Business Setup

Free Zone Company Formation Steps in RAKEZ: A Complete Walkthrough

Published 26 Jul 2026 · 2 min read

RAKEZ's formation process, covered at a high level elsewhere in this series, follows a fairly standard free zone sequence worth walking through step by step for founders who have already decided RAKEZ is their chosen zone and want to know exactly what happens next.

Step by step

The typical sequence: submit an application specifying your chosen activity and package (flexi-desk, office, or warehouse/industrial unit), receive initial approval, pay the licence fee and sign the lease agreement for your chosen facility, receive your trade licence, then apply for your establishment card and any residence visas your package includes. Most of this can be handled remotely or with minimal in-person visits, a common feature of UAE free zone processes generally.

What happens after the licence

Once licensed, you can apply for a corporate bank account (a separate process from the RAKEZ registration itself, subject to the bank's own KYC requirements), and begin the visa process for yourself and any employees, which involves medical testing, Emirates ID application and visa stamping — this site's Emirates ID Renewal Calculator covers the ongoing renewal side of that once your ID is issued.

Costs and timeline

RAKEZ's costs and typical timeline are covered at a category level in this site's Business Setup Cost Calculator and Formation Timeline Estimator — this walkthrough is about the sequence of steps rather than the fees themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much of the RAKEZ process can be done remotely?

A substantial portion — application, document submission and initial approval can often be handled remotely, though final steps like establishment card collection and visa medical testing typically require an in-person visit to the UAE.

Do I need a UAE bank account before I can get my licence?

No — the trade licence is issued first; the corporate bank account is a separate subsequent step, subject to the bank's own KYC review, which can take additional time after your licence is in hand.

What is an establishment card, and why do I need it?

The establishment card is an official company registration document required for processing employee visas and other government transactions — you generally cannot apply for residence visas for yourself or staff without it.

Does this same sequence apply to other free zones?

The general sequence (application, approval, licence, establishment card, visas) is broadly similar across most UAE free zones, though specific requirements and document lists vary by zone — confirm the exact steps with your chosen zone directly.

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