RAK Innovation City · Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

RAK Innovation City Business Setup Made Simple

UAE's next-generation free zone built for tech, AI, blockchain, Web3 & digital entrepreneurs. 100% ownership · Zero tax · License in days.

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Foreign Ownership
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Personal Tax
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Activities
AED 0
Starting From
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Activities / License
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100% Foreign Ownership Zero Personal Income Tax AI & Blockchain Licensing DAO Legal Recognition Remote Setup Available 170+ Business Activities No Minimum Capital Multi-Visa Options 100% Foreign Ownership Zero Personal Income Tax AI & Blockchain Licensing DAO Legal Recognition Remote Setup Available 170+ Business Activities No Minimum Capital Multi-Visa Options
Why RAK Innovation City

The UAE's Most Future-Forward Free Zone

Formerly RAK DAO, rebranded in 2025 as RAK Innovation City — built exclusively for tech-driven, digital-first and innovation-led businesses in the UAE.

👑
100% Foreign Ownership
Retain complete control of your company without a local UAE sponsor. Full equity belongs to you — always.
🏛️
Zero Tax Environment
0% personal income tax and competitive corporate tax regulations. Maximize profits and reinvest in growth.
⛓️
Blockchain-Enabled Licensing
Digital-first infrastructure with AI-powered registration and blockchain-based licensing — unique in the UAE.
🤖
AI, Web3 & DAO Support
The only UAE free zone offering full legal recognition for DAOs — with AI, robotics, gaming, and healthtech sectors supported.
🌐
Remote-Friendly Structure
Start your company from anywhere in the world. No UAE visit required for most licensing steps.
💰
No Minimum Capital
No paid-up capital requirements — ideal for bootstrapped startups and lean entrepreneurs entering the UAE market.
📋
10 Activities Per License
Bundle up to 10 business activities under a single license — consultancy, IT, trading, and more, all in one.
🛂
UAE Residency Visas
Apply for UAE residency for investors and employees — with family sponsorship eligibility included.
🏙️
Strategic RAK Location
Located in Ras Al Khaimah — 45 mins from Dubai International Airport with world-class infrastructure and connectivity.
Supported Sectors

Industries We Licence & Support

RAK Innovation City is purpose-built for the next wave of digital and technology-driven businesses across 170+ activities.

🤖
Artificial Intelligence
AI platforms, automation tools, machine learning, and robotics development companies.
⛓️
Blockchain & Web3
Blockchain development, DeFi protocols, NFT platforms, and decentralised applications.
🎮
Gaming & Metaverse
Game studios, metaverse development, esports, play-to-earn and VR/AR platforms.
💻
Software & IT
SaaS platforms, software development, IT services, cloud solutions and tech consulting.
🏥
HealthTech
Digital health platforms, medtech startups, telehealth, and biotech innovation companies.
📱
Digital Media & Marketing
Content creation, digital marketing agencies, influencer platforms and media production.
🛒
E-Commerce
Online retail platforms, dropshipping, digital commerce, and marketplace operators.
🏛️
DAO Organisations
Decentralised Autonomous Organisations with full legal recognition — open bank accounts and sign contracts.
How It Works

Get Licensed in 5 Simple Steps

Our end-to-end support ensures your RAK Innovation City company is incorporated quickly, correctly, and compliantly.

STEP 01
🎯
Choose Activity
Select from 170+ innovation-driven activities — AI, blockchain, IT, gaming, consulting and more.
STEP 02
🏷️
Reserve Name
Pick and reserve your company name. We ensure full compliance with free zone naming guidelines.
STEP 03
📂
Submit Docs
Upload passport, photos, and application form via the digital portal — no UAE presence required.
STEP 04
Get Licensed
Receive initial approval digitally. Sign incorporation documents and get your official license.
STEP 05
🚀
Visa & Bank
Apply for UAE residency visas and open a corporate bank account — we handle it all.
License Types

Choose the Right License for You

RAK Innovation City offers targeted license categories designed for digital-first and technology-driven businesses.

💼
Professional License
Consulting · Services · Advisory
Ideal for consultants, coaches, legal advisors, freelancers, and service-based professionals operating digitally.
  • Business & Management Consulting
  • IT & Technology Consultancy
  • Marketing & Brand Strategy
  • Financial & Legal Advisory
  • HR & Recruitment Services
💻
Technology License
AI · Blockchain · Software · Web3
For companies building and deploying tech products, platforms, and next-generation infrastructure.
  • AI & Machine Learning Platforms
  • Blockchain & Smart Contracts
  • Software as a Service (SaaS)
  • Web3 & DeFi Development
  • Robotics & Automation Solutions
🛒
Commercial License
Trading · E-Commerce · Distribution
For trading activities covering physical goods, digital products, and online retail e-commerce platforms.
  • General Trading Activities
  • E-Commerce & Online Retail
  • Digital Products Distribution
  • Import & Export Operations
  • Dropshipping Businesses
Packages & Pricing

Transparent Plans, No Hidden Fees

All-inclusive packages starting from AED 6,600. Choose the plan that fits your business stage and ambitions.

Idea
AED 6,600
Per Year · 0 Visa · No Capital Required
  • Multiple Shareholders
  • Up to 10 Activities
  • Shared Desk Workspace
  • Refreshments Included
  • Event Space Access
  • Content Studio Access
Get Started
Seed
AED 13,200
Per Year · 1 Visa Included
  • 1 Shareholder
  • 1 Premium Activity
  • Shared Desk Workspace
  • 1 Investor Visa
  • Event Space Access
  • Content Studio Access
Get Started
Most Popular
Startup
AED 15,400
Per Year · Up to 4 Visas
  • Multiple Shareholders
  • Up to 10 Activities
  • Shared Desk Workspace
  • 1–4 Investor Visas
  • Unlimited Event Space
  • Unlimited Studio Access
Get Started
Growth
AED 22,550
Per Year · Up to 4 Visas
  • Multiple Shareholders
  • Up to 10 Activities
  • Dedicated Desk
  • 1–4 Investor Visas
  • Unlimited Event Space
  • Priority Bank Assist
Get Started
Required Documents

Minimal Paperwork, Maximum Speed

RAK Innovation City requires only a handful of documents to get your company registered — most steps are completed 100% digitally.

  • 🛂
    Passport Copy — All Pages (Colour Scan)
  • 📸
    Recent Passport-Size Photograph (White Background)
  • 📋
    Completed Application Form with Company Details
  • 📄
    Business Plan (For Tech / AI / Web3 Activities)
  • 🆔
    Emirates ID & Valid UAE Visa (UAE Residents Only)
  • 🏢
    Corporate Documents (For Branch / Corporate Applicants)
  • ✍️
    Board Resolution (For Corporate Shareholders)
🏙️

RAK
Innovation
City

Setup Time
Few Days
Fully digital process
Starts From
AED 6,600
Most affordable in UAE
Activities
170+
Innovation-driven sectors
Comparison

RAK Innovation City vs Other Free Zones

See why RAK Innovation City stands out as the UAE's most innovative and affordable free zone for digital businesses.

Feature RAK Innovation City Typical Dubai Free Zone Mainland UAE
Foreign Ownership 100% 100% 100% (since 2021)
Personal Income Tax 0% 0% 0%
Minimum Setup Cost AED 6,600 AED 12,900+ AED 15,000+
AI / Web3 / DAO Support ✓ Dedicated ✗ Limited ✗ Limited
Blockchain-Based Licensing ✓ Yes ✗ No ✗ No
No Minimum Capital ✓ Yes Varies Varies
Activities Per License Up to 10 1–3 Varies
Remote Setup ✓ Fully Remote Mostly Remote Physical Required
DAO Legal Recognition ✓ Full Recognition ✗ Not Supported ✗ Not Supported
UAE Residency Visas ✓ Yes ✓ Yes ✓ Yes
Client Success

Trusted by Innovators Worldwide

★★★★★
"
RAK Innovation City was the perfect launchpad for our AI startup. The blockchain-based licensing process was seamless and our company was fully registered in under a week from London!
J
James Hartley
CEO, NeuralPath AI · United Kingdom
★★★★★
"
As a Web3 developer, finding a free zone that truly understands blockchain and DAOs was a game-changer. RAK Innovation City gave our project full legal standing — incredible support.
S
Sana Yilmaz
Founder, ChainForge Labs · Turkey
★★★★★
"
The Idea package at AED 6,600 let us validate our startup without burning cash. Once we were ready to scale, upgrading to the Startup package was effortless. Best decision we made.
R
Rohan Mehta
CTO, PixelForge Gaming · India

Ready to Launch in RAK Innovation City?

Join hundreds of tech entrepreneurs and digital innovators who chose RAK Innovation City as their UAE base. Get your free expert consultation today.

📞 Book Free Consultation
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about setting up your business in RAK Innovation City Free Zone.

What is RAK Innovation City Free Zone?+
RAK Innovation City (formerly RAK DAO) is a UAE free zone located in Ras Al Khaimah, rebranded in September 2025. It is chaired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi and is purpose-built for technology, AI, blockchain, Web3, gaming, healthtech and digital-first businesses. It is the UAE's only free zone that offers full legal recognition for Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs) and blockchain-based company registration.
What are the key benefits of RAK Innovation City?+
Key benefits include: 100% foreign ownership, 0% personal income tax, competitive corporate tax regulations, no minimum paid-up capital, up to 10 activities per license, blockchain-enabled and AI-powered registration, full legal recognition for DAOs, remote company setup capability, UAE residency visa eligibility, and one of the most affordable setup costs in the UAE — starting from AED 6,600 per year.
What types of businesses can set up in RAK Innovation City?+
RAK Innovation City supports businesses in technology development, AI and machine learning, blockchain and Web3, software development, gaming and esports, healthtech, digital media, e-commerce, IT consulting, marketing agencies, educational technology (EdTech), and DAO organisations. It covers 170+ approved innovation-driven activities across three main license types: Professional, Technology, and Commercial.
How much does it cost to set up in RAK Innovation City?+
RAK Innovation City offers four main packages: (1) Idea — from AED 6,600/year with 0 visas and up to 10 activities; (2) Seed — from AED 13,200/year with 1 visa and 1 premium activity; (3) Startup — from AED 15,400/year with up to 4 visas and 10 activities; (4) Growth — from AED 22,550/year with a dedicated desk and up to 4 visas. All packages include shared or dedicated workspace, event space access, and content studio access.
Do I need to visit the UAE to set up my company?+
No — RAK Innovation City supports a fully remote company setup process. Document submission, initial approval, and license issuance can all be completed digitally without visiting the UAE. However, if you require a UAE residency visa, you will need to visit the UAE for biometric registration (fingerprinting) and Emirates ID application. Certain bank account opening procedures may also require a physical visit depending on the bank.
Is there a minimum capital requirement for RAK Innovation City?+
No — there is no minimum paid-up capital requirement for most RAK Innovation City licenses. This makes it particularly attractive for bootstrapped startups, solo founders, and small tech teams who want to establish a UAE presence without committing significant upfront capital. This is a major advantage compared to some other UAE free zones and mainland structures that require minimum share capital.
What is the difference between RAK Innovation City and RAK DAO?+
RAK Innovation City is the rebranded and expanded version of RAK DAO (RAK Digital Assets Oasis), announced by the Ras Al Khaimah Government in September 2025. The rebrand reflects a strategic expansion of the free zone's mandate beyond digital assets to include AI, robotics, gaming, healthtech, and broader innovation sectors. The same forward-thinking regulatory framework continues, with the same team and licensing infrastructure — just with a wider scope of supported industries.
How many business activities can I have under one license?+
RAK Innovation City allows up to 10 business activities under a single license across most packages (Idea, Startup, and Growth). The Seed package includes 1 premium activity. This is significantly more flexible than many other UAE free zones that limit you to 1–3 activities per license. The ability to bundle multiple activities — such as software development, IT consulting, and digital marketing — under one license reduces costs and administrative complexity.
Can I get UAE residency visas through RAK Innovation City?+
Yes — RAK Innovation City company owners and their employees can apply for UAE residency visas, subject to the visa allocation of their chosen package. The Seed, Startup, and Growth packages include 1 visa, with the option to add up to 4 visas in total. UAE residency visas allow holders to obtain an Emirates ID, open personal bank accounts, sponsor family members as dependents, and enjoy all benefits of UAE residency.
What is a DAO and how does RAK Innovation City support it?+
A Decentralised Autonomous Organisation (DAO) is an organisation governed by smart contracts and community voting rather than a central authority. In 2024, RAK Innovation City (then RAK DAO) introduced the world's first DAO Association framework, giving DAOs full legal recognition in the UAE. This means a DAO can sign legal contracts, hold assets, open UAE corporate bank accounts, and operate as a recognised legal entity — a first globally and a major advantage for Web3 projects.
Can I open a corporate bank account for my RAK Innovation City company?+
Yes — RAK Innovation City companies can open corporate bank accounts with UAE and international banks. The free zone's integrated banking setup and established relationships with banks simplify the process. Most UAE banks require the shareholder to visit the branch in person for account opening due to UAE Central Bank regulations, though some digital and online banking options may be available. We assist clients in preparing documentation and selecting the most appropriate banking partner.
Is RAK Innovation City suitable for freelancers and solo entrepreneurs?+
Yes — RAK Innovation City is one of the best options for freelancers and solo entrepreneurs in the UAE. The Idea package starting from AED 6,600/year offers a cost-effective way to establish a UAE company with a shared desk workspace and access to co-working facilities, an event space, and a content studio. Solo founders in IT, consulting, digital marketing, design, and creative industries find it particularly well-suited to their needs and budget.
Does RAK Innovation City allow multiple shareholders?+
Yes — RAK Innovation City supports both single-shareholder and multi-shareholder company structures. You can set up as a Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) with multiple shareholders, a Single-Member Company (equivalent to an LLC with one owner), or as a branch of an existing foreign company. The Seed package is designed for 1 shareholder, while Idea, Startup, and Growth packages accommodate multiple shareholders.
How does annual license renewal work in RAK Innovation City?+
RAK Innovation City licenses must be renewed annually before the expiry date. The renewal process is primarily digital and does not require the physical presence of company owners. Renewal costs are generally in line with the original package fees. After renewal, the updated license must be presented to your bank to extend the corporate bank account if required. Multi-year license packages may be available, offering potential savings and reduced administrative burden over time.
Why choose RAK Innovation City over a Dubai free zone?+
RAK Innovation City offers several advantages over typical Dubai free zones: (1) Significantly lower setup costs — starting from AED 6,600 vs AED 12,900+ in Dubai free zones; (2) Up to 10 activities per license vs 1–3 in most Dubai zones; (3) No minimum capital requirement; (4) Dedicated support for AI, blockchain, Web3 and DAO structures not found elsewhere; (5) Blockchain-based licensing infrastructure; (6) Fully remote setup capability; (7) Access to Ras Al Khaimah's growing innovation ecosystem with Dubai connectivity. It is the ideal choice for tech startups and digital businesses prioritising cost efficiency and innovation-focused regulation.
Get In Touch

Start Your Free Consultation

Our RAK Innovation City specialists are ready to guide you through every step — from choosing your activity to your bank account opening.