If you’re looking to start a business in the UAE without the high costs of Dubai free zones, RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) is one of the smartest choices available. With packages starting from just AED 5,999 and a streamlined registration process, RAKEZ allows entrepreneurs to legally launch their company — often within just 3 working days.

This step-by-step guide walks you through exactly what to do, what documents to prepare, and how Al Moheet Business Setup Consultants can help you complete the entire process smoothly and efficiently.

What Is RAKEZ Freezone?

RAKEZ — short for Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone — is one of the UAE’s largest and most versatile free zones, located in Ras Al Khaimah, approximately 45 minutes from Dubai. It caters to a wide spectrum of businesses including traders, service providers, consultants, e-commerce brands, and industrial manufacturers.

Key highlights of RAKEZ include:

• 100% foreign ownership — no local sponsor required
• 0% personal and corporate income tax
• Full repatriation of profits and capital
• Over 50 business activities supported
• Flexible office, warehouse, and industrial facility options
• Competitive pricing compared to Dubai free zones

Pro Tip: RAKEZ is particularly popular among startups and SMEs seeking a cost-effective UAE base without compromising on credibility or legal standing.

Can You Really Set Up in 3 Days?

Yes — and it’s not just marketing language. When you work with an experienced business setup consultant like Al Moheet, and your documents are ready, RAKEZ company formation can be completed in as little as 3 working days. Here’s why it’s possible:

• RAKEZ has a fully digitised application and approval system
• No physical visits to government offices are required in most cases
• Al Moheet handles all paperwork, submissions, and follow-ups on your behalf
• Trade name approval is often granted within hours
• License issuance follows within 1–2 business days after document submission

RAKEZ 3-Day Setup Timeline

Step-by-Step: How to Setup a Company in RAKEZ Freezone

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Business Activity Selection

The first step is determining what your business will do and which RAKEZ license type applies to you. This is more important than it sounds — choosing the wrong license category can cause delays or require amendments later.

Business activity categories in RAKEZ include:

• Commercial / Trading — importing, exporting, buying & selling goods
• Professional / Service — consulting, IT, marketing, HR, legal, and more
• Industrial — manufacturing, packaging, processing, warehousing
• E-commerce — online retail, digital services

Al Moheet does: Our consultants help you select the exact activities that match your business model, ensuring full compliance from day one.

Step 2: Trade Name Selection & Reservation

Once the activity is confirmed, you’ll need to select 2–3 trade name options for your company. RAKEZ will approve one that meets their naming guidelines.

Trade name rules to remember:

• Must not resemble existing registered companies
• Cannot reference UAE government entities
• Names with religious or political terms are generally not permitted
• Approval is typically granted within a few hours on the same day

Step 3: Choose Your RAKEZ Package & Facility Type

RAKEZ offers flexible setup packages based on your business type and space requirements:

Step 4: Prepare Your Documents

This is the most critical step to ensure a smooth 3-day process. Have these ready before starting:

For Individual Shareholders:

• Passport copy (all pages, valid for at least 6 months)
• Passport-size photo (white background)
• UAE Visa copy (if you’re already a UAE resident)
• 3 proposed company name options

For Corporate Shareholders:

• Certificate of Incorporation (attested)
• Memorandum and Articles of Association (MOA & AOA)
• Board Resolution authorising the RAKEZ setup
• Passport copies of all directors and shareholders

Note: Documents from outside the UAE may need to be notarised and attested. Al Moheet can advise you on exact requirements based on your nationality.

Step 5: Application Submission & Payment

Once your documents are ready, Al Moheet submits your complete application to RAKEZ along with all required forms and government fees. This step includes:

• Completing and filing the RAKEZ application forms
• Submitting your trade name reservation
• Paying the government license fee and establishment card fee
• Coordinating directly with RAKEZ on your behalf

You don’t need to visit any government office — Al Moheet handles all submissions and follow-ups remotely.

Step 6: License Issuance

After approval, your RAKEZ trade license is issued — typically within 1–2 working days of application submission. The license document will include:

• Company name and registration number
• Approved business activities
• License validity (usually 1 year, renewable annually)
• Shareholder and director details

Step 7: Investor Visa & Emirates ID Processing

With your trade license in hand, you can immediately apply for your UAE investor visa. Al Moheet initiates this process right after license issuance:

• Entry permit application filed with UAE Immigration
• Medical fitness test (required in the UAE)
• Emirates ID application at a typing centre
• Visa stamping on your passport

Visa processing typically takes 5–10 additional working days after license issuance.

Step 8: Business Bank Account Opening

The final step to make your business fully operational is opening a UAE corporate bank account. RAKEZ companies are eligible to open accounts with most major UAE banks. Al Moheet assists by:

• Recommending the right bank for your business type and nationality
• Preparing and organising your bank application documents
• Guiding you through the bank KYC and compliance process

Quick Reference: Complete RAKEZ Setup Checklist

Use this checklist to make sure you’re fully prepared before starting:

• Valid passport copy (min. 6 months validity)
• Passport-size photograph — white background
• UAE visa copy (if resident)
• 3 proposed company name options
• Chosen business activity / activities
• Selected license and package type
• Corporate documents (if applicable — MOA, Board Resolution, etc.)
• Payment method for government fees

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does RAKEZ company formation cost? RAKEZ setup packages start from AED 5,999 for most license types. The final cost depends on the number of visas, chosen facilities, and any add-on services. Al Moheet provides a transparent, customised quote with no hidden charges.

2. Do I need to visit RAK to set up my company? In most cases, no. The entire process can be handled remotely through Al Moheet. You may need to be present in the UAE for the investor visa medical test and Emirates ID biometrics, but the company registration itself requires no in-person visit.

3. Can I get more than one visa with my RAKEZ license? Yes. Depending on your facility type and package, you can sponsor multiple employee and partner visas. Each visa is priced separately. Al Moheet can advise on the maximum visa quota for your package.

4. What’s the difference between RAKEZ and Dubai free zones? RAKEZ is generally more affordable than most Dubai free zones (such as DMCC or DIFC), while offering similar benefits like 100% ownership and 0% tax. It’s ideal for businesses that don’t specifically require a Dubai address.

5. Is RAKEZ suitable for e-commerce businesses? Yes. RAKEZ supports e-commerce as an approved business activity under its Commercial License category. It is one of the preferred choices for online retail businesses looking for a low-cost UAE licence.

6. Can I open a UAE bank account with a RAKEZ licence? Yes. RAKEZ-licensed companies are eligible to open corporate bank accounts with most UAE banks. Al Moheet assists with the bank selection and application process.

Ready to Set Up Your RAKEZ Company?

Setting up a business in RAKEZ Freezone doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right consultant by your side, you can have your trade license in hand within 3 working days — without unnecessary delays, confusing paperwork, or hidden costs.