Starting a business in the UAE can give entrepreneurs access to regional and international markets, but choosing the right company formation package is an important first step. For entrepreneurs who want to establish a business and obtain UAE residency, RAKEZ company setup packages with visa options are worth exploring.
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) offers business setup solutions for startups, consultants, trading businesses, e-commerce companies and established organisations. Depending on the selected package, entrepreneurs may be able to combine company registration, a business licence, workspace access and residence visa processing.
The total cost and visa eligibility depend on the licence, business activity, facility, number of shareholders and immigration requirements. This guide explains RAKEZ company setup packages with visas, advertised prices, inclusions, application steps and important points to check before registering in 2026.
1. What Are RAKEZ Company Setup Packages with Visa?
RAKEZ company setup packages bring together services required to establish a business in Ras Al Khaimah. Depending on the package, these may include:
- Company registration and business licensing.
- Selection of approved business activities.
- Coworking or office facilities.
- Immigration-related company registration and processing.
- UAE residence visa application support.
- Medical examination and Emirates ID processing, where included.
- Access to additional business support services.
A package that includes a visa can be useful for entrepreneurs planning to relocate to the UAE and manage their business locally.
However, company formation and residence visa approval are separate stages. Purchasing a package does not guarantee visa approval, and the final visa arrangements remain subject to applicable immigration requirements.
2. RAKEZ Company Setup Packages and Prices in 2026
RAKEZ advertises different options for businesses with different budgets and operational needs. The following prices are indicative of published package information and should be reconfirmed before making a payment.
| Package or option | Advertised price | Visa information |
|---|---|---|
| Basic instant licence | AED 6,000 | No visa included |
| Lite instant licence | AED 12,000 | Published package information indicates one residence visa |
| All-inclusive SME business setup | AED 14,000 | Official promotional page advertises a package with a UAE residence visa |
| Additional visa under the SME offer | AED 4,000 each | Up to three additional visas, subject to package conditions |
Prices and inclusions are subject to change. The official RAKEZ pages may display different prices or package terms. Confirm the current quotation, visa allocation, renewal fee and exclusions directly with RAKEZ.
Basic instant licence
The Basic instant licence may suit entrepreneurs who want to establish a company but do not need a UAE residence visa through their package.
The published price is AED 6,000. This option is generally positioned as an entry-level licensing solution with coworking access, rather than a visa-inclusive setup.
It may be worth considering if you are testing a business idea or already have an appropriate UAE residence status.
Lite instant licence
The Lite option is advertised at AED 12,000 in published package information and includes one residence visa.
It may suit a founder who wants a business licence and a visa option without immediately requiring several employee visas.
Before choosing this package, verify the exact number of shareholders and activities allowed, the visa-related inclusions and any separate immigration charges.
All-inclusive SME business setup
RAKEZ’s SME promotional page advertises an all-inclusive package for AED 14,000. Its listed features include a UAE residence visa, coworking access, up to 10 activities, up to 50 shareholders and the option to add up to three visas for AED 4,000 each.
The page also advertises instalment payment options, including Tabby, and a package upgrade for additional support services.
Another RAKEZ page displays an all-inclusive price of AED 16,500 per year. For that reason, applicants should request a dated quotation that confirms the exact package and whether the visa, medical examination, Emirates ID and immigration-related fees are included.
3. What Is Included in a RAKEZ Visa Package?
The package inclusions depend on the selected offer. Before signing up, ask RAKEZ to identify which of the following items are covered.
Business licence and company registration
The licence authorises the company to conduct its approved business activities. The chosen activities must match the actual operations of the business.
UAE residence visa
A visa-inclusive package may provide an eligible shareholder or business owner with a route to apply for UAE residency.
The visa is subject to immigration approval, medical fitness requirements and the relevant application process.
Immigration processing
Depending on the package, immigration file arrangements and visa application support may be included. Confirm whether the package covers the complete process or only selected stages.
Medical examination and Emirates ID
These may be included in certain packages or charged separately. Ask for a breakdown of the medical examination, Emirates ID, entry permit, status change and visa issuance charges.
Coworking or office facilities
Some entry-level and SME packages include access to a coworking facility. Businesses requiring private offices, warehouses or industrial premises may need a different package.
Additional business services
RAKEZ advertises an optional upgrade for AED 2,500 on its SME promotional page, covering premium services such as VIP visa support, banking assistance and Corporate Tax registration and filing. Confirm the current availability, exact scope and conditions of these services before purchasing.
4. How Many Visas Can You Get with a RAKEZ Company?
The number of visas available depends on the package, facility, company arrangements and applicable immigration requirements.
For example, RAKEZ’s advertised SME offer includes one residence visa and allows customers to add up to three additional visas for AED 4,000 each, subject to its terms.
A company that intends to employ several people should check its visa allocation before selecting a workspace. A package’s advertised visa allowance does not necessarily mean every visa will be approved automatically.
If you plan to sponsor family members, remember that dependent visas are separate from the company’s own visa allocation. Eligibility depends on the relevant UAE residency and sponsorship rules. RAKEZ’s SME promotional page advertises a 20% discount on dependent visas, subject to its terms.
5. Which RAKEZ Package Is Best for Your Business?
The most suitable package depends on whether you need a visa, how many people will work in the business and what facilities your operations require.
For consultants and solo entrepreneurs
A basic licence or a package with one visa may be sufficient, depending on your residency plans and activity. Compare the total cost of licensing and residency rather than focusing on the licence price alone.
For e-commerce businesses
An e-commerce or suitable commercial licence may be appropriate, depending on the products or services sold. Check whether the selected package permits your planned activities and whether additional approvals are necessary.
For trading companies
Trading businesses should confirm the correct licence category, permitted product activities, customs requirements and any applicable external approvals. A low-cost service licence may not be appropriate for a trading operation.
For businesses hiring employees
Companies planning to sponsor several employees should compare the available visa allocation, facility requirements and additional visa costs. It is worth obtaining a quotation for the full planned headcount rather than starting with a package that may require an expensive upgrade.
For companies needing physical premises
Businesses requiring a private office, warehouse or industrial unit should request a package that includes the necessary facility. Workspace costs and visa eligibility can vary according to the selected arrangement.
6. How to Set Up a RAKEZ Company with a Visa
The general company formation process includes the following steps.
Step 1: Choose your business activity. Identify the services, products or operations the company will conduct.
Step 2: Select the licence and legal structure. Confirm the appropriate licence, entity type and any additional approvals.
Step 3: Choose a suitable package. Compare the visa allocation, workspace, shareholders, activities and renewal conditions.
Step 4: Submit the required documents. These typically include passport copies and application forms. Other documents may be required depending on the applicant and activity.
Step 5: Complete registration and payment. Follow RAKEZ’s application process and pay the fees specified in the approved quotation.
Step 6: Receive your company licence. Once the licensing formalities are complete, the company receives its registration and licensing documents.
Step 7: Begin the visa application process. Complete the required immigration procedures, medical examination and Emirates ID process, as applicable.
7. Additional Costs to Check Before You Choose a Package
An advertised package price may not cover every cost associated with operating a company in the UAE.
Ask for an itemised breakdown covering:
- Initial company registration and licence.
- Visa application and issuance.
- Immigration file or establishment-related charges, where applicable.
- Medical examination and Emirates ID.
- Change of status or entry permit, where applicable.
- Office or warehouse rental, if not included.
- External approvals and regulated activity fees.
- Corporate Tax and VAT compliance support, if required.
- Annual licence renewal and visa renewal costs.
Also confirm whether the advertised price applies only to the first year or whether the same renewal price is guaranteed. If your business requires several visas or a larger office, request the total cost for the entire planned arrangement.
8. Corporate Tax and Compliance Considerations
Setting up a company in RAKEZ does not automatically exempt it from UAE Corporate Tax or VAT obligations.
Companies should review whether Corporate Tax registration and return filing are required, maintain appropriate financial records and assess their tax treatment under the relevant rules.
A Qualifying Free Zone Person may benefit from a 0% Corporate Tax rate on qualifying income if it meets the applicable conditions. This does not mean all income of every RAKEZ company is automatically tax-free.
VAT registration may also be required depending on the company’s taxable supplies and imports. The standard UAE VAT rate is 5%, and the mandatory registration threshold generally applies at AED 375,000, subject to the applicable rules.
Before selecting a package, consider the ongoing cost of bookkeeping, financial reporting, tax compliance and licence renewal in addition to the initial formation expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does a RAKEZ company setup package with a visa cost?
RAKEZ advertises an all-inclusive SME setup package at AED 14,000, including a UAE residence visa. Published RAKEZ pages have also shown a price of AED 16,500, so confirm the current price and inclusions directly before applying.
2. Does the RAKEZ AED 6,000 package include a visa?
The Basic instant licence is advertised at AED 6,000 and does not include a residence visa. A separate package may be needed if you want to apply for residency through your company.
3. Can I add more visas to a RAKEZ SME package?
RAKEZ’s SME promotional page advertises up to three additional visas at AED 4,000 each. Availability, eligibility and the final cost are subject to the package terms and immigration requirements.
4. Does a RAKEZ company setup package guarantee UAE residency?
No. A package may include visa processing or an allocation, but residency remains subject to the relevant immigration requirements and approval.
5. Can I renew my RAKEZ company and visa together?
Licence and visa renewals involve separate requirements and expiry dates. Ask RAKEZ for a renewal schedule that covers the business licence, visa and any related services.
Conclusion
RAKEZ company setup packages with visa options can help entrepreneurs combine business licensing with a route to UAE residency. The advertised AED 14,000 SME offer may suit some founders, while other businesses may prefer a basic licence, a one-visa option or a package with additional facilities and visas.
The best choice depends on your business activity, immigration needs, workspace requirements and total first-year and renewal costs. Compare the full package inclusions and obtain a current written quotation from RAKEZ before making a decision.
