RAK Mainland — Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
UAE-wide trading, without the Dubai overhead
Low operating costs, a strong industrial base and easy access to Saqr Port.
A mainland licence from RAK DED lets you trade across the UAE and internationally at a lower cost than Dubai or Abu Dhabi. TFZ handles your RAK mainland set-up from start to finish.
Get QuoteWhy Choose Ras Al Khaimah Mainland?
Types of RAK Mainland Licences
| Licence Type | Activities Covered | Common Legal Form |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Licence | Trading, general trading, contracting, retail | LLC |
| Professional Licence | Consultancy, IT, engineering, marketing, services | Sole Establishment, Civil Company, LLC |
| Industrial Licence | Manufacturing and processing | LLC |
| Tourism Licence | Hotels, travel, tour operators | LLC |
| Agricultural Licence | Farming and fisheries | LLC |
Step-by-Step RAK Mainland Setup
Documents Required
Timeline for Formation
| Stage | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| Trade name and initial approval | 1 – 3 working days |
| MOA notarisation | 1 – 2 working days |
| Office lease and tenancy registration | 3 – 5 working days |
| External approvals (if required) | 1 – 3 weeks |
| Licence issuance | 1 – 3 working days |
| Establishment card and labour file | 3 – 5 working days |
| Investor visa and Emirates ID | 2 – 3 weeks |
| Bank account opening | 2 – 4 weeks |
| Total (typical) | 2–3 wks licence; 5–7 wks operational |
Cost of RAK Mainland Company Formation
Indicative costs in UAE Dirhams (AED).
| Cost Item | Indicative Amount (AED) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Trade name reservation and initial approval | 600 – 1,200 | One-time |
| MOA notarisation | 1,000 – 2,000 | One-time |
| RAK DED licence fee | 5,000 – 10,000 | Annual |
| RAK Chamber membership | 500 – 1,200 | Annual |
| Municipality fees | 500 – 2,000 | Annual |
| External approvals | 500 – 8,000 (activity dependent) | As required |
| Office rent (small office / business centre) | 8,000 – 25,000+ | Annual |
| Establishment card | 600 – 1,500 | Every 1 – 2 years |
| Investor visa, medical, Emirates ID | 4,000 – 6,000 | Every 2 years |
| Employee visa (per person) | 5,000 – 7,000 | Every 2 years |
| TFZ professional fees | Quoted on request | One-time |
| Typical all-in first-year package | 15,000 – 30,000 (first year) | |
Compliance Requirements for RAK Mainland Companies
Licence renewal
Renew with RAK DED with valid tenancy contract and Chamber membership
AnnualCorporate tax
9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000; FTA registration and return
Annual, within 9 months of year endVAT
5%; register once taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000
Quarterly returnsAccounting and audit
Maintain books; audit required for many activities
AnnualEconomic Substance Regulations
Notification and report for relevant activities
AnnualUBO declaration
Declare beneficial owners with RAK DED
On registration and on changeWage Protection System
Salaries paid through WPS
MonthlyEmiratisation
Applies to companies with 50+ employees and selected sectors
AnnualLabour law and health insurance
Contracts, end-of-service, medical insurance
OngoingMunicipality and Civil Defence inspections
For industrial, warehouse and retail premises
AnnualVisa renewals
Investor and employee visa renewals
Every 2 yearsRAK Mainland vs RAKEZ Free Zone vs RAK ICC
| Feature | RAK Mainland | RAKEZ Free Zone | RAK ICC Offshore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade in UAE | Unrestricted | Restricted (needs distributor or mainland branch) | Not allowed |
| Visas | Yes, based on office size | Yes, by package | No |
| Office | Required | Flexi-desk or office | Not permitted |
| Corporate tax | 9% above AED 375,000 | 0% on qualifying income | 0% on qualifying income |
| Typical first-year cost | AED 15,000 – 30,000 | AED 12,000 – 25,000 | AED 6,000 – 10,000 |
| Best for | Local trading, retail, contracting, tourism | Export, manufacturing, consultancy | Holding and international business |
How TFZ Helps
Ras Al Khaimah offers real value for businesses that want mainland access without high overheads. TFZ sets up your RAK company quickly and correctly.
Everything You Need to Know About RAK Mainland
From costs to sponsorship and UAE-wide trading, here are answers to the questions investors ask most.
Talk to TFZ Today
Get a free consultation on Ras Al Khaimah mainland company formation.