RAKEZ vs Ajman Free Zone: Licences, Setup Costs and Key Differences

The RAKEZ vs Ajman Free Zone question usually comes down to two things: what the company will cost, and how far it can grow. Both free zones rank among the more affordable options in the UAE. However, they are built for different kinds of businesses, so the cheaper licence is not always the better fit.

Quick Answer

RAKEZ vs Ajman Free Zone comes down to scale versus simplicity. Choose Ajman for affordable entry-level packages for small service, trading, and e-commerce businesses, with flexible warehouse options. Choose RAKEZ for a broader industrial ecosystem, including warehouses, industrial land, and access to mainland markets. 

Key Insights

• Ajman Free Zone entry packages start at AED 5,555, compared with AED 6,000 for RAKEZ.
• Ajman Free Zone offers over 3,500 activities, while RAKEZ supports more than 4,000 activities across over 50 sectors.
• RAKEZ offers a Dual Licence route for eligible businesses seeking mainland access, while Ajman companies typically use distributors or separate mainland entities.
• RAKEZ provides a wider industrial ecosystem, while Ajman offers warehouse options near Ajman Port.
• Both free zones require annual licence renewal, with costs depending on the package, facility, and visa requirements.

RAKEZ vs Ajman Free Zone: Key Differences at a Glance

Before examining each factor, here is a quick comparison of the two free zones:

Note: Costs, timelines and visa allocations are indicative and may vary depending on your business activity, facility type, number of visas and any additional approvals. For an accurate quote tailored to your business, speak with an InZone business setup consultant. 

Overview of RAKEZ

RAKEZ Free Zone is a government-established economic zone in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. It supports startups, SMEs, and international companies across commercial, industrial, and professional sectors.

Key facts about RAKEZ:

• Business community: RAKEZ reported 50,000 active companies in August 2026, representing businesses from more than 100 countries and over 50 sectors.
• Business activities: It supports more than 4,000 business activities across different industries.
• Workspace and facilities: Options include coworking spaces, serviced offices, warehouses, industrial land, and manufacturing facilities.
• Company structures: Businesses can establish free zone and non-free zone entities, subject to the relevant licensing requirements.
• Ownership and repatriation: Free zone companies can have 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of capital and profits.

RAKEZ is particularly relevant to businesses that need industrial or manufacturing facilities, warehousing, logistics support, or room to expand their operations.

Overview of Ajman Free Zone

Ajman Free Zone is a business jurisdiction established by the Government of Ajman. It provides company formation options for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and international businesses looking to establish a presence in the UAE.

Key facts about Ajman Free Zone:

• Business growth: According to a March 2026 announcement by the Ajman Free Zones Authority, company registrations increased by 216% in 2025, while occupancy across its investment sites reached 95%. 
• Business activities: It offers over 3,500 activities across commercial, industrial, service, and other specialised categories.
• Strategic location: Its proximity to Ajman Port, Sharjah Airport, and Dubai Airport supports businesses involved in trading, distribution, and logistics.
• Workspace and facilities: Options include flexi-desks, shared and private offices, warehouses, industrial land, and business centres.
• Company structures: Available structures include Free Zone Establishments (FZE), Free Zone Companies (FZC), and branches of local and foreign companies.

Ajman Free Zone is worth considering for startups, consultants, small traders, and e-commerce businesses seeking affordable entry packages and flexible workspace options.

RAKEZ vs Ajman Free Zone: A Detailed Comparison

RAKEZ and Ajman Free Zone differ in their licence options, setup costs, facilities, visa packages, and expansion opportunities. The comparison below highlights these key differences.

1. Business Activities

The RAKEZ Free Zone offers over 4,000 activities, while Ajman Free Zone offers 3,500 business activities.

• RAKEZ business activities: General trading and distribution, industrial production, management consultancy, media and marketing, education, technology, e-commerce, and logistics.
• Ajman Free Zone business activities: Commercial trading, import and export, professional consultancy, manufacturing, e-commerce, and freelance activities.

As with most UAE free zone business activities, the activity decides your licence type, costs, and approvals. Therefore, read the activity description rather than the title alone. For example, the RAKEZ business activity you choose may need approval from another authority if it falls in a regulated sector.

2. Licence Types

RAKEZ provides several specialised licence categories, while Ajman Free Zone groups its options into broader categories.

• RAKEZ Business licence: Commercial, general trading, industrial, service, professional, educational, media and e-commerce licences.
• Ajman Business licence: Commercial, general trading, service, industrial, e-commerce and freelance licences.

RAKEZ also issues a separate Freelancer Permit for eligible independent professionals, giving freelancers and specialised businesses distinct licensing options. Ajman Free Zone offers a shorter licensing structure, making the choice easier for first-time founders. 

3. Office Space and Warehouse Facilities

RAKEZ has a broader range of industrial facilities, while Ajman Free Zone provides warehouse options near a major seaport. Your choice of office space or warehouse also affects how much space you can lease and the number of visas your business may qualify for.

• RAKEZ facilities: Flexi-desks, standard and executive offices, ready warehouses and serviced industrial land. Its Al Hamra, Al Ghail and Al Hulaila zones also offer labour accommodation for eligible businesses.
• Ajman Free Zone facilities: Flexi-desks, shared and private offices, warehouses and industrial land, with proximity to Ajman Port.

As a result, RAKEZ may suit manufacturers needing larger industrial facilities, while Ajman Free Zone may appeal to traders seeking warehouse space near the port.

4. Visa Packages 

In both free zones, the number of residence visas your company can obtain depends on the selected package and facility, rather than the licence type alone.

RAKEZ:

• Flexi-desk packages are generally limited to one visa.
• Serviced offices, standard offices, warehouses and industrial land support higher visa allocations, depending on the facility size.
• Additional visas may be available under larger packages, subject to the package terms and applicable fees.

Ajman Free Zone:

• Flexi-desks support up to 10 visas.
• Private and executive offices may support two visas.
• Warehouses starting from 100 m² may qualify for a minimum allocation of 14 visas, subject to the applicable requirements.
• Additional visa quotas may be requested, subject to inspection and approval.

Note: Actual visa allocations depend on the selected facility, package conditions, and the free zone authority’s requirements.

5. Business Setup Costs and Additional Fees

RAKEZ packages start from AED 6,000, while Ajman Free Zone packages start from AED 5,555. The total setup cost in either zone depends on your visa allocation, facility requirements, and additional services. 

The table below compares their indicative 2026 prices:

The licence fee may not cover every expense involved in company formation. You should also budget for:

• Visa processing: Entry permits, medical tests, Emirates ID and visa-related charges.
• Facility upgrades: Additional office space, warehouses or industrial units.
• External approvals: Permissions required for regulated business activities.
• Compliance costs: Accounting, bookkeeping, PRO, audit and other applicable requirements.

If you need tailored guidance on package options, speak with an InZone business setup specialist to get a cost breakdown for setting up in RAKEZ or Ajman Free Zone.

6. Licence Renewal

Both RAKEZ and Ajman Free Zone require annual licence renewal to maintain company registration and continue operating.

• RAKEZ licence renewal: Typically costs AED 6,000 to AED 25,000+ per year, depending on the package, facility, activities, and visas. Start renewal around 60 days before expiry. Late renewal attracts daily penalties, while prolonged delays may result in cancellation or strike-off.
• Ajman Free Zone licence renewal: The official base fee starts at AED 5,555, while full package renewals, including facilities and visas, range from around AED 13,131 to AED 20,000+. Start the process 60 to 90 days before expiry to avoid late penalties or visa disruption.

Other Factors to Consider When Choosing Between RAKEZ and Ajman Free Zone

Beyond setup costs and facilities, corporate tax obligations, banking support, and mainland access can influence which free zone is right for your business.

Corporate Tax Implications:

Both RAKEZ and Ajman Free Zone companies fall under the UAE Corporate Tax regime. Neither free zone automatically qualifies a company for the 0% rate. To benefit, a business must meet the conditions for Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status, including maintaining adequate UAE substance, earning qualifying income, and complying with transfer pricing and audit requirements.

Qualifying income is taxed at 0%, while taxable non-qualifying income is subject to 9% corporate tax. RAKEZ also has Designated Zone status for VAT purposes in certain areas. However, this affects the VAT treatment of qualifying goods transactions and does not automatically provide a RAKEZ corporate tax exemption.

Corporate Banking Support:

Both free zones assist companies with corporate bank account applications, although their banking partnerships and support services differ.

• RAKEZ banking support: Offers dedicated banking assistance and partnerships with banks such as RAKBANK and Emirates NBD to support account opening for eligible companies.
• Ajman Free Zone banking support: Provides bank introduction letters and partnerships with institutions such as Mashreq and Ruya Bank. Companies can also explore digital banking options such as Wio Business and Mashreq NeoBiz.

Mainland Market Access:

Neither RAKEZ nor Ajman Free Zone companies have unrestricted access to the UAE mainland market by default.

• RAKEZ: Offers a Dual Licence route, subject to eligibility and applicable conditions, allowing qualifying companies to operate on the mainland through a branch licence from the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Economic Development.
• Ajman Free Zone: Companies typically access mainland customers through an authorised distributor or by establishing a mainland branch or company, depending on the activity and applicable requirements.

These factors should also form part of your decision, as the right free zone depends on your business activities, banking needs, tax position, and plans for accessing the UAE mainland market.

Which Free Zone Offers Better Value for Your Business: RAKEZ or Ajman Free Zone?

In the RAKEZ vs Ajman Free Zone decision, value depends on what you plan to do with the licence, not only what you pay for it.

Ajman Free Zone offers better value if you:

• Run a consultancy, e-commerce, or small trading business
• Want a competitively priced entry-level business setup
• Need flexible workspace or short-term warehouse arrangements.
• Your operations are suited to Ajman’s location near its port and neighbouring emirates.

RAKEZ offers better value if you:

• Your business requires manufacturing or industrial facilities.
• You need access to warehouses and industrial land.
• Want a Dual Licence route to the mainland.
• You anticipate expansion across multiple activities or larger operational requirements.

Final Words

Both RAKEZ and Ajman Free Zone offer practical opportunities for entrepreneurs and established businesses entering the UAE market. Ajman is worth considering for its competitive entry-level packages and flexible warehouse arrangements, while RAKEZ offers a particularly developed industrial ecosystem and structured setup options.

The right choice depends on how you intend to operate, the facilities you require, and your expected business growth. Before deciding, consider how each free zone’s licence options, renewal terms, visa allocations, and additional costs align with your business needs.

If you need help evaluating both options, speak with an InZone business setup specialist for guidance on RAKEZ or Ajman Free Zone company formation.