Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone Company Formation Services

Setting up a Free Zone company in Ras Al Khaimah has become increasingly popular, as the city remains a thriving business hub with exceptional economic growth and opportunities for entrepreneurs. Ras Al Khaimah offers equal opportunities and exposure to all investors, supported by business-friendly regulations and requirements established by the authorities to facilitate company formation in Free Zones. These factors have made it easier for entrepreneurs to establish their businesses in Ras Al Khaimah’s Free Zones.

The process of setting up a Free Zone company in Ras Al Khaimah is simple and comes with minimal costs. Entrepreneurs can choose from various Free Zone locations to establish their businesses. The streamlined company formation process, along with the government’s supportive policies, has attracted a large number of investors to register their companies in Ras Al Khaimah’s Free Zones.

Our consultants provide assistance with governmental approvals, Investor Residence Visas, company formation procedures, investor packages, and affordable trade licenses. With our expertise in company setup, we guide our clients through aspects such as company structure, legal jurisdiction, international trade, various business activities, and enterprise management.

What is a Free Zone Company in Ras Al Khaimah?

A Free Zone company in Ras Al Khaimah is a business entity established in designated economic zones across the UAE. These areas, known as Ras Al Khaimah Free Zones, provide several exclusive advantages to foreign investors, including a 3-year business license. Companies operating within these zones benefit from:

• 100% foreign ownership
• Tax-free business environment
• Strong connections within industry sectors
• 0% customs duties on imports and exports
• Easy access to key transport hubs like airports and seaports
• Favorable trade conditions
• Modern infrastructure
• Advantages of Setting Up a Free Zone Company in Ras Al Khaimah
• A Free Zone business in Ras Al Khaimah allows full foreign ownership, meaning there is no need for a local Emirati partner. Entrepreneurs can repatriate all their profits and capital without restrictions.

One of the most attractive benefits of Free Zone companies is the tax exemption, as businesses are not required to pay any form of tax within these zones. Additionally, there are no foreign currency exchange controls or limitations on fund transfers to and from corporate bank accounts.

Companies operating in Free Zones also enjoy exemptions from duties on goods and services, alongside access to affordable energy costs. The setup process is straightforward and typically faster than obtaining a mainland business license.

Since Free Zones are designed to promote foreign investment and trade, ample office spaces are available for purchase or lease. Moreover, businesses can easily secure work visas for skilled employees, which are both cost-effective and simple to obtain.

Another key advantage is the flexibility in office operation hours, allowing businesses to set their own schedules without time constraints.

Steps and Guidelines for Establishing a Business in a Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone

Trade Name Registration

Choosing and finalizing a business name and logo is the first step. The selected name must be approved by the relevant Ras Al Khaimah authorities and should comply with all established regulations. When applying, you are required to submit at least three name options for consideration.

Obtaining a Business License

After securing approval for your trade name, the next step is applying for a business license in the Free Zone. This requires submitting all necessary documents. The type of license varies across Free Zones based on the nature of the business, so it’s crucial to understand the licensing requirements and registration process beforehand.

Office Space Rental

A valid office address in Ras Al Khaimah is a necessary part of the documentation process. Experts in Free Zone business setup can assist in finding an appropriate workspace or business center accommodation in Ras Al Khaimah.

Approvals and Licensing

Before commencing operations, businesses must obtain all required permits and approvals from the relevant authorities governing their specific Free Zone. The entire company registration process typically takes between two to four weeks.

Required Documents for Free Zone Company Registration in Ras Al Khaimah

To establish a Free Zone company in Ras Al Khaimah, entrepreneurs must provide the following documents, some of which may need to be submitted or certified by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) or the Arab embassy:

• License application form
• Business card
• Business plan outline
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA)
• Passport copies of shareholders
• Banking reference and, if applicable, an existing business license of partners
• Business setup experts can simplify and streamline the Free Zone
• company formation process in Ras Al Khaimah.

Setting Up an LLC in a Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone

A Free Zone company can be established under two types of entities:

• FZ LLC (Freezone Limited Liability Company)
• FZE (Freezone Establishment)

To set up an LLC in a Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone, a minimum paid-up capital of AED 150,000 or more is required. Ownership of an LLC can be structured as corporate-owned, individually owned, or a combination of both.

An LLC structure limits the owners’ liability in case of business failure. While LLCs can be formed in both Ras Al Khaimah Mainland and Free Zones, a key distinction is in the naming convention—Free Zone LLCs carry the designation “FZ LLC,” whereas Mainland LLCs are simply labeled “LLC” alongside the company name.

List of Free Zones in the UAE

Ras Al Khaimah and other emirates in the UAE offer multiple Free Zones catering to various industries. Some of the major Free Zones include:

• Abu Dhabi: KIZAD (Khalifa Industrial Zone), TWOFOUR54 (Media Zone),
• Masdar City, Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone
• Ras Al Khaimah: DMCC (Ras Al Khaimah Multi Commodities Centre), Jebel Ali Free Zone,
• Ras Al Khaimah South, Ras Al Khaimah World Trade Centre, Ras Al Khaimah Silicon Oasis, Ras Al Khaimah
• Healthcare City, Ras Al Khaimah Media City, Ras Al Khaimah Internet City, Ras Al Khaimah Science
• Park, DIFC (Ras Al Khaimah International Financial Centre)
• Sharjah: Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, Hamriyah Free Zone,
• Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)
• Ras Al Khaimah: RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone)
• Ajman: Ajman Free Zone, Ajman Media Free Zone
• Umm Al Quwain: UAQ Free Trade Zone
• Fujairah: Fujairah Free Zone, Fujairah Media Free Zone (Creative City)
• Other Notable Free Zones: International Humanitarian City, Ras Al Khaimah
• Maritime City, Gold & Diamond Park, National Industries Park, IFZA (International Free Zone Authority)