RAK Digital Assets Oasis Business Setup: Licenses, Process, Costs

Why Choose RAK Digital Assets Oasis Free Zone for Business Setup?

RAK Digital Assets Oasis is a new free zone in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah that has quickly gained prominence on the international stage. Thanks to its proximity to Dubai and key transport hubs, it is convenient for both start-ups and established companies with global ambitions.

It provides an environment where innovation and fintech can develop without unnecessary bureaucratic barriers. Entrepreneurs enjoy key advantages: 100% foreign ownership, 0% if QFZP requirements are met, and complete freedom to repatriate capital. Registration is quick and can be done entirely remotely, which is especially valuable for international investors.

An important advantage is flexibility. You can start with a minimum package of services, using a virtual office or coworking space, and gradually scale your business. Thanks to its transparent pricing policy and government support, RAK Digital Assets Oasis is a practical choice for those looking for a combination of reliability, affordability and growth prospects.

About RAK Digital Assets Oasis Free Zone

RAK Digital Assets Oasis (RAK DAO) is the world's first free zone entirely focused on businesses in the digital and virtual asset space: Web3, blockchain, NFTs, DAOs, metaverses, and other innovations. The project was created by the government of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and was presented to the public at the Blockchain Life conference in early 2023. The zone is positioned as a platform for the development of cutting-edge technologies, with a transparent regulatory framework and a flexible ecosystem for digital projects. It is integrated into the existing infrastructure of Ras Al Khaimah, where the RAKIA and RAKEZ initiatives previously operated, transforming the emirate into a business centre.

Business Activities Allowed in RAK Digital Assets Oasis Free Zone

RAK Digital Assets Oasis Free Zone permits a wide range of activities in the field of digital and virtual assets. These include blockchain development, Web3 solutions, NFT platforms, DLT services, metaverses, artificial intelligence, social and gaming projects (SocialFi, e-Gaming), DAO residencies, crypto trading, and marketplaces. A special category of premium activities includes Web3 incubators, venture studios, online gaming, and a DLT services registry; these are available as a unique offering of the zone. All activities must be pre-approved by the RAK DAO Authority, especially premium activities, which cannot be combined with other types of activities.

Step-by-Step RAK Digital Assets Oasis Free Zone Company Formation and Registration

The process of establishing a company in RAK Digital Assets Oasis is convenient and modern, combining clear documentation requirements with the option of remote registration. The process is designed so that entrepreneurs can quickly complete all stages, from submitting an application to obtaining a licence, without unnecessary visits to the country. The flexibility of the system allows it to be adapted to different projects and reduces the time it takes to start a business.

Required Documents and Timeline

When registering a business in the RAK Digital Assets Oasis Free Zone, you will need to prepare a basic set of needed documents. The list looks fairly standard, but it is best to pay close attention to the details to avoid delays during the verification stage:

• The applicant's foreign passport (colour scan, valid for at least 6 months).
• A good quality passport-sized photograph.
• Visa or entry stamp to the UAE (if you are already in the country).
• Proof of residence, most often a utility bill or bank statement for the last three months.
• CV or description of professional experience (relevant for certain specialised activities).
• Constituent documents of the parent company
• Constituent documents of the newly established company.

As for the timing: with a correctly compiled package and no additional requests from the regulator, the procedure usually takes 5 to 10 working days from the submission of the application to the receipt of the licence. In some cases (e.g., premium Web3 activities or combined licences), the process may take up to two to three weeks, as additional approval will be required.

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Remote Registration Option

One of the key advantages of RAK Digital Assets Oasis is the ability to complete the registration process remotely, without travelling to the UAE. This solution is particularly popular among international entrepreneurs who value their time and prefer to minimise travel expenses.

The process is organised for maximum convenience. The client prepares scanned copies of documents and sends them to the zone administration or an accredited agent. After an initial check, an online verification is scheduled: this is usually a short video call where the applicant confirms their identity by showing their passport and answering basic questions. This procedure replaces the need to be physically present at the office and is recognised by the regulator as an official method of KYC identification.

Thus, RAK DAO creates flexible conditions for digital businesses: registration is transparent, secure and fast, without requiring a physical visit to the emirate.

Types of Licenses and Costs in RAK Digital Assets Oasis Free Zone

RAK Digital Assets Oasis Free Zone offers two types of licenses: a standard business licence with visa eligibility and a freelance licence for individual professionals. The final cost is grounded on the selected package and the number of activities declared, while the tariff structure remains transparent, and free of hidden fees.

The UAE offers three registration formats for working with digital assets. Freelance Permit is suitable for individual professionals: low costs but limited scope of activity. Remote Company allows you to manage your business online without a mandatory office - optimal for international projects. Standard Company is designed for companies and startups that need a physical presence in the country; costs are higher, but the status is more stable. This choice gives flexibility: from the work of one specialist to a full-fledged office in the Emirates.

Visa Packages and Pricing Breakdown

RAK Digital Assets Oasis Free Zone offers several transparent packages adapted to different working formats and number of participants.

• Freelance Permit is from AED 6,250. The package is suitable for individual professionals, includes a Freelance Permit, flexible workspace, and visa access.
• Launch Startup - from AED 7,250. It is a basic business licence for digital projects with minimal involvement in the ecosystem, ideal for a quick start.
• Launch+ Engage - from AED 13,095. An advanced package with legal, compliance and banking support to simplify the entry process.
• Accelerate - from AED 22,095. A solution for companies with already sustainable revenues, providing access to RAK DAO's specialised Web3 ecosystem.

In addition, e-channel registration (about AED 2,000) and each visa (medical examination, Emirates ID, insurance) are additionally paid for - about AED 3,500-4,000 per person.

In general, the tariff structure remains very clear: the entrepreneur understands in advance all mandatory expenses and can accurately calculate the budget for the first year of operation. This convenience is especially appreciated by start-ups and freelancers who plan for growth and want to avoid unexpected costs.

RAK Digital Assets Oasis Free Zone Company Formation: Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Choose This Free Zone?

RAK Digital Assets Oasis was created as a specialised ecosystem for digital projects. However, it is not suitable for everyone. Below are some practical criteria to help you decide whether this zone is right for you.

Who it is suitable for RAK DAO:

• Freelancers and start-ups in the fields of Web3, blockchain, NFT, and metaverses.
• Consultants and software developers working with international clients.
• Investors and venture studios planning to launch digital projects.
• Online platforms and e-gaming services require flexible conditions and minimal bureaucracy.

Who is not suitable for RAK DAO:

• Traditional trading and manufacturing companies. The zone is not intended for warehouses or factories.
• Entrepreneurs from ‘high-risk jurisdictions’. A licence may not be available.
• Businesses where mandatory VAT registration is critical. In some cases, it can be difficult to obtain here.
• Those looking for a traditional offline market: RAK DAO is focused on the digital economy.

This filter helps you immediately understand how well the zone meets your goals and expectations.

Conclusion

RAK Digital Assets Oasis is not just another free zone in the UAE, but a platform specifically designed for the needs of digital businesses, and Web3 projects. It combines flexible registration, transparent conditions and modern infrastructure, making it particularly attractive for start-ups, consultants and developers working in the global market. The possibility of remote registration, reasonable package prices and clear specialisation put it in a separate category among other jurisdictions in the emirate.

The next step is obvious: discuss the details with relevant consultants who will help you choose the optimal package, take into account all regulatory nuances, and go through the registration process without delay. This significantly reduces risks and saves time when entering the market.