Company registration in Ras Al Khaimah economic zone (RAKEZ)
Company registration in Ras Al Khaimah economic zone (RAKEZ)

The commercial and industrial nature of Ras Al Khaimah, supported by major logistical hubs such as RAK International Airport, interconnecting multi-lane highways and Saqr Port - the largest bulk port in the Middle East, offer access to a rich, multinational market of investment opportunities in almost every business sector. The major benefit that a RAKEZ company offers is the prospect to take advantage and do business in this vast UAE market without the complexities of incorporating a local onshore company. However, even if the local market is not of interest for your particular business, a RAKEZ company is undoubtedly an excellent solution for any business model, which provides stability and security as well as the possibility of obtaining a tax residence certificate in a reputable OECD white list, tax-friendly jurisdiction without foreign exchange controls or bureaucratic regulatory requirements.

WHY RAKEZ?

WHY NOT?

  • OECD Whitelist Jurisdiction
  • No personal income tax
  • No withholding tax on dividends, royalties and interest
  • No capital gains tax
  • No surtax
  • No wealth or inheritance tax
  • No stamp duty
  • No foreign exchange controls
  • 100% repatriation of profits and capital
  • Common law regulations with access to DIFC courts
  • Double tax treaties with over 100 countries worldwide
  • 100% foreign ownership
  • No minimum paid up share capital requirements
  • Permission to own real estate in UAE with no property tax
  • Residence permit holders are not subject to automatic exchange of information
  • Investors and employees can obtain a residence permit in just 5 days
  • Relatively low registration and maintenance fees
  • Continuation/re-domiciliation in one week
  • Possibility of opening a bank account locally or internationally
  • UAE is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention
  • Some company types require local sponsors or local service agents to operate on the local market
  • Beneficial owner information is submitted to the Registrar but is not accessible to the public and is kept strictly confidential
  • Islamic mentality and customs differ from the Western world and may take time to get accustomed to and understand
  • Tax Residency Certificate can be obtain only after one year of operation, provided that audited financial statements have been submitted to the authorities
  • Some business activities are restricted or strictly regulated and require additional license, such as, ie. alcohol and tobacco
  • VPN services and use of some types of messengers are restricted

Full Package from €4,000 Per Year

Tax Residence, Offices, Substance and Immigration

The government of the UAE has long begun to create a solid infrastructure for securing a healthy flow of foreign investors by offering a straightforward and simplified structure for substance and residency possibilities in the country. In order for a RAKEZ company or its investor to take advantage of the tax incentives and tax treaties signed with over 100 countries worldwide, the company must obtain a local tax residence certificate, simply by filling its audited financial statements and demonstrating adequate physical presence in the UAE, which, unlike in many other countries, is easily attainable and most importantly fully supported by the local government and registered agents. For example, Ras Al Khaimah offers a limitless amount of customizable and affordable all-inclusive packages for office solutions suited for any business size or type with a wide range of options from small serviced office desks to immense luxury office buildings with secretarial services, advanced IT/telecommunications infrastructure, 24/7 security and free cleaning and maintenance services. Larger businesses have the possibility to build up land for business premises and manufacturing facilities, rent warehouses and housing for employees. Similarly, by incorporating a RAKEZ company and securing an office space, the investor, manager and any employees are entitled to apply and obtain an employment residence permit valid for two or three years in just five working days, allowing them to reside and operate their business in the country, without the need for endless paperwork and frequent nerve-wrecking immigration visits, that most other countries have accustomed us to. It is worth noting however, that employment permits will be annulled if the holder does not enter the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days in the case of employees and more than 12 months in the case of investors and though no age restrictions are set for investors, employees will only be issued employment visas if aged from 21 to 60 years old. Furthermore, the number of employment permits granted to a company will depend on the size of its office (1 visa for every 9m²).

Company Formation in RAKEZ

The incorporation of a company in RAKEZ, is a relatively quick and straightforward procedure that our firm, as a licensed registered agent for RAKEZ and RAKICC can complete in just under one week. Our UAE experts can also apply for all the relevant licenses that your business activity will require and can assist you with obtaining immigration permits for you as the investor as well as your company’s employees. The RAKEZ regulatory body constantly updates various offers on registration and annual license renewal packages, so please contact our firm and our staff will advise you on current promotions and recommend how you can save on your business maintenance costs. For the best value for money option and ultimate asset protection, we also strongly recommend that you read about the Premium Product solution offered by the Ras Al Khaimah, with which you can build the perfect fail-proof corporate structure at the price of a single company. Furthermore, our firm can also provide you with a full spectrum of services for the administration and book-keeping of your company, including local director and management services as well as assist you with the preparation of a solid compliance portfolio, that will be crucial for your bank account opening in the UAE.

That little bit of extra luxury in the UAE An All-inclusive Concierge Service

Moreover, our firm offers its clients the possibility to order an all-inclusive concierge service with an airport pick-up by one of our experienced employees who will personally take all the necessary steps to obtain your rental agreement for your place of residence and office premises, collect necessary due diligence such as utility bills, arrange and drive you for your medical examinations, and accompany you to the local immigration department for obtaining your investor card and local ID. Please note that you cannot leave the UAE before the finalization of the process and obtaining your residence permit. If you also plan on opening a local bank account, our employee can also accompany you to your meeting with your financial institution of choice and our firm will prepare all the necessary documentation, compliance portfolio and account opening forms in advance to make this process as smooth and successful as possible. There are three options when it comes to registering a company in RAKEZ – The RAKEZ Free Zone Company, The RAKEZ Non-free Zone Company and The RAKEZ Mid-shore Company. The corporate features table below illustrates the differences and particularities of each one.

Corporate Features of RAKEZ Companies

GENERAL

Free-Zone

Mid-shore

Non-free Zone

Incorporation Time

One week

One week

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Local Registered Agent Required

No

Yes, but the service is included in the incorporation price

Yes

Local Registered Address Required

Yes

Yes

Yes

Migration of Domicile Permitted

No

Yes

No

SHARE CAPITAL

Minimum Share Capital

No Minimum

No Minimum

Varies

Minimum Paid Up

No Minimum

No Minimum

Varies

Maximum Share Capital

No Maximum

No Maximum

No maximum

Bearer Shares Allowed

No

No

No

SHAREHOLDERS

Minimum number

One

One

Two

Maximum number

Fifty

Fifty

Fifty

Publicly accessible records

No

No

No

Corporate shareholder allowed

No

Yes

Yes

Annual General Meeting Required

Yes

Yes

Yes

DIRECTORS

Minimum Number

No minimum

No minimum

No minimum

Maximum Number

No Maximum

No Maximum

No maximum

Local required

No

No

Yes

Publicly accessible records

Yes

Yes

Yes

Corporate directorship allowed

No

No

 

COMPANY OFFICIALS

Secretary Required

No

No

No

Local Secretary Required

No

No

No

Other Officials Required

Manager

Manager

Manager

COMPANY ACCOUNTS

Requirement to Prepare

Yes

Yes

Yes

Requirements to File Accounts

Yes, conditions apply

Yes

Audit Required

Yes, conditions apply

Yes

OTHER ANNUAL REQUIREMENTS

Business License Renewal Fee

AED 5000

AED 5000

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Immigration File Renewal Fee

AED 535

AED 535

AED 535

E-Channel Renewal Fee

AED 1200

AED 1200

AED 1200

Annual Return

Yes

Yes

Yes

Tax Return

Yes

Yes

Yes

Submission of Economic Substance Report

Only companies conducting relevant activity under the ESA regulations

For more information on Ras Al Khaimah or a free consultation on how a UAE company can benefit your business and which entity type best suits your needs, please feel free to Contact us at any time and our corporate team will promptly address your request.

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  • 1 Choose your package
  • 2Submit documents
  • 3Get registration documents
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