RAK Mainland License
Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (RAK DED)
RAK uses a 5-category fee structure ranging from AED 400 to AED 10,000, plus an affordable Al Ghad youth license at AED 1,000. While most published RAK business data relates to the RAKEZ free zone, the mainland DED offers competitive rates for physical establishments.
106
Activities
Varies
Avg DED Fee
3-5 working days
Setup Time
Moderate
Banking
Fee Structure
5 fee categories from AED 400 (Cat 5) to AED 10,000 (Cat 1). Al Ghad youth license AED 1,000.
From
AED 400
Up to
AED 10,000
What we like
- Competitive fee structure with 5 clear categories
- Al Ghad youth/startup license at AED 1,000
- Low office rents
- Growing tourism and industrial sector
- RAK Free Zone (RAKEZ) proximity for dual setups
Watch out for
- Limited mainland-specific data (most published data is RAKEZ free zone)
- Smaller business ecosystem
- Further from Dubai than Sharjah or Ajman
- Per-activity fee category mapping not publicly available
Top Activities in RAK
Tomato Paste Manufacturing
Manufacturing · 1030003
AED 400–10,000
Potato Chips Manufacturing
Manufacturing · 1030006
AED 400–10,000
Fodder Manufacturing
Manufacturing · 1080001
AED 400–10,000
Paint Manufacturing
Manufacturing · 2022001
AED 400–10,000
Security Equipment Installation & Maintenance
Construction & Contracting · 4321009
AED 400–10,000
Wholesale of Spice
Trading & Services · 4630122
AED 400–10,000
Trade Energy Drinks- Wholesale
Trading & Services · 4630210
AED 400–10,000
Sunglasses and non - medical contact lenses - wholesale
Trading & Services · 4649007
AED 400–10,000
Wholesale of Computer Systems And Software Trading
Trading & Services · 4651002
AED 400–10,000
Investment in Commercial Enterprises & Management
Financial Services · 6499001
AED 400–10,000
Investment in Industrial Enterprises & Management
Financial Services · 6499002
AED 400–10,000
Investment in Agricultural Enterprises & Management
Financial Services · 6499003
AED 400–10,000
Real Estate Development
Financial Services · 6499004
AED 400–10,000
Investment in Tourist Enterprises & Management
Financial Services · 6499005
AED 400–10,000
Investment in Energy Enterprises & Management
Financial Services · 6499008
AED 400–10,000
Investment in Educational Enterprises & Management
Financial Services · 6499010
AED 400–10,000
Real Estate Buying & Selling Brokerage
Real Estate & Business Services · 6820004
AED 400–10,000
Real Estate Consultancies
Real Estate & Business Services · 6820005
AED 400–10,000
Leasing Property Brokerage Agents
Real Estate & Business Services · 6820012
AED 400–10,000
Sport Research & Consultancies
Administrative & Support Services · 7020017
AED 400–10,000
Setup Requirements
Office
Physical office required. RAK has low office rents, comparable to Ajman.
Foreign Ownership
100% foreign ownership allowed for most activities.
Local Sponsor
Not required for most activities.
Visa
Visa quota based on office size.
Considering a free zone in RAK?
Compare free zone packages at our sister site.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a mainland business license cost in RAK?
5 fee categories from AED 400 (Cat 5) to AED 10,000 (Cat 1). Al Ghad youth license AED 1,000.
Can foreigners own 100% of a RAK mainland company?
100% foreign ownership allowed for most activities. This applies to most business activities since the 2021 Commercial Companies Law reforms.
How fast can I set up a mainland company in RAK?
Typical setup time in RAK is 3-5 working days. Actual timeline depends on the activity, required external approvals, and document readiness.
Do I need a local sponsor for a RAK mainland license?
Not required for most activities.
How many business activities are available for mainland licensing in RAK?
We track 106 business activities available for mainland licensing in RAK. This includes commercial, professional, and industrial license types.
Set up in RAK
Get a free quote from a vetted mainland setup partner.