1 Visa Package
1 residence visa · 1-year licence
AED 10,450
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- 1 visa eligibility
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
MAINLAND · RAS AL KHAIMAH
Maritime & Ship Services on Ras Al Khaimah Mainland
Ship chandling, bunkering support, crew services, marine supplies and vessel management
5–7 daysSetup time100%OwnershipUp to 3 visasVisas
- 5–7 daysSetup time
- MainlandLicence type
- Flexi | PhysicalOffice / facility
- Up to 3 visasVisa eligibility
- StandardApprovals needed
- From AED 8,250Renewal cost
About RAK
Why Ras Al Khaimah
Since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Ras Al Khaimah mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection founders used to have. As a rule, 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. To be clear, typical examples of this activity include ship chandling, crew change services, marine spares and vessel management, which can typically sit together on one Ras Al Khaimah licence. In our experience, fujairah's anchorage is one of the world's busiest bunkering ports and the natural home for ship-services companies. Port passes and Fujairah Port or DP World registration are required for on-board access.
From day one, government and semi-government tenders in Ras Al Khaimah require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges. 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 is a sensible home for maritime & ship services because ship chandling, bunkering support, crew services, marine supplies and vessel management is a well-understood activity there and the approvals are routine.
Packages & cost
Pricing — choose the right package for your business
As we tell every client, pricing for maritime & ship services on Ras Al Khaimah mainland depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. Importantly, use the table below to compare packages for maritime & ship services on Ras Al Khaimah mainland; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.
2 Visa Package
2 residence visas · 1-year licence
AED 14,850
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- 2 visa eligibilities
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
3 Visa Package
3 residence visas · 1-year licence
AED 18,700
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- 3 visa eligibilities
- Flexi-desk / office options
- GoldenKey PRO support
Additional visaAED 2,750
Annual renewalAED 8,250
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-27.
Business activities
Explore business activities in RAK
RAK licenses trading, service, professional and industrial activities. Search every activity we license across the UAE and see where it is available and what it costs.
Required documents
Documents required
Here is what you will need for maritime & ship services 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
- 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
- Passport photographs on a white background
- Port pass applications
- Attested parent-company paperwork for corporate shareholders
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
Our process
How Ras Al Khaimah works with GoldenKey
- 1
Activity 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. For maritime & ship services on Ras Al Khaimah mainland this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
- 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.
- 3
Office, MOA and submission
For most clients, after the MOA is signed and the office tenancy registered, GoldenKey lodges the full application with the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development (RAK DED). For maritime & ship services on Ras Al Khaimah mainland this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.
- 4
Licence, 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.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about RAK. Anything else — ask GK AI or message us.
View all FAQsWhat is the difference between Ras Al Khaimah mainland and a free zone?
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.
Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Ras Al Khaimah mainland company?
Crucially, 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?
For most clients, 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.
Is maritime & ship services allowed in Ras Al Khaimah?
Yes, it can. Maritime & Ship Services is an available activity in {ent}, and GoldenKey lists the exact sub-activities on your licence. Port authority registration; FTA for bunkering.
Can I combine maritime & ship services 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.
Get a free quote
Ready to start your business in RAK?
Importantly, message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for maritime & ship services on Ras Al Khaimah mainland, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.
Good to know
More about RAK
Why the UAE
As we tell every client, the UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for maritime & ship services on Ras Al Khaimah mainland. English is the working language of business, contracts are routinely drafted in English, and government portals are bilingual, which simplifies maritime & ship services on Ras Al Khaimah mainland for international founders.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with maritime & ship services on Ras Al Khaimah mainland, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. Our quotations for maritime & ship services on Ras Al Khaimah mainland list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything. Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for maritime & ship services on Ras Al Khaimah mainland happen the same day they are ready.
