RAK Free Trade Zone Contact Details:

Headquarters
P O Box 10055, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

Working Hours
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday – Thursday

Ras Al Khaimah Promotion Centre
RAK FTZ Business Park – RAK Business Centre
Floor 8, BC 4, RAK FTZ Business Park, Al Nakheel
P O Box 10055, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

Working Hours
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday – Thursday

Key People

Sheikh Ahmad Bin Saqer Al Qasemi
Chairman

Sheikh Mohammed Humaid Al Qasemi
MD

Peter J. Fort
CEO

Sheikh Yasir bin Ahmed bin Humaid Al Qasimi
Board Member

Roudayna Esber
General Counsel

Imran Cheema
Director of Client Relations

Hana Ahmed Al Shehhi
Director of Operations

Ruba Mohd Jalal Al Reemawi
Director of Licensing

Gary Wilson
Head of International Companies Regulations and Operations

RAK Free Zone Company Formation Process

• Decide which package is suitable for your needs – license, type of company and facilities required. For detailed information about the Types of Licenses issued by RAKFTZ follow this link.
• Fill in the application form.  This form requests the type of business activity, what RAKFTZ products and services are required and contact details
• Other documents (such as bank reference, passport etc) will be requested, depending on the business package required by the client
• Following payment of the license, the client can proceed with applying for visas and can start his/her business.

Outline of the RAK Free Zone Company Formation Process at RAKFTZ:

Note this is a general outline, which may be different in some cases.  See more details in the application form.

• Pre-approval – application form
• Collection of required documents – List of Trade Names form, passport copies, bank reference letter, Declaration form, description of business activities, other legal documents
• Payment – allow 2-3 days for cash payments, 4-6 days for cheque payments and 6-9 days for international transfers
• For FZC and FZE companies – Certificate of Formation, Bank reference and legal documents
• Obtain business license and deeds for leasing
• Start the process for visa application

Bank Statement Requirements:

• Applicants’ bank statements for Commercial or Consultancy / Services Licenses should have a balance of minimum AED 100,000 (USD 27,400).
• Applicants’ bank statements for General Trading Licenses should have a balance of minimum AED 150,000 (USD 41,000).
• Applicants’ bank statements for Industrial Licenses should have a balance equal to the capital required for the project.

RAKFTZ Fees

Note:

Additional Fees depend on the package required, for example for a Free Zone Company (FZC) an extra charge of AED 2,350 to 3,500 will be required for the legal documents (Memorandum and Articles of Association, Board Resolution and Power of Attorney).

RAK Free Zone Company Formation License Fees

Visa Fees

Note:

A deposit of AED 1,000 must be paid for Visit Visas and a deposit of AED 2,000 for Employment Visas for managers/employees.  The deposits are partially or fully refundable and subject to RAKFTZ’s terms and conditions. RAKFTZ may amend Visa fees with no notification.

RAKFTZ Registration General Rules:

• The applicant needs pre-approval before the registration process begins
• For UAE Residence Visa holders, the applicant needs to have a No Objection Letter from his/her sponsor before submitting the application form
• For Consultancy Licenses, the applicant needs to have academic certificates and proof of experience in the relevant field
• Business licenses are valid for one year, following which the license is renewed or the company is deregistered, otherwise penalties will be imposed
• For renewal of licenses, the companies must submit audit reports which must be prepared by UAE registered audit firms
• Approvals for visas and renewals of licenses depend on the level of business activity and size of operation
• Holders of RAKFTZ licenses are not allowed to operate in other locations other than RAKFTZ facilities
• The business licenses can be amended if necessary with the payment of a fee
• All business facilities in RAKFTZ are subject to inspections by RAKFTZ employees
• Facilities may not be subleased
• Holders of RAKFTZ licenses must comply with local customs regulations

Product Fees

Business Centre Services Packages (Business License, registration, service fees):

• Commercial License: AED 15,000
• Consultancy License: AED 19,000 (not eligible for Residence Visas).

RAK Free Trade Zone Services

• Company Registration
• Licenses
• Visas
• Mazeed Service Desk

RAK Free Zone Company Formation

Types of Companies Registered at RAKFTZ:

• Free Zone Establishment – a new company with one owner.
• Free Zone Company – a new company owned by 2-5 business partners.
• Local Branch – A branch of a local company based in the UAE. It is required that the parent company has been active for a minimum of one year.  This is also so for a subsidiary company.
• Foreign Branch – A branch of an overseas company based outside the UAE. It is required that the parent company has been active for a minimum of one year.  This is also so for a subsidiary company.

Licenses

• All companies housed in RAKFTZ need a business license (trade license) in order to have industrial, commercial or consulting activities
• RAKFTZ’s licenses are renewable yearly
• In order for the license to be renewed, the company must submit audit reports
• Companies within RAKFTZ are not allowed to conduct their business within the UAE unless they appoint a local distributor or agent

Types of RAK Free Zone Company Formation Licenses issued by RAKFTZ

Commercial Licence

• For export, import, warehousing and distribution activities
• 2 different or 7 similar activities allowed per license
• 2-3 days for processing

Industrial Licence

• For manufacturing, processing or import of raw materials, assembling, packaging and export of products
• 1 product per license
•  2-3 weeks for processing

General Trading Licence

• For export, import, warehousing, distribution activities
• Multiple activities allowed per license
• 2-3 days processing

Consultancy/Services Licence

• For consulting on real estate, logistics, management, marketing etc
• 2 different consulting activities per license
• 2-3 days processing

Visas

RAKFTZ issues visas to licensed clients in order for them to be able to do business in the United Arab Emirates.  The number of visas that a company holds depends on its size, type of license and activity.

Issuing of visas is controlled by the rules and regulations of RAKFTZ as well as the RAK Immigration Authority.

There are different types of visas which depend on the clients’ needs and activities.

Types of visas issued by RAKFTZ

• Employment Visa – for the investor or partner up to any age: issued to an owner (Investor Visa) of an Establishment or to a shareholder or partner (Partner Visa) of a RAKFTZ company in the case where the share value is over AED 50,000.  The visa is valid for three years.  The holder of the visa is not allowed to be away from the UAE for more than 6 continuous months.  Shareholders, investors or partners wishing to sponsor their family members need to have over AED 75,000 of the company’s shares.
• Employment Visa– for a manager or employee of RAKFTZ companies from 20-60 years old. The visa is valid for three years.  The holder of the visa is not allowed to be away from the UAE for more than 6 continuous months.
• Family – men with an Employment Visa can apply for a Family Visa in order to sponsor their families.  The visa is valid for three years.
• Visit – A Visit Visa allows someone to enter the United Arab Emirates for 30 or 90 days.

Mazeed Service Desk

Mazeed provides many value-adding services to support clients in all the steps involved from setting up to the smooth operation of their businesses.

Mazeed’s services include:

• Recruitment
• Personnel training and development
• Marketing services
• Design services
• Insurance
• Procurement

RAK Free Trade Zone Products

• Industrial Parks
• Business Park

Industrial Parks

RAKFTZ houses industrial parks which offer investors warehousing facilities, plots of land, offices and housing.

• On the RAK beach road, next to Hulaylah Island and 6km from Saqr Port
• Ideal for heavy industries
• Ideal for warehouses
• Various plot sizes available
• Full amenities (electricity, water, telecoms) for plots
• Workers’ housing available
• Operation Services Centre
• Customs Office

Business Park

• In the city commercial centre, near to Al Manar Mall
• Close to the airport, Port Saqr and Dubai / Sharjah
• Offers offices in the free zone centre of RAK Business Centre
• Investors can set up their businesses simply and quickly
• Various types of office space (eg. flexi-offices, flexi-desks)
• Office space is furnished with full amenities
• Cheap rates.

RAKFTZ has an extensive range of products located in the RAKFTZ Business Park and Technology Park to suit its clients’ business needs:

• Executive offices
• Standard offices
• Flexi facilities
• Shell and core facilities
• Service block facilities
• Warehousing
• Industrial plots
• Employee housing
• Labour accommodation
• Academic zone

Executive Offices

Executive offices are medium or small sized fully furnished and serviced offices which are offered for immediate lease, or other tailor-made office space which suits the clients’ specific business needs.

Standard Offices

Standard offices are a cheaper option and are serviced, furnished offices with a size of about 10m2.

Flexi Facilities

Most of the Flexi Facilities are located at RAK FTZ’s Business Park in RAK. Flexi Facilities are shared facilities.  Clients are offered shared workstations or Flexi Desks and shared offices or Flexi Offices.   This option is especially suited to investors who wish to test the market as they are a cheap way to start a business.

Clients have an option to change to other office space categories.  Clients who do not have a Residence Visa but who need a business license and facilities can start their business with low costs with a Business Centre Services Package.  For Flexi Facilities only the investor / partner and manager of the business require visas.

Shell and Core Facilities

Shell and core facilities are open spaces of 121 to 166 m2 which are not developed or furnished so that the client can modify them in line with his needs. Modifications must be approved by the RAKFTZ Engineering Team.

Advantages of RAKFTZ Office Space

• Office space and equipment tailor-made for clients’ needs
• Fully furnished and equipped office space
• Competitive rates
• Rent inclusive of utilities
• Advanced IT / telecommunications systems
• Modern business centre services (courier service, administrative, mail, post office, cleaning etc)
• Postal address via Empost
• 24/7 access
• Car parking

Service Block Facilities

Service block facilities or shops are available which are suitable for activities such as restaurants, laundries, pharmacies, taxi service etc.  The typical sizes are 40 – 128 m2.

Warehousing

Warehouses are ready made units from 150m2 to 500 m2.  They can be utilized for light industrial activities such as manufacturing and assembly and storage of products.

Advantages

• Different sizes of warehouses available with possibility of extension
• Flexible leases – yearly or shorter leases
• Near seaports and airports with easy highway access to Dubai
• Near the Government Departments
• Onsite labour and staff housing
• Easy access for loading, unloading and cargo handling facilities
• Warehouses are available in two Business Parks – Industrial Park (Al Hulaylah Island, Al Saqr sea port are) and Technology Park (Al Jazeera Al Hamra)
• 24/7 security
• Car parking

Industrial Plots

Industrial plots are available for activities such as industrial, logistical and provision of services.  Plot sizes start from 2500 m2.

Plots are located at RAKFTZ’s Industrial Park and Technology Park.  Plots in the Industrial Park are ideal for heavy industrial activities like those which need access to water (boat construction etc).  Plots in the Technology Park are more suitable for light industry activities and activities that do not require a waterfront.

Advantages

• Many sizes available
• Short or long term leases
• Near Government Departments and RAKFTZ offices
• Near seaports and airports
• Easy highway access to Dubai
• Easy access for loading, unloading and cargo handling facilities
• Onsite labour and staff housing
• 24/7 security

Employee Housing

Furnished as well as unfurnished studios, suitable for up to two people are available for male staff.  Utilities are included in the rent price and the studios are near shops, have car parking facilities and 24/7 security.

Labour Accommodation

Labour accommodation is available for male labourers.  4-6 people can be housed per room with a size of about 25m2.  Utilities and furniture are included in the rent price and the studios are near shops, have car parking facilities and 24/7 security.

Academic Zone

Academic organisations can locate their facilities at one of RAKFTZ’s allocated educational buildings or they can build their own building at another location in RAK.

Advantages

• Choice between leasing or own construction
• Easy start-up procedures
• Educational organisations can offer educational programmes to the RAK community
• Dedicated RAKFTZ staff to assist and provide administration support

RAKIA Corporate Video

RAK Free Trade Zone (RAKFTZ) Map

RAK FREE ZONE COMPANY FORMATION WITH RAKEZ (EX – RAKIA)

Competitive Advantages: Why RAKEZ?

• 100% foreign ownership in free zones
• 0% income and personal tax
• 0% corporate tax and VAT
• 100% repatriation of profits and capital
• 100% liberal labour laws
• Zero foreign exchange controls
• Zero hiring restrictions
• Zero barriers to trade or quotas
• One-window clearance for licenses and consents
• Connected to airports and seaports
• Modern infrastructure, telecommunications and utilities
• One-stop shop for all types of Free Zone and Non-Free Zone licenses
• Low cost of rent
• Strong support provided to businesses by the government
• Excellent geographical location connecting trade between East and West and access to the Middle East, India, CIS countries and Africa
• Low cost of living in RAK and breathtaking natural beauty

Contact Details:

RAKEZ 
Government of Ras Al Khaimah
P.O.Box No. 31291
Ras Al Khaimah
United Arab Emirates.

Key People:

Chairman of RAKEZ: His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Saqer Mohamed Al Qasemi

CEO of RAKIA: Rino Sabatino

RAKEZ Authority RAK Free Zone Company Formation Process

Setting up a free zone company with RAKEZ is simple, quick, cheap and hassle free.

• Decide which type of company you wish to set up –  a Free Zone Establishment (FZE), Free Zone Company (FZCO) or Branch or Non-free Zone Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Branch. For detailed information about the Types of Companies Registered at RAKIA follow this link.
• Choose the type of license suitable for your activity: Commercial, Industrial, Trading, General Trading, Service or Media. For detailed information about the Types of Licenses issued by RAKIA follow this link.
• Choose the products required (land, office space, warehouse, LIU, labour housing, executive housing commercial centre). For full products list click here.
• Complete the Application Form and submit all the necessary documents to RAKIA offices. To download the application forms follow this link.
• Following approval of the application, the client will be requested to submit the necessary legal documents

Documents Needed for RAK Free Zone Company Formation:

The documents from outside the UAE need to be attested or legalized by UAE, GCC or Arab embassies in the country of origin.

Additional documents may be requested.

Applying for Visas

There is no limit to the number of visas issued for a company however the number depends on the company’s activities and is subject to RAKIA’s approval.  Expatriates working at RAKIA companies are not allowed to work outside RAKIA free zone.

Click Here for detailed information regarding, fees, requirements and processing time etc regarding the issuing of all Visa types.

Applying for Permits

Before any new site modification is started, the licensee must obtain a Temporary Construction Permit and have the plans approved by RAKIA’s Operations Department before obtaining a Building Permit. An Occupancy Certificate (OC) is issued by RAKIA when the work, as per the Building Permit, is finished. The OC is valid for a year and is renewed yearly.

RAKEZ Services

• Types of companies registered at RAKEZ
• Type of licenses issued by RAKEZ
• Visas
• Permits

Types of RAK Free Zone Company Formation at RAKEZ

• Establishment (FZ/IZ) – Incorporated by one shareholder, either an individual (a person) or a non-individual (a company)
• Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC/LLC) – Incorporated by minimum two or more partners, ie by individuals (people), non-individuals (companies) or both individuals and companies
• Foreign or Local Branch – Licenses are issued to companies which have a valid license from any licensing authority either in UAE or outside the UAE

Types of RAK Free Zone Company Formation Licenses issued by RAKEZ

A client must have a valid license from RAKIA and a valid lease for premises in order to conduct business in RAKIA free zone or non-free zone.

• Industrial License – Manufacturing, processing, assembling, packaging etc.
• Commercial License – Maintenance, contracting, repairing,  renting, retail outlets, restaurants etc.
• Trading License – Import, export, trading, distribution, warehousing (up to 5 activities from similar product lines or 3 activities from 2 different product lines).
• General Trading – All kinds of trading, import, export, distribution of goods, warehousing.
• Consulting / Services License – Management services, business, industrial consultancy or professional services such as real estate consulting.
• Media License – Media and communication services

Note: Companies with different activities are issued separate licenses for each activity.

Visas

RAKEZ free zone and non-free zone companies with valid licenses are eligible for visas in order to employ expatriate employees.

Visa types are:

• Investor visa
• Employment visa
• Residence visa
• Visit visa

Permits

Licensees of RAKEZ land, warehouses or other property who wish to make structural modifications, must follow the RAKEZ Building Regulations.

RAKEZ Products

• Industrial Plots
• Warehouses / Light Industrial Units (LIUS)
• Executive office space
• Cubicle offices
• Flexi desks

Industrial Plots

Industrial land is located in Al Ghail and Jazeera Al Hamra and industrial zones. It is suitable for all sizes of manufacturing companies.

Industrial Land Features:

• Free zone as well as non-free zone plots
• Own power plant of 65 MW for the industrial zone
• Modern infrastructure, with roads, water, electricity, gas and sewage plant
• Near Fujairah Port and Saqr Port
• Self-contained industrial zones complete with commercial centres, warehouses, labour housing and public utilities
• Permits granted to build offices, warehouses, houses on leased plot
• Suitable for all sizes of companies of all sizes (plot minimum size is 5,000m2 up to any size)
• Long leases – up to 25 year leases which are renewable

Industry plots are suitable for industries such as:

• Industrial (electrical, electronics, mechanical)
• Pharmaceuticals
• Plastic & rubber
• Construction material and chemicals
• Steel & stainless steel products
• Food
• Consumer durables and non-durables
• Glass
• Chemicals
• Packaging
• Clothing
• Auto and auto parts
• Paints
• Tableware
• Refractory products

Warehouses and Light Industrial Units (LIUS)

RAKIA’s warehouses are located in Jazeera Al Hamra.  RAK Warehouse Solutions offer ready-made warehouses that are suitable for storage and light industrial activities such as packaging, service centres, workshops, assembly units.

Warehouse Features:

• Free-zone and non-free zone warehouses
• Warehouse sizes are from 311m² up to 10,000m²
• Flexible designs
• Offices and other rooms can be built inside the warehouse
• Car parking
• Labour and staff housing is nearby
• Each warehouse has 15KVA connection (additional load available)
• Security systems
• Long leases – up to 10 years which are renewable
• Central location, near RAKIA health centre and Al Hamra shopping mall

Executive Office Space

RAKEZ Executive Offices Solutions offers office space for all types of companies and are suitable for companies with a large number of employees.

Executive Office Features:

• Office sizes from 32m² to 500m²
• Twin Tower new building with floor area of 29,000 sqm located in Jazeera Al Hamra
• More than 300 commercial and office spaces
• Unfurnished office spaces with full amenities
• Use by RAKIA’s registered companies such as manufacturing companies, traders, consultants etc
• Bank, ATM, retail shops, restaurants within the complex
• Near Government offices
• Car parking
• 24/7 security
• 3 year leases

Cubicle Offices

Cubicle Offices are partly partitioned office spaces.  They are suitable for companies with activities such as trading, consultancy, professional services. Sizes range from 10m² to 25m².

Flexi Desks

Flexi Desks are ideal for new set ups.   Flexi Desk solutions are flexible, with no long leases and are low in cost.  This type of office space is fully furnished and equipped with full amenities.  Clients can share a fax and PO Box number.