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RAKEZ, or Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, has become one of the easiest places for a low-cost business setup in Dubai alternatives.
It’s cheaper than Dubai or Abu Dhabi zones, yet you still get access to the same visa benefits and legal recognition. For startups, freelancers, and solo consultants, this balance between business setup cost in Dubai and legitimacy is a big deal.
The rak free zone flexi desk cost is what makes it even more attractive. Instead of renting a full office you barely use, you get shared workspace access that ticks all the government requirements for licensing and visas.
It keeps setup costs low, and you can upgrade later if your business grows. In 2025, with more people running remote or hybrid work models, this option fits the way many small business setup in Dubai actually operate.
A flexi‑desk in RAKEZ is basically a shared office space you can use part‑time. It gives your business a registered address, access to meeting rooms, and the legal right to apply for visas.
You don’t have a dedicated office; instead, you book a spot when you need to work onsite or meet clients.
This setup is very different from a virtual address package, which only provides a mailing address and no physical workspace.
With a flexi‑desk, you meet the UAE’s legal requirement of having a physical presence without paying for a full‑time office, ideal for anyone considering business setup in Dubai free zone options.
Besides tying flexi-desk packages to various rakez license types (trading, service, media, e-commerce) and visa quotas (usually zero to two visas), this package works well for freelancers, consultants, or new founders needing an affordable entry point with a legal standing and flexibility to grow later.
Flexi-desk packages in RAKEZ are not cookie-cutter. The rakez business set up cost and benefits vary depending on the license you choose and the number of visas you plan to apply for. This is perfect for freelancers or small teams who want something cheap to start but need an opportunity to scale once the business begins thriving.
Pricing for rak free zone flexi desk cost depends on two things: the rakez license types you choose and whether you need visas. Service and consultancy licenses are generally the cheapest, while trading or media licenses cost a bit more because of the activity scope and approvals involved.
For first‑year costs, expect to pay slightly more because of one‑time registration and setup fees. A basic service license with a flexi‑desk can start around AED 11,000 to 13,000.
Trading or media packages might go up to AED 15,000 to 18,000 if you include one visa quota.
Second‑year renewals drop in price since you skip the initial registration costs. Rakez license renewal cost often falls between AED 8,000 to 12,000 for most packages, though adding visas or special activities increases the total.
Visa options range from zero to two quotas on most flexi‑desk packages. Zero‑visa plans are popular with freelancers who don’t need residency, while small startups usually go for one‑visa plans to cover the founder.
| License Type | First-Year Cost | Renewal Cost | Visa Quota |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service | AED 11,000–13,000 | AED 8,000–10,000 | 0–1 |
| Trading | AED 14,000–16,000 | AED 10,000–12,000 | 0–2 |
| Media | AED 15,000–18,000 | AED 11,000–13,000 | 0–2 |
To understand actual rakez business set up cost, here’s a typical package breakdown. A basic rakez free zone company setup with a flexi‑desk includes the rakez trade license, flexi‑desk fee, registration charges, and any visa costs.
For example, starting a consultancy with one visa:
Total: AED 12,000 to 18,000 for the first year. If you don’t need a visa, the costs drop by about AED 4,000 to 5,000.
Renewals are lower, as you mainly pay for the license, flexi‑desk, and any visa renewals.
Renewal fees for these categories average around AED 8,000–12,000. Most setups include access to a shared workstation, handling of mail, and basic meeting room use.
The good news with rakez license renewal cost is that renewals are lighter on the wallet after the first year. Annual renewal charges decrease to approximately AED 8,000–12,000, depending on license and number of visas.
For long-term budgeting, keep in mind extras like health insurance, bank account maintenance, and any government updates. Building a two‑year budget helps you plan whether to stay on a flexi‑desk or upgrade to a small office as your new business setup in Dubai grows.
There are side costs people often forget in the business setup cost in Dubai equation. If you work with business setup consultants in Dubai, their fee can range from AED 5,000–15,000, depending on services.
Bank account setup can also bring extra charges. Some banks require a minimum balance or monthly fees, and RAKEZ issues support letters as needed. Other costs include documents required for business setup in Dubai (like attestation, translation, and audits). Planning for these helps you avoid surprises.
Getting a bank account is often the trickiest part of a rakez free zone company setup. Some banks hesitate with flexi‑desk setups, but digital banks like Wio or M‑Bank are more flexible for online business setup in Dubai or remote teams.
Before applying, check each bank’s policies for RAKEZ licenses to avoid rejection. Many business setup consultants in Dubai can guide you to banks that work well with flexi‑desk clients.
Flexi‑desk packages are ideal for solo founders, freelancers, or small remote teams who want a UAE trade license without committing to a full office lease, perfect for small business setup in Dubai. It’s also suitable for those considering how to set up a business in Dubai for consulting, design, trading, or media.
The main benefit is cost: you pay a fraction of what you’d spend on a dedicated office while still getting visa eligibility and legal status. It’s also easier to scale up later; if your business grows, you can upgrade your rakez trade license without starting over.
The main downside is banking and perception. Some traditional banks and larger clients prefer companies with permanent offices. Flexi‑desk also limits visa quotas to two, so if you plan to hire more staff, you may outgrow the setup.
Rak free zone flexi desk cost packages are one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get a UAE trade license. You get legal status, a registered address, and optional visas without high office rent—a solid fit for freelancers, solo founders, and small remote teams.
Before you apply, run through a checklist:
If it all lines up, you can apply directly via the RAKEZ portal or work with business setup consultants in Dubai to handle paperwork and get guidance on how to get a trade license in Dubai. Either way, this model gives you room to test and grow without overspending in your first year. If you need help, contact our experts at Arnifi for a free consultation!
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