Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is one of the 7 emirates of the UAE. It is emerging as one of the fastest growing free trade zones in the UAE. Equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, RAK free zone is poised to take over the title of one of the most sought-after investment destinations in the UAE. Though there is a wealth of free zones in the entire Emirates, what makes RAK stand out in the UAE is its strategic location. RAK is closest to the far eastern nations: China, India, Iran, Pakistan, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Apart from the ease of access, hassle-free administrative procedures and proximity Port Saqr (which is close to a primary shipping lane passing through the Strait of Hormuz), RAK functions as a prominent port and offshoring destination in the northern part of the Emirates.

Free Zones in RAK:

1. RAK Investment Authority Free Zone (RAKIA) Click for details
2. Ras Al Khaimah Media Free Zone Click for details
3. Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) Click for details
4. RAK Maritime City Click for details

Below is an estimation of RAK free zone company setup cost:

To develop an investment climate and promote Ras al-Khaimah’s economic sector, Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA) Free Zone was founded in 2015. It is composed of 2 industrial parks for investors to choose from while setting up a business in the free zone. RAKIA free zone provides great support to its investors and ensures smooth and hassle-free business setup at a very low cost, thus helping companies to thrive in the region and beyond. Its vision to build a diverse economy that enjoys strong and sustainable growth by attracting foreign investment is what makes RAKIA one of the best free zones in the UAE. Also, given the strategic geographical location at the crossroads between the east and the west, excellent infrastructure, strong support from the government, and, not to forget, the unmatched natural beauty, it is no surprise that RAKIA has emerged as a destination of choice for investors and leisure travelers alike.

Facilities for Business Setup in RAKIA

1. Industrial Land

RAK Investment Authority free zone provides land on long-term lease for industrial ventures in its 2 industrial parks in Al Hamra and Al Ghail in Ras Al Khaimah, the major advantages being international airport and sea-port located within an hour’s drive, and proximity to national highways for easy connectivity with other emirates and neighboring GCC countries.

2. Warehouses

For the benefit of companies engaged in trading, warehousing, assembling, packaging, and light manufacturing activities, RAK Investment Authority free zone offers warehouses in its free zone and non-free zone. It includes security, drainage, and fire alarm system, car parking, and staff residency within industrial parks.

3. Offices

Offices in RAKIA are of the following types:

• Executive Offices: Executive offices are ideal for businesses with firm long-term plans for the region. Branch offices, manufacturing units, and services entities with considerable staff strength can benefit from the finest office spaces at competitive rates. Offices in RAKIA are of various sizes (medium or large), depending on the needs of the client.
• Standard Offices: Standard offices are best suited for small businesses looking to start a venture in the region with a minimum capital investment.
• Cubical Offices: Cubical offices are unfurnished partitioned office spaces suitable for small companies, providing a more exclusive work environment.
• Flexi-Desk: RAKIA offers shared workstations for the benefit of start-ups or companies looking to test the market.

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Media City is a leading entertainment hub for all the companies that have operations in the media industry. It was launched in the year 2006 as an alternative to Dubai Media City and has been providing investment opportunities and benefits for media-oriented business owners and investors. RAK Media City is another RAK Free Trade Zone (RAKFTZ) which is controlled by the RAKFTZ authority. The increasing cost of living in Dubai free zones makes RAK Media City a low-cost alternative. Business owners are attracted towards this RAK FTZ due to its dedication towards providing world-class facilities, great business infrastructure, pre-built offices, and media-related business licenses.

Types of Business Licenses in RAK Media City

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is a government initiative to consolidate 2 free zones: RAK Free Trade Zone (RAKFTZ) and RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA). Under the guiding vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, United Arab Emirates Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, RAKEZ is based in the heart of Ras Al Khaimah. The RAK government aims at merging both the RAK free zones along with their 13,000 clients, making it the biggest free zone in the entire UAE.

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is a government initiative to consolidate 2 free zones: RAK Free Trade Zone (RAKFTZ) and RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA). Under the guiding vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, United Arab Emirates Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, RAKEZ is based in the heart of Ras Al Khaimah. The RAK government aims at merging both the RAK free zones along with their 13,000 clients, making it the biggest free zone in the entire UAE.

Permissible Legal Entities in RAK Free Zone

RAK Economic Zone has 4 types of legal entities under its authorization:

1. Free Zone Establishment (FZE)

One shareholder or single ownership

2. Free Zone Company (FZC)

2 to 5 shareholders or partnership business

3. Branch of a Local Company

For a branch of a company registered in the UAE

4. Branch of a Foreign Company

For a branch of a company registered outside the UAE

RAK Maritime City (RMC) was created as a free zone by Emiri Decree in December 2009. It offers international port facilities and business services for companies seeking an efficient and secure environment for their operations. With different zones for retail, warehousing, cargo handling, industrial production and manufacturing, tank storage and shipbuilding or repairs, RAK Maritime City offers a variety of facilities for businesses from a variety of industries. The free zone seeks to attract businesses as a one-stop-shop with the benefits of a free zone environment, state of art, 21st-century harbor infrastructure within a developed and established port.

Benefits of Setting Up a Company in RAK Maritime City

• 100% company ownership
• 100% tax exemption
• 100% foreign investment
• No customs duties and tariff
• Access to high-end infrastructure and communication
• Access to global market
• 100% repatriation of profits and capital
• Flexible policies for hiring a foreigner
• Easy business formation regulations