DED: 6201001 Low Risk
Software Development & IT Services
Instant License / co-working eligible
Ras Al Khaimah Mainland (RAK DED)
Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (RAK DED / RAK Mainland) provides cost-effective corporate licensing for businesses entering RAK’s rapidly booming tourism and property market.
✓ 2–4 day license turnaround✓ 100% Foreign Ownership✓ Digital Bank 98% Approval
1. Key Mainland Specifications
- Licensing Department
- Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (RAK DED)
- Emirate
- RAS_AL_KHAIMAH
- Foreign Ownership
- 100% foreign ownership (no local sponsor needed)
- Commercial Tenancy System
- Municipal Attestation (mandatory for residence visas)
- License Timeline
- 2–4 working days
- Residence Visa Timeline
- 5–12 working days
- Corporate Tax
- 0% up to AED 375k net taxable profit; 9% on excess
- Physical Presence
- 100% remote company incorporation. 1-day UAE visit required only for Emirates ID biometrics.
2. Cost Breakdown & Tariffs
Official DED Fees| Cost Item | Purpose | Official Fee |
|---|---|---|
| DED Commercial License Fee | Trade name reservation, Initial Approval and official license voucher | 13,000 AED |
| Establishment Card (Immigration File) | Immigration file registration in ICP/GDRFA to open visa quotas | 1,900 AED |
| Residence Visa Quota & Stamping (2 yrs) | Entry permit, status adjustment, and 2-year residency visa sticker | ~3,500 AED / visa |
| VIP Medical & Emirates ID | Fast-track medical fitness test and biometrics for Emirates ID card | ~1,200 AED / person |
Turnkey Package Estimates:
License Only
13,000 AED
Pure mainland commercial license for remote trading or corporate branches
1 Investor Visa
19,600 AED
License + Est. Card + 1 Investor Visa + VIP Medical & Emirates ID
2 Residence Visas
24,300 AED
For 2 partners or founder + managing director
3. Corporate Banking Assessment
Digital Banking (Digital Bank) Top Priority
Tier 1: Fast remote digital approval
- • Timeline: opened in 3–7 working days
- • Multi-currency accounts (AED, USD, EUR, GBP) with zero minimum balance
- • Direct API integration with DED registry for rapid automated KYC
Traditional Tier-1 UAE Banks High Status
Emirates NBD, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), FAB, Mashreq
- • Opening timeline: 2–4 weeks
- • Dedicated relationship manager and trade finance / credit facilities
- • Typical average balance: 25,000–50,000 AED
4. Pros & Considerations
✓ Mainland Advantages
- • Cost-effective government licensing tariffs and renewal costs
- • Rapidly expanding tourism, hospitality, gaming, and real estate development boom
- • Direct local banking support with RAKBANK and UAE commercial banking networks
- • Simplified administrative procedures with fast-track licensing
! Important Nuances
- • Geographic distance from downtown Dubai (~1 hour drive)
- • Physical office or shop lease required for visa issuance
5. Registration Process
01
Trade Name & Initial Approval
1 dayTrade name reservation and initial pre-approval from the Department of Economic Development.
02
Commercial Lease Registration (Municipal Attestation)
1–2 daysSigning commercial lease agreement and registering via Municipal Attestation tenancy system.
03
Signing Memorandum of Association (MoA)
1 dayDigital or notary attestation of corporate Memorandum and payment of the final DED payment voucher.
04
Establishment Card & Residence Visas
5–7 daysOpening ICP immigration file, issuing Entry Permits, VIP medical fitness test, and Emirates ID card.
05
Corporate Bank Account Activation
3–7 daysRemote onboarding with Digital Bank in 3–7 days or personal banker interview at Tier-1 commercial bank.
6. Compatible Activities
Top business activities approved under Ras Al Khaimah Mainland (RAK DED)
DED: 7020005 Low Risk
Management Consultancy
Instant License / co-working eligible
DED: 4791001 Low Risk
E-Commerce & Online Retail
Instant License / co-working eligible
DED: 4690001 Medium Risk
General Trading
Instant License / co-working eligible
DED: 7311001 Low Risk
Marketing & Advertising Agency
Instant License / co-working eligible
DED: 6920001 Low Risk
Accounting & Bookkeeping
Instant License / co-working eligible
Frequently Asked Questions about Ras Al Khaimah Mainland (RAK DED)
What is the corporate bank account approval rate for companies in Ras Al Khaimah Mainland (RAK DED)? ▼
Entities formed in Ras Al Khaimah Mainland (RAK DED) maintain a high acceptance rating across UAE digital banks (such as Wio Bank and Mashreq NeoBiz), with accounts opening in 3–7 business days post Emirates ID. Traditional tier-1 banks typically take 1 weeks for onboarding.
Is a physical office mandatory for obtaining a license in Ras Al Khaimah Mainland (RAK DED)? ▼
Yes, Ras Al Khaimah Mainland (RAK DED) mandates a physical office lease with a registered tenancy contract (Ejari or freezone lease certificate).
How many residence visas can be issued in Ras Al Khaimah Mainland (RAK DED) and what are the costs? ▼
Standard tiers in Ras Al Khaimah Mainland (RAK DED) accommodate from 0 up to 10 residency visas. An investor or employee residence visa averages ~3,500 AED, Establishment Card issuance is 1,900 AED, and VIP medical plus Emirates ID biometrics is ~1,200 AED.
How long does company formation take in Ras Al Khaimah Mainland (RAK DED) and can it be done remotely? ▼
Corporate incorporation and digital license issuance take 2–4 business days and are conducted 100% remotely. A physical visit to the UAE is only required for the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics (5–12 business days).