The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) was created by combining the Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ), which was set up in 2000, with the RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA), which was set up in 2005. His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi had the idea for this unified economic zone to make it easier for people to invest and help the region’s economy grow. RAKEZ is one of the biggest and most diverse economic zones in the United Arab Emirates. It helps over 30,000 businesses from more than 100 countries and 50+ industries. Startups, small and medium-sized businesses, and big companies all like it because it is easy for investors to do business there, it is in a good location, and it has forward-thinking policies.
RAKEZ is located in the center of Ras Al Khaimah and provides tailored business solutions for both free zone and non-free zone businesses. It offers a lot of different services, like helping people get business licenses, residence visas, and access to modern infrastructure like offices, warehouses, and industrial land. The zone has a strong logistics network that includes international seaports, an airport, and highways that connect to other parts of the world. This makes it easy for investors to get to important markets in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and South and Central Asia. Ras Al Khaimah has a lot to offer businesses, but it also has a great quality of life. Housing is affordable, healthcare is reliable, schools are well-respected, and the natural scenery is beautiful. All of this is in a safe and stable environment that global credit rating agencies like S&P and Fitch have recognized.
A single license for many activities.
Offices of different sizes that are ready to move into or can be customized.
A lot of warehouses, industrial plots, and offices.
Access to RAK Port and being close to Dubai.
RAKEZ provides license options designed to suit every stage and sector — from emerging startups to full-scale manufacturing units, ensuring your business has room to grow and adapt.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the company setup process in the UAE.
Follow these six essential steps to get your business up and running smoothly.
Step 4
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We tailor your company structure to match your industry, goals, and growth plans.
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Businesses across sectors rely on BYB for smooth, strategic setups in the UAE.
Freezones in UAE offer various options for company formation, depending on the requirement and structure of ownership. The main types are:
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A subsidiary is a business that is controlled by another business because it owns at least 51% of the shares. Companies can open branches or subsidiaries in RAKEZ’s area of control.
Yes, RAKEZ lets companies hire people who aren’t sponsored by RAKEZ. These are people who don’t have a RAKEZ visa but are allowed to work for a RAKEZ company. Conditions include GCC citizens, people with family-sponsored visas, temporary or part-time workers, and workers for subsidiaries or businesses that are connected to the main business.
Yes, companies with only one shareholder can apply for investor visas. Companies with more than one shareholder can apply for partner visas.
Both Free Zone Companies and Non-Free Zone Limited Liability Companies that are registered with RAKEZ can have up to 50 shareholders.
No, shareholders can choose to have a RAKEZ visa or a visa from another country, depending on what they want.
Yes, businesses that are registered with RAKEZ can get credit by putting up collateral with banks.
No, businesses in the Free Zone can only do business in the RAKEZ Free Zone and are not allowed to do business outside of it.
Yes, companies in RAKEZ are generally required to submit audited financial statements, particularly for license renewal and compliance with UAE financial reporting standards. Submission deadlines align with the financial year-end, and non-compliance may result in fines or license non-renewal.
The RAKEZ Companies Regulations (2017) and Operating Rules (2018), as well as UAE federal and local laws, apply to Free Zone entities. In addition to other rules, businesses that are not in a Free Zone must follow UAE Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 on Commercial Companies.
Free Zone businesses can’t trade directly in the mainland. They can, however, trade through licensed agents, representatives, distributors, or parent companies that are allowed to do business in the UAE mainland.
BYB (Build Your Business) is a specialized firm focused on building the foundation for businesses to operate globally. We provide clear guidance and practical support to individuals and companies on how to properly establish their business, follow all rules, and design its structure to begin work in different countries. Our deep knowledge includes how to stay compliant in various nations, selecting the best legal setup, and making smart choices about local business environments. We help get registrations, explain tax requirements, and put in place the basic systems for running an office. BYB is an essential partner for those starting international businesses, making sure they have a solid and rule-abiding base from the very beginning.
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