WhatsApp quoteFor most clients, choosing Ras Al Khaimah mainland gives you a licence that landlords, government departments and large corporate customers recognise without a second thought. A Ras Al Khaimah mainland licence, released by the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (RAK DED), lets your company trade anywhere in the UAE, bid for government work and open as many branches as you need. Crucially, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Ras Al Khaimah mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have.
Why Ras Al Khaimah
The emirate's tourism sector is expanding rapidly around Al Marjan Island. Crucially, popular districts for a Ras Al Khaimah mainland office include Al Nakheel, Al Dhait, Al Hamra, Al Marjan Island and Al Qusaidat, each with different rent levels and customer footfall. In short, among the strengths of a Ras Al Khaimah mainland licence are low licence and rent costs and Strong industrial base, and for that reason local service businesses gravitate here.
How Ras Al Khaimah works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
GoldenKey maps your business to the right Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (RAK DED) activity codes and recommends the legal form that fits ownership and liability needs. We keep a written record of this step so your file for a foreign company branch in Ras Al Khaimah is audit-ready.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey files the name reservation and initial-approval request with the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (RAK DED) and obtains sector approvals where needed.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
To be clear, the memorandum of association is signed (online or before the notary), your tenancy is registered and the complete file is submitted to the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (RAK DED). Nothing is submitted for a foreign company branch in Ras Al Khaimah until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
Your Ras Al Khaimah mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin.
Documents required
Crucially, the document list for a foreign company branch in Ras Al Khaimah is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- Attested parent-company paperwork for corporate shareholders
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager
- The notarised memorandum of association, which GoldenKey drafts for you
- An attested degree for professional activities such as engineering or healthcare
- A tenancy contract for an office or shop registered with the emirate's system (Ejari in Dubai)
- External approvals where the activity requires them, for example from the health authority, RERA or the municipality
Pricing
Pricing for a foreign company branch in Ras Al Khaimah depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. On the ground, the figures below for a foreign company branch in Ras Al Khaimah are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one.
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
| Additional visa | AED 2,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | AED 7,500 |
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
There are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from a foreign company branch in Ras Al Khaimah can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely. For most clients, english is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies a foreign company branch in Ras Al Khaimah for international founders.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped business owners from more than 60 countries with a foreign company branch in Ras Al Khaimah, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. GoldenKey is a licensed business setup consultancy, not a reseller, which means your Ras Al Khaimah application is prepared, checked and submitted by our own team. In our experience, if a document is missing or an approval is delayed on your Ras Al Khaimah file, we tell you immediately and explain the fix, rather than letting the file sit.
On the ground, message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for a foreign company branch in Ras Al Khaimah, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
How much office space do I need for a Ras Al Khaimah mainland licence?
To be clear, the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (RAK DED) requires a registered tenancy for most licences. A small office or a desk in a business centre is enough for a few visas, and the visa quota increases with the floor area.
How long does Ras Al Khaimah mainland company formation take?
With documents and a tenancy contract ready, the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (RAK DED) as a rule issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Ras Al Khaimah mainland company?
As we tell every client, for most commercial and industrial activities, no. Since 2021 foreign nationals can own 100% of a Ras Al Khaimah mainland LLC. A short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation, and GoldenKey checks your activity before you commit.
Can I convert my free zone company to a Ras Al Khaimah mainland company?
You cannot convert directly, but you can open a mainland branch of your free zone company or set up a new mainland LLC and transfer the business. GoldenKey advises on the most tax-efficient route.
Can a Ras Al Khaimah mainland company trade in other emirates?
Yes. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
