The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is one of the UAE's most business-friendly free zones, offering Indian entrepreneurs a cost-effective gateway to the Middle East and global markets. With zero corporate tax, full foreign ownership, and packages starting from AED 6,000, RAKEZ makes UAE company formation simple and accessible.
As a trusted business setup consultancy for Indian investors, Shuraa India has helped thousands of entrepreneurs set up their RAKEZ companies – from choosing the right activity to getting the license in hand. We handle everything, so you can focus on your business.
Established in 2000, the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is a powerhouse free zone in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. It was created to attract international investment and has grown into one of the most sought-after destinations for startups, SMEs, and large enterprises alike.
RAKEZ supports over 4,000 business activities across industries such as trading, manufacturing, consulting, e-commerce, education, and more. Its streamlined registration process, flexible office solutions, and competitive pricing make it a compelling alternative to the more expensive free zones in Dubai.
For Indian entrepreneurs, RAKEZ offers a particularly strong value proposition – 100% foreign ownership, no mandatory local sponsor, zero personal or corporate income tax, and the ability to repatriate profits freely.
Here are why thousands of Indian investors choose RAKEZ for their UAE company formation:
RAKEZ offers a tax-free operating environment with no corporate tax on qualifying free zone income and no personal income tax. This means more of your earnings stay with your business, making RAKEZ a highly attractive option for profit-driven investors.
You can own your RAKEZ company outright – no local sponsor or Emirati partner required. Indian entrepreneurs retain complete control over their business decisions, financials, and direction from day one.
RAKEZ is one of the most affordable free zones in the UAE. License packages start from as low as AED 6,000, making it ideal for startups and small businesses that want to establish a UAE presence without a heavy upfront investment.
RAKEZ is located in Ras Al Khaimah, with easy access to major ports, international airports, and key highways. This positions your business to connect efficiently with markets across the Middle East, South Asia, Africa, and Europe.
With over 4,000 permitted business activities, RAKEZ caters to virtually every industry – trading, manufacturing, consulting, e-commerce, media, education, and logistics, among others. You are unlikely to find your activity excluded.
RAKEZ offers a variety of workspace solutions to suit different business needs and budgets — from flexi desks and shared offices to private executive suites and warehouses. You choose what works for your current stage of growth.
The RAKEZ registration process is designed to be fast and hassle-free. With minimal paperwork and an online portal, your license can often be issued within 2 to 3 business days once all documents are submitted.
A RAKEZ company allows you to apply for UAE residency visas for yourself, your family members, and your employees. This makes it a practical base for Indian investors planning to relocate or build a UAE-based team.
Choosing the right legal structure is a foundational step in your RAKEZ company setup. RAKEZ offers three main options, each suited to different business needs:
available
legal structures
The FZ-LLC is the most popular structure for SMEs and multi-investor businesses. It allows between 2 and 50 shareholders, provides limited liability protection, and offers complete operational flexibility. This is a suitable choice for partnerships, joint ventures, or businesses with multiple stakeholders.
The FZE is designed for solo entrepreneurs and single-owner businesses. It is a single-shareholder entity where your personal liability is limited to the capital you have invested. If you are setting up independently, an FZE keeps things simple and clear-cut.
If you already run a business outside the UAE — or in another emirate — you can establish a RAKEZ branch without forming an entirely new company. The branch operates as an extension of your parent company, inheriting its legal identity while benefiting from RAKEZ's free zone advantages.
RAKEZ issues different types of trade licenses depending on your business activity. Selecting the right license from the outset ensures a smooth approval process and keeps your operations fully compliant.
01Issued to businesses involved in the buying and selling of goods, both locally within the free zone and internationally. This covers general trading, import/export, wholesale, and distribution activities.
02Required for businesses engaged in manufacturing, production, and assembly. RAKEZ has dedicated industrial zones with warehouses and land available for businesses in sectors such as food processing, construction materials, metal fabrication, and light manufacturing.
03Suited for service providers and knowledge-based businesses including IT consultants, marketing agencies, management consultants, financial advisors, and other professional services firms.
04Designed for businesses operating primarily through digital channels – selling products or services via websites, apps, or online marketplaces. This is increasingly popular among Indian entrepreneurs entering the UAE's fast-growing digital commerce market.
05Available for businesses in content creation, advertising, publishing, broadcasting, and related media activities. RAKEZ's media cluster supports a growing ecosystem of creative and digital media companies.
RAKEZ has one of the most straightforward documentation requirements among UAE free zones, which is a significant advantage for Indian investors applying from abroad. Here is what you will typically need:
Shuraa India will review your specific activity and inform you of any additional documents required before you begin the process.
Passport copies of all shareholders and directors
Visa page copy (if you are a UAE resident)
Emirates ID copy (if applicable)
Passport-size photographs
Completed application/personal information form
Three proposed company name choices
Business plan (required for certain activities)
Board resolution and power of attorney (for branch offices)
Parent company documents such as trade license, certificate of incorporation, Memorandum of Association (for branch setups)
Sector-specific approvals for regulated activities (e.g., healthcare, education, food)
Setting up a RAKEZ company from India is simpler than most people expect. Here is how the process works, step by step:
steps to get
your license
Decide whether you want to set up as an FZE (single owner), FZ-LLC (multiple shareholders), or a branch of an existing company. Each structure has different requirements, and our team will help you identify the best fit for your goals.
Choose a business activity from RAKEZ's extensive list of over 4,000 permitted activities. This determines your license type and any additional approvals required. It is important to select the activity that accurately reflects what your company will do.
Pick a unique company name that complies with RAKEZ's naming guidelines. The name must not contain offensive, politically sensitive, or religiously inappropriate language, and must not duplicate an existing company name. You can reserve your chosen name for up to 90 days.
Submit your application along with the required documents to RAKEZ. The authority will review your application and, once approved, issue your trade license. This step typically takes 2 to 3 business days for straightforward applications.
Certain regulated activities, such as healthcare, education, food-related businesses, or financial services, require approvals from additional government bodies before your license can be issued. Shuraa India identifies and manages these approvals on your behalf.
Select a workspace option that suits your business needs and budget. RAKEZ offers flexi desks, shared offices, private executive offices, and warehouses. A registered address is mandatory for license issuance.
Once your license is issued, you can apply for investor and employee residency visas. Visa processing through RAKEZ typically takes around 7 working days. The number of visas you can apply for depends on your chosen office package.
With your license and visa in place, the final step is opening a UAE corporate bank account. Shuraa India connects you with the right banking partners to make this process smooth. Once done, you are fully set up and ready to operate.
License cost ranging from
All-Inclusive Packages from AED 16,500/year
For entrepreneurs looking for an all-inclusive solution, RAKEZ offers packaged deals starting from AED 16,500 per year, which bundle the trade license, office space, and support services together. This is particularly popular with startups and SMEs.
Shuraa India provides a fully transparent, itemised cost breakdown tailored to your specific business – with no hidden charges. What we quote is what you pay.
RAKEZ is widely regarded as one of the most cost-effective free zones in the UAE. The RAKEZ free zone license cost typically ranges from AED 6,000 to AED 30,000, depending on the business type, license category, and office package chosen.
Key factors that influence the total cost include:
Type of business activity and license category (commercial, industrial, service, etc.)
Legal structure chosen (FZE, FZ-LLC, or branch)
Office package selected (flexi desk, shared office, private office, or warehouse)
Number of visa allocations required
Any additional regulatory approvals needed for your specific activity
Bank account opening support fees
Shuraa India offers end-to-end support for your entire UAE business journey. Here is what we can help you with:
01We manage the full RAKEZ registration process from India - activity selection, name reservation, documentation, license issuance, and post-setup support. We also assist with setup in IFZA, DMCC, Ajman Free Zone, and other UAE free zones.
02For businesses that need to trade directly in the UAE's local market, we handle mainland company setup across all emirates.
03We assist with obtaining, modifying, and renewing trade licenses for all categories – commercial, industrial, professional, and e-commerce.
04Shuraa India manages the complete investor and employee visa process. We make your UAE residency transition smooth and efficient.
05Eligible investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals can obtain a 10-year UAE Golden Visa through Shuraa India. We assess your eligibility and handle the entire application process on your behalf.
06Opening a UAE business bank account can be challenging for new entrants. We connect you with the right banking partners and help prepare documentation to ensure a successful account opening.
07We assist businesses with UAE VAT registration, return filing, and compliance management. Our tax experts ensure you meet all Federal Tax Authority (FTA) requirements without hassle.
08Trade licenses, visas, and registrations all require timely renewals. Shuraa India proactively tracks your renewal deadlines and handles all paperwork to keep your business fully compliant, year after year.
09Our PRO team manages all government-related tasks – document attestation, translation, ministry submissions, and liaison with UAE authorities, so you never have to navigate UAE bureaucracy alone.
RAKEZ offers Indian entrepreneurs a rare combination – low setup costs, zero taxes, full foreign ownership, and a fast registration process. Let Shuraa India take care of the entire process for you.
Yes. RAKEZ allows 100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local sponsor or UAE national partner.
RAKEZ license packages start from AED 6,000. All-inclusive packages bundling the license, office space, and support services start from AED 16,500 per year. The final cost varies based on your business activity, structure, and visa requirements.
License issuance typically takes 2 to 3 business days after submitting all required documents. Establishment card processing takes a further 3 to 5 business days. If visa applications are needed, add approximately 7 working days for that step.
A RAKEZ free zone company is primarily set up to conduct business internationally or within the free zone itself. To trade directly in the UAE mainland market, you would need either a mainland license or a local distributor arrangement.
In many cases, the initial setup process can be handled remotely from India with the help of Shuraa India. However, you may need to travel to the UAE for certain steps such as visa stamping and bank account opening.
Yes. Many businesses start with a free zone setup and later add a mainland presence as they grow. Shuraa India can assist you with both structures and help you plan the right expansion path when the time comes.
Speak with Shuraa India for clear guidance on licensing, jurisdictions, visas, banking, and setup costs.
