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Ras Al Khaimah free zone · Marine, shipping & offshore services

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

RAK Maritime City is a free zone focused on marine, shipping, ship-repair and offshore services. It offers waterfront facilities, yards and offices for maritime operators in Ras Al Khaimah.

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LocationRas Al Khaimah (Al Jazeera / maritime waterfront)
OwnershipUp to 100% foreign
Setup time1–3 weeks
Visa quotaLinked to facility
Banking easeModerate
RenewalAnnual licence and lease renewals

RAK Maritime City 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There is no reliable public price list for this zone, so we do not publish a number.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 Maritime City licence

  • Marine and shipping-focused free zone
  • Waterfront and yard facilities
  • Suited to ship-repair, offshore and maritime services
  • Ras Al Khaimah cost base
  • 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation

Who is RAK Maritime City best for?

  • Ship-repair and marine services
  • Offshore and oil-and-gas support
  • Maritime trading and shipping agents

Typical permitted activities

  • Marine services
  • Ship repair and maintenance
  • Offshore support
  • Maritime trading

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

What to watch out for

  • Narrow sector focus
  • Public fee data is limited — get a written quote

How to set up a company in RAK Maritime City

  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 Maritime City compared with similar UAE free zones

RAK Maritime CityRAKEZFFZHFZA
EmirateRas Al KhaimahRas Al KhaimahFujairahSharjah
Best forMarine, shipping & offshore servicesMulti-sector, industrial & SMETrading, marine & industrialIndustrial, maritime & trading
Licence costQuote requiredFrom about AED 6,010 (zero-visa) · about AED 12,010 with one visaQuote requiredPackages advertised from about AED 8,800
Setup time1–3 weeks2–5 working days1–2 weeks1–2 weeks
Banking easeModerateModerateModerateModerate
Fee dataQuote requiredPublishedQuote requiredIndicative band

FAQs: RAK Maritime City company formation

Is RAK Maritime City only for shipping companies?

It targets marine and maritime activity, so eligibility depends on your business. Confirm with the authority.

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

There is no reliable public price list for RAK Maritime City, 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 Maritime City company setup take?

Typically 1–3 weeks 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 Maritime City?

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 Maritime City 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 Maritime City?

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 Maritime City 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 Maritime City?

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

What documents are required to set up in RAK Maritime City?

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 Maritime City best for?

Ship-repair and marine services; Offshore and oil-and-gas support; Maritime trading and shipping agents.

Get a written quote for RAK Maritime City

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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