RAKEZ Free Zone Company Setup: Cost, Licence & Process (2026)
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) is one of the UAE's most affordable free zones, with company setup starting around AED 11,500. It offers 100% ownership, low-cost industrial and SME packages, flexi-desk options and residence visas, with most licences issued within 3–7 working days.
Last updated: June 2026
RAKEZ — Cost breakdown (2026)
| Licence (0 visa) from | AED 11,500 |
|---|---|
| Licence + 1 visa from | AED 14,700 |
| Per additional visa | ≈ AED 3,200medical + Emirates ID + stamping |
| Timeline | 3–7 working days |
According to Setup Business in UAE, RAKEZ company setup starts from AED 11,500, with licences typically issued within 3–7 working days (as of June 2026).
Best for
- Cost-conscious startups
- SMEs
- Industrial & manufacturing
- Traders
Advantages
- One of the most affordable UAE free zones
- Strong industrial and warehousing infrastructure
- No physical office required to start
- 100% foreign ownership and profit repatriation
- Flexible packages for SMEs and large industry
Considerations
- Located outside Dubai, further from clients there
- Fewer premium office towers than Dubai zones
- Costs rise once you add multiple visas
How to set up in RAKEZ
- 1
Choose your business activity
Pick from RAKEZ's commercial, service, industrial or educational activities.
- 2
Reserve your company name
Submit name options that follow UAE naming rules for RAKEZ approval.
- 3
Submit documents
Passport copy and application; additional approvals for industrial activities.
- 4
Pay & receive your licence
Settle package fees and receive your RAKEZ licence and incorporation documents.
- 5
Apply for visas & bank account
Establishment card, then residence visas and a corporate bank account.
Hidden costs and renewal fees at RAKEZ
RAKEZ pricing is transparent, but the AED 11,500 start excludes the establishment card, the e-channel registration deposit used across the northern emirates (refundable, but cash out of pocket), and roughly AED 3,200 per visa. Industrial founders should budget separately for facility licensing, civil defence approvals and utility connections, which dwarf the trade licence itself.
Renewal matches year-one pricing, and RAKEZ's cheaper packages restrict visa quotas — moving up a tier later costs more than starting on the right one, so model your 24-month team size first.
Common mistakes founders make with RAKEZ
Founders sometimes treat RAKEZ as "cheap Dubai" and only later realise client meetings, banking visits and airport runs all happen 45–60 minutes away — fine for industrial and remote businesses, a grind for client-facing services. A second mistake is picking a commercial package when the business is really industrial: warehousing and light manufacturing belong on RAKEZ's industrial side, with different facilities and approvals. Finally, don't skip the e-channel deposit in your cash-flow plan; it is small but due upfront.
Banking with a RAKEZ licence
RAKEZ companies open accounts without drama, though compliance may move a touch slower than for Dubai-zone licences. RAKBANK is a natural fit with on-the-ground familiarity, while Wio and NeoBiz work well for service businesses. Industrial companies with real premises and utility bills actually clear KYC faster than paper-only setups — physical substance reassures banks. Keep supplier contracts handy if you trade internationally; source-of-goods questions are routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a RAKEZ company cost in 2026?+
A RAKEZ licence starts from around AED 11,500 with zero visas, and roughly AED 14,700 with one residence visa. The final cost depends on your activity, package and number of visas.
Do I need an office for RAKEZ?+
No. RAKEZ lets you start with a flexi-desk, so a physical office is optional unless your activity or visa quota requires more space.
How long does RAKEZ setup take?+
Most RAKEZ licences are issued within 3–7 working days once your name is approved and documents are submitted.
Can I get 100% ownership with RAKEZ?+
Yes. As a free zone, RAKEZ gives foreign founders 100% ownership with no local sponsor required.
Is RAKEZ good for industrial businesses?+
Yes. RAKEZ offers dedicated industrial zones, warehouses and land plots, making it a strong choice for manufacturing and heavy trade.