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All You Need to Know About RAK Visa for Life: The Ultimate Guide to Ras Al Khaimah Residency

Date
October 20, 2025
Category
Author

If you are considering working, living, or investing in the UAE, the RAK Visa is an option worth exploring. Ras Al Khaimah is geographically adjacent to Dubai, but it is much less well-known. Ras Al Khaimah is an up-and-coming hub for many professionals, entrepreneurs, and families. The Ras Al Khaimah Visa is the latest addition to the many benefits Ras Al Khaimah offers to expatriates. The Ras Al Khaimah Visa is an exciting development offering affordable living, infrastructure, and the convenience of Dubai as a neighbor.

However, you can rest assured that with the new RAK Visa for Life program, long-term residency is within easy reach. RAKEZ offers this program, and it stands at the center of the Ras Al Khaimah Visa program. It is the most cost-effective and straightforward option available. Let’s break down the rest of what this program has to offer in terms of costs, benefits, medications, and more.

Why Choose Ras Al Khaimah?

While Dubai and Abu Dhabi often overshadow Ras Al Khaimah, the Ras Al Khaimah Visa programs are more enticing than those of the rest of the Emirates for those who are budget-conscious and looking for balance. Here’s why:

  • No traffic or the exorbitant cost of living that Abu Dhabi and Dubai are known for.
  • World-class infrastructure in the UAE.
  • A thriving business hub enhanced by RAKEZ Visa programs.
  • Only 45 minutes from Dubai

For freelancers and new entrepreneurs, the RAK Visa for Life is the perfect combination.

Types of RAK Visas

When it comes to the UAE Residency Visa, Ras Al Khaimah offers a wide range of options:

Visa Type

Validity

Who It’s For

Investor Visa

5–10 Years

Property owners & investors

Golden Visa

10 Years

High-net-worth investors, specialists

Green Visa

5 Years

Skilled professionals, entrepreneurs

Employment Visa

2–3 Years

Employees in RAK companies

Student Visa

Course Duration

Students enrolled in RAK universities

Dependent Visa

Linked to Sponsor

Families & domestic workers

Tourist Visa

30–60 Days

Short-term visitors

However, the most popular package today is the RAK Visa for Life, offering unmatched flexibility.

What is RAK Visa for Life?

The RAKEZ Visa System’s RAK Visa for Life is the premier program of the system. It retains a UAE residency visa while facilitating the establishment of a business, for a predetermined annual fee of AED 16,500.

The pack consists of :

  • A Ras Al Khaimah Visa is valid for long-term stay.
  • A business licence to legally operate in RAK.
  • Shared workstation access in RAKEZ business centers.
  • Emirates ID and mandatory medical test.
  • E-channel & immigration file setup.
  • Visa processing support with no hidden charges.

This all-in-one solution makes the RAK Visa for Life ideal for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and investors.

Eligibility for RAK Visa for Life

You can apply for an RAK Visa if you correspond with one of these descriptions:

  • Business owners or investors are trying to establish a presence in RAKEZ.
  • Freelancers are offered disciplines of design, consulting, and technology.
  • Financially stable retirees.
  • Dependents of a UAE sponsor on a residency visa.

Documents Required

To apply for a RAKEZ Visa under RAK for Life, you need:

  • Shareholders’ and the general manager’s passport copies.
  • Three proposed names for the company.
  • Visa/entry/exit stamps from previously obtained documents, if applicable.
  • Proof of residential address from the country of origin.
  • Other documents as per RAKEZ instructions.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for a RAK Visa for Life is straightforward:

  1. Business Setup/Sponsorship – Register with RAKEZ.
  2. Initial Approval – Submit documents on the RAKEZ Portal 360.
  3. Entry Permit – Enter the UAE legally while processing the visa.
  4. Status Change – Convert your permit into a UAE Residency Visa.
  5. Medical & Emirates ID – Complete medical test and get your ID.
  6. Visa Stamping – Finalize the process and receive your Ras Al Khaimah Visa.

Cost Breakdown of RAK Visa for Life

The RAK Visa for Life starts at AED 16,500 annually (~USD 4,500).

  • Business setup and licence fees included.
  • No hidden charges.
  • Renewal fees are set at a fixed rate.

Compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the RAKEZ Visa is one of the most affordable residency visa options in the UAE.

Benefits of RAK Visa for Life

Having a RAK Visa is extremely advantageous for its holder.

  • Family Sponsorship – the holder can sponsor the spouse and children for an unlimited duration.
  • Banking – the holder can open an account, obtain loans, and conduct other financial transactions.
  • Business – the holder can set up a business at low costs while having international relations.
  • Education and Health – the holder can avail of top-quality facilities in the UAE.
  • Travel – the holder can visit countries such as Georgia, the Maldives, and the Seychelles without needing a visa.
  • Driving – the holder is allowed to obtain a UAE driving permit.

RAK Visa vs Dubai/Abu Dhabi Visa

Feature

RAK Visa for Life

Dubai/Abu Dhabi Visa

Annual Cost

AED 16,500

AED 25,000+

Business Setup

Included

Extra charges

Residency

3–10 Years

2–10 Years

Lifestyle

Affordable

Expensive

Proximity to Dubai

45 Minutes

N/A

This comparison highlights why more people are opting for the Ras Al Khaimah Visa.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many applicants are delayed or rejected for reasons such as:

  • Missing documents for the RAKEZ Visa approval.
  • Selecting the wrong business activities.
  • Not converting the entry permit to a UAE Residency Visa promptly.
  • Not taking the processing timelines seriously.

 The Future of RAK Visa

Continuously aligned with its projected growth target in line with the UAE’s Vision 2030, Ras Al Khaimah continues to integrate The RAK Visa for Life into its ambition to attract investors, freelancers, and families. The Ras Al Khaimah Visa will be in demand as more people consider inexpensive opportunities for residency outside of Dubai.

Conclusion

In addition to holding a UAE residency, the RAK Visa for Life offers a unique business and lifestyle proposition. The Ras Al Khaimah visa, along with an individual’s status as a freelancer, family member, or investor in need of affordable settlement, is the perfect ticket to the abundant opportunities the region offers.

Ready to start your journey? If that’s the case, go ahead and apply for your RAKEZ Visa and make your dreams a reality in Ras Al Khaimah!

FAQs

Q1: Is the RAK Visa for Life truly permanent?

A: No, it helps with stability in the long term; however, it is renewable each year for an amount of AED 16,500.

A: Absolutely, the RAK Visa for Life grants full family sponsorship.

A: You can check your RAKEZ Visa status by visiting the RAKEZ website and using the ‘Track Transaction’ option on the portal.

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