BLOGS UAE RAK DAO Freezone

Ras Al Khaimah RAK DAO Free Zone License Cost

by Ishika Bhandari Oct 11, 2025 7 MIN READ

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Explore the RAK DAO Free Zone license cost and setup process in Ras Al Khaimah. Launch your digital asset, blockchain, or Web3 business at the UAE’s first hub dedicated to digital assets. Setup will be easy with Arnifi for expert assistance and compliance.

1. Introduction

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) has been evolving into one of the most progressive business locations in the UAE, attracting a new wave of digital entrepreneurs, blockchain innovators, and technical startup businesses. The creation of RAK DAO (Digital Assets Oasis), the world’s first free zone dedicated entirely to digital and virtual assets, is indeed a benchmark.

Knowing the RAK DAO Free Zone license costs is one important step for investors- and entrepreneurs searching for opportunities in this emerging ecosystem. Whether setting up a Web3 startup, NFT marketplace, or blockchain consultancy, RAK has ensured a business-friendly environment for such set-ups with cost-effective options, transparent set-up processes, and the flexibility to operate for a long time.

2. Why Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone Attracts Digital Businesses

Ras Al Khaimah gained its status based on its adaptability and innovation. While other emirates had long nurtured manufacturing, logistics, and traditional trade, RAK has captured a niche in digital assets and virtual economies.

The establishment of RAK DAO (Ras Al Khaimah Digital Assets Oasis) marks another giant step. It creates a stable environment and fully regulated framework for blockchain, DeFi, crypto, and other digital asset projects. This in itself shows how progressive RAK is toward Web3 technologies, making it an attractive jurisdiction for founders who are seeking both innovation and regulatory clarity.

Some of the main reasons why digital businesses are choosing RAK include:

  • Legal clarity for digital assets: RAK DAO is the first in the world to offer a dedicated legal framework for companies dealing in virtual assets.
  • Simplified company setup: There are possibilities for a total online setup by entrepreneurs with quick approval.
  • Zero income and corporate tax: One of the finest tax environments in the UAE.
  • Access to global talent: RAK is great for foreign founders with Dubai and flexible visa opportunities.

With this proactive approach, the emirate guarantees that investors can easily develop businesses in blockchain, digital finance, and tech, with full compliance and cost transparency.

3. Types of Licenses in Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone

RAK provides several licenses through its free zones, each suited to a specific working model.

The main categories are:

  • Commercial License: For trading activities and product distribution.
  • Service License: For consulting, IT, and professional services.
  • Industrial License: For manufacturing and light production.
  • Media License: For digital media and content creation businesses.

Digital Asset Trading License in Ras Al Khaimah

Within the framework of RAK DAO, the Digital Asset Trading License is integrated into the RAK ecosystem. The license targets businesses involved in blockchain, digital token operations, metaverse, and Web3 services.

RAK DAO licenses differ from the regular licenses in that they operate under specialized regulations that conform to the international standards for digital assets and data protection.

Some examples of eligible business activities are:

  • NFT platforms and marketplaces
  • Crypto advisory firms (non-exchange)
  • Metaverse and gaming startups
  • Web3 development and blockchain solutions companies

This digital asset licensing is meant to be integrated with the RAK Free Zone ecosystem to enable seamless operation for founders within frameworks of innovative compliance and secure compliance.

4. Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone License Cost Breakdown

One of the reasons that intrigues many entrepreneurs in pivoting towards Ras Al Khaimah is its regime of affordability compared to other jurisdictions in the UAE.

The cost of a RAK DAO Free Zone licence varies from the type of business activity, structure, and offsetting against the application for visas, etc.

Here’s a general cost breakdown:

License TypeEstimated Cost (AED)Details
Commercial / Service LicenseAED 10,000 – AED 15,000Suitable for general trading or consultancy
Industrial LicenseAED 15,000 – AED 20,000For manufacturing activities
Digital Asset (RAK DAO) LicenseAED 14,000 – AED 25,000For blockchain, Web3, and virtual asset operations
Office Space (Optional)AED 5,000 – AED 10,000Flexi-desk or dedicated office
Visa PackagesAED 3,500 – AED 5,000 per visaDepending on employee requirements
The above table presents the estimated cost of license cost in RAK DAO

This scheme of cost structures makes RAK DAO an alluring yet compliant gateway for entrepreneurs who wish to venture into the digital economy under the regulated UAE framework.

5. How to Start a Digital Asset Trading Business in RAK

Establishing a digital asset business in Ras Al-Khaimah through RAK DAO is an easy and clear-cut process.

Step 1: Choose Your License Type

Decide if your business model is appropriate for a digital asset trading license, NFT development, or blockchain consultancy.

Step 2: Submit Documentation

Prepare the required documents, including

  • Shareholders’ passport copies
  • Proof of address
  • Business plan
  • Any relevant certifications (for regulated digital asset activities)

Step 3: Pay the License Cost

Pay the respective RAK DAO Free Zone license fee depending on the package you choose and the activity for which you are applying.

Step 4: Obtain Approval & Incorporation Documents

You will receive your business license, certificate of incorporation, and shareholder documents after approval has been granted.

Step 5: Start Operations

Open a bank account, rent an office (if you wish), and commence operations in compliance with and under the innovation-friendly framework of RAK DAO.

6. Benefits of Setting Up a Digital Asset Business in RAK

Setting up your business in RAK DAO provides you with several benefits, such as:

  • Regulatory Flexibility: RAK DAO is a global yet innovative legal framework that applies to virtual assets.
  • Tax Advantages: 0% corporate tax and no personal income tax according to UAE law.
  • Full Ownership: Ownership is 100% foreign, and profit repatriation is complete.
  • Digital Infrastructure: Sophisticated IT infrastructure and other online business management tools help automate business operations.
  • Access to UAE Ecosystem: RAK-Dubai proximity will offer the investor easy access to financial institutions, tech talent, and investors.
  • Speed and Ease: Fast incorporation, managing everything remotely, and the simplest KYC procedures save time and cost.

Entrepreneurs of blockchain, DeFi, or digital media can benefit from having a perfectly balanced regulatory regime where RAK DAO brings innovation while ensuring global compliance standards.

7. FAQs

What is the Ras Al Khaimah Free Zone license cost for digital businesses?

On average, the cost of a license within the RAK DAO Free Zone usually ranges between AED 14,000 and AED 25,000, depending on the kind of activity, scale of the business, and office requirements.

Can I trade crypto under a RAK license?

Yes, under the RAK DAO scheme only, which introduces legal and compliance mechanisms for the trading of virtual assets and related blockchain operations.

What’s the difference between RAK DAO and RAK Free Zone?

The RAK Free Zone is generally for business activities such as trading or service providing, while RAK DAO is specifically dedicated to the needs of businesses concerning virtual assets, blockchain, and Web3.

How long does it take to get a digital asset trading license in Ras Al Khaimah?

This usually takes a period of 7 to 14 working days, depending on documentation and business activity type.

8. Conclusion

Ras Al Khaimah is leading the way in digital entrepreneurship, and now, with the RAK DAO initiative, it is quickly becoming the go-to jurisdiction for setting up blockchain startups and virtual asset enterprises, with its attractive low-cost setups, legal transparency in operations, and solid infrastructure development.

Knowledge of the RAK DAO Free Zone license fee allows investors to make such decisions with compliance and scalability in mind. RAK provides the ultimate foundation for launching your Web3 project, DeFi platform, or metaverse company in today’s digital economy.

To set up your digital asset business in Ras Al Khaimah, cooperate with Arnifi, your trusted partner, through the painstaking journey from setup to compliance and licensing in RAK DAO.

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