Raz Al Khaimah Free Zone or RAKEZ is one of the most profitable and competitive free zones in the United Arab Emirates. Among the largest economic zones in the country, it is known for supporting small businesses, SMEs, foreign investors, and entrepreneurs.
If you are setting up a company in RAKEZ, or joining a company here as an employee, you will require a visa. This guide walks you through the process of acquiring it successfully without facing any challenges or complications.
Why Choose Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone Visa in UAE
RAKEZ is home to more than 30,000 companies belonging to a diverse range of sectors. It is one of the biggest economic zones of the UAE and supports many entrepreneurs, local businessmen, and foreign investors. RAKEZ is especially dedicated to developing state-of-the-art facilities and regulations to profit all the stakeholders in the markets. Here are the major benefits of setting up or joining a company in the free zone of Ras Al Khaimah:
- Customised Solutions: You get tailor-made packages to suit your business needs.
- Superior Efficiency: Fast and seamless company formation process.
- Diverse Business Options: Wide range of industries and activities to choose from.
- Cost-Effective Setup: Affordable business setup packages with premium solutions.
- Expert Support: Guidance from seasoned professionals for a hassle-free experience.
If you are interested in establishing a company in RAKEZ or you have received an offer letter from a company registered in there, you will have to acquire a visa from the Free Zone Authority.
Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone Visa Types
| Visa Type | Who It’s For | Validity & Conditions | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investor Visa | Business owners, company shareholders | Up to 3 years; invalid if absent for 6+ consecutive months | AED 75,000 minimum to sponsor family |
| Employment Visa | Company managers, employees, staff | Up to 3 years; invalid if absent for 6+ consecutive months | Employer sponsorship; approval from UAE Ministry of Labour (except free zone firms) |
| Family Visa | Spouse, children, parents of investor/employment visa holders | Up to 3 years, linked to the sponsor’s visa; invalid if absent for 6+ months | Sponsor must earn at least AED 3,000 – 4,000 monthly with accommodation |
| Visit Visa | Business partners, relatives, clients | 30 to 90 days (Number of entries and extension depends on package type) | Dependent on nationality and visa type; may require local sponsorship |
RAKEZ Freezone Visa Process for Employees
Here is the process you have to follow if you have received an offer letter from a company in the Ras Al-Khaimah Free Zone or if you need a visa based on your position as an employee:
Eligibility Criteria
- A valid job offer from a company registered with RAKEZ.
- Age requirement: Between 18 to 65 years old.
Step 1: Entry Permit
You can apply online through the RAKEZ E-Portal. What You Need:
- Passport (it should be valid for at least 6 months)
- Passport-sized pictures (white background)
- Job offer/appointment letter
- Attested qualification certificate (must match job role & company activity)
- If applying as a driver, a UAE driving license & vehicle registration card is required instead.
- If you are from Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, or Pakistan, provide a national ID card from your home country.
Process Time: 3 business days
Cost: AED 3,800 (extra charges for in-country applicants)
Step 2: Activate Your Visa & Get Medical Check-Up
- Once your entry permit is approved, enter the UAE or change your visa status.
- Book and complete a medical fitness test at a UAE government hospital.
Step 3: Apply for Emirates ID & Residence Visa
Documents Required:
- A copy of your RAKEZ visa (with entry stamp or change status stamp)
- Medical test report from a UAE government hospital
- Health insurance policy (must be from an immigration-approved provider)
Processing Time: 5 business days
Step 4: Complete Biometric Registration
Visit a RAKEZ-approved medical fitness center for fingerprint & biometric scanning.
Step 5: Process Completion
Once all steps are completed, you’ll receive your Emirates ID and residency visa, allowing you to legally live and work in the UAE.
Total Time of Processing: Approximately 8 business days
RAK Free Zone Visa Rules for Investors
Here is the process you have to follow if you are a stakeholder or investor in a company registered with the Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone:
Eligibility Criteria
The applicant for an investor visa has to be a shareholder in a company that is registered with RAKEZ.
Step 1: Apply for an Entry Permit
You can apply online through the RAKEZ E-Portal. What You Need:
- A copy of Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Passport-sized Pictures (color, white background)
- In case, the applicant is from Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, or Pakistan, a copy of the home country’s national ID card is required.
Time of Processing: 3 business days
Step 2: Activate Your Visa & Get Medical Check-Up
- After receiving the entry permit, enter the UAE or change visa status.
- Complete a medical fitness test at a UAE government hospital.
Step 3: Application for Emirates ID and UAE Residence Visa
Once done with the previous steps, go on to apply for the Emirates ID and residence Visa in UAE.
Required Documents:
- A copy of RAKEZ visa (with entry stamp or change status stamp)
- A medical fitness report from a UAE government hospital
- Health insurance policy (must be from an immigration-approved provider)
Processing Time: 5 business days
Step 4: Complete Biometric Registration
Visit a medical fitness center that is approved by RAKEZ for fingerprint and biometric scanning.
Step 5: Process Completion
After you have successfully completed all the previous steps, you will receive your Emirates ID and visa.
Total Processing Time: 8 business days
RAK Freezone Visa Cancellation & Renewal Guide
| Visa Type | Criteria | Fees | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee Visa Renewal | – Applicant must be inside the UAE. – Visa must be valid for less than 6 months. – Age: 18-65 years. – Health insurance required. | AED 3,500 | 5 Business Days |
| Investor Visa Renewal | – Applicant must be inside the UAE. – Visa must be valid for less than 6 months. | AED 3,535 | 5 Business Days |
| Employee Visa Cancellation | – Applicant can be inside or outside the UAE. | Inside UAE: AED 385 Outside UAE: AED 770 | 4 Business Days |
| Investor Visa Cancellation | – Company trade license must be valid for at least 30 days. | Inside UAE: AED 685 Outside UAE: AED 1,070 | 4 Business Days |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the role of the zone authority in issuing a visa?
The zone authority oversees and regulates the process, ensuring compliance with government policies while facilitating a smooth visa application experience for businesses and individuals.
2. How long does the visa application process take?
The entire application process typically takes between 5 to 8 business days, depending on the type of visa and whether urgent or express services are used.
3. Can I operate a business in Dubai with a permit from another emirate?
No, you need a valid business license specific to the jurisdiction where you plan to operate, whether in Dubai or any other emirate.
4. What makes Umm Al Quwain an attractive location for setting up a company?
Umm Al Quwain offers cost-effective solutions, strategic location advantages, and simplified registration processes for entrepreneurs looking for an alternative to larger cities.
5. Can I apply for a freelance visa under this program?
Yes, independent professionals can apply for a freelance visa, which allows them to legally offer services within a regulated framework.
6. What are the benefits of obtaining a Freezone visa in the UAE?
A Freezone visa in the UAE provides tax exemptions, full foreign ownership, and access to world-class business facilities, making it an attractive option for investors.
7. How does a Dubai free zone compare to a mainland setup?
A Dubai free zone offers benefits such as 100% ownership, no customs duties, and streamlined regulations, whereas a mainland setup allows direct trade within the local UAE market.
8. Can a company in a UAE freezone hire employees from abroad?
Yes, a company established in a UAE freezone can sponsor foreign employees, subject to visa and regulatory approvals.
9. Is it mandatory to have a physical office for a free zone company?
In most cases, a free zone company requires a physical or virtual office within the jurisdiction, depending on the business activity and regulatory requirements.
10. Are there any restrictions on operating outside a free trade zone?
Businesses registered in a free trade zone are generally restricted from conducting direct trade in the local UAE market without additional approvals or a mainland license.
