RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) is one of the UAE’s most affordable free zones, with setup packages starting from just AED 5,499. If you’re a startup, freelancer, or small business looking to establish a UAE company without breaking the bank, RAKEZ offers exceptional value with 100% foreign ownership and zero tax.
This comprehensive 2026 guide covers RAKEZ costs, packages, activities, the step-by-step registration process, and how it compares to other affordable UAE free zones.
What Is RAKEZ?
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) is the flagship economic zone of Ras Al Khaimah emirate, formed by the merger of RAK Free Trade Zone and RAK Investment Authority. It’s one of the UAE’s most versatile free zones, catering to over 14,000 companies across 50+ countries.
RAKEZ is particularly strong for:
- ✅ 100% foreign ownership
- ✅ 0% corporate and personal income tax
- ✅ UAE’s lowest-cost free zone packages from AED 5,499
- ✅ Manufacturing, industrial, and trading businesses
- ✅ Wide range of activities (500+)
- ✅ Multiple facility options: flexi-desk, office, warehouse, land
- ✅ Full profit repatriation
RAKEZ Setup Cost 2026 — Complete Breakdown
Biz Starter Packages
| Package | Cost (AED) | Visas | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biz Starter (0 Visa) | 5,499 | None | 1 activity, single shareholder, 3-year price guarantee |
| Standard (0 Visa) | 6,000 | None | Up to 6 activities, 1-year contract |
| Biz Starter (1 Visa) | 12,900 | 1 | Including flexi-desk |
| All-Inclusive (1 Visa) | 14,000–16,500 | 1 | License + visa + admin fees |
Standard Business Setup Packages
| Package Type | Annual Cost (AED) | Included Visas |
|---|---|---|
| Flexi-Desk (2 Visas) | 18,000–22,000 | 2 |
| Executive Flexi-Desk | 25,000–30,000 | 3–4 |
| Smart Office (private) | 35,000–50,000 | 5–6 |
| Industrial Land/Warehouse | Custom | Unlimited (based on facility) |
Additional Costs
| Item | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Visa per person (total) | 3,500–5,000 |
| Investor Visa | 7,000–10,000 |
| E-Channel Registration | 2,500 |
| Office Space (above flexi) | 4,000–15,000/year |
| Extra Business Activity | 500–1,000 |
💡 Noble Core Tip: RAKEZ’s Biz Starter 0-visa package at AED 5,499 with a 3-year price guarantee is the UAE’s best deal for digital entrepreneurs who don’t need an immediate UAE residency visa. You can add a visa later.
RAKEZ License Types & Allowed Activities
Commercial License
For trading, import/export, retail, wholesale. Allows up to 6 commercial activities.
Service License
For consultancy, IT, management, marketing, professional services.
Industrial License
For manufacturing, processing, assembly. RAKEZ has dedicated industrial zones with access to land and warehouses.
General Trading License
Unrestricted trading across product categories. Higher cost but maximum flexibility.
Freelancer Permit
Individual professionals can operate under their own name. Available for media, tech, consulting, and education activities.
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up in RAKEZ
- Choose Your Package — Decide between Biz Starter (budget), Flexi-Desk, Smart Office, or Industrial unit based on your budget and visa needs.
- Select Business Activities — Choose up to 6 activities from RAKEZ’s approved list of 500+ activities. Extra activities can be added for a small fee.
- Choose Legal Structure — FZE (1 shareholder) or FZCO (2–5 shareholders). No local sponsor needed.
- Submit Application — Apply online via RAKEZ portal or through Noble Core Ventures. Submit passport copies, photos, and proposed company names.
- Name Approval — RAKEZ approves your company name within 1–2 business days.
- Sign MOA — Memorandum of Association is issued and signed digitally.
- Pay Fees & Receive License — Pay all applicable fees. License issued within 24 hours for Biz Starter packages and 3–5 days for standard packages.
- Facility Agreement — Sign your flexi-desk or office lease agreement.
- Apply for Establishment Card — Required before processing visas.
- E-Channel Registration — Register on the immigration system (AED 2,500). Required for all visa holders.
- Visa Applications — Process investor and employee visas through RAKEZ.
- Open Bank Account — Apply for a UAE corporate bank account with your RAKEZ license documents.
⏱️ Timeline: License in 24 hours to 5 days. Full setup with visa: 4–6 weeks.
RAKEZ vs SHAMS vs IFZA — Cost Comparison 2026
| Feature | RAKEZ | SHAMS | IFZA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheapest Package | AED 5,499 | AED 5,750 | AED 11,900 |
| With 1 Visa | AED 12,900 | AED 11,000 | AED 14,900 |
| Location | Ras Al Khaimah | Sharjah | Dubai |
| Best For | Manufacturing, industrial, budget SMEs | Media, digital, creative | Startups, consultants, Dubai presence |
| Industrial/Warehouse | ✅ Excellent | ❌ Limited | ❌ Limited |
| Activities Range | 500+ | Media-focused | 500+ |
| Dubai Address | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Bank Account Ease | Medium | Medium | High |
| Price Guarantee | ✅ 3-year guarantee | ❌ | ❌ |
Our Verdict: RAKEZ is the best value free zone in the UAE, especially for manufacturing, industrial, and budget-conscious entrepreneurs. SHAMS is marginally cheaper for media businesses. IFZA offers the best Dubai address and banking credibility.
👉 Compare all UAE free zones | Cheapest UAE free zones guide
Who Should Set Up in RAKEZ?
- Budget-conscious entrepreneurs and startups
- Manufacturing and industrial businesses
- Import/export companies needing warehouse space
- Freelancers wanting a UAE company without a physical office
- Companies needing large land plots or factory space
- E-commerce businesses
Frequently Asked Questions — RAKEZ Free Zone 2026
What is the cheapest RAKEZ package in 2026?
The RAKEZ Biz Starter 0-visa package starts from AED 5,499 with a guaranteed price for 3 years. This covers the business license and basic registration for a single shareholder with one activity.
Is RAKEZ in Dubai?
No. RAKEZ is located in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), approximately 1 hour north of Dubai. While this means your company address is in RAK, you can operate your business from anywhere in the UAE.
Does RAKEZ offer visa eligibility?
Yes. RAKEZ packages with visa allocations start from AED 12,900 for 1 visa. You can also add visas to a no-visa package at a later date for AED 3,500–5,000 per visa (total cost).
What activities are allowed in RAKEZ?
RAKEZ covers 500+ business activities across commercial, service, industrial, and general trading categories. It’s one of the most activity-flexible free zones in the UAE.
How long does RAKEZ setup take?
RAKEZ’s Biz Starter package can be issued within 24 hours. Standard packages take 3–5 business days for license issuance. Full setup including visas takes 4–6 weeks.
Can a RAKEZ company do business on UAE mainland?
RAKEZ companies can sell services to mainland clients. For direct mainland retail trade, you may need a local distributor or a dual license arrangement. Learn more here.
Does RAKEZ have industrial facilities?
Yes. RAKEZ is the UAE’s leading free zone for industrial and manufacturing businesses. It offers dedicated industrial zones with warehouses, land plots, and factory units at competitive rates.
Is RAKEZ suitable for freelancers?
Yes. RAKEZ offers a Freelancer Permit for individual professionals in media, technology, consulting, and education. It allows you to operate under your own name without forming a company.
What is the 3-year price guarantee?
RAKEZ’s Biz Starter package comes with a 3-year price lock — your renewal costs are guaranteed to stay the same for 3 years. This provides excellent cost predictability for startups.
Why Choose Noble Core Ventures for RAKEZ Setup?
Noble Core Ventures has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs set up in RAKEZ. We handle everything from document preparation to license issuance, visa processing, and bank account opening.
👉 View all UAE free zone options | UAE visa services
🚀 Ready to Set Up in RAKEZ?
Contact Noble Core Ventures for a free consultation. We’ll help you choose the right RAKEZ package and handle everything end-to-end.
📧 info@noblecoreventures.com | 📞 +971 50 902 2955
