IFZA vs RAKEZ: Side-by-Side Comparison
IFZA is a pure Dubai office-and-service play at a low entry point. RAKEZ is more flexible with industrial plots, mainland-linked packages, and a lower long-term cost — but it's a longer commute from Dubai.
- Startups
- Freelancers
- Small businesses
- Manufacturing
- Industrial
- Trading with warehouse needs
- Very affordable
- Extremely fast setup
- Wide activity range
- Very affordable
- Excellent for manufacturing
- Large warehouses available
- Newer reputation
- Banking can be slower
- Location outside main Dubai hubs
- Distance from Dubai
- Smaller business ecosystem
- Travel time for meetings
Still not sure which fits your business?
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Find Your Free ZoneKey differences at a glance
| IFZA | RAKEZ | |
|---|---|---|
| Emirate | dubai | ras al-khaimah |
| License from | AED 5,750/yr | AED 7,500/yr |
| Annual renewal | AED 5,750 | AED 7,500 |
| Setup time | 1-2 business days | 2-3 business days |
| Min share capital | None | None |
| Established | 2018 | 2017 |
| License types | trading, service, e-commerce, freelancer | trading, service, industrial, e-commerce, freelancer |
| Office options | flexi desk, virtual office, shared office, private office | flexi desk, virtual office, shared office, private office, warehouse, industrial unit, land lease |
Cost breakdown
IFZA
- License (starting from)
- AED 5,750/yr
- Annual renewal
- AED 5,750
- Visa packages
- 1 visa
- ~AED 3,500
- 3 visas
- ~AED 9,000
- 6 visas
- ~AED 16,000
RAKEZ
- License (starting from)
- AED 7,500/yr
- Annual renewal
- AED 7,500
- Visa packages
- 1 visa
- ~AED 3,000
- 3 visas
- ~AED 8,000
- 6 visas
- ~AED 14,000
Which one should you pick?
Pick RAKEZ if
You need industrial space, warehousing, or multi-year cost optimization.
See full RAKEZ profileFrequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, IFZA or RAKEZ?
IFZA is cheaper. Its license starts at AED 5,750/year vs AED 7,500/year for RAKEZ — a difference of AED 1,750 per year at the entry tier. Actual costs depend on visa count, office type, and activity.
How long does setup take at IFZA vs RAKEZ?
IFZA advertises 1-2 business days and RAKEZ advertises 2-3 business days. Real-world timelines depend on how quickly you submit documents, pay fees, and complete KYC.
Where are IFZA and RAKEZ located?
IFZA is in Dubai (Dubai Silicon Oasis area, Dubai). RAKEZ is in Ras Al Khaimah (Ras Al Khaimah (1 hour from Dubai)).
What license types does each offer?
IFZA issues trading, service, e-commerce, freelancer licenses. RAKEZ issues trading, service, industrial, e-commerce, freelancer licenses. Pick the zone that covers the license type matching your business activity.