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Ras Al Khaimah free zone · Web3, digital assets & tech

RAK DAO Company Setup in the UAE: Cost, Benefits & Visa (2026)

RAK Digital Assets Oasis is a free zone in Ras Al Khaimah aimed at Web3, digital-asset and technology companies. It targets founders in blockchain, NFTs, metaverse and related fields who want a lower-cost UAE base.

Quote required Quote required
Get a written quote → Official RAK DAO website ↗ 💬 WhatsApp
LocationRas Al Khaimah
OwnershipUp to 100% foreign
Setup timeA few working days
Visa quotaLinked to package
Banking easeSpecialist
RenewalAnnual licence renewals

RAK DAO company setup cost (2026)

Headline: Quote required for an exact figure.

Year-one budget: Quote required.

There is no reliable public price list for this zone, so we do not publish a number. Request a written quote and we will get one for your exact activity.

Not included: professional-service fees, residence visas beyond the package, office upgrades, bank minimum balances, and external approvals for regulated activities.

Benefits of the RAK DAO licence

  • Free zone built for Web3 and digital-asset companies
  • Licences for technology, blockchain and metaverse activities
  • Ras Al Khaimah cost base
  • Community of digital-asset founders
  • 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation

Who is RAK DAO best for?

  • Web3 and blockchain start-ups
  • NFT and metaverse businesses
  • Digital-asset technology providers

Typical permitted activities

  • Blockchain and Web3 technology
  • Digital-asset services (subject to regulation)
  • NFT and metaverse
  • Technology consulting

Always check your exact activity against the zone’s permitted list. Regulated activities need separate approvals.

What to watch out for

  • Regulated virtual-asset activities need additional regulator approval
  • Banking for crypto-related companies is selective

How to set up a company in RAK DAO

  1. Choose the zone and activityMatch your business activity to the zone’s permitted list and your budget. Check whether you need physical space or a specific licence type.
  2. Reserve the trade nameSubmit two or three name options; zones typically approve within one to three working days.
  3. Submit documents and applicationPassport copies, photos, proof of address and shareholder details. Corporate shareholders provide attested documents.
  4. Pay fees and sign the incorporation documentsFees are paid to the free zone authority; sign the Memorandum/Articles digitally or in person.
  5. Receive your licence and certificatesYou receive the trade licence, certificate of incorporation and a desk or lease agreement.
  6. Establishment card, visas and Emirates IDGet the immigration card, then entry permit, medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID for each visa holder.
  7. Open the bank account and register for taxApply for a corporate bank account, and register for corporate tax and, if required, VAT.

RAK DAO compared with similar UAE free zones

RAK DAODMCCRAKEZADGM
EmirateRas Al KhaimahDubaiRas Al KhaimahAbu Dhabi
Best forWeb3, digital assets & techCommodities, crypto & multi-sectorMulti-sector, industrial & SMEFinancial centre & regulated business
Licence costQuote requiredFrom AED 46,780 (one-visa package)From about AED 6,010 (zero-visa) · about AED 12,010 with one visaIndicative AED 25,000–55,000+ for non-financial licences; regulated activities cost more
Setup timeA few working days1–3 weeks2–5 working days2–4 weeks (longer for regulated firms)
Banking easeSpecialistHighModerateHigh
Fee dataQuote requiredPublishedPublishedIndicative band

FAQs: RAK DAO company formation

Does a RAK DAO licence let me run a crypto exchange?

No — a free zone licence alone does not authorise regulated virtual-asset activities. Those need approval from the relevant regulator. Confirm your exact activity before applying.

How much does it cost to set up a company in RAK DAO?

There is no reliable public price list for RAK DAO, so the cost depends on your activity, office type and visas. Request a written quote — ZoneWise can get one for you. Year-one totals: Quote required. Residence visas, office upgrades, professional-service fees, bank minimums and renewals are extra.

How long does RAK DAO company setup take?

Typically A few working days once documents are complete. Residence visa stamping (medical test, Emirates ID) adds further working days and requires you to be in the UAE.

Can foreigners own 100% of a company in RAK DAO?

Yes. UAE free zones allow up to 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits and capital. You do not need a UAE national partner or local sponsor.

Can companies licensed in RAK DAO trade in the UAE mainland?

Not freely. A free zone company generally cannot sell directly to mainland customers without a distributor, a dual-licence arrangement where the zone offers one, or a separate mainland licence or branch. If most of your customers are in the UAE, compare with a mainland licence.

Do I need a physical office in RAK DAO?

Many packages include a flexi-desk or smart desk. Larger visa quotas, industrial activity, warehousing, or regulated activities usually need a dedicated office or unit — confirm for your activity and visa count.

Are RAK DAO companies eligible for 0% corporate tax?

The UAE applies 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000 of taxable income. A Qualifying Free Zone Person can access 0% on qualifying income, but only if strict conditions are met, and it is not automatic. Only some zones are also VAT Designated Zones. Get tax advice for your structure.

Can I open a corporate bank account for my company in RAK DAO?

UAE banks assess each application on the shareholders, business model and documents — not only on the zone. Our banking-ease view for RAK DAO is “Specialist”. No zone or consultant can guarantee an account.

What documents are required to set up in RAK DAO?

Typically: colour passport copies of shareholders and directors, passport photos, proof of address, a completed application, and a business plan for some activities and zones. Corporate shareholders need attested incorporation documents. Regulated activities need approvals from the relevant authority.

Who is RAK DAO best for?

Web3 and blockchain start-ups; NFT and metaverse businesses; Digital-asset technology providers.

Get a written quote for RAK DAO

Tell us your activity and how many visas you need. We reply on WhatsApp or email, with government fees shown separately from our fee.

  • Free, no obligation
  • Honest advice — including when a cheaper zone fits better
  • Remote setup available for most zones

By submitting you agree to be contacted about your enquiry.

Figures are indicative and were last reviewed in July 2026 (published fees) / September 2026 (page content). They are set by the relevant authorities and change; they exclude professional-service fees, office rent beyond a bundled desk, and external approvals. This page is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice — confirm the live position with the free zone authority before paying.

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