As a rule, setting up a company in RAKEZ gives you 100% ownership, a UAE trade licence and the option to sponsor residence visas for yourself and your family. Founders choose RAKEZ when they want a credible UAE address, fast licensing and packages that scale from a solo flexi-desk to a multi-visa office. For most clients, external approvals for general trading are: no special approval for standard goods; customs code required to physically import. General Trading in RAKEZ means import, export, re-export and wholesale of a broad range of goods under one licence, and it is licensed as a commercial activity.
Why RAKEZ
RAKEZ is located in Ras Al Khaimah emirate — 45 minutes from Dubai via Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, and the registrar's processing time for a standard file is around 5 working days (Monday to Friday). One of the reasons our advice is to choose RAKEZ is its competitive pricing, which matters more than most business owners realise once the business is running. RAKEZ is a sensible home for general trading because import, export, re-export and wholesale of a broad range of goods under one licence is a well-understood activity there and the approvals are routine.
How RAKEZ works with GoldenKey
Step 1Consultation and activity selection
In the first call we check that RAKEZ lists your activity, settle the licence type and match the visa package and office to what you actually need.
Step 2Name reservation and initial approval
GoldenKey reserves your trade name with the RAKEZ authority and obtains initial approval, usually within one to two working days. Expect clear updates from your GoldenKey consultant while this step runs for general trading in RAKEZ.
Step 3Document submission and payment
You sign the submission and memorandum, we file the attested paperwork with RAKEZ and the authority's licence fee is paid.
Step 4Licence issued and next steps
RAKEZ issues the licence, incorporation certificate and lease; from there we open the establishment card, process visas and arrange your bank introduction. For general trading in RAKEZ this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
Documents required
On the ground, the document list for general trading in RAKEZ is short, and most customers already have everything on it.
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- Your current residence visa and Emirates ID copy if you are a UAE resident
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
Pricing
The figures below for general trading in RAKEZ are updated by GoldenKey whenever the issuing authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Use the table below to compare packages for general trading in RAKEZ; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.
Pricing available on request — message us for a written quotation.
Why the UAE
English is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies general trading in RAKEZ for international founders. In practice, since 2021, most mainland activities have allowed 100% foreign ownership, and free zones have always offered it, so general trading in RAKEZ no longer requires a local partner.
Why GoldenKey
In short, after your RAKEZ licence is granted, the same team handles renewals, visa additions, amendments and tax registrations, so you never have to explain your business twice. We speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for general trading in RAKEZ. To be clear, our quotations for general trading in RAKEZ list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, ahead of payment anything.
Just as important, call or WhatsApp GoldenKey today and a case manager will walk you through general trading in RAKEZ step by step, with no obligation and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up in RAKEZ?
Most RAKEZ licences can be released remotely with scanned paperwork and a signed power of attorney. You will need to enter the UAE for the medical test and Emirates ID biometrics when your residence visa is processed.
How many visas can I get with a RAKEZ licence?
Visa quota is tied to the package and office you choose. RAKEZ packages typically start from a zero-visa option and scale to five or more visas with a physical office, and additional visas can be added later for the per-visa fee shown in our pricing.
Can I add more activities to my RAKEZ licence later?
It can. RAKEZ allows activity additions and changes through a licence amendment, which GoldenKey can process in a few working days for a small authority fee.
Is general trading allowed in RAKEZ?
Absolutely. General Trading is an available activity in {ent}, and {brand} lists the exact sub-activities on your licence. No special approval for standard goods; customs code required to physically import.
Can I combine general trading with other activities?
In most cases yes. Related activities can share one licence, while unrelated ones may need a general trading licence or a second licence.


