Middle East · Free Zone LLC
UAE (RAKEZ Free Zone) Company Formation 2026
Filing $3,200 · Annual $2,800 · Corp tax 9% · Banking 7/10
The numbers
| Entity type | Free Zone LLC |
|---|---|
| Filing fee (one-off) | $3,200 |
| Annual government fee | $2,800 |
| Registered agent / corp. secretary | Not required |
| Headline corporate tax | 9% |
| Effective tax notes | 0% on qualifying free zone income up to AED 3M (Small Business Relief). 9% on profits > AED 375k otherwise. |
| VAT / GST / sales tax | 5% |
| Minimum paid-up capital | $0 |
| Processing time | 14 business days |
| Remote formation | Yes |
| UBO public | No (private register) |
| Banking accessibility | 7/10 |
| Privacy score | 6/10 |
| Stripe | ✅ Available |
| PayPal Business | ✅ |
| Wise Business | ❌ |
Why people choose UAE (RAKEZ Free Zone)
- Effective 0% for qualifying free zone activity
- No personal income tax
- UAE Golden Visa eligibility
Trade-offs to know
- High setup cost ($3k+)
- Substance requirements
- Bank opening requires visit
Who UAE (RAKEZ Free Zone) is best for
- Middle East market
- Tax optimization
- Crypto-friendly setups
RAKEZ is one of the cheapest free zones. IFZA and SHAMS are similar. CT introduced 2023 at 9%.
Authoritative sources
UAE (RAKEZ Free Zone) official business registry / authorityFees last verified against the source: 2026-05-15
Other commonly compared Middle East jurisdictions
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to form a company in UAE (RAKEZ Free Zone)?
The state/registry filing fee is approximately $3,200. Annual maintenance is approximately $2,800.
What is the corporate tax rate in UAE (RAKEZ Free Zone)?
UAE (RAKEZ Free Zone)'s headline corporate income tax rate is 9%. 0% on qualifying free zone income up to AED 3M (Small Business Relief). 9% on profits > AED 375k otherwise.
Can a non-resident form a company in UAE (RAKEZ Free Zone)?
Yes, remote formation is generally possible in UAE (RAKEZ Free Zone).
Is Stripe available for UAE (RAKEZ Free Zone) companies?
Yes, Stripe supports businesses incorporated in UAE (RAKEZ Free Zone).
What is the minimum paid-up capital?
Approximately $0.