Description
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), located in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, is a prime destination for business setups, formed by merging RAK Free Zone and RAK Investment Authority. Ras Al Khaimah is renowned as one of the fastest-growing emirates, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, a thriving economy, and a business-friendly environment. Known for its transparent, tax-free, and corruption-free business climate, RAK is an ideal location for entrepreneurs and corporations aiming to establish a presence in a dynamic market.
RAKEZ stands out with its customizable company setup options and seamless connectivity via seaports, an airport, and highways, making it a strategic hub for businesses. The economic stability and security of Ras Al Khaimah attract a wide array of businesses, from freelancers and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to multinational corporations and large industries. This strategic combination of flexibility, connectivity, and a robust business environment exemplifies why RAKEZ is the preferred free zone for many, ensuring a prosperous foundation for business growth.
- 100% Foreign Ownership: Unlike many other jurisdictions, RAKEZ allows full foreign ownership of businesses, giving international investors complete control over their enterprises.
- Tax Benefits: RAKEZ provides a tax-free environment with no corporate tax, income tax, or value-added tax (VAT). This significantly enhances profitability and attracts foreign investment.
- Confidentiality and Privacy: RAKEZ ensures a high level of confidentiality with no public register of shareholders and directors. This protects the privacy of business owners and their financial information.
- Ease of Incorporation: Setting up a company in RAKEZ is quick and straightforward.
- No Currency Restrictions: There are no restrictions on currency movements, allowing for free repatriation of capital and profits.
- Banking Facilities: Companies incorporated in RAKEZ can easily open and maintain bank accounts in the UAE, facilitating smooth financial transactions.
- Strategic Location: Situated in close proximity to Dubai and other major economic centers, RAKEZ provides excellent access to global markets, enhancing trade and business opportunities.
- Modern Infrastructure: RAKEZ boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure, including world-class ports, airports, and logistics facilities, ensuring efficient business operations.
- Support Services: RAKEZ offers a range of support services, including business consultancy, legal advisory, and administrative assistance, helping businesses navigate the regulatory environment.
- Economic Stability: The economic security and steadiness of Ras Al Khaimah make it a reliable and attractive destination for foreign investors.
- Flexibility in Business Activities: RAKEZ allows a wide range of business activities, from general trading and consulting to holding companies and property ownership, catering to diverse business needs.
Advantages of Incorporating a RAK Offshore Company
Incorporating a RAK Offshore Company offers numerous benefits:
- Tax-Free Status: Enjoy a 100% income and corporate tax exemption.
- Confidentiality: No public register of shareholders and directors, ensuring privacy.
- Reputation: A strong, credible image for clients and suppliers.
- Quick Incorporation: Fast and efficient setup process.
- Ownership: 100% foreign ownership allowed.
- Repatriation: Full repatriation of capital and profits.
- No VAT or Capital Gains Tax: No additional tax burdens.
- Low Start-Up Costs: Economical initial investment.
- Banking Benefits: Ability to maintain bank accounts in the UAE.
- Flexibility: Limited liability structure with minimal requirements for shareholders, directors, and secretaries.
- Real Estate Ownership: Potential to own real property in the UAE with authorization.
- Privacy: Absolute privacy, confidentiality, and protection of assets and information.
- No Annual Audit Requirement: No need to submit an annual audit report to the Authority.
- Quick Turnaround: Incorporation can be completed within 24 hours.
- Global Accessibility: Proximity to Gulf and global markets.
- No Physical Presence Required: Incorporation can be completed without being physically present in the UAE.
- No Nationality Restrictions: Open to all nationalities.
Additional Benefits of RAK Freezone Companies
- Strategic Location: RAK’s strategic location provides easy access to major global markets, with proximity to Dubai and other key economic centers in the UAE.
- Modern Infrastructure: RAK offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, including world-class ports, airports, and logistics facilities, ensuring seamless business operations.
- Support Services: RAK Freezone provides a range of support services, including business consultancy, legal advisory, and administrative assistance, helping businesses navigate the regulatory environment.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: The Freezone offers cost-effective office spaces, warehouses, and land for industrial and commercial purposes, catering to businesses of all sizes.
- Innovative Ecosystem: RAK Freezone fosters an innovative ecosystem with access to research and development centers, innovation hubs, and technology parks, promoting growth and collaboration.
Compliance and Corporate Requirements
- Type of Company: Limited by shares.
- Political Stability: Excellent.
- Disclosure of Beneficial Owner: Yes.
- Migration of Domicile: Permitted.
- Corporate Taxation: Nil.
- Language of Name: English or Arabic.
- Minimum Shareholders: One.
- Minimum Directors: One.
- Corporate Directors: Permitted.
- Authorized Capital: Minimum AED 1,000, fully paid.
- Registered Office/Agent: Required.
- Government Registers: Mandatory registers for directors, managers, shareholders, and members.
Permitted and Restricted Activities
- Permitted Activities:
- Non-UAE resident or UAE resident as director or shareholder.
- Corporate shareholders or directors.
- Holding shares in UAE and global companies.
- Maintaining bank accounts in the UAE or worldwide.
- Owning real estate in the UAE (with authorization).
- No obligation to maintain books and records.
- Restricted Activities:
- No physical offices in the UAE.
- Cannot carry out business within the UAE.
- No UAE Residency Visa.
- No banking or insurance business without a special license.
Main Activities Outside UAE
- General Trading
- Consulting and Advisory Services
- Holding Company
- Property Owning
- International Services
- Professional Services
- Shipping and Ship Management
Main Activities Inside UAE
- Holding Assets
- Holding Bank Accounts
- Property Owning (Freehold Areas)
Annual and Recurring Costs
-
- Annual Return: Not required.
- Submit Accounts: Required.
- Minimum Annual Tax/License Fee: AED 2,000.