RAK RAK Freezone 100% Tax Free



Ras Al Khaimah

EEC A LOCATION OF CHOICE

With a favourable geographical location at the crossroad of trade between the East and West, the excellent infrastructure, strong government support towards the private sector, and not to mention its unmatched natural beauty, it is no surprise that the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has emerged as a destination of choice for investors and leisure travellers alike. Ideally positioned to service and access markets like the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and the CIS countries, Ras Al Khaimah has become a growth-driven emirate with an increased focus on manufacturing, services, real estate, construction and tourism.

EEC RAK ECONOMY

Ras Al Khaimah, the fourth-largest emirate in the UAE, today boasts of a rapidly growing economy, thanks to the ambitious process of economic diversification adopted by the government that primarily focuses industry, trade & commerce, tourism and real estate. While Ras Al Khaimah’s business-friendly policies have ensured a brisk increase in foreign direct investments, it has also helped the emirate steadily increase its global appeal as a superior choice destination for business and leisure.

The natural topography of Ras Al Khaimah which consists of 65 kilometers of sun-kissed sandy beaches, the Al Hajar Mountain range, the vast desert plains in the central region and the green belt in the southern region, have added to the success of Ras Al Khaimah as a destination of choice.

Ras Al Khaimah has been witnessing impressive economic growth in the past few years under the visionary leadership of H.H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, the Crown Prince & Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

In recent years, Ras Al Khaimah has witnessed an increase in GDP figures with growth in manufacturing, services, and tourism sectors, along with the increase in foreign trade and per capita income, rise in the standard of living, growth in education, development in world class housing and health-care facilities among other positive developments that point towards the all round socio–economic prosperity of Ras Al Khaimah. Ras Al Khaimah was recently rated the best investment destination by the FDI Magazine, Financial Times, London.

The RAK Government encourages development through private sector and believes that the role of the Government is primarily to create an optimum environment for enterprises, providing enabling infrastructures, utilities and services and making sure that the Government is an effective partner- supporting and empowering the private sector.

Ras Al Khaimah has negligible deposits of hydrocarbons unlike some of the other emirates or countries in the GCC. As a result has sought to diversify its economy over the course of the last decades by opening up to foreign investors and industries. The aim was to make the best use of the emirate’s strategic positioning by improving its infrastructure and creating the right incentives and liberal business environment to attract major industrial enterprises from around the world.

EEC MANUFACTURING

Although the drive to attract foreign companies has been a recent development, RAK has long been one of the industrial centres of the UAE. The industrial sector has been dominated by the three main industries of Cement, Ceramics and Pharmaceuticals. The sector has diversified in the recent years especially since the creation of free zones as well as partnerships between government and foreign investors.

EEC RAK INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES- Highlights

One of the largest producers of cement in the Gulf region. Al Hajar range of mountains contain high quality limestone deposits. One of the largest producers of medicines in the UAE (Julphar) One of the largest producers of ceramic tiles and sanitary ware in the world (RAK Ceramics) Region’s leading brand of mineral water (Masafi) Increased industrial activities with the creation of free zones and partnerships between government and foreign investors Thousands of small and medium scale industries in diversified sectors of manufacturing Emphasis on high-tech industries

Ras Al Khaimah has a natural advantage when it comes to the production of cement as the Al Hajar mountain range holds vast supplies of high quality limestone, which is a key raw material for cement manufacturing. The emirate is also rich in other raw materials such as clay, quartz and other minerals.

The pharmaceutical industry in RAK is about 30 years old and has been one of the key focus areas of government plans since several years. The industry in RAK is dominated by the Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries, known as Julphar. The company has grown into a pharmaceuticals giant by Middle East standards and now exports to over 80 countries. Julphar is the biggest pharmaceuticals manufacturer in the UAE.

What RAK lacks in oil is somewhat compensated for by its natural mineral water resources. RAK is the origin of Masafi mineral water brand, the region's leading mineral water brand, with its source lying in several rich underground springs in the mountainous city of Masafi. Masafi water, has developed into an international brand which exports bottled water and fruit juices to more than 20 countries.

RAK Ceramics is the single largest, state-of-the-art, ceramic tile manufacturer in the world with its 12 plants spread across the UAE, India, Bangladesh, Sudan, Iran and China, producing over one hundred million square meter of tiles and 3 million pieces of sanitary-ware annually, exporting to 135 countries. The UAE operation is the largest single location ceramic manufacturing facility in the world with more than 6,000 active models in the ceramic and porcelain tiles segment, and an exclusive range of more than 600 active models of sanitary ware to offer with a wide choice in designer bathroom sets, wash basins, bathtubs and related items. RAK Ceramics has diversified horizontally by forming several joint ventures including Kludi RAK LLC, RAK Porcelain LLC, Laticrete RAK LLC and many more in Ras Al Khaimah.

EEC INFRASTRUCTURE

The Government of Ras Al Khaimah’s constant endeavor to enhance infrastructure facilities across the emirate has been a major factor in attracting major foreign investments to Ras Al Khaimah. With a well-planned road network, an international airport, fully equipped seaports, and advanced communications network, Ras Al Khaimah is well-positioned for rapid socio-economic growth.

EEC RAK INFRASTRUCTURE- Highlights

RAK is well connected to most of the neighboring countries by air, sea and roads The emirate has an excellent road network making overland trans-shipment throughout the Middle East a realistic possibility Excellent telecom system RAK airport is one of the six international airports in the country Saqr port in RAK is one of the largest bulk handling ports in the region with container handling facilities

EEC LIFESTYLE

Residents of Ras Al Khaimah enjoy a standard of living that is comparable to any of the other emirates thanks to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, which is to transform the emirate into an ideal living and working environment.

Ras Al Khaimah is home to a diverse, multicultural blend of dynamic people who are making the most of the unique lifestyle that the emirate has to offer, including a variety of restaurants, leisure activities and sports. An aspect that stands out about Ras Al Khaimah is its tranquility and natural beauty, not to mention the fact that the crime rate in the emirate is negligible.

Healthcare and education facilities available in Ras Al Khaimah are of international standards, while the scope and facilities for leisure activities in Ras Al Khaimah are unparalled. Be it water skiing, scuba diving, desert safari, dune bashing, golf courses, shopping malls, water theme parks etc., Ras Al Khaimah has them all. For those interested in seeing historical sites, there are several museums, forts and palaces that depict the emirate’s rich culture and heritage.

RAK offers complete economic and personal freedom and is one of the safest places to do business. The conversion costs of manufacturing are one of the lowest globally, which makes it highly competitive for manufacturing and commercial activities.

EEC Advantages of RAK Company Formation

  1. A Dubai company is not perceived as an offshore company in an international tax haven. Dubai is a reputable, highly regulated, international trading jurisdiction. Dubai is positively ranked as the 30th least corrupt country in the 2009 Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International, a global measure of corruption amongst public officials and politicians. In addition, the UAE has also been ranked 23rd by the World Economic Forum in its Global Competitiveness Report 2009-2010.
  2. If properly-structured, Dubai company formation is the perfect way to legitimately book international profits without paying local corporation tax.
  3. Dubai has strong client confidentiality laws and refuses to exchange information with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
  4. International entrepreneurs can own 100% of a Dubai company if it is located in one of the UAE Free Zones. For further information, visit our Dubai Free Zones page.
  5. Through a Dubai Branch Company, international entrepreneurs can wholly own the entity and not be subject to an annual audit.
  6. To encourage Dubai company formation, the Dubai government offers investor incentives, including low cost energy and good communications infrastructure. For more information, visit our Incentives to set up a Company in Dubai page.
  7. Through a Dubai Offshore Company, it is possible to have a Dubai entity and business address, without the legal requirement to rent a physical office and employ staff.
  8. A wide range of licenses are available depending on the type of business to be carried out. Some entrepreneurs obtain a professional trade license, which permits an entrepreneur to submit invoices for services but not reselling products, making it ideal for consultants.
  9. The UAE is the world's 23rd most competitive economy, according to The Global Competitiveness Report 2009-2010. Therefore, international entrepreneurs enjoy a healthy, thriving business environment.
  10. To support Dubai company formation, Europe Emirates can open corporate bank accounts with internationally banks such as HSBC, Standard Chartered and Citibank without the client having to be physically present.
  11. Dubai company formation has no specific minimum capital requirements, after a decree was introduced to drop formal minimum capital requirements in the UAE. Companies face capital requirements dependent on factors such as the size, nature and goals of the business. In this way, small and medium enterprises benefit, as they may have been at a disadvantage when requiring a relatively high capital requirement.
  12. Following Dubai company formation, our clients obtain Dubai residence and employment visas.

RAK Corporate Structuring services include:

EEC Company formation and structuring in both onshore and offshore jurisdictions
EEC Branch registration of foreign corporations
EEC Company management and administration
EEC Provision of professional directors and nominee shareholders
EEC Provision of company secretaries and managers
EEC Provision of registered and representative offices
EEC Trusts and foundations establishment
EEC Accounting Establishment and maintenance of statutory records
EEC Preparation and filing of annual returns
EEC Translations, Assistance in the day-to-day management of the company
EEC Assistance with the set up of local structures
EEC Effective market entry plans
EEC Furnished day-offices and meeting rooms
EEC Mail addresses in all the major cities
EEC Mail forwarding
EEC Dedicated local phone and fax numbers
EEC Virtual office services
EEC Business support
EEC Residential
EEC IBC Formation
EEC Multi Jurisdictional Tax structures
EEC Free zone Companies
EEC Bank Accounts
EEC Bank Accounts for non UAE Companies
EEC Tourist Visa
EEC Visit Visas
EEC Residency Visas & Work Permits
EEC Skilled Visas
EEC Unskilled Visas
EEC Family Visas
EEC Property Purchasing Service via our preferred partners
EEC Property Rental Service via our preferred partners
EEC Immigration advice
EEC Local support

EEC Nominees & Trust Services in RAK

You may need this service if your company's shareholders do not wish to disclose your identity, or your company does not wish to disclose its ownership of other companies for commercial reasons. A nominee shareholder will execute a declaration of trust in favour of the true owner of the shares, agreeing to exercise all voting rights and deal with the shares only in accordance with the instructions of the true ('beneficial') owner. The name of the nominee shareholder then appears on all public records relating to the shareholding.

The reasoning behind nominee services is to protect the identity of the client, ensuing discretion and anonymity. The motive of using nominee services is so that the nominee person(s) appears in the corporate documents other than the beneficial owner of the Company. However nominees have no control over the company and are not entitled to manage. A nominee is a person who takes a superficial interest in the Company's business and is basically there to sign documents accepting appointments.

Europe Emirates Consultancy provides nominee director, nominee shareholder and nominee company secretary services.

Why Use Nominees?

In many countries it is a requirement of company law that the names and addresses of the company secretary, directors and shareholders are shown on public record. This means that if you are a company secretary, director or shareholder of a limited company your name and address and association with the company is available to any person or organisation that carries out a company search.

There are many legal and legitimate reasons why a person would not wish your association with a particular company to be public knowledge.

The only way to achieve this is to appoint a nominee to act upon your behalf.

How our Nominee Service Works

We offer three types of nominee, Nominee Director, Nominee Shareholder and Nominee Company Secretary. These services all differ slightly, but in each case the nominees name is filed with the Companies Registry so that any person carrying out a company search would see the nominees name and not our clients.

Nominee Director

Our nominee director service works in the following way. We appoint a person or corporation as director. Any person or organisation carrying out a company search will see the nominee appearing on the company records. They will not see the name of our client.

To enable our client to operate the company, as if they were director we provide them with a POA, which is a legal document empowering them to manage the company's activities. We also provide the client with a nominee director agreement which defines the limitations of our role as nominee. Both the power of attorney and nominee director agreement are confidential documents designed to ensure our clients privacy.

Nominee Shareholder

Our nominee shareholder service works in the following way. Our nominee company will hold the shares in trust on behalf of our client. Any person or organisation carrying out a company search would see the nominees name appearing on the company's file as shareholder.

We provide our client with a declaration of trust which is a legal document confirming that we hold the shares in trust on behalf of the beneficial owner, and that should the owner at any time wish to take the shares back they may do so. An original Share Transfer Form signed by us, but undated, will be issued to you, so that you can have the security of being able to transfer the shares at any time.

Nominee Company Secretary

Our nominee company secretary service works in the following way. We appoint a corporation as company secretary. Any person or organisation carrying out a company search will see the corporation appearing on the company records. They will not see the name of our client. We provide the client a nominee company secretary agreement which defines the limitations of our role as nominee.

EEC Commercial Property IN RAK

When it comes to commercial property, location is of paramount importance.

We can assist you in subsidised offices

We can assist you in subsidised warehousing

We can assist you in subsidised housing

Your partner in commercial real estate, Europe Emirates helps you take advantage of the tax-free thriving business potential through its extensive database of office retail and residential property in RAK.

We are specialists in

EEC Virtual Offices
EEC Serviced Offices
EEC Rental Offices
EEC Purchased Offices
EEC Warehousing

Contact us for your commercial property requirements

EEC Directors Executive Villas
EEC Directors Executive Apartments
EEC Directors Executive Studio Apartments
EEC Directors Executive Residences
EEC Manage Executive Apartments
EEC Managment Executive Studios
EEC Labour Accommodation
EEC Unskilled Labour Accommodation

Contact us for your residential property requirements

EEC Company Types & Licenses

We offer our clients a complete range of professional services through Company Incorporation Division including company formation and maintenance, management consultancy, corporate finance, company liquidation and financial planning and control. Extensive experience of local business, good working knowledge about the rules and regulations of UAE and a high level of personal involvement are our main strengths. We will provide our assistance in the formation of Limited Liability Company, Free Zone Enterprises, branch of foreign companies, off shore Companies etc.

Our service compiles of the following assistance.

EECComplete documentation to obtain the license
EECVisiting various sites for the requirements of the clients (on the request of the client)
EECLocating the space as per the clients requirements
EECAssistance to make business plan
EECArranging meeting with bank officials
EECCoordinating between the investor and the Government authorities
EECArranging accommodation for the investor if needed (accommodation charges to be paid by the client)
EECCompleting all formalities if needed, without the client having to make a trip for the same.

In order to operate in free zone or non free zone, the applicant must have a valid license from and hold a valid Lease for operational premises.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FREE ZONE & NON-FREE ZONE

Key Differentiators Free Zone Non-Free Zone
Foreign Ownership 100% Foreign Ownership 51% Local partner required
Income & Corporate Tax 100% Tax Free 100% Tax Free
Business Horizon Meant for export only. However, entities in free zones can also sell products within UAE through local distributor or agent licensed in UAE. But for such sales normal customs duty is levied Free to do business within UAE
Capital & Profit Repatriation 100% Allowed 100% Allowed
Hiring of Expatriates No restrictions UAE labour laws will apply

The type of license(s) depends on the type of activities.

TYPES OF LICENSES

License Type Activities Covered
Industrial License Manufacturing, processing, assembling, packaging etc.
Trading License Import, export, distribution, warehousing, trading (maximum 5 activities from similar product lines or 3 different activities from 2 different product lines).
General Trading All kinds of trading, import, export, warehousing and distribution of goods
Commercial License Activities covering contracting, repairing, maintenance, renting, shops, restaurants etc.
Consulting / Services License Any type of management, business, industrial consultancy or professional services including real estate consulting.
Media License All kinds of media and communication services.

Clients whose activities fall under different categories will be issued separate Licenses for each category of activity (e.g. a licensee who is carrying out both trading and manufacturing will be issued two Licenses one for the trading activity and the other one for manufacturing. Whenever possible, a separate Lease will be drawn for each activity.

TYPES OF ENTITIES REGISTERED
Both Free Zone & Non Free Zone Companies

Entity Type Explanation
Establishment (FZ/IZ) This can be formed only by one shareholder, either an individual (a person) or a non-individual (a company).
Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC/LLC) This type of company can be formed by a minimum of two or more partners. The partners can be individuals (people), non-individuals (companies) or a combination of individuals and companies.
Foreign or Local Branch Under this category licenses are issued to companies holding a valid license from any licensing authority either in UAE or outside UAE.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION OF FREE ZONE COMPANIES

Single Owner (Establishment) Two or More Partners (Limited Liability Company) Branch (Foreign/ Local)
Application Form Application Form Application Form
Business Plan (For industrial licenses) Business Plan (For industrial and trading licenses) Business Plan (For industrial licenses)
Professional & Experience Certificate (For professional /Consultancy/ Services licenses) Professional & Experience Certificate (For professional /Consultancy/ Services licenses) Passport Copy of Owner/Manager
Passport Copy of Owner/Manager Passport Copy of Owner/Manager Bank statement of the last 3 months(Original)
   Certificate of incorporation *(Attested & Notarized)
   Memorandum of Association & Articles of Association *(Attested & Notarized)
   Board resolution to Set Up Branch *(Attested & Notarized)
   Power of Attorney Appointing Representative *(Attested & Notarized)

The documents from outside UAE are required to be attested or legalized by UAE or GCC or Arab embassies in the country from which the documents originates Additional documents may be submitted if required

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION OF NON-FREE ZONE COMPANY

Single Owner (Establishment) Two or More Partners (Limited Liability Company) Branch (Foreign/ Local)
Application Form Application Form Application Form
Business Plan (For industrial licenses) Business Plan (For industrial licenses) Business Plan (For industrial licenses)
Professional & Experience Certificate (For professional /Consultancy/ Services licenses) Professional & Experience Certificate (For professional /Consultancy/ Services licenses) Passport Copy of Owner/Manager or Copy of the Book of Nationality (for UAE National only)
Passport Copy of Owner/Manager or Copy of the Book of Nationality (for UAE National only) Passport Copy of Owner/Manager or Copy of the Book of Nationality (for UAE National only) Bank statement of the last 3 months(Original)
   Certificate of incorporation * ( (Attested & Notarized)
   Memorandum of Association & Articles of Association *(Attested & Notarized)
   Board resolution to Set Up Branch * (Attested & Notarized)
   Power of Attorney Appointing Representative *(Attested & Notarized)

(The documents from outside UAE are required to be attested or legalized by UAE or GCC or Arab embassies in the country from which the documents originates Additional documents may be submitted if required

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