RAKEZ
What is RAKEZ?
At the northernmost part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) lies Ras Al Khaimah, one of the leading destinations for business set-up in the UAE. The emirate prides itself on its proven record of safety and stability as backed by renowned credit rating agencies such as Fitch Ratings and S&P. With logistical hubs such as seaports, international airports and multi-lane superhighways, companies easily access the trade flows between the east and the west.
Established by the Government of Ras Al Khaimah, RAKEZ is one of the largest economic zones in the region supporting startups, entrepreneurs, SMEs and industrialists with their business setup processes and requirements. RAKEZ has a wide range of business licenses in the UAE, residence visa services, customizable facilities, as well as value-added support services including accounting, translation, bank account opening, recruitment, procurement, marketing, and many more.
Becoming a member of the RAKEZ family means becoming a member of a world class and quality jurisdiction which will provide you with unparalleled access to the world’s key markets and a world of trading opportunities across all industry sectors. RAKEZ offers multiple business benefits and competitive advantages in a regulatory environment that you can trust to adhere to the highest standards of international compliance.
Benefits of Investing at RAKEZ
Freezone and Non Freezone Entity Formations
100% Foreign Ownership
Provision to Build On-Site Staff and Labour Accommodation
Connectivity to Major Logistical Hubs.
Accessibility Via an International Spread of Regional Offices
Easy access to markets across MENA, Europe , and Asia
Set-Up Process that is easy as 1,2,3
Frequently Asked Questions
The non-free zone licences issued by RAKEZ are:
• Industrial: Manufacturing, importing, packaging and exporting products
• Commercial: Trading in services and goods
• Professional: For individuals who provide professional services
All free zone entities are governed by RAKEZ Companies Regulations of 2017 and Operating Rules of 2018 as well as the applicable federal and local laws and decrees. As for the non-free zone entities, they are governed by the UAE Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 concerning Commercial Companies as well as all applicable federal and local laws and decrees.
Generally, RAKEZ licences are valid for one (1) year from the issue date.
However, Free Zone Commercial, Service, General Trading, Individual/Professional and E-commerce licences can be issued and renewed for three years at discounted rates subject to the applicable terms and conditions.
Moreover, after the first year of being licensed in RAKEZ, a business may opt, but is not required, to obtain a three-year business licence as mentioned above.
No, it cannot. A free zone entity may trade its products outside the free zone area and within the UAE only through an agent, representative, distributor or its parent company holding a relevant licence to conduct such an activity in the UAE.
Yes, they do. While most of the activities do not require a particular facility type, certain activities require a specific facility type such as a physical office space or retail space etc.
The general rule is that any activity from a different licence type will require a separate licence
No, they cannot. They have to be on two different licences. All commercial activities will be grouped under one commercial licence and all service activities will be grouped under one service licence.
A Freelancer is a professional who operates as an independent contractor and in the form of a sole practitioner to conduct the permitted profession.
No, a company cannot have more than one manager.
Yes, it is required for a company manager to be resident in the UAE.
Yes, he can apply for two separate free zone licences under one company name where a company conducts several activities that are similar in nature to what RAKEZ allows in terms of similar activities to be conducted under one licence. However, if the activities are unrelated, separate licences are required.
An associated company is a company that is associated with another company where 51% or more of both companies’ shareholding is held by the same shareholders.
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