WhatsApp quoteImportantly, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Ras Al Khaimah mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection company owners used to have. Ras Al Khaimah is the emirate of industry and tourism — low costs, strong manufacturing and a booming hospitality scene, and GoldenKey registers mainland companies there with the economic department week in, week out. GoldenKey has licensed holding company businesses for clients in Ras Al Khaimah and knows which sub-activities to list so you are not asked to amend the licence later. As a rule, typical examples of this activity include group holding, property holding, IP holding and family office, which can generally sit together on one Ras Al Khaimah licence.
Why Ras Al Khaimah
Businesses that benefit most from Ras Al Khaimah mainland licensing include manufacturing, tourism, hospitality, construction materials and agriculture, because they serve customers on site across the emirate. Ras Al Khaimah mainland licences are issued by the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (RAK DED), which currently processes most standard files in around 4 working days. For most clients, ras Al Khaimah is a sensible home for holding company because owning shares in subsidiaries, property and investments under one parent entity is a well-understood activity there and the approvals are routine.
How Ras Al Khaimah works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
From day one, 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. Your portal shows the status of this step for holding company on Ras Al Khaimah mainland in real time.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
Your trade name is reserved and initial approval secured from the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (RAK DED), together with any external approvals the activity requires.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
Put simply, you sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file. We keep a written record of this step so your file for holding company on Ras Al Khaimah mainland is audit-ready.
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
As we tell every client, the document list for holding company on Ras Al Khaimah mainland is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- Attested parent-company documents for corporate shareholders
- External approvals where the activity requires them, for example from the health authority, RERA or the municipality
- A tenancy contract for an office or shop registered with the emirate's system (Ejari in Dubai)
- Passport photographs on a white background
- An attested degree for professional activities such as engineering or healthcare
- The existing visa copy and NOC if a shareholder is on another UAE visa
Pricing
All prices for holding company on Ras Al Khaimah mainland are indicative, shown in AED and confirmed in writing before a single dirham changes hands. Use the table below to compare packages for holding company on Ras Al Khaimah mainland; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.
- 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
As a rule, english is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies holding company on Ras Al Khaimah mainland for international founders. Importantly, residence visas for owners and families come with the company, which makes holding company on Ras Al Khaimah mainland a route to relocation as well as a business decision.
Why GoldenKey
Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for holding company on Ras Al Khaimah mainland happen the same day they are ready. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with holding company on Ras Al Khaimah mainland, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. GoldenKey's consultants have handled holding company on Ras Al Khaimah mainland for traders, consultants, tech founders and family offices, which gives us a realistic view of what each authority approves quickly.
Message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for holding company on Ras Al Khaimah mainland, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
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) normally issues the licence within 4 working days. External approvals for regulated activities add time.
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.
How much office space do I need for a Ras Al Khaimah mainland licence?
In our experience, 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.
Which licence type covers holding company?
On the ground, holding Company is classified as a commercial activity, and GoldenKey selects the exact activity code so your licence matches what you actually do.
Is holding company allowed in Ras Al Khaimah?
On the ground, holding Company is not a natural fit for {ent} because holding structures are commonly set up in free zones or as offshore companies to consolidate ownership, simplify succession and benefit from the uae's 0% corporate tax on qualifying dividends and capital gains. {brand} will recommend the jurisdiction where it is licensed without restrictions and explain why.
