Understanding RAKEZ incorporation for UAE businesses

RAKEZ supports a broad range of business activities, including:

• Commercial and service-based businesses

• Media and e-commerce companies

• Education, training institutes, and consultancy services

• General trading

Businesses can mix and match up to 10 licensed activities, include up to 50 shareholders, and choose from multi-year licence options. Registration and renewal are handled digitally, making ongoing compliance easier to manage.

The RAKEZ incorporation process through Kitaab is designed to be simple and structured, with clear steps from start to finish.

Log in to the Kitaab platform and select RAKEZ as your preferred free zone. Choose your company structure, business activities, and share a few preferred company names.

Add shareholder or company details and upload the necessary documents through a guided digital flow. All submissions are reviewed to ensure accuracy and compliance before being forwarded for approval.

Once payment is completed, the incorporation process is handled end to end. Your RAKEZ business licence is issued after approval, typically within 1–3 working days, subject to regulatory clearances.

The UAE offers a highly attractive environment for entrepreneurs and growing businesses, combining tax efficiency, global access, and a business-friendly regulatory framework.

Tax and ownership advantages  Businesses benefit from 0% personal income tax, competitive corporate tax rates, 100% foreign ownership, and full repatriation of capital and profits.

Cost-effective and flexible setup  Free zones such as RAKEZ offer affordable incorporation packages, simplified documentation, and fast setup timelines, making it easier to start and scale operations.

Strategic location and global access  The UAE’s connectivity to major international markets across Asia, Europe, and Africa supports cross-border trade and global expansion.

Operational flexibility across industries  A wide range of business activities and licence types are supported, including trading, services, media, education, manufacturing, and digital businesses.

Additional advantages for e-commerce businesses  E-commerce and digital-first companies benefit from added incentives such as discounted additional licences, free business activities, preferential rates with payment gateways, and access to cost-effective website and application development services helping reduce setup costs while expanding operational scope.

RAKEZ offers multiple legal structures to suit different business requirements:

• Free Zone Establishment (FZE): Suitable for a single shareholder

• Free Zone Company (FZC): Designed for two to five shareholders

• Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC): A separate legal entity with 100% foreign ownership

• Branch Office: For existing UAE or international companies

• Freelancer Permit: For individuals in media, education, or consulting

• Holding Company: For holding assets or shares in other companies

Business setup in RAKEZ can be completed through a fully digital workflow with Kitaab, a licensed Corporate Service Provider in Ras Al Khaimah. The process reduces manual documentation and eliminates unnecessary back-and-forth, making incorporation faster and more efficient.

Kitaab guides you through each step from selecting the right business activity and legal structure for your needs to submitting documents and securing approvals.

The process is designed to be efficient, compliant, and transparent, helping you choose the setup best aligned with your business goals.