How to Get a License in RAKEZ Free Zone

RAKEZ isn't just a free zone; it's a strategic hub built for business success. The freezone's prime location in Ras Al Khaimah provides easy access to important logistical hubs, including a major seaport and RAK Airport. Apart from its geographical advantage, RAKEZ also offers several advantages, making it a top choice for investors.

100% Foreign Ownership: This enables you to run your company entirely without a local sponsor. You can make decisions and run your business with total control.

Cost-Effective Solutions: One of RAKEZ's primary features is its reasonably priced business setup package. Offering a wide range of options, you can choose a solution that fits your budget and business scale.

No Currency Restrictions: Since there is no currency restriction, you can fully repatriate your capital and profits to your home country.

Access to Global Markets: RAKEZ's unique location allows you to access markets from Asia to Europe, which promotes company expansion.

Before applying for a license, you need to decide on two fundamental aspects of business setup: your business activity and your company structure.

Choosing Your Business Activity

RAKEZ provides more than 3,000 business activities across various industries. Before we recommend the right license type, our business setup consultants will take the time to truly understand your business model. This is a crucial step because choosing the wrong license can lead to costly delays and, in some cases, even business failure.

RAKEZ's main license categories are:

Commercial License: For businesses that import, export, and trade goods.
Professional License: For professionals who provide services, such as consultants, accountants, and attorneys.
Industrial License: For businesses that specialize in packaging, assembly, and manufacturing.
Educational License: For educational institutions and consultancies.

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Media License: For businesses in media production, sales, and distribution. 
Service License: For companies that offer a service or consultancy.
E-commerce License: Specifically for online trading activities.
General Trading License: This allows you to trade a wide variety of unrelated goods, unlike the Commercial License, which is more specific.
Freelancer Permit: A great option for individuals in select fields like media, IT, and education who want to work under their own name.

Determining Your Company Structure

The legal structure for your business depends on how many owners you have and the type of company you're setting up. RAKEZ offers three main choices:

Free Zone Establishment (FZE): Ideal for an individual or a business seeking complete control and limited liability as a sole shareholder.
Free Zone Company (FZC): Ideal for partnerships with 2 to 5 owners. It allows for shared ownership and management.
Branch of a Local or Foreign Company: This is intended for established enterprises looking to grow within the UAE. It serves as an extension of the parent organization and is not an independent legal entity.

Over the years, the RAKEZ process has become extremely streamlined. You can finish these steps quickly and easily with Kilton's assistance.

The Initial Consultation: Before taking any action, we sit down to understand your company. We'll help you choose the best business name, legal structure, and activity, making sure everything is fully compliant from the very beginning.

Document Preparation: Gathering the right documents is crucial to avoiding delays. A completed application form, a passport-size photo, and a copy of your passport are required for individual shareholders. Corporate shareholders will need additional documents, like a Certificate of Incorporation and a Board Resolution. Don't worry, we'll give you a precise checklist to follow.

Choosing Your Package: RAKEZ offers a variety of packages to fit different needs and budgets. You can pick what suits you best, from fully serviced offices to flexible desk options. With your office space and visa needs in mind, our consultants will assist you in choosing the most affordable package.

Application and Submission: We will submit your application through the RAKEZ online portal as soon as all the necessary paperwork is ready. We ensure all information is accurate and the process is completed smoothly.

Payment and License Issuance: The next step is to pay the necessary fees. RAKEZ is known for its fast processing, and in many cases, you can receive your license almost immediately. 

For many business owners, the price of a RAKEZ license is a big attraction. It includes the costs of office space, the license fee, and the visa.

License Fees: These vary based on your chosen business activity and company type.

Visa Costs: RAKEZ provides packages with different visa quotas, ranging from zero-visa packages to those that include multiple visas for your team. The cost increases with the number of visas you require.

Office Space: You have a few options to choose from, like a dedicated office, a shared flex desk, or a warehouse. Your choice here will significantly impact the total cost.

The good news is that RAKEZ provides extremely competitive pricing. You can get a license for as little as AED 6,000 for a zero-visa package, making it one of the most affordable options in the UAE.

RAKEZ, in my opinion, is a place to create a future rather than just a place to get a license. It offers a modern infrastructure, a transparent regulatory framework that streamlines business operations, and a supportive environment. But it can still be difficult to navigate the process, particularly with new rules like the corporate tax. At Kiltons, we go beyond simple paperwork. We provide extensive services, such as guidance on corporate tax adherence and various regulatory obligations.

If you’re prepared to begin your journey in RAKEZ, don’t do it by yourself. Allow Kiltons to be your reliable partner. We'll streamline the process and assist you in realizing your business's full potential in the UAE.