you can legally perform. RAKEZ offers multiple licence types:

Commercial Licence

• For trading businesses like import/export, retail, or wholesale.
• Example: Electronics store, furniture trading, fashion imports.
• You can store products in RAKEZ warehouses and sell locally or internationally.

Service Licence (Professional Licence)

• For consultants, IT specialists, marketing agencies, and freelancers.
• Example: Digital marketing agency, business consultancy, SEO service provider.
• No physical storage required; a flexi desk or small office is sufficient.

Industrial Licence

• For businesses engaged in manufacturing, processing, packaging, and logistics.
• Example: Food packaging, furniture production, small-scale manufacturing.
• RAKEZ provides warehouses, industrial land, and necessary permits.

E-Commerce Licence

• For online stores, dropshipping, and digital product businesses.
• Example: Online electronics shop or apparel store.
• Works with flexi office packages, ideal for businesses without a large physical presence.

Freelancer Permit

• Designed for individual operators offering professional services.
• Example: Graphic designer, content creator, IT consultant, media professional.
• No office needed, ideal for low-cost entry.

Educational / Media Licence

• For training institutes, coaching centers, or media companies.
• Example: IT training center, language school, media production house.
• Allows you to operate legally and attract students or clients.

Tip: Carefully match your business activity to the licence. Choosing the wrong licence can cause delays or legal issues.

Step 2: Choose Your Business Activity and Category

RAKEZ supports over 50 industries. Here’s how categories are structured:

Trading & General Trading

• Buying, selling, importing, or exporting goods.
• Warehouse storage is available.
• Example: Electronics, furniture, or clothing trading.

Services / Consultancy

• Professional or technical services.
• Example: Marketing consultancy, IT services, business advice.

Industries / Manufacturing

• Light manufacturing, packaging, or logistics.
• Example: Small furniture production, food packaging, warehousing.

E-Commerce

• Online stores and digital business models.
• Example: Dropshipping, digital product sales, online retail.

Freelancing / Media

• Individual operators or small teams without large office requirements.
• Example: SEO specialists, content creators, media production professionals.

Tip:Choose a category that aligns with your skills, budget, and growth plan.

Step 3: Decide on an Office Solution

RAKEZ offers multiple office options:

• Flexi Desk / Co-Working:Cheapest and fastest option. Suitable for freelancers or small service businesses.
• Private Office: For growing teams needing a professional office.
• Warehouse / Industrial Space: For industrial or trading businesses that require storage and production space.
• Land Plots: For large-scale manufacturing or long-term expansion.

Tip:Start with a flexi desk if budget is limited, then upgrade as your business grows.

Step 4: Estimate Costs & Budget

Entry-Level Setup

• Basic licence + minimal workspace: around AED 6,000 per year.
• Includes one UAE residence visa for the owner.

Comprehensive Packages

• Designated Zone package: AED 14,500/year.
• Includes a licence, one residence visa, and a flexi office.
• 1 visa Free For Life

Long-Term Considerations

• Licence renewal, office lease renewal, employee visas, and utilities.
• Accounting, auditing, and bank account opening and management.

Tip: Plan your first 2-3 years carefully. Short-term low-cost packages may not support long-term growth.

Step 5: Apply for Company Registration

The registration process is straightforward:

1. Choose a licence type and business activity.
2. Decide on office space.
3. Submit the application online via the RAKEZ portal.
4. Provide required documents (passport copy, visa copy, business plan if needed).
5. Pay initial fees for the licence and the office.
6. RAKEZ issues your licence, and you can start operations legally.

Tip: RAKEZ can also assist with visa applications, bank account setup, and other government requirements.

Benefits of Starting a Business in RAKEZ

Short-Term

• Quick licence issuance.
• Affordable entry packages.
• 100% foreign ownership and profit repatriation.

Long-Term

• Access to UAE, MENA, and international markets.
• Flexibility to expand business activities under one licence.
• Tax advantages, including 0% corporate tax in designated zones.
• Opportunity to scale industrial or ecommerce operations and ecommerce business setup in rakez free zone.