WhatsApp quoteGoldenKey registers companies in both Ajman Free Zone and RAKEZ, so this comparison reflects real files rather than brochure claims. Choosing between Ajman Free Zone and RAKEZ comes down to cost, location, activity fit and how many visas you need, and this page compares all four side by side. If you are torn between Ajman Free Zone and RAKEZ, use the table and verdicts below, then message GoldenKey for a recommendation specific to your activity.
Ajman Free Zone vs RAKEZ at a glance
| Feature | Ajman Free Zone | RAKEZ |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction type | Free Zone | Free Zone |
| Licence from | AED 4,808 | AED 7,500 |
| Renewal fee | on request | AED 6,500 |
| Extra visa cost | on request | AED 2,500 |
| Foreign ownership | 100% | 100% |
| Trade with UAE mainland | Via distributor / dual licence | Via distributor / dual licence |
| Residence visas | Yes, per package | Yes, per package |
| Typical processing | 3 working days | 5 working days |
| Office options | Flexi-desk, Office Suite or Warehouse | Flexi-desk, Office Suite or Warehouse |
| Best known for | among the most affordable in the uae, no audited accounts required and 100% foreign ownership | competitive pricing, industrial land available and academic zone |
Our verdict
Choose Ajman Free Zone if
you value among the most affordable in the uae and no audited accounts required and your activity sits in trading and consultancy, where Ajman Free Zone has the stronger track record.
Choose RAKEZ if
you value competitive pricing and industrial land available and your activity sits in trading and industrial, where RAKEZ has the stronger track record.
About Ajman Free Zone
Ajman Free Zone is a free zone jurisdiction located at Located in Ajman emirate, 25 km from Dubai International Airport. Its strengths are among the most affordable in the uae, no audited accounts required, 100% foreign ownership and easy bank account opening, and the activities it is best known for include trading, consultancy, services and e-commerce. A standard file is processed in around 3 working days.
About RAKEZ
RAKEZ is a free zone jurisdiction located at Ras Al Khaimah emirate — 45 minutes from Dubai via Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. It is chosen for competitive pricing, industrial land available, academic zone and 100% foreign ownership, with popular activities including trading, industrial, consultancy and services. Processing typically takes 5 working days.
Why compare with GoldenKey
Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for choosing between Ajman Free Zone and RAKEZ happen the same day they are ready. To be clear, after your Ajman Free Zone and RAKEZ licence is issued, the same team handles renewals, visa additions, amendments and tax registrations, so you never have to explain your business twice. We will tell you plainly if Ajman Free Zone and RAKEZ is not the right choice for your plan and point you to a better option, even when that option costs less.
Start your Ajman Free Zone and RAKEZ journey with a free consultation: share a few details about your business and we will map out the fastest route to your licence.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Ajman Free Zone or RAKEZ?
Compare the live licence prices in the table above; the lower headline price is not always the lower total once office, visas and renewals are included. GoldenKey prepares a like-for-like total for your visa count.
Can I move from Ajman Free Zone to RAKEZ later?
Yes. You can open a second company or branch in RAKEZ and transfer the business, then close the Ajman Free Zone entity. We plan the sequence so visas and bank accounts are not interrupted.
Which is better for a bank account, Ajman Free Zone or RAKEZ?
Banks look at the business profile more than the jurisdiction, although Dubai-registered and mainland entities are reviewed slightly faster by some banks. GoldenKey prepares the file either way.
Do both Ajman Free Zone and RAKEZ allow 100% foreign ownership?
Ajman Free Zone does. RAKEZ does, with no local partner required.
