Company Setup in Ras Al Khaimah Free Zones
Set up your company in Ras Al Khaimah Free Zones and discover your business possibilities.
The Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Free Zones is being viewed as a major international business center for organizations seeking to grow overseas. Setting up your business in RAK Free Zones provides the important advantage of connecting to emerging markets around the globe.
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Setting up your business in RAK Free Zones provides the important advantage of connecting to emerging markets around the globe.
World-Class Infrastructure
Efficient Business Operations
State-Of-The-Art Logistics Facilities
Investor-Friendly Regulations
Low Corporate Tax
Full Repatriation of Profits
With a variety of business setup choices like mainland, free zone, and offshore, the RAK Free Zones are ready to meet the needs and objectives of potential entrepreneurs. Establishing a presence in RAK Free Zones presents an opportunity to profit and link with one of the world’s most progressive and stable economies. No matter what local leadership’s focus is or how much international acknowledgment is attained, initiating a company in RAK Free Zones is a smart move that exposes important market opportunities.
Why Setting Up Your Business in Ras Al Khaimah Free Zones is Advantageous
- Easy Visa Process: Foreign investors find it relatively easy to obtain visas in the RAK Free Zones. This facilitates the smooth process of introducing the talent you require for business growth.
- Free Zones: RAK Free Zones have a selection of free zones that deliver specific benefits to companies, which include 100% foreign ownership, no corporate tax, and no personal income tax.
- Highly Skilled Workforce: The RAK Free Zones boasts an advanced workforce, largely consisting of individuals who speak English fluently.
- Strategic Location: Connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, the RAK Free Zones is perfectly situated for trade, tourism, and logistics. The city’s location concerning emerging markets offers seamless access for businesses to a vast customer audience.
- Tax Benefits: In most jurisdictions of the RAK Free Zones, there is a low corporate tax advantage. In addition, the absence of hurdles for the return of both profits and capital makes it a refined locale for enterprises because of taxation.
- Vibrant Economy: The RAK Free Zones has an energetic economy that is progressing rapidly. This presents openings for businesses to develop and enjoy success.
- Access to Global Markets: Located as a gateway for international trade, the RAK Free Zones give organizations a chance to grow internationally, providing businesses an opportunity to navigate different markets.
- Ease of Doing Business: The government of the RAK Free Zones has performed a number of reforms to facilitate easier company registration. When businesses have efficient and visible processes in place, entrepreneurs can rapidly focus on growth.
- Promotion of Entrepreneurship: The government of the RAK Free Zones is engaged in actively encouraging entrepreneurship. This includes providing financial incentives, training programs, and business support services.
General Procedures for Company Setup in Ras Al Khaimah Free Zones
- Choose the Business Activity: It is crucial to choose the type of business to be carried out. The license required depends on the kind of business you have, whether commercial, industrial, or professional.
- Selecting the Company Structure and Jurisdiction: Depending on the regulatory benefits and costs, you can opt to establish your company on the mainland, in a free zone, or offshore. Moreover, you can also select which type of company you want to establish, such as a Limited Liability Company, Sole Establishment, Branch Office, or a Free Zone Entity.
- Register the Trade Name: Acquire a unique trade name for your company from the various licensing issuing authorities. The name must be distinctive and cannot resemble the name of any other existing business.
- Apply for Initial Approval: You are required to get an acknowledgment from the government that there are no issues with your business activity or plan.
- Preparation of Legal Documents and Obtaining a Trade License: You will have to prepare the company incorporation documents like the MOA and AOA. Further, apply for a license/permit depending on the type of business activity you are involved in.
- Lease an Office Space: The requirement for mainland companies is that they must lease an office space. Free zone companies are required to be located within the specific free zone of interest.
- Register with the Chamber of Commerce: A business person should first register their company with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry to enjoy various business services and forums.
- Visa Processing: Apply for visas for yourself, your employees, and their dependents. This includes obtaining an Establishment Card, which allows companies to sponsor visas.
Mainland vs. Freezone vs. Offshore: Choosing the Right Business Structure in the UAE
Mainland Companies
- Mainland companies are those registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah and the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) in Dubai and have the right to operate throughout the RAK Free Zones.
- The requirement to have a local partner or service agent has been waived.
- Mainland companies have full freedom of operation and can tender for government contracts.
- Ideal for companies that require direct access to the market in the RAK Free Zones.
Freezone Companies
- Free zone companies are formed in areas of free zones. There are now over 50 free zone establishments in the RAK Free Zones that are industry-specific, including DMCC, DIC, and JAFZA.
- They allow 100% foreign ownership, and the company enjoys tax holidays, no import or export duties are charged.
- Under the free zone, companies are prohibited from trading directly in the mainland of the RAK Free Zones without involving a distributor.
- Popular among businesspeople who operate in the fields of import/export, online sales, or specific industries.
Offshore Companies
- Offshore companies are those legal entities incorporated in specific offshore jurisdictions within the RAK Free Zones.
- They cannot carry out any commercial activities within the RAK Free Zones but can do so outside.
- No license is issued disclosing the names of the shareholders.
- Offshore companies provide an opportunity for their owners to have privacy, as well as property protection and favorable tax legislation.
- Ideal for companies with little or no physical interaction with clients and those seeking to engage in international transactions
Licenses Available in Ras Al Khaimah Free Zones
- Trade License: Obtained by individuals or companies engaged in buying and selling goods.
- Industrial Licenses: Issued to industrial companies that participate in the manufacturing processes.
- Business Licenses: Awarded to companies offering services, including service providers, professionals, artisans, and craftsmen
Documents Required for Company Setup in Ras Al Khaimah Free Zones
- Shareholders’ information
- Passport and Visa of the shareholders
- Application form
- PDF of the business plan
- Board resolution documents
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Articles of Association (AOA)
- ID proofs for the shareholders
A Free Zone Company allows 100% foreign ownership, tax holidays, and easy business setup without a local partner.
Yes, you can fully repatriate both profits and capital from a Free Zone Company.
You need a Trade License for any business engaged in buying and selling goods.
No, Free Zone Companies need a distributor to trade in the mainland.
Typically, the process can take 1-2 weeks, depending on the documentation and approvals.
Key benefits include tax exemptions, 100% foreign ownership, and access to global markets.
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