Mainland Business Setup
Establish Your Business in Ras Al Khaimah Mainland
In the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah Mainland is a preferred destination for many investors for company setup.
The reason for the popularity of Ras Al Khaimah Mainland is the ability to operate anywhere in the UAE. There is a complete process for mainland company formation.
Therefore, investors must fulfill specific requirements to set up a mainland company in the UAE.
Advantages of Mainland Company Setup :
100% Corporate Tax Exempt
You can run your business from anywhere in the UAE
No capital is needed for a local mainland license
Business can be conducted in all UAE mainland emirates
No restrictions on currency
Easy processing of employment visas
100% repatriation of capital and profits
Smooth legal procedures for license and registration
Simple company incorporation
No audit required
RAK Business Setup Types
The registration and issuance of licenses for non-resident entities in Ras Al Khaimah are managed by the Free Zone Authorities, while other procedures are handled by the local and federal government.There are 3 types of business structures in RAK:
RAK Free Zones : RAK free zones are popular for investors because of their low cost, tax-free status, and supportive government policies. The government authority responsible for issuing licenses to non-resident or new companies is the RAK Free Zone Authority. These free zones are located in various areas across the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and include Technology Park, Business Park, Industrial Park, and Al Ghail Park. Each RAK free zone manages specific financial matters and is prepared to meet business needs. Major free zones for business setup in RAK are Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAK FTZ), RAK Investment Authority (RAKIA), and RAK Media Free Zone (RMFZ).
RAK Offshore : RAK Offshore has flexible regulations and is suitable for a wide range of business activities. If you are looking for an affordable way to establish an offshore company, RAK Offshore in Ras Al Khaimah is a perfect choice. It offers several benefits, including 0% corporate and personal tax, 100% foreign ownership, 100% repatriation of capital and profits, no minimum share capital requirement, and business-friendly rules as per regulations.
Mainland Company : Mainland companies are regulated by the UAE’s federal laws and government regulations and operate within specific geographic areas under the authority of the Emirates government. To establish a mainland company, investors can choose from a Limited Liability Company (LLC), Representative Office, Public Shareholding Company, Branch of a Foreign Company, or Professional Firm.
Business Setup Process :
To start a business in RAK, the following steps must be completed:
Appoint a Local Partner
Choose your business activity and legal type
Submit your company registration request
Send the proposed company name to the DED
Provide all company documents to DED and Chamber of Commerce
Apply for your trade license
Notarize the company’s Memorandum of Association (MOA)
Register the trade name officially
Obtain initial government approval
Obtain any special government approvals
Sign the lease agreement and MOA at a public notary
Get municipality approval for the business location and inspection
Apply for the establishment card
Submit the company’s documents to DED and Chamber of Commerce
Complete all licensing requirements
Pay the fees to receive the trade license
Obtain approval from the Name Board
Get employee approvals from the Ministry of Labour
Have the visa stamped by the Immigration Department
Pros and Cons of Company Setup in RAK
Advantages :
RAK is strategically located near the Strait of Hormuz, and just minutes from central Dubai. This location gives access to over 1.2 billion consumers in the Middle East and Africa.
RAK offers excellent connectivity to major ports and airports, making trade and logistics easier for businesses.
The emirate has investor-friendly laws and policies that simplify company formation and operations.
RAK provides modern infrastructure and facilities that support various types of business activities efficiently.
Disadvantages :
An offshore company in RAK cannot conduct trading or provide services within the UAE, and it is not allowed to rent office space or open a corporate bank account in the UAE.
A Limited Liability Company (LLC) requires at least 51% ownership by UAE nationals.
Most companies are required to submit annual audited accounts to the government.