RAK Maritime City Free Zone Authority (RAK Maritime City)
RAK Maritime City is a RAK-based free zone with packages starting from AED 10,000, supporting up to 5 visa allocations, and moderate banking access. RAK Maritime City Free Zone is a shipping, logistics and light industrial zone adjacent to Saqr Port. It caters to maritime, freight, and marine services, offering turnkey facilities. Companies benefit from proximity to deep-water berths and access to RAK’s cost-effective licenses.
From
AED 10,000
Established
2008
Companies
30
Max Visas
5
Banking
Moderate
RAK Maritime City Packages & Pricing
| Package | License | Visas | Office | Year 1 Total | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 Visa Office Package | AED 10,000 | 0 | Office | AED 10,000 | AED 10,000 |
| 1 Visa Flexi Desk Package | AED 12,000 | 1 | Flexi Desk | AED 21,200 | AED 17,900 |
| 2 Visa Office Package | AED 13,000 | 2 | Office | AED 29,400 | AED 27,100 |
| 3 Visa Office Package | AED 14,000 | 3 | Office | AED 38,600 | AED 32,300 |
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Strategic port location with direct berths for heavy vessels
- Tailored for shipping, logistics and offshore industries
- Competitive setup costs (licenses from ~AED 10,000)
- Support for large project cargo (RAK Ports Saqr 2.0 expansion)
- Flexible infrastructure: offices, warehouses, shipyards, and yards
- 100% foreign ownership and customs exemptions
Watch out for
- Niche focus on maritime: limited to shipping/logistics sectors
- Remote from UAE business hubs (in RAK)
- Investor visas are 1 year (vs. 2-3 years in Dubai)
- High initial capital for large industrial projects
- Limited amenities and housing options nearby
Visa Information
Max Quota
5 visas
Up to 5 visas with standard packages; more possible for large operations
Processing Time
7 days
Renewal Cost
AED 1,000
Every year
Dependent Visa
AED 2,500
Available Visa Types
Visa Cost Breakdown
Employee Visa
AED 3,500
Investor Visa
AED 3,500
Medical Standard
AED 450
Medical VIP
AED 850
Emirates ID Typing
AED 390
Visa processing often within 5-7 working days in RAK
Banking
Partner Banks
Typical RAK free zone account setup: provide business plan, passport copies, etc. Process ~2-4 weeks. RAKBANK and ADCB common.
Features
Mainland Trading
Trading into UAE mainland requires separate process
Physical Office Required
Lease of office/warehouse is required to apply for visas
Dual License Allowed
Crypto Friendly
Shared Ownership
Free Zone to Mainland
Online Portal
RAK Ports online portal for license and visa services
Co-working Available
Audit Required
Share Capital Requirement
None
Special Ecosystems
Location
Recent Developments
- Feb 2026: APT Global announced AED 50M investment for 700K sqft fabrication facility in RAK Maritime City
- 2025: Launch of Saqr 2.0 port expansion supporting RAK Maritime City heavy cargo operations
- 2019: RAK Ports integrated Maritime City under RAK Government for development
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a RAK Maritime City license cost?
Basic licenses start around AED 10,000/year (no visas). Packages including visas typically range AED 18,000–30,000 depending on office and visa count.
What activities are allowed in RAK Maritime City?
It is tailored to shipping, logistics, freight forwarding, ship management, port services, marine consultancy, and light manufacturing. Essentially any maritime or logistics-related business.
How many visas can I get in RAK Maritime City?
Standard packages allow 1–5 visas. Visa quota depends on office size and capital. RMCFZA is flexible, allowing more visas for larger operations.
What is the visa processing time in RAK Maritime City?
Visa processing is quick, often completed in about 5–7 working days if documents are complete. RAK authorities are known for efficient turnaround.
Is an office lease required in RAK Maritime City?
Yes. You need at least a flexi-desk or office lease to apply for visas. Even for a no-visa setup, a company address is required.
Is RAK Maritime City suitable for startups?
Yes. It offers low setup costs and port access, making it suitable for startups in shipping and logistics looking for an affordable base.
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Starting From
AED 10,000 /yr