Ras Al Khaimah city skyline at night
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Business Setup in Ras Al Khaimah.
Built for Growth.

License to registrationBankingVisas

Starting from AED 6,500*

0%Personal Income Tax
41B+AED GDP
18K+Companies in RAK
100%Digital License

Ras Al Khaimah is Perfect for Flexibility & Affordability

  • Very low setup costs
  • Flexible license options
  • 100% foreign ownership
  • Easy UAE market expansion
  • Access warehouses & industrial land
  • Direct port connectivity
  • Thriving industrial ecosystem
  • Subsidised operational costs
  • Strategic Gulf location
  • Established port & road network
  • Warehousing options available
  • Tap into regional distribution network
  • Fast-growing tourism market
  • Mix of beach, mountain & adventure
  • Ample investment opportunities
  • Growing tourist & visitor inflow
  • Low cost business setup
  • Remote-friendly options
  • Combine multiple activities
  • Perfect for dropshipping
  • Growing real estate market
  • Development driven by tourists
  • Own freehold properties
  • Long-term appreciation potential

The myHQ Promise

2,000+ Companies Registered icon

2,000+ Companies Registered

95%+ Approval Rate icon

95%+ Approval Rate

0% Service Fee icon

0% Service Fee

1 Hour Response Time icon

1 Hour Response Time

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Documents, process, price, etc.

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Your roadmap to launching your Ras Al Khaimah business

RAK Free Zone (RAKEZ) photo RAK Free Zone (RAKEZ)
RAK Mainland photo RAK Mainland
RAK ICC Offshore photo RAK ICC Offshore
Choose your jurisdiction icon

RAKEZ is the UAE's most affordable free zone with 18,000+ registered companies

Confirm Activity & Legal Form photo

Passport Copy photo

Passport Copy

Address proof photo

Address proof

3-month bank statement photo

3-month bank statement

MEA apostille photo

MEA apostille

*For Indian founders

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RAK Free Zone vs Mainland vs RAK ICC Offshore

Find the Ras Al Khaimah structure that's right for you

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Government fees paid online

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Trade license issued digitally

Your Ras Al Khaimah company live & operational photo

Your Ras Al Khaimah company live & operational

Starting from AED 6,500*

Most popular RAK business licences

Explore the most common licence types

Investor visa via photo

Investor visa via GDRFA

Emirates ID in photo

Emirates ID in 5-10 days

UAE bank account within photo

UAE bank account within 2-4 weeks of licence issue

Fast turnaroundGet it in just 5 days
Why is Ras Al Khaimah becoming UAE's crown jewel? photo

Why is Ras Al Khaimah becoming UAE's crown jewel?

30M
Annual Tourists in RAK
100+
Nationalities Doing Business
30%
Non-Oil Economy Growth
100B
AED investment in infrastructure
40K+
Hotels Room target by 2030
40%
YoY Growth in Business Setups

2,000+ happy clients. One trusted partner ⭐

Quotation mark

We had a trade name conflict with an existing DET business. myHQ suggested three alternatives the same day and we were approved within 48 hours. The process I thought would take weeks took 3 days.

Priya Singh

Founder of Management Consulting Firm

Brands that trust myHQBrands that trust myHQ

Set Up Across the UAE

Dubai photo

Starts at AED 12,900

Best for: Global businesses, e-commerce & high-growth services

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Abu Dhabi photo

Starts at AED 12,900

Best for: Financial businesses, enterprises & capital-intensive ventures

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Sharjah photo

Starts at AED 5,750

Best for: Creative, digital & service based businesses

Learn more
Ajman photo

Starts at AED 5,750

Best for: Lean startups, traders & first-time founders

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Why choose myHQ by ANAROCK?

2000+
Companies Registered
95%+
Approval Rate
0%
Service Fee
1 Hour
Response Time
India x UAE
Approval Support
Backed by ANAROCK - India's Largest Real Estate Company icon

Backed by ANAROCK - India's Largest Real Estate Company

Choose the right Ras Al Khaimah setup with confidence

Best forTrading, Services, E-commerce, StartupsWhen to AvoidIf you need a highly specialised financial or media ecosystem
Best forManufacturing, Processing, Warehousing, LogisticsWhen to AvoidIf you're a small professional-services business with no physical operations
Best forMaritime, Logistics, Shipping, Industrial businessesWhen to AvoidIf you're operating entirely online or need setup only for invoicing
Best forHolding companies, International structures, InvestorsWhen to AvoidIf you need an operating business licence with local premises

Make the right decision for your Ras Al Khaimah setup

Get expert guidance choosing the best option as per your requirements

Commercial Licence
Commercial LicenceBuy and sell goods, physical or digital
Best for:Import-export • Wholesale • Distribution • Retail
Industrial Licence
Industrial LicenceManufacture, process and assemble products
Best for:Manufacturing • Processing • Assembly • Industrial businesses
E-commerce License
E-commerce LicenseFor businesses selling products and services online
Best for:Online stores • D2C brands • Digital commerce businesses
Professional Licence
Professional LicenceFor businesses selling expertise rather than physical products
Best for:Consultants • Agencies • IT services • Professional services
Tourism Licence
Tourism LicenceFor tapping into RAK's growing tourism industry
Best for:Travel agencies • Tour operators • Hotels • Hospitality
General Trading Licence
General Trading LicenceFor handling multiple categories of products
Best for:Traders • Importers • Distributors • Regional sourcing businesses

Make the right decision for your Ras Al Khaimah setup

Get expert guidance choosing the best option as per your requirements

IncludedGoverned by Individual FZAIncludedLicence timeline in 3-5 daysIncluded100% Foreign ownershipIncludedLimited to free zone & international markets
IncludedGoverned by RAK DEDIncludedLicence timeline in 7-14 daysIncluded100% Foreign ownership in eligible activitiesIncludedDirect access to the entire UAE
IncludedGoverned by RAK ICCIncludedGlobally recognised jurisdictionIncluded100% Foreign ownershipIncludedNo visa allocation offered

Not sure which jurisdiction suits you the best?

Only International invoicing, Operating remotely

Documents included:Licence onlyVisa:-Office:Flexi-deskBank account:Digital Bank Account Opening

Full-fledged setup, Residency Visa for Shareholder, Hiring Local Team

Documents included:Licence, Emirates ID, Medical, Establishment CardVisa:1 VisaOffice:Flexi-deskBank account:Standard Bank Account Opening

Full-fledged setup, Full access to UAE market, Applying to Govt. Contracts

Documents included:Licence, RAK DED card, Emirates ID, Medical, Establishment CardVisa:1 VisaOffice:Physical OfficeBank account:Standard Bank Account Opening

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of setting up a business in Ras Al Khaimah depends on your license, activity, jurisdiction, visas and office requirements. RAK Free Zone packages can start from around AED 6,500, while mainland and more specialized setups typically cost more. Your final cost may also include visas, Emirates ID, medical tests, establishment cards and office space.

Your next chapter awaits in Ras Al Khaimah

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Business Setup in Ras Al Khaimah: Complete Guide (2026)

Ras Al Khaimah is the UAE’s fastest-growing emirate by several measures – GDP over AED 41 billion, 18,000+ companies already registered, and 40% year-on-year growth in new business setups. RAK combines the UAE’s lowest realistic entry cost with mature industrial infrastructure and a booming tourism sector, targeting 40,000+ hotel rooms by 2030.

This guide covers RAK company formation structures, authorities, costs, processes and compliance obligations for 2026, including cost and structural comparisons against Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

RAK Company Formation: Structures Available in 2026

RAK Free Zone Company

Ras Al Khaimah offers all three UAE structures: free zone, mainland and offshore. That last one matters, because RAK is one of only two emirates with a genuine offshore registry, which makes it a common choice for holding structures that have nothing to do with trading in the UAE.

  • RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone): 3,000+ permitted activities, 18,000+ companies. Best for trading, services, e-commerce and startups. From AED 6,500/year.
  • RAKEZ Industrial Zone: port connectivity and manufacturing infrastructure. Best for manufacturing, processing, warehousing and logistics. From AED 14,900/year.
  • RAK Maritime City: access to regional trade routes. Best for maritime, logistics, shipping and industrial businesses. From AED 14,900/year.

RAK Mainland Company (RAK DED)

RAK DED, the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development, is the emirate’s mainland licensing authority. A RAK DED mainland licence gives full UAE market access, unlimited visa allocation tied to office size, and eligibility for government contracts.

Verified, itemised RAK DED fee schedules are not as widely published as Dubai’s DET. myHQ’s own all-in package price is AED 24,900/year, matching Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s mainland tiers, though third-party market research suggests RAK DED base licences can run lower before office and visa costs are added.

 RAK ICC Offshore Company Formation

RAK ICC, the Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre, is a genuine offshore registry rather than a free zone with offshore-style benefits. This is the structural distinction that matters: a RAK offshore company is a holding vehicle, not an operating business.

RAK ICC companies are used for international holding structures, investments, special purpose vehicles, asset ownership, and cross-border business arrangements. What a RAK ICC company cannot do is operate as a normal UAE business with a local operating licence. It carries no visa allocation, and it does not require a physical office, which is why annual maintenance is simpler than a free zone or mainland entity.

Offshore company formation in Ras Al Khaimah starts from AED 18,900/year

RAK Business Setup Cost and Licence Fees

RAK Free Zone : Annual Cost

Cost ComponentRAKEZRAKEZ Industrial / RAK Maritime CityRAK ICC Offshore
Total Year 1AED 6,500AED 14,900AED 18,900
Investor visa (per visa)AED 3,500–5,500AED 3,500–5,500Not offered
Emirates IDAED 370AED 370Not applicable

RAK DED Mainland : Annual Cost

Cost ComponentRAK DED Mainland
Total Year 1 (myHQ all-in package)AED 24,900
Investor visa (per visa)AED 3,500–5,500

The RAK DED figure above is myHQ’s quoted all-in package rather than a breakdown of individual government line items, since RAK DED does not publish an itemized fee schedule the way Dubai’s DET does.

India-to-RAK All-In Cost (Indian Founders)

  • MEA apostille for Indian documents: AED 1,500–3,000 equivalent
  • FEMA ODI declaration filing: AED 300–800 equivalent
  • Translation charges (if required): AED 500–1,500

Most Indian founders are quoted AED 10,000–14,000 for a fully operational RAKEZ company with one investor visa, bank account assistance and FEMA filing, which is among the lowest all-in UAE company costs for Indian founders, alongside Sharjah’s SHAMS

RAK Free Zone vs Mainland vs Offshore – Decision Guide

Choose RAK free zone if:

  • Your customers are primarily outside the UAE, or you’re an e-commerce, crypto/tech, IT or consulting business
  • You want the lowest realistic entry cost with 3–5 day setup
  • You don’t need a retail shop or direct sales to UAE consumers

Choose RAK DED mainland if:

  • You need to sell directly to UAE businesses or consumers without a distributor
  • You’re a trading, logistics, tourism, construction, or manufacturing business needing local presence
  • You need to bid on government contracts

Choose RAK ICC offshore if:

  • You need a holding structure for assets, IP, or investments
  • You invoice internationally without needing UAE banking tied to physical operations
  • You have no employees or physical operations in the UAE

How to Start a Business in Ras Al Khaimah: Company Registration Step by Step

Free Zone Company Registration in RAK

  1. Choose your jurisdiction – RAKEZ, RAK Maritime City, or a sector-specific setup.
  2. Confirm activity and legal form – business activity and legal structure selected to fit your business.
  3. Reserve your trade name – availability checked and submitted to the relevant authority.
  4. Prepare and submit documents – applications, identity documents, and corporate paperwork coordinated.
  5. Get your licence – 3–5 business days.
  6. Visa, Emirates ID and bank account – added based on requirements, 2–4 weeks.

RAK DED Mainland Company Registration

  1. Choose your jurisdiction – RAK Mainland vs a sector-specific free zone setup.
  2. Confirm activity and legal form.
  3. Reserve your trade name – submitted to RAK DED.
  4. Prepare and submit documents – MOA drafting and attestation where required.
  5. Get your licence – 7–14 business days.
  6. Visa, Emirates ID and bank account – unlimited visa allocation tied to office size.

Registering a Company in RAK from India: What Indian Founders Must File

FEMA Compliance for RAK Company Formation

Indian residents investing in a RAK company, whether free zone, mainland or RAK ICC offshore, are making an Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) under FEMA. This requires filing Form ODI-1 with an Authorised Dealer bank before or at first investment, and an Annual Performance Report (APR) each year. Remittances under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, up to USD 250,000 a year, must retain proper LRS documentation.

Indian Document Apostille for RAK Company Registration

All Indian government documents for RAK registration need an MEA apostille, not just notarisation. Documents requiring apostille: passport copies, power of attorney, board resolutions, and certificates of incorporation for Indian parent companies. Processing time: 5–7 working days.

Sending Setup Fees from India

Sending money from India to pay RAK setup fees is permitted under LRS, remitted via the company’s bank account with the correct purpose code and documentation retained for FEMA compliance.

Why myHQ for RAK Company Formation

  • All RAK structures: RAK DED mainland, RAKEZ, RAKEZ Industrial, RAK Maritime City, and RAK ICC Offshore
  • India-side compliance: FEMA ODI declaration, RBI Annual Performance Report, LRS documentation
  • Indian document apostille: MEA apostille coordination included
  • Post-setup support: Annual renewal, additional visas, activity amendments, bank account refreshes
  • Response time: 1-hour response guarantee on WhatsApp, phone, and email

RAK Company Setup – Extended FAQ

How much is a RAK business licence per year?

Annual RAK licence costs range from AED 6,500/year (RAKEZ, entry-level) to AED 18,900+/year (RAK ICC Offshore). RAK DED mainland packages run around AED 24,900/year all-in. The cheapest full corporate structure (licence + 1 investor visa + bank account) costs roughly AED 10,000–14,000 for Year 1.

What is RAK ICC and how does it differ from a free zone company?

RAK ICC, the Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre, is an offshore registry used for international holding structures, investments, special purpose vehicles and asset ownership. The difference from a free zone company is functional rather than cosmetic. A RAK ICC company cannot operate as a regular UAE business with a local operating licence, carries no visa allocation, and needs no physical office. A RAKEZ free zone company can trade, sponsor visas and take a flexi-desk. Offshore suits founders holding assets; free zone suits founders running a business

What is RAK DED in company formation?

RAK DED, the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development, is RAK’s mainland commercial licensing authority and the direct equivalent of Dubai’s DET or Abu Dhabi’s ADDED.

Is RAK cheaper than Dubai for business setup?

Yes. RAKEZ’s entry-level free zone package at AED 6,500 is roughly half Dubai’s IFZA and Meydan floor of AED 12,900, and RAK’s overall cost of doing business, including office rent and staff housing, is generally lower than Dubai’s.

What is the corporate tax rate for RAK companies?

The same UAE-wide rate applies: 9% on profits above AED 375,000/year, 0% below that threshold. Free zone companies with Qualifying Free Zone Person status pay 0% on qualifying income.

Can I get a UAE residence visa with a RAK company licence?

Yes. A RAK company can provide a route to a UAE residence visa for eligible owners, partners and employees, subject to company structure and facility requirements.

How do I open a UAE bank account for my RAK company?

Common banks: Emirates NBD, Mashreq, RAKBANK (headquartered in the emirate), and ADCB. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks after the trade licence is issued.

What documents are required to start a company in RAK?

Typically passport copies and shareholder or manager details; depending on activity and legal structure, a business plan, corporate documents, proof of address, or attested documents may also be required.

How long does RAK company setup take?

A straightforward RAK free zone setup can be completed within a few business days once documents are ready; mainland and RAK ICC structures typically take 7–14 business days, longer for activities needing external government approvals.