RAKEZ Business Activities List 2025 | Complete Guide to Free Zone & Non-Free Zone Licenses

The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) plays a crucial role in the UAE’s business environment. It supports business growth by offering numerous benefits. RAKEZ is located in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven emirates in the UAE. It provides a simple setup process for new businesses. Many global companies choose RAKEZ due to its low costs and tax incentives. There is a list of business activity allowed in UAE Ras Al Khaimah.

In 2024, RAKEZ welcomed 3,676 new companies, reflecting a 23% increase. This shows that RAKEZ is becoming a key hub for entrepreneurs. It’s becoming a hot spot for startups and businesses in all sectors. Enter RAKEZ – a fairyland of biz from tiny startups to massive manufacturing entities.

What is the RAKEZ business activities list? It is important to fully understand the Permitted Business Activities in Rakez list for anyone wishing to set up a company in the UAE. RAKEZ provides a spectrum of business license types from trading, consulting, IT services, to manufacturing. Selecting the right business activity is important. If you intend to establish a company in RAKEZ, you need to select the business activity that aligns with your objectives. Making the UAE one of the best countries for business, RAKEZ adds great value to the country. It is particularly attractive to foreign investors because they may fully own their companies. RAKEZ also allows businesses to avoid paying taxes in the business registration in Dubai process, making it a great choice for companies aiming to grow quickly. This blog provides a complete guide to RAKEZ’s business activities, licensing options, and how to set up a business in this growing zone. Let’s dive into what RAKEZ offers.

Understanding RAKEZ

RAKEZ stands for Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone. It’s a commercial hub in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. RAKEZ was established by both RAKIA (Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority) and the Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone Authority to simplify the UAE Business Setup.

It also plays a vital role in the UAE’s economy. RAKEZ covers sectors like manufacturing, IT, media, education, and e-commerce. RAKEZ Free Zone is a great choice for business formation in Dubai.

There is a list of Business activity allowed in UAE Ras Al Khaimah. RAKEZ companies enjoy 100% foreign ownership, no taxes on personal or corporate income and 100% repatriation of capital and profits. It is a spot for foreign investors to launch startups based in Dubai, UAE. Above all, RAKEZ is cheaper than other free zones such as DMCC or Sharjah Free Zone.

RAKEZ also has a UAE Golden Visa program for entrepreneurs and investors to stay long-term in the country. It’s the ideal opportunity for people who are serious about building a business and securing their future.

One other advantage for businesses with RAKEZ is its affordable workspace. The set-up fee is a fraction of the other free zones. This eases the entry barriers for SMEs and startups as they do not need to invest initially in infrastructure.

Why Prefer RAKEZ for Your UAE Business Setup?

RAKEZ offers many reasons why it’s an excellent choice for setting up a business in the UAE. So, whether you’re looking to set up a new company or add new business activities to your existing business, RAKEZ has got you covered. Let’s go over these advantages of Business activity allowed in UAE Ras Al Khaimah:=

• Lower Costs For Setups

RAKEZ has one of the most cost-effective business establishments in the UAE. The RAKEZ setup costs are less than Dubai Free Zones and in other places in the UAE. For startups and small businesses, this is great.

• Full Foreign Ownership

Why RAKEZ? Foreign investors get 100% ownership in their business in RAKEZ. This means you won’t have to partner up with local sponsors, which is required by businesses with operations in mainland parts of the country.

• Tax Advantages

In RAKEZ, you can experience no income tax, which means that companies will be able to save money. This tax-free zone then lets businesses reinvest profits and grow more quickly. Imports and exports are not subject to customs duties.

• Golden Visa UAE: 

A main benefit of starting a business in RAKEZ is that you can apply for a UAE Golden Visa. This Golden Visa gives you long-term residency in the UAE and enables you and your family to live and work there without a sponsor. For many people seeking a permanent home in the UAE, this appeal is strong. 

• Easy Bank Account Opening in Dubai: 

RAKEZ also provides a very quick and easy way for bank account Opening in Dubai. There are only a few documents needed, which will help businesses easily manage their payment systems.

• Flexible Office Spaces  

RAKEZ has flexible office spaces. You can get a flexi-desk, shared office, private office, or even a warehouse. This helps your business grow.  

• Ideal Business Destination for Various Sectors  

RAKEZ serves businesses in many different fields. If your business is in IT, manufacturing, or even media and services, we have a license for you. You can diversify your business. That is why we are a good place for businesses in any industry.  

In 2024, RAKEZ had a 23% increase in new businesses, welcoming 3,676 new companies. This is because RAKEZ is one of the best places to operate a business, specifically for e-commerce and manufacturing.

Real Life Example of RAKEZ Business Setup

John Doe, a Dubai-based consultant and businessman, says, “RAKEZ has greatly helped hundreds of startups grow by offering affordable options and attractive tax benefits that other UAE zones don’t provide.”

Aroon Logistics FZC is an example of a successful RAKEZ venture. Another example is JIFZ Electronics, a global consumer electronics company that boosted its operations in RAKEZ in 2013. The company enjoyed 100% foreign ownership, no income tax, and easy access to shipping services at RAK Port.

Categories of Licences and License Activity List

RAKEZ has defined licensing structures for different sectors. Below are the main categories in licensing, along with a License Activity List:

• Commercial License 

This is for businesses that are involved in trading, import/export, or retail. Some examples would be electronics, car parts, fashion, and cosmetics.

• Service License

For service-oriented businesses like consultancy, IT solutions, advertising, and management services. If you’re offering professional services, this license is for you.

• Industrial License

This is for businesses in manufacturing, assembly, and packaging.

• Educational License

This license supports educational institutes, training centres, and e-learning platforms. It meets the increasing needs in the educational field, always growing in value.  

• Media License 

This applies to businesses in the media field, including video production, advertising, and social media marketing. This license is perfect for those in film production, animation, and general content creation.

• E-Commerce License

For businesses in e-commerce, such as online retailing, digital marketplaces, and online selling.

Choosing the right RAK Free Zone License for your business is important to ensure success. Each license type has a specific activity list. For instance, a RAKEZ commercial license covers importing, exporting, retail trading, and general trading. Businesses can also offer consultancy, marketing, and IT services.

Free Zone List of Business Activities in RAKEZ

RAKEZ Free Zone allows various business activities. There is a specific List Of Business Activities in RAK. These are divided into three types: Industrial, Commercial, and Service-oriented. A look at these activities:

Industrial Activities:

• Manufacturing: This involves the production of food, electronics and textiles.
• Packaging: The product has packaging for cosmetics, food, and chemicals.

Commercial Activities:

• Business: Import/export trade, such as with auto parts, cosmetics and so on.
• Retail: The direct sale of merchandise, such as clothing and other goods.

Service Activities:

• IT Services: Offers software development, network services and IT consulting.
• Consultancy: Includes business consultancies, HR and financial consultants, and marketing agencies.

Media & Creative Activities:

• Film Production: Video, film and TV production companies.

RAKEZ is targeting a List Of Business Activities in RAK based on AI, including such businesses as training in AI and machine learning, and data analytics. It’s also partnering with universities to develop AI-enhanced solutions and software applications.

The e-commerce sector has reported a 16% growth from last year. Many companies are creating digital platforms, reaping tax-free perks and getting access to global shipping networks.

RAKEZ offers companies many activities on a single RAK Free Zone License, as long as RAKEZ approves them.

Permitted Business Activities In Rakez for Non Free Zone

Besides, the Free Zone companies allowed in RAKEZ can also operate under the Mainland UAE laws. There is a specific License Activity List. e.g:

• Construction & Engineering – It deals with construction materials, contracting, and engineering design.
• Retail & Wholesale – Business related to wholesale distribution, retail, and production of products.
• Transport & Logistics – Companies dealing with the forward freight, shipping, and logistics services.
• Engineering Services – These are the businesses that include engineering design, project management, and contracting services.

RAKEZ’s e-commerce cluster expanded by 28% in 2024. More than 18,000 companies from over 50 industries have signed up in RAKEZ and have been taking advantage of tax breaks and full foreign ownership.

How COFOCSP Experts Can Assist You

Setting up a company in Dubai in RAKEZ has many benefits. Whether you are establishing a new presence or planning to grow your business in the region, RAKEZ is here to help.

And if you’re lost on what to do next, contact a  Business Setup consultant in Dubai. The COFOCSP experts can just as well walk you through RAKEZ company formation, selecting the best RAK Free Zone License for your business, opening a corporate bank account and getting your Golden visa.

UAE PRO SERVICES is able to walk you through the process so that your business registration in Dubai is ensured, fast and efficient. They will help you with bank account Opening in Dubai.

Do not miss these opportunities of Setting up a company in Dubai in RAKEZ. Speak to a RAKEZ Business Setup Consultant in Dubai now and open your business in one of the UAE’s most cost-effective, tax-free, and business-friendly jurisdictions!

FAQs for RAKEZ Business Activities 

Q1: What are the Permitted Business Activities In Rakez?

RAKEZ accommodates businesses across trading, IT services, consultancy and management, manufacturing and processing, media, and e-commerce sectors. If you are a retailer, an educator, or have a penchant for the technological age, RAKEZ has a RAK Free Zone License just for you.

Q2: What is the duration to register a company in RAKEZ?

Company Formation in RAKEZ Time Line Registering business with RAKEZ can take 7-10 working days, depending on the type of your business and the documents submitted. Setting up is now easier thanks to RAKEZ, aiming for a swift setup with digital approvals.

Q3: How much is the cost of business in RAKEZ?

The cost of RAKEZ starts from approx AED 5,000 to AED 10,000 for a general service license. An interruption in Visa Processing gif you What else can be done in setting up an Office? RAKEZ also has low-cost packages for SMEs and start-ups.

Q4:What is the procedure to obtain a Golden Visa from the UAE by RAKEZ?

Investors, entrepreneurs who are setting up a company in RAKEZ are eligible to apply for the Golden Visa UAE. Up to you, your family and you can apply for the Golden Visa, providing long-term residency in the UAE.

Q5: What should I choose in case I am making a RAKEZ formation?

It is the business type that will dictate which license you need. RAKEZ provides licenses across trading, manufacturing, IT, media and service categories.

Q6: How can UAE PRO services help in the process? 

The UAE PRO services can provide expert insights into every detail of the activities. Moreover, they can handle the process for you.

Final Thoughts

For setting up a company in Dubai, understanding the license and other legal requirements of RAKEZ is important. RAKEZ provides good options for establishing a business in the UAE. RAKEZ Free Zone offers 100% foreign business ownership, tax-free incentives & cheap start-up options. No matter if you have a new startup or are expanding an already existing business, RAKEZ is here!

Having access to both RAK Port and RAK Airport, RAKEZ is globally connected. RAKEZ saw the founding of more than 3,600 new companies in 2024 – an 80% surge in company registrations.

For better guidance, contact Company Formation Corporate Services Provider (COFOCSP)