A practical, step-by-step guide to registering a company in the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone: licence types, documents, timelines, costs and how Innovation City differs.
The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is the emirate's main business-setup authority, created in 2017 from the merger of RAK Free Trade Zone and RAK Investment Authority. It licences and supports companies across free-zone and non-free-zone structures, covering more than 1,000 approved business activities.
RAKEZ is positioned as a cost-competitive alternative to Dubai and Abu Dhabi free zones, with 100% foreign ownership, no local sponsor requirement, and a single-window approach to licensing, visa processing and facility leasing.
For the latest RAKEZ news — licence updates, delegations and partnerships — see our RAKEZ hub or the RAKEZ news stream.
Match your business activity to one of RAKEZ's ten licence categories. Free-zone entities suit international trade and 100% foreign ownership; non-free-zone entities suit mainland-market operations.
Options range from flexi-desk and shared-office licences to leased warehouses, light industrial units and land plots. The package affects visa quotas and total first-year cost.
Names must comply with UAE naming rules: no religious or political references, no confusingly similar names to existing entities, and no unlicensed professional terms.
Founders typically submit passport copies, proof of address, a business plan and signed application forms. RAKEZ then reviews and issues an initial approval.
Once approved, pay the licence and facility fees. RAKEZ issues a digital licence with a QR code, enabling bank account opening, contract signing and visa processing.
Register with the Federal Tax Authority for a Tax Registration Number and open a corporate bank account. Even 0% taxable entities must file annual returns where required.
Innovation City (formerly RAK Digital Assets Oasis) is a separate, AI-powered free zone. It markets 2–3 day licensing for qualifying founders in AI, Web3, gaming, robotics and healthtech.
Broad multi-sector free zone with industrial, trading, services and consultancy licences. Best for general business, manufacturing and logistics.
AI-native free zone for technology and digital-asset startups. Faster licensing and sector-specific community programming.
Both operate under the RAK economic ecosystem and often co-host delegations and events. A company must choose one jurisdiction for its licence.
Choose RAKEZ for general trading, industry or consulting. Choose Innovation City for AI, Web3, gaming or healthtech with fast launch needs.
RAKEZ is the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, formed in 2017 from the merger of RAK Free Trade Zone and RAK Investment Authority. It licenses and regulates companies across free-zone and non-free-zone jurisdictions.
Standard RAKEZ approvals usually complete in a few business days. Innovation City advertises 2–3 day licensing for qualifying applications.
Yes. RAKEZ companies are 100% foreign-owned with no local sponsor required.
Typical documents include passport copies for shareholders and managers, proof of address, a business plan, and signed RAKEZ application forms. Requirements vary by licence type.
No. Innovation City is a separate AI-focused free zone. It operates alongside RAKEZ and targets AI, Web3, gaming, robotics and healthtech founders.