RAKEZ in 2026: Why Your Activity Choice Matters

RAKEZ is one of the fastest-growing free zones in the UAE. According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), RAKEZ welcomed close to 19,000 new companies in 2025, a 44% rise on the previous year, taking its total community past 40,000 companies from more than 100 countries.

What the 2025 numbers tell you about activity selection: service licenses drove around 40% of new registrations, commercial and trading licenses about 33%, and e-commerce roughly 17%. Most RAKEZ setups cluster around these activity types, and the fees, facilities and approvals for each differ. Registering an activity in the wrong group is a common reason a setup is delayed or costs more than the quote.

The investor base is international: India led new companies at about 33%, followed by Pakistan and the United Kingdom, with Egypt and France among the top contributing nationalities. Because of that European demand, we have added a dedicated section for international founders below, covering how to set up from Greece, Cyprus and other EU countries without relocating first.

What is RAKEZ?

RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone) is a government-backed economic zone in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, formed in 2017 through the merger of the RAK Free Trade Zone and the RAK Investment Authority. It is home to tens of thousands of companies from more than 100 countries and supports over 50 industry sectors, from solo freelancers and online stores to full-scale manufacturing plants.

RAKEZ is one of the most affordable routes into the UAE market. It sits roughly an hour from Dubai, close to Saqr Port and Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, and offers the same UAE legal framework and tax benefits as Dubai free zones at a noticeably lower cost, often around 30% to 50% cheaper to set up and renew. If keeping setup cost down is the priority, compare it against the IFZA Dubai option before deciding.

Key benefits of a RAKEZ license

• 100% foreign ownership, with no local sponsor or partner required.
• 0% corporate tax on qualifying income as a Qualifying Free Zone Person, and 0% personal income tax.
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits.
• Free zone, non-free zone (dual license), and offshore structures under one authority.
• Flexible facilities, from co-working desks and flexi-desks to private offices, warehouses, and industrial land.
• Fast, largely digital registration, with some packages issued in as little as one business day.
• A residency visa that, in most cases, only requires you to enter the UAE once a year to stay valid.
• Eligibility for the long-term UAE Golden Visa for qualifying investors and entrepreneurs.

Why Your Business Activity Choice Matters

In RAKEZ, the business activity is the legal basis for what your company can do. The activity you register directly controls five things:

• License type: commercial, service, industrial, e-commerce, media, educational, or freelancer.
• Required approvals: some activities need external regulatory clearance before issuance.
• Office and facility requirements: a flexi-desk may be enough for services, while industrial work needs a warehouse or land.
• Visa eligibility: your visa quota is tied to your facility and license package.
• Banking compliance: banks review your activity code during account opening, and certain codes trigger extra checks.

Choosing the wrong activity, or adding one in the wrong group later, can cause delays, extra fees, and even a license reissue. That is why it pays to define your activity list before incorporation, not after.

RAKEZ License Types

RAKEZ issues licenses based on the nature of your business. Every license type below is available in both a free zone version and a non-free zone (dual license) version, the latter letting you operate in the RAK mainland as well.

The RAKEZ Dual License is especially useful if you want to combine free zone and mainland operations, for example holding a free zone license alongside a branch so you can serve both international and local UAE clients legally.

RAKEZ Business Activity Categories

RAKEZ’s official Business Activity List runs to thousands of approved activities, and every entry carries a unique activity code, a licence type, and an activity group classification. The categories below map to that official structure with verified example activities. Note that this is the free zone list; a separate non-free zone list applies to dual-license/mainland activities, and RAKEZ does not license illegal activities such as gambling.

1. Commercial & Trading Activities

For buying, selling, importing, exporting and distributing physical goods. Common activities include:

• General Trading.
• Import & Export of Goods and Raw Materials Trading.
• Foodstuff & Beverages Trading.
• Building & Construction Materials Trading.
• Electrical & Electronic Equipment Trading.
• Mobile Phones, Computers & Gadgets Trading.
• Auto Spare Parts & Components Trading.
• Medical & Surgical Equipment Trading.
• Readymade Garments, Fashion & Accessories Trading.
• Jewellery, Watches & Precious Stones Trading.
• Beauty & Personal Care Products Trading.
• Toys & Baby Products Trading.
• Home Appliances & Furniture Trading.
• Chemicals & Laboratory Supplies Trading.
• Sports Equipment Trading.

Related guides: UAE general trading license setup, supermarket & grocery setup, and FMCG business setup.

2. Services & Professional Consultancy Activities

For expertise-based and professional service businesses. Common activities include:

• Business & Management Consultancy.
• IT Services, Software House & IT Infrastructure.
• Marketing & Advertising Consultancy.
• HR & Recruitment Services.
• Accounting & Bookkeeping.
• Legal Advisory Services.
• Engineering & Technical Consultancy.
• Project Management Consultancy.
• Financial & Investment Advisory.
• Real Estate Consultancy.
• Facility Management Services.
• Logistics & Customs Clearance Consultancy.
• Translation & Language Services.
• Event Planning & Management.
• Tourism & Travel Consultancy.

3. Industrial & Manufacturing Activities

For production, assembly, processing and packaging, usually needing a warehouse or land. Common activities include:

• Food & Beverage Production.
• Furniture, Woodwork & Carpentry Manufacturing.
• Packaging & Labelling.
• Garments & Textile Production.
• Plastic & Rubber Products Manufacturing.
• Building Materials & Cement Products Manufacturing.
• Structural Steel & Metal Fabrication.
• Assembly of Electronics & Light Equipment.
• Automotive Components Assembly.
• Paper, Pen & Stationery Products Manufacturing.
• Leather Goods Manufacturing.
• Detergents, Disinfectants & Chemical Processing.
• Cosmetics & Personal Care Products Manufacturing.
• Paint Manufacturing.

Related guide: construction company setup in the UAE.

4. E-Commerce & Digital Activities

For online platforms, digital sales and app-based services. Common activities include:

• Online Retail Trading.
• Online Food & Grocery Delivery.
• Marketplace / Portal Operator.
• E-Services & Digital Products Trading.
• Web & Mobile Application Development.
• Dropshipping Business Models.
• Subscription Box Services.
• Online Fashion & Accessories Store.
• Jewellery & Precious Stones E-Trading.
• Online Health & Wellness Products.
• Digital Marketing & Advertising Services.
• Online Educational Platforms & Courses.
• Virtual Event & Webinar Platforms.

Related guide: how to start an e-commerce business in the UAE.

5. Media & Creative Activities

For content, publishing, advertising and communications. Common activities include:

• Advertising & Communication Agency.
• Creative Agency & Graphic Design Studio.
• Public Relations & Communications Consultancy.
• Digital Media Production.
• Film, TV & Radio Production.
• Social Media Management & Marketing.
• Content Writing & Copywriting.
• Photography & Videography Services.
• Animation & Motion Graphics.
• Influencer Marketing Services.
• Media Buying & Planning.
• Publishing & Printing.
• Podcast & Audio Content Production.

6. Education & Training Activities

For knowledge, coaching and skill-building services. Common activities include:

• Educational Consultancy.
• Training Institutes & Coaching Centres.
• E-Learning Services.
• Professional Development Programs.
• Skill Development & Vocational Training.
• Tutoring & Test Preparation Services.
• Language Schools.
• IT & Technical Training.
• Corporate & Leadership Training.
• Art, Music & Dance Academies.
• Sports & Fitness Training Centres.
• Childcare & Early Learning Programs.
• Higher Education Providers.
• Kindergarten & Schools.

7. Freelancer & Individual Professional Activities

For individuals working in their own name. Common activities include:

• Creative Design, Logo Design & Photoshop Design.
• Web Developer, App Developer & Software Engineer.
• Network Websites Designing & Web-hosting.
• Social Media Marketing & Internet Marketing.
• Content Writer, Copywriter & Editor.
• Photographer & Videographer.
• Business Coaching & Management Consultancy.
• Researcher & Analyst.
• Translation & Languages.
• Tutor, Trainer & Education Consultant.
• Data Entry & Admin Support.

8. Research, Development & Innovation Activities

• Scientific Research Centres.
• Technology & Product Development.
• Lab & Prototype Testing.
• Innovation & Technology Incubators.
• Environmental & Sustainability Research.

9. Hospitality & Tourism Activities

• Hotels & Resorts Management.
• Travel Agencies & Tour Operators.
• Restaurants, Cafes & Catering Services.
• Event Management & Planning.
• Leisure & Entertainment Services.
• Hospitality Consultancy.

RAKEZ also allows real estate services, sports clubs and academies, and investment or holding company structures, so most legitimate business models can be matched to an approved activity. The free zone does not licence illegal activities, including gambling.

RAKEZ Business Activities List by Licence Type With Codes

Below are the most commonly requested RAKEZ activities, taken directly from the official Free Zone Business Activity List and grouped by licence type. Each row shows the activity name, its official activity code, and the activity group it falls under. This is a curated selection of high-demand activities, not the full register, the complete list runs to thousands of entries.

Commercial & Trading Activities

How to Get the Full RAKEZ Activity List PDF

RAKEZ publishes its complete Business Activity List as a downloadable PDF on the official RAKEZ website, with separate free zone and non-free zone documents. The full register is long and updated from time to time, so the version you download may differ slightly from older copies circulating online. If you want help matching your business idea to the right activity code, or you are unsure whether to pick the free zone or non-free zone classification, GloboPrime’s business setup team can shortlist the correct activities, confirm any special approvals, and handle the application end to end. Get in touch for a tailored activity shortlist for your RAKEZ licence.

How Many Activities Can You Combine?

RAKEZ lets you run several activities under a single license, which lowers cost for a diversified business. The rules depend on your license type and the activity groups involved.

These limits can vary by package and approval, so confirm the exact combination before you pay. Adding an activity after issuance is possible, but if the new activity sits in a different group, the license may need to be reissued, which can cost as much as a fresh license.

RAKEZ License & Activity Costs 2026

RAKEZ pricing depends on your license type, the activity, your visa quota, office choice, and license duration. The table below gives indicative starting points for 2026. Treat these as planning estimates, since RAKEZ runs frequent promotions and fees can change.

Total first-year costs run from roughly AED 18,500 for a freelancer permit with one visa and a flexi-desk, up to AED 70,000+ for a trading company with multiple visas and a warehouse. Multi-year options reduce the annual cost, and renewal is usually priced at or near the initial setup fee.

How to Choose the Right RAKEZ Activity

Step 1: Define exactly what your business will do

Be specific. Are you providing a service, selling a physical product, manufacturing, or a mix? Your registered activity should reflect both your current operations and where you realistically plan to be in the next year or two.

Step 2: Match your activity to a license type

Once your core operations are clear, map them to the right license, commercial for trading, service for consultancy, industrial for manufacturing, and so on. Pick the one, or up to five, activities that most closely match your model.

Step 3: Check activity-grouping and approval rules

Confirm whether your chosen activities sit in the same group, and whether any need external regulatory approval. Getting this right upfront avoids a costly license reissue later.

Step 4: Choose your facility and visa quota

Your office choice, flexi-desk, shared office, private office, or warehouse, drives both your cost and your visa allocation. Begin with the smallest facility that covers your visa needs and upgrade as your team grows.

Free Zone vs. Dual Non-Free Zone License

RAKEZ activities sit under two frameworks. Free zone activities let you trade internationally and within the free zone with full ownership and tax benefits. Non-free zone activities, accessed through the dual license, also let you operate in the RAK mainland and serve local UAE customers directly. If your customers are domestic, the dual license is often the better route; if you are export- or service-focused, a standard free zone license usually suffices.

• Construction, contracting, and engineering design.
• Retail and wholesale distribution.
• Transport, shipping, and logistics services.
• Project management and technical engineering services.

Setting Up a RAKEZ Company From Abroad: A Guide for Greek, Cypriot & International Founders

You do not need to live in the UAE, or even visit it, to own a RAKEZ company. The licence itself can be issued online. RAKEZ’s investor base reflects this, with the United Kingdom, France and Egypt now among its top contributing nationalities alongside India and Pakistan. European founders, including a growing number from Greece and Cyprus, use a RAKEZ free zone company as a low-tax international trading and consulting base.

Why European founders are looking at RAKEZ in 2026

After the 2026 tax reforms across the EU, the headline corporate tax gap between Europe and a qualifying UAE free zone company has widened, while the UAE has signed several business-council and trade agreements with Mediterranean economies. Cyprus has positioned itself as the EU’s gateway to the Middle East, with a UAE-Cyprus Business and Investment Council and a January 2026 energy partnership, so a Cyprus-EU base plus a UAE operating company is now a common structure.

Which RAKEZ activities suit international founders best?

• Service & consultancy: light on facilities, fast to license, easy to invoice internationally.
• E-commerce: ideal for online sellers and marketplace operators shipping outside the UAE.
• Media & digital: popular with European agencies serving global clients.
• General trading: suitable for re-export and international goods trading.
• Freelancer permit: the cheapest entry point for a single European professional testing the UAE base before scaling.

Can you set up without flying to the UAE?

• Company licence: can be applied for and issued fully remotely through the RAKEZ portal or by email, often in 1 to 5 business days.
• Residence visa optional: needs one short visit to the UAE for the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics.
• Corporate bank account: UAE banks run strict KYC and usually want an in-person meeting.

Documents for non-resident and corporate shareholders

Individual European founders generally need a passport copy, a recent photo, and proof of address. If a Greek, Cypriot or other foreign company will be the shareholder, RAKEZ will also ask for the certificate of incorporation, the memorandum and articles of association, a board resolution approving the UAE entity, and a certificate of good standing. Documents issued in the EU usually need to be attested or apostilled to be accepted, and for banking they may need UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation; our team handles this through our business setup and attestation services.

From licence to residency: the long-term plan

Many European founders start with a zero-visa licence to test the structure, then upgrade to an investor residence visa once revenue justifies it, and ultimately target the 10-year UAE Golden Visa if they relocate properly. A RAKEZ visa holder can live anywhere in the UAE, not only Ras Al Khaimah, which is why many run a RAKEZ company while based in Dubai.

Documents & Setup Process

RAKEZ keeps paperwork light. A typical application needs:

• Passport copy of each shareholder.
• Passport-size photograph.
• Completed application form.
• NOC from the current sponsor, where applicable.
• Additional approvals or certificates for regulated activities.
• For corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation, MOA, board resolution, and good-standing certificate, attested where required.

The setup flow is straightforward:

• Select your business activity and matching license type.
• Choose your legal structure, FZE, FZC, or a branch.
• Reserve a compliant company name.
• Submit documents for RAKEZ review and approval.
• Select your facility.
• Pay the fees and receive your trade license.
• Apply for investor or employee visas as needed.

RAKEZ Business Activities: FAQs

Set Up Your RAKEZ Company With GloboPrime

Choosing the wrong activity, mixing groups incorrectly, or under-planning your visa quota are the most common reasons RAKEZ setups stall or cost more than expected. GloboPrime Corporate Services handles the full lifecycle for you, activity selection, license type, structuring, documentation, facility, and visas, so your company is issued correctly the first time, whether you are based in the UAE or applying from abroad.

Our team also manages renewals, activity amendments, attestation of foreign documents, and bank account support, and we can advise on whether a free zone or dual license fits your model. Explore our wider PRO services in Abu Dhabi.

Ready to choose your RAKEZ activity and get licensed? Get in touch with our advisors for a tailored quote and activity recommendation.

Note: RAKEZ activity classifications, packages, fees, and tax rates referenced here are set by the relevant authorities and are subject to change. Tax figures for the UAE, Cyprus and Greece are indicative and provided for general guidance only, not as tax or legal advice. Always confirm current details with RAKEZ official sources and a licensed consultant or tax advisor before proceeding.