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How to Get a Trade License in Ras Al Khaimah

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Trade License in RAKEZ Free Zone

Ras Al Khaimah is growing fast and getting a lot of attention lately. With the Wynn Resort and casino expected to open in 2027, more people are looking at the emirate for business and investment. It’s not just about tourism; many are setting up companies in trade, manufacturing, and different service areas.

If you plan to work or start a business here, you will need a RAK trade license from RAKEZ Free Zone. Trade license Ras Al Khaimah lets you run your business legally, whether it’s a small shop or a large company. The good thing is that RAKEZ makes the process easy and affordable for newcomers and international investors. Aurum simplifies the process of starting a business in RAK

Why Set Up Your Business in RAKEZ

RAKEZ has recorded strong growth this year. The economic zone welcomed thousands of new companies across key sectors in 2025. The reason behind this rise is that entrepreneurs get full ownership of their business and also women can avail special packages.

Total New Companies (Q1 2025)

3,676

Year-on-Year Growth

23% increase compared to Q1 2024

Top Investor Countries

India, Pakistan, United Kingdom, Egypt, France

Leading Sectors

Services, Commercial Activities, General Trading

Sector Breakdown

Services: 38% · Commercial: 26% · General Trading: 13%

Key Service-Based Activities

Consultancies, Marketing Firms, IT & Development Companies, Software Solution Providers

Trade License Types in Ras Al Khaimah (RAKEZ)

RAKEZ has various dedicated zones for specific business activities and also it offers a wide range of licenses:

License Type

Description / Key Activities

Commercial License

Trading or selling goods and services. Covers import, export, and product distribution.

General Trading License

This one license covers trading in multiple product categories.

Ecommerce License

Online stores and service providers selling through websites, apps, or digital platforms.

Industrial License

Manufacturing, assembling, or packaging products for local and international markets.

Educational License

Schools, training institutes, and learning centers can offer courses, skill training, or consulting.

Professional License

Consultants, lawyers, accountants, or technical advisors can provide expert services.

Service License

Agencies can deliver general business or support services across various sectors.

Media License

Creative and communication-focused businesses which include advertising, content creation, and publishing.

Freelancer Permit

Individuals in education, media, or technology fields working independently on client projects.

How to Apply for a RAK Trade License: Step by Step

Getting a trade license in Ras Al Khaimah is not a complicated procedure with Aurum. We are a Dubai-based office of RAKEZ and we know all procedures for setting up with ease.

Step 1: Decide What Kind of Business You’ll Run

Among 4,000 activities in RAKEZ, you need to decide which one correctly aligns with your business goals. Our consultant can also assist you with which exact zone will cater to your business.

Step 2: Pick a Name That Represents Your Brand

Your trade name is very important as your business will be recognized by it. So, you will have to choose an appropriate name that must not violate naming regulations. 

Step 3: Gather the Papers You’ll Need

As RAKEZ offers free zone and non-free zone entity setup options, we will guide you for the exact document requirements. The basic documents you need are:

  • A copy of the owner’s and shareholders’ passports
  • A photo the size of a passport
  • A business plan (in some situations) 
  • An application form 
  • Proof of initial approval (if needed)

Step 4: Review and Pay the Setup Fees

There are a lot of things that affect the cost of a trade license, like what you do, how many visa quotas you have, where your firm is located, and what kind of office you have. The trade license cost starts from AED 5,500 in Ras Al Khaimah but RAKEZ offers packages that you can avail with our support.

 Step 5: Collect Your License and Get Started

The licensing process in RAKEZ can be as quick as 24 hours and as more as 5 business days. The reason of this varied timeline is that every license has different requirements. After getting your RAK trade license, you can proceed to apply for visas and business account with support of Aurum consultants.

Partner with Aurum for Ras Al Khaimah Business Setup​

Starting a business in RAK might sound overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be with Aurum. With us, the process feels calm and organized. We walk you through everything, picking your activity, sorting the paperwork, getting your trade license, and taking care of bank account opening. You won’t have to run around or deal with multiple offices.

Frequently Asked Questions

With one trade license, can I add some other activities also?

Yes, you can. Group operations under the same licensing category on one trade license. For activities which are from completely different category, you will have to request approval or apply for a new license.

Does RAK trade license also allow to apply for Investor Visa?

Yes. You can apply for your visa after getting a RAK trade license. Then, you can stay in Ras Al Khaimah or in any other emirate. Aurum manages visa filing, medical examinations, and Emirates ID.

Is it possible to change business activity later?

Yes, it is possible. Aurum can help you with amendment of business activity whether you want to change it or add another.

Am I allowed to operate my business from home rather than a formal office?

In free zones, several licensing packages allow remote business operations without an office. These are great for freelancers, consultants, and online entrepreneurs.

How much does a UAE trade license cost?

Starter packages in RAKEZ start at AED 5,500 and include a flexi-desk and one activity. The cost can increase if there are other complex business requirements.

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