RAKEZ for South Asian Trading Firms: Low-Cost Entry 2026

Evaluating RAKEZ for South Asian Trading Firms reveals the UAE's most cost-efficient gateway for cross-border commerce in 2026. With commercial licenses starting from AED 11,500* [VERIFY CURRENT EASY SETUP PROMO PRICE], 100% foreign ownership, and zero personal income tax, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone delivers massive capital advantages over Dubai jurisdictions. South Asian commodity, textile, FMCG, and electronics traders secure Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying foreign trade, Saqr Port maritime access, and bonded highway transit to Dubai wholesale markets.

Quick Decision Matrix: RAKEZ vs. Dubai for South Asian Trading Firms

Planning your UAE trading expansion from Mumbai, Karachi, Lahore, Dhaka, or Colombo? Match your operational profile against UAE regulatory benchmarks:

RAKEZ Free Zone (Ras Al Khaimah): Best for wholesale import-export, bulk commodities, warehousing, and cost-conscious startups. Features warehouse rents 50% below Dubai averages and 0% Corporate Tax under QFZP rules.

Dubai Free Zones (DMCC / JAFZA): Best for precious commodities, high-volume re-export requiring immediate port adjacency, and luxury brand headquarters at higher overheads.

Mainland Dubai (DET): Best for direct onshore retail stores, local consumer distribution across the seven emirates, and direct government procurement. Requires an Ejari commercial lease.

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Why South Asian Trading Firms Choose RAKEZ for UAE Expansion in 2026

South Asian merchant communities have anchored Arabian Gulf trade for decades. In 2026, shifting domestic economics across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have accelerated the migration of trading capital into the UAE.

Founders face persistent operational headwinds in their home markets:

Currency depreciation across the Pakistani Rupee (PKR), Indian Rupee (INR), and Bangladeshi Taka (BDT).
Import letter of credit (LC) restrictions, foreign exchange quotas, and high domestic corporate taxes (25% to 35%).
Regulatory compliance friction that slows regional inventory procurement.

The UAE provides an immediate commercial counterweight. Anchored by the UAE Dirham’s strict peg to the US Dollar (USD 1 = AED 3.6725) and expanding bilateral agreements like the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the Emirates offer an unrivaled re-export springboard.

                  South Asia to Global Trade Corridor
                  
  [South Asian Hubs]                         [RAKEZ Trading Entity]
 (Mumbai, Karachi, Dhaka)                       (Ras Al Khaimah)
           │                                           │
  • Currency Volatility                       • Hard Currency (USD/AED)
  • High Corporate Tax (25-35%)               • 0% QFZP Tax on Qual. Trade
  • Foreign Exchange Quotas                   • Unrestricted Capital Mobility
           │                                           │
           └──────────► Maritime & Air Logistics ◄─────┘
                        (Saqr Port / Dubai Transit)
                                    │
                                    ▼
                      [Target Export Markets]
                   (GCC, East Africa, Central Asia)

For budget-conscious founders seeking low cost business setup UAE solutions, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) delivers unique operating advantages:

Dramatic Overhead Reduction: Licensing, municipal charges, and visa allocations in RAKEZ cost 40% to 60% less than equivalent setups in central Dubai free zones.
Substantial Industrial Storage: RAKEZ provides standard light industrial units and warehouses at AED 250 to AED 350 per square meter, compared to AED 600 to AED 1,200 per square meter in Dubai industrial corridors.
Strategic Highway Connectivity: RAKEZ connects directly to Dubai's historic trading centers (Deira, Al Ras, Murshid Bazaar) in under 75 minutes via Emirates Road (E611) and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311).
Complete Legal Independence: Under Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies, South Asian investors retain 100% foreign ownership without requiring a local Emirati sponsor or service agent.

UAE Corporate Tax, QFZP Status, and Small Business Relief in 2026

Operating a UAE trading company requires total compliance with Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses, administered by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA).

                  ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────┐
                  │    UAE Corporate Tax Framework for Traders   │
                  └──────────────────────┬───────────────────────┘
                                         │
                 ┌───────────────────────┴───────────────────────┐
                 ▼                                               ▼
       ┌──────────────────┐                            ┌──────────────────┐
       │ Mainland Trading │                            │ Free Zone (RAKEZ)│
       └─────────┬────────┘                            └─────────┬────────┘
                 │                                               │
       ┌─────────┴─────────┐                           ┌─────────┴─────────┐
       ▼                   ▼                           ▼                   ▼
   ┌───────┐           ┌───────┐                   ┌───────┐           ┌───────┐
   │0% Tax │           │9% Tax │                   │0% Tax │           │9% Tax │
   │Up to  │           │Above  │                   │(QFZP  │           │Non-   │
   │AED    │           │AED    │                   │Status)│           │Qual.  │
   │375,000│           │375,000│                   └───────┘           │Income │
   └───────┘           └───────┘                                       └───────┘

Statutory Corporate Tax Rates

The UAE applies two statutory tax brackets for commercial enterprises:

0% Rate: Applied on annual taxable net profits up to AED 375,000.
9% Rate: Applied on taxable net profits exceeding AED 375,000.
0% Personal Income Tax: The UAE imposes no personal taxes on shareholder dividends, executive salaries, or capital gains.

Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) 0% Tax Treatment

South Asian trading firms established in RAKEZ can achieve a 0% Corporate Tax rate on Qualifying Income by securing Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status.

Under Cabinet Decision No. 55 of 2023 and Ministerial Decision No. 139 of 2023, your RAKEZ trading entity must fulfill five statutory conditions:

Derive Qualifying Income from Approved Activities: Conducting international physical commodity trading, import-export arbitrage, or wholesaling physical goods with foreign businesses or other Free Zone entities qualifies for 0% tax.
Maintain Adequate Economic Substance: The enterprise must employ adequate qualified full-time personnel and incur sufficient operating expenditures within the RAKEZ Free Zone.
Observe the De Minimis Limitation: Non-qualifying revenue (such as direct sales to UAE mainland consumers without a mainland distributor) must not exceed the lower of 5% of total revenue or AED 5,000,000.
Prepare Audited Financial Statements: The company must retain statutory audit reports prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
Comply with Arm’s-Length Transfer Pricing: Transactions with cross-border related parties (e.g., sister firms in India or Pakistan) must follow OECD transfer pricing guidelines.

[!WARNING] Small Business Relief Sunset Notice: Small Business Relief (SBR) under Ministerial Decision No. 73 of 2023 allows resident taxable entities with gross annual revenues up to AED 3,000,000 to elect for zero taxable profit treatment. This relief officially sunsets on December 31, 2026. Trading firms projecting long-term growth must structure operations under standard 9% rules or full QFZP compliance for fiscal year 2027 and beyond.

For multinational enterprise (MNE) groups with consolidated worldwide group turnover exceeding EUR 750 million (~AED 3.15 billion), the UAE enforces a 15% Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax under Pillar Two. Standard South Asian SME trading companies fall outside the scope of Pillar Two.

Learn more about structuring your corporate tax position through UAE Corporate Tax Advisory.

RAKEZ License Types & Permitted Activities for South Asian Traders

Selecting the proper trade activity code ensures swift approvals, valid customs clearance, and unobstructed banking underwriting.

RAKEZ categorizes commercial activities into flexible licensing structures tailored to South Asian merchant operations:

                      RAKEZ Licensing Formats
                      
 ┌──────────────────────┐ ┌──────────────────────┐ ┌──────────────────────┐
 │  Commercial License  │ │General Trading License│ │  E-Commerce License  │
 ├──────────────────────┤ ├──────────────────────┤ ├──────────────────────┤
 │• Up to 5 related     │ │• Unrestricted trade  │ │• Online distribution│
 │  trading categories  │ │  across diverse goods│ │• Integration with    │
 │• Wholesale import and│ │• Ideal for multi-    │ │  Amazon / Noon       │
 │  export distribution │ │  commodity traders   │ │• Regional fulfillment│
 └──────────────────────┘ └──────────────────────┘ └──────────────────────┘

1. Commercial Trading License

The standard Commercial Trading License permits importing, exporting, distributing, and warehousing specified product classes. Founders can combine up to 5 related activities within a single license group without incurring additional activity surcharges.

Key commercial categories favored by South Asian businesses include:

Textiles and Readymade Garments: Cotton yarns, synthetic fabrics, ethnic apparel, and industrial garments sourced from Surat, Faisalabad, Tirupur, or Dhaka for re-export to Europe and Africa.
Agri-Commodities and Spices: Basmati rice from Punjab and Sindh, whole spices from Kerala and Sri Lanka, pulses, tea, and edible oils.
Consumer Electronics and Components: Computer hardware, mobile phone accessories, and home appliances traded between East Asia, the UAE, and South Asia.
Plastics, Polymers, and Chemicals: Raw polymer granules, packaging plastics, and industrial chemical additives.
Auto Spare Parts and Heavy Machinery: Aftermarket mechanical components, vehicle batteries, and agricultural equipment.

2. General Trading License

For trading conglomerates handling diversified merchandise (e.g., importing rice alongside consumer electronics and apparel), RAKEZ issues a General Trading License. This license grants total freedom to trade across multiple unconnected product categories under a single corporate umbrella.

3. E-Commerce License

Designed for South Asian founders supplying goods through digital channels, the RAKEZ E-Commerce License permits selling merchandise on regional marketplaces such as Amazon.ae, Noon, and independent Shopify stores, supported by UAE-based logistics networks.

Comprehensive Cost Comparison: RAKEZ vs. Dubai Free Zones vs. Dubai Mainland

When evaluating RAKEZ company formation cost, entrepreneurs quickly recognize why Ras Al Khaimah represents the premier destination for cheap free zone for Indian Pakistani traders.

The comparative matrix below benchmarks entry costs and operational overheads across the UAE's dominant commercial jurisdictions for 2026:

Setup Metric / Jurisdiction	RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah)	DMCC (JLT Dubai)	IFZA (Silicon Oasis Dubai)	JAFZA (Jebel Ali Dubai)	Mainland Dubai (DET)
Trade License Fee (Starting)*	Starting from AED 11,500* `[VERIFY CURRENT EASY SETUP PROMO PRICE]`	Starting from AED 25,000*	Starting from AED 14,900*	Starting from AED 30,000*	Starting from AED 22,500*
Physical Facility / Warehouse Lease	Starting from AED 250 - 350 / sqm per year	High-rise offices; offsite storage required	Flexi-desk / basic office; no industrial storage	Starting from AED 650 - 1,200 / sqm per year	Starting from AED 600 - 1,100 / sqm per year (Ejari)
Customs Code & Seaport Access	Saqr Port, RAK Port, and Dubai Mirsal II integration	Dubai Customs (Air/Sea) via Jebel Ali	Dubai Customs integration (transit broker)	Direct quayside access at Jebel Ali Port	Dubai Customs onshore code (air, sea, land borders)
Visa Quota & Average Fee	1 visa per 8-10 sqm (warehouse); AED 3,500 - 4,200 / visa	1 visa per 9 sqm office; AED 5,500 - 7,000 / visa	1-3 visas per flexi-desk; AED 4,200 - 5,500 / visa	1 visa per 10 sqm; AED 5,000 - 6,500 / visa	Quota linked to Ejari space; AED 5,000 - 6,500 / visa
Total Year-1 Investment Baseline*	Starting from AED 22,000 - 32,000* (with 1 visa)	Starting from AED 48,000 - 65,000* (with 1 visa)	Starting from AED 28,000 - 38,000* (with 1 visa)	Starting from AED 65,000 - 95,000* (warehouse setup)	Starting from AED 45,000 - 70,000* (including Ejari lease)
Primary Trading Advantage	Maximum cost savings, large industrial storage, multi-port reach	Global prestige, gold and diamond trading hub	Rapid virtual setup, service and light trade	Immediate container terminal offloading	Direct local market sales without domestic agent

*Government licensing fees exclude physical commercial rent, investor residency visas, medical insurance, and regulatory deposits. Contact Easy Setup for confirmed pricing.

Choosing between a Free Zone Setup in RAKEZ and a Mainland Company Formation depends on your end-customer profile.

If your cargo is destined for re-export to Africa, Europe, or South Asia, RAKEZ provides the highest capital efficiency. If your business model relies on selling directly to retail shops in Bur Dubai or Deira, a Mainland license avoids intermediate customs clearance.

             RAKEZ Multi-Modal Logistics & Transit Corridor
             
   [Saqr Port (RAK)] ──(Bulk Cargo)──┐
                                     │
   [RAK Int. Airport] ──(Air Freight)─┼──► [RAKEZ Industrial Hubs]
                                     │     (Al Hamra / Al Ghail)
   [Jebel Ali Port] ──(Containers)───┘               │
                                                     │ (Bonded Trucks: E311 / E611)
                                                     ▼
                                      [Dubai Wholesale Markets]
                                      (Deira / Al Ras / Murshid)

Logistics, Ports, and Customs Integration (Saqr Port & Dubai Transit)

A major concern for South Asian traders Dubai community members is whether a Ras Al Khaimah entity can trade through Dubai's logistics infrastructure.

Operating under an import export license Ras Al Khaimah provides unimpeded access to global maritime routes and domestic transit corridors:

1. Saqr Port: The Middle East's Bulk Cargo Giant

Situated in Ras Al Khaimah, Saqr Port is the largest bulk handling port in the Middle East. Featuring deep-water berths handling over 60 million tonnes of cargo annually, Saqr Port is the primary hub for heavy commodities, minerals, aggregate, steel, industrial chemicals, and bulk agri-produce.

Traders shipping dry bulk commodities from Kandla, Mundra, Karachi, or Chittagong benefit from significantly lower berthage and demurrage fees at Saqr Port compared to congested urban container terminals.

2. RAK Port and Free Zone Customs

RAK Port handles general breakbulk, roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) cargo, and specialized marine logistics. RAKEZ customs coordinates directly with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), providing fast export inspections and streamlined documentation.

3. Dubai Customs Integration (Mirsal II)

RAKEZ companies are not restricted to Ras Al Khaimah's borders. After obtaining a trade license, your company registers with Dubai Customs through the digital Mirsal II portal.

This generates an official UAE Importer/Exporter Code, allowing your business to clear sea containers at Jebel Ali Port, air freight at Dubai International Airport (DXB) or Al Maktoum International (DWC), and land shipments across the Oman-UAE Hatta border.

4. Bonded Transit to Dubai Wholesale Hubs

Bonded road carriers transport sealed shipping containers from RAKEZ industrial parks to the historic commercial districts of Deira, Al Ras, and Murshid Bazaar in under 75 minutes. South Asian traders can maintain executive storage in Ras Al Khaimah while operating sales representative counters in central Dubai.

5. Warehouse Leasing vs. Flexi-Desk Quotas

Flexi-Desk Packages: Suitable for trading brokers, indenting agents, and drop-shippers. Includes 1 to 2 residency visa allocations and a shared workspace address.
Industrial Warehouses: Located in Al Hamra, Al Ghail, and Al Hulaila Industrial Zones. Sizes range from 150 sqm to 2,500+ sqm with dedicated power loads, fire safety infrastructure, and loading bays. Each warehouse yields substantial visa allocations (1 visa per 8 to 10 square meters), allowing trading firms to sponsor drivers, warehousemen, and inventory managers.

South Asia Trade Desk: Pre-Screening Your Bank Account & Trade License

Bank account underwriting for Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Sri Lankan nationals requires specialized compliance alignment. Easy Setup’s dedicated South Asia Trade Desk delivers:

Pre-clearance of source-of-wealth documentation before corporate license issuance.

Strategic pairing with banking partners (Bank of Baroda, Habib Bank AG Zurich, Wio Bank, Emirates NBD).

Flawless drafting of business plans, supplier agreements, and trade counter-party portfolios.

Book a Corporate Banking Consultation

Solving Corporate Banking Hurdles for South Asian Passport Holders

Securing a commercial bank account represents the single greatest hurdle for South Asian entrepreneurs launching in the UAE.

Following stringent Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Counter-Terrorist Financing (CFT), and Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) standards enforced by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), commercial banks apply Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) to accounts held by South Asian nationals.

                    UAE Corporate Banking Pathways
                    
 ┌───────────────────────┐ ┌───────────────────────┐ ┌───────────────────────┐
 │   Digital Neo-Banks   │ │ Sub-Continental Banks │ │Tier-1 Commercial Banks│
 ├───────────────────────┤ ├───────────────────────┤ ├───────────────────────┤
 │• Wio Bank             │ │• Bank of Baroda       │ │• Emirates NBD         │
 │• Mashreq NEOBiz       │ │• Habib Bank AG Zurich │ │• Commercial Bank Dubai│
 │• 3-7 day account open │ │• HBL UAE              │ │• Mashreq Bank         │
 │• Startup friendly     │ │• Trade corridor depth │ │• Letter of Credit (LC)│
 │• Low minimum balances │ │• LC & Bill Discounting│ │• Substantial turnover │
 └───────────────────────┘ └───────────────────────┘ └───────────────────────┘

Why Corporate Account Delays and Rejections Occur

UAE financial institutions scrutinize South Asian trading entities for specific risk triggers:

Nominal Substance: Submitting a bare-bones flexi-desk license without showing physical inventory handling or local operational roots.
Unclear Source of Wealth: Inability to explain how startup capital was accumulated in the home jurisdiction (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Sri Lanka).
Missing Trade Corridors: Lack of executed buyer-seller contracts, proforma invoices, or shipping bills of lading connecting the UAE entity to verifiable trading partners.
High-Risk Sanctioned Jurisdictions: Unintentional transactional links to sanctioned counterparties or high-risk maritime routes.

Recommended Banking Partners for South Asian Traders

Sub-Continental Trade Banks:
- Bank of Baroda (UAE): With full-fledged branches in Dubai, Deira, and Sharjah, Bank of Baroda possesses deep expertise underwriting Indian-owned trading firms, basmati rice importers, textile distributors, and gem traders.
- Habib Bank AG Zurich (HBZ UAE) & Habib Bank Limited (HBL UAE): Established banking partners for Pakistani and South Asian merchant families. They excel in Trade Finance, Letters of Credit (LCs), and documentary collections across South Asian and GCC corridors.
Digital Commercial Neo-Banks:
- Wio Bank Business & Mashreq NEOBiz: Highly efficient digital platforms that open corporate accounts in 3 to 7 working days. Excellent for startup trading firms, e-commerce stores, and trading consultancies operating with flexi-desk facilities.
Tier-1 UAE Commercial Banks:
- Emirates NBD, Mashreq Bank, and Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD): Ideal for high-turnover trading conglomerates holding physical RAKEZ warehouse leases, verifiable balance sheets, and substantial monthly transaction volumes.

The Banking Underwriting Dossier Checklist

To ensure first-pass underwriting approval, Easy Setup prepares a comprehensive institutional file:

Valid UAE Residency Visa and physical Emirates ID of all Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs).
RAKEZ Trade License, Certificate of Formation, and electronic Memorandum of Association (MOA).
Official Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) declaration registry.
6 months of historical personal or corporate bank statements from the founder's home country (State Bank of India, HDFC, Habib Bank, MCB, BRAC Bank, etc.).
Documented commercial >
3 sample supplier contracts and 3 sample buyer agreements (or Letters of Intent) demonstrating active commercial flow.
Tenancy contract for an industrial warehouse or registered office agreement.

Learn how our specialists streamline underwriting through Corporate Bank Account Opening.

Residency Visas, Housing Economics, and Executive Commutes

Forming a RAKEZ company entitles foreign founders, executives, and operational staff to renewable UAE residency visas.

                      RAKEZ Residency Visa Pathways
                      
 ┌───────────────────────┐   ┌───────────────────────┐   ┌───────────────────────┐
 │ Investor/Partner Visa │   │    UAE Green Visa     │   │    UAE Golden Visa    │
 ├───────────────────────┤   ├───────────────────────┤   ├───────────────────────┤
 │ • 2-Year Renewable    │   │ • 5-Year Self-Sponsor │   │ • 10-Year Self-Sponsor│
 │ • Free Zone share-    │   │ • Highly skilled com- │   │ • AED 2M+ capital or  │
 │   holder status       │   │   mercial managers    │   │   real estate asset   │
 │ • Includes Emirates ID│   │ • Min. Bachelor's deg.│   │ • Indefinite stay     │
 │   and family sponsor  │   │   salary AED 15k/mo   │   │   outside UAE allowed │
 └───────────────────────┘   └───────────────────────┘   └───────────────────────┘

Residency Visa Categories

Investor / Partner Visa (2-Year Renewable): Issued to shareholders holding equity in a RAKEZ Free Zone LLC. Grants complete UAE resident status, personal bank account eligibility, local driving license conversion, and family sponsorship privileges (spouse, children, and parents).
UAE Green Visa (5-Year Residency): Available to highly skilled commercial executives, senior logistics directors, and trading specialists earning a verified monthly salary of AED 15,000 with recognized degree equivalencies.
UAE Golden Visa (10-Year Residency): South Asian investors who invest at least AED 2,000,000 in UAE real estate or establish an enterprise with a verified paid-up capital of AED 2,000,000 qualify for the prestigious 10-year Golden Visa. Golden Visa holders can remain outside the UAE indefinitely without compromising visa validity.

Housing Economics: Ras Al Khaimah vs. Dubai

A key operational advantage for South Asian trading families is the exceptional quality of life and affordable housing in Ras Al Khaimah:

Residential Rentals: Premium waterfront apartments in Al Hamra Village or Mina Al Arab rent for 40% to 60% less than equivalent properties in Dubai Marina, Downtown, or Business Bay.
Schooling & Living Expenses: International curricula (British, IB, and Indian CBSE schools) operate at tuition rates significantly below Dubai fee schedules.
Flexible Commuting: Founders are not required to live in Ras Al Khaimah. Many South Asian business owners reside in Dubai (Deira, Bur Dubai, Mirdif, or Silicon Oasis) and commute to their RAKEZ warehouse or office via the E311/E611 expressways.

Step-by-Step RAKEZ Formation Roadmap for South Asian Traders

Launching a commercial enterprise in RAKEZ follows a structured administrative pipeline. Easy Setup manages each milestone to ensure rapid execution:

Step 1: Activity Selection & Trade Name Reservation (Arabic/English)
       │
Step 2: Corporate Structure Selection (FZ-LLC vs Branch Office)
       │
Step 3: Facility Selection (Flexi-Desk vs Industrial Warehouse)
       │
Step 4: Initial Security Approval & Trade License Issuance
       │
Step 5: Establishment Card & Electronic Investor Entry Permit
       │
Step 6: In-Person Medical Examination & Biometrics for Emirates ID
       │
Step 7: Customs Code Registration (RAK Customs & Dubai Mirsal II)
       │
Step 8: Corporate Bank Account Opening & Corporate Tax Registration (TRN)

Step 1: Activity Selection and Trade Name Reservation

Select your specific commercial activity codes (textiles, foodstuff, general trading, or electronics). Submit 3 proposed company names compliant with UAE naming conventions. The name must translate accurately between English and Arabic without using restricted sovereign terms.

Step 2: Corporate Structure Selection

Determine whether to incorporate a new Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) or establish a UAE Branch of an existing Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, or Sri Lankan company.

Step 3: Workspace and Facility Contracting

Finalize your corporate lease agreement. Solo traders select a cost-effective Flexi-Desk package, while commodity importers contract an industrial warehouse in RAKEZ Industrial Zones.

Step 4: Security Clearance and License Issuance

Submit passport copies, national ID credentials, and founder profiles to RAKEZ authorities. Upon initial security clearance and fee remittance, RAKEZ issues the electronic Commercial License, Certificate of Formation, and Memorandum of Association.

Step 5: Establishment Card and Entry Permit

Register the new entity with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to secure your corporate Establishment Card. Apply for the electronic Investor Entry Permit.

Step 6: Medical Fitness Screening and Emirates ID

Travel to the UAE on your entry permit. Complete the mandatory blood test and chest X-ray screening at an approved medical center, followed by biometric fingerprint scanning at an ICP service center. The physical Emirates ID is issued within 3 to 5 business days.

Step 7: Customs Registration

Register your RAKEZ company with Free Zone Customs and apply for a Dubai Customs Mirsal II Importer/Exporter Code, enabling immediate clearance of cargo across all UAE seaports, airports, and borders.

Step 8: Corporate Banking and Tax Registration

Submit your corporate file to your selected bank (Bank of Baroda, HBZ, Wio, or Emirates NBD). Once the IBAN is activated, register for UAE Corporate Tax on the FTA EmaraTax portal to obtain your corporate Tax Registration Number (TRN).

Frequently Asked Questions (RAKEZ for South Asian Trading Firms)

Can Indian, Pakistani, or Bangladeshi nationals own 100% of a RAKEZ trading company?

Yes. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 on Commercial Companies, foreign nationals maintain 100% legal ownership of Free Zone Limited Liability Companies in RAKEZ. You do not require a local Emirati shareholder, partner, or sponsor.

Can a RAKEZ trading company import cargo through Jebel Ali Port and Dubai Customs?

Yes. Once your RAKEZ commercial license is issued, Easy Setup registers your enterprise on Dubai Customs' Mirsal II digital platform. This generates an official UAE Importer/Exporter Code, allowing your business to clear shipments through Jebel Ali Port, Dubai International Airport, and overland borders.

What is the minimum cost to launch a RAKEZ trading license with one visa in 2026?

A standard commercial trading license package with a flexi-desk and one investor visa starts from approximately AED 14,000 to AED 18,000* [VERIFY CURRENT EASY SETUP PROMO PRICE], including the license fee, establishment card, entry permit, medical screening, and Emirates ID processing. Physical warehouse packages vary based on total square footage.

Does a RAKEZ trading firm pay 0% or 9% UAE Corporate Tax?

Under the UAE Corporate Tax regime, RAKEZ companies qualify for a 0% Corporate Tax rate on Qualifying Income if they hold Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status. This covers physical trading with foreign counterparties outside the UAE and transactions with other UAE Free Zone entities. Direct sales to onshore UAE mainland consumers are taxed at the standard 9% rate.

Which UAE banks are best suited for South Asian traders opening a RAKEZ account?

For rapid account activation (3 to 7 business days) with lower balance minimums, digital neo-banks like Wio Bank Business and Mashreq NEOBiz are highly effective. For trade finance, letters of credit, and deep South Asian trade corridor expertise, Bank of Baroda (UAE) and Habib Bank AG Zurich (HBZ) provide specialized corporate banking support.

Launch Your UAE Trading Operations with Easy Setup

Expanding your trading enterprise from South Asia to the UAE provides direct access to stable currency reserves, world-class shipping infrastructure, and unprecedented tax efficiency. Managing cross-border documentation, customs codes, and UAE commercial banking requires experienced on-the-ground execution.

Easy Setup delivers complete formation advisory for South Asian trading enterprises:

Comprehensive Free Zone Setup in RAKEZ and Dubai jurisdictions.
Fast-track Mainland Company Formation across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Guaranteed institutional structuring for Corporate Bank Account Opening.
Complete registration and structuring for UAE Corporate Tax Advisory.
Dedicated customs code acquisition, investor residency visas, and executive warehouse leasing.

Take the first step toward your UAE trading expansion today.

Schedule an Advisory Consultation: Contact Easy Setup
Direct WhatsApp Support: Connect with our South Asia Trade Desk on WhatsApp

Easy Setup FZ LLC
Corporate Business Formation Specialists
Website: https://easysetup.ae | Email: info@easysetup.ae
Dubai & Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates