General Trading on Ras Al Khaimah Mainland
Import, export, re-export and wholesale of a broad range of goods under one licence
- 5–7 daysSetup time
- MainlandLicence type
- Flexi | PhysicalOffice / facility
- Visa supportVisa eligibility
- StandardApprovals needed
- On requestRenewal cost
Why Ras Al Khaimah
In practice, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Ras Al Khaimah mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. A mainland company in Ras Al Khaimah can hold a mainland office, hire staff under MOHRE contracts and register with the Chamber of Commerce for tenders. On the ground, external approvals for general trading are: no special approval for standard goods; customs code required to physically import. To be clear, typical examples of this activity include electronics, building materials, FMCG, furniture and spare parts, which can usually sit together on one Ras Al Khaimah licence.
Ras Al Khaimah mainland licences are granted by the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (RAK DED), which currently processes most standard files in around 4 working days (Monday to Friday). Ras Al Khaimah produces much of the Gulf's ceramics, cement and pharmaceuticals. Ras Al Khaimah 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.
Pricing — choose the right package for your business
In our experience, use the table below to compare packages for general trading on Ras Al Khaimah mainland; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation. Pricing for general trading on Ras Al Khaimah mainland depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated.
Message us with your activity and visa count — we reply shortly with prices in writing.
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Documents required
Here is what you will need for general trading on Ras Al Khaimah mainland; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
Scanned colour copies are enough to start. We check every item before anything is submitted.
For individuals
- 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
- Passport copies of all shareholders and the manager
- Attested parent-company documents for corporate shareholders
- Passport photographs on a white background
- The existing visa copy and NOC if a shareholder is on another UAE visaif applicable
For companies
- Certificate of incorporation (attested)
- Memorandum & articles of association
- Board resolution approving the UAE company
- Passport copies of shareholders & directors
- Company profile / business plan
How Ras Al Khaimah works with GoldenKey
- 1
Activity and legal form
We pick the precise activity codes from the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (RAK DED) list and settle on the legal form — normally a LLC, or a sole establishment for individual professionals.
- 2
Trade name and initial approval
GoldenKey reserves your trade name and obtains initial approval from the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (RAK DED), including any external approvals your activity needs. Your portal shows the status of this step for general trading on Ras Al Khaimah mainland in real time.
- 3
Office, MOA and submission
You sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file.
- 4
Licence, Chamber and immigration
With the licence in hand we register with the Chamber of Commerce and open the immigration and MOHRE files for your visas. This is also the point at which we answer any question specific to general trading on Ras Al Khaimah mainland.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about RAK. Anything else — ask GK AI or message us.
View all FAQsHow long does Ras Al Khaimah mainland company formation take?
With papers and a tenancy contract ready, the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (RAK DED) typically issues the licence within 4 business days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
What is the difference between Ras Al Khaimah mainland and a free zone?
In short, mainland companies can trade directly with any UAE customer and take government contracts; free zone companies have lower costs and customs benefits but trade with the mainland through distributors. GoldenKey compares both for your specific activity.
How much office space do I need for a Ras Al Khaimah mainland licence?
From day one, 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.
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.
Which licence type covers general trading?
Day to day, general Trading is classified as a commercial activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
Ready to start your business in RAK?
Day to day, book a call with GoldenKey and we will confirm your eligibility, your costs and your next steps for general trading on Ras Al Khaimah mainland in a single conversation.
More about RAK
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 on Ras Al Khaimah mainland for international founders. In practice, the UAE sits within an eight-hour flight of two-thirds of the world's population, which is why so many founders choose it as a base for general trading on Ras Al Khaimah mainland.
Why GoldenKey
Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for general trading on Ras Al Khaimah mainland happen the same day they are ready. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped company owners from more than 60 countries with general trading on Ras Al Khaimah mainland, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. Put simply, we will tell you plainly if Ras Al Khaimah is not the right choice for your plan and point you to a better option, even when that option costs less.
