What documents does an Indian national need to start a architecture consultancy business in the UAE?

You will need a valid India passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in India, attested documents via MEA (Ministry of External Affairs), and a business plan for your architecture consultancy venture.

How long does it take for an Indian citizen to set up a architecture consultancy company in RAKEZ?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 3–6 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 13–23 business days.

How long does it take to get a Architecture Consultancy licence in RAKEZ?

The typical processing time for a architecture consultancy licence at RAKEZ is 3 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. As a regulated activity requiring Dubai Municipality approval, additional time of 1-3 weeks may be required.

What are the tax implications for an Architecture Consultancy business in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Free zone companies like those in RAKEZ may qualify for a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided they meet the substance requirements and do not conduct business with the mainland. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

Is Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone good for architecture consultancy start-ups?

RAKEZ is one of the most start-up-friendly jurisdictions in the UAE, offering cost-effective licensing and industrial and commercial zones. Flexible office solutions starting from AED 3,000 per year help keep initial overheads manageable.

What are the annual renewal costs for an Architecture Consultancy business in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone?

The annual licence renewal for an Architecture Consultancy RAKEZ company costs approximately AED 7,500, which covers the trade licence fee. Additional annual costs may include office space rental, visa renewal, and establishment card fees. IBA provides renewal services to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

What documents do I need to set up an Architecture Consultancy business in RAKEZ?

The standard documents required include: passport copies of all shareholders, passport-sized photographs, a completed application form, a business plan or activity description, and proof of address. As a regulated activity, you will also need to provide professional qualifications or certifications required by Dubai Municipality. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

Architecture Consultancy in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone for Indian nationals

Free ZoneProfessionalRegulated Activity

Architecture Consultancy in RAKEZ

Starting From

AED 7,500

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

3 Visas

Location

Ras Al Khaimah

About Architecture Consultancy

As an Indian national looking to establish an Architecture Consultancy business in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. India has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of Indian professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a free zone entity regulated under Ras Al Khaimah's commercial laws, your Architecture Consultancy business will benefit from cost-effective licensing and industrial and commercial zones. The RAKEZ licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 7,500.

With over two decades of experience in UAE business formation, IBA International provides end-to-end support for your architecture consultancy setup in RAKEZ. Our dedicated advisors handle the paperwork, government liaisons, and compliance requirements, so you can focus on building your business from day one.

Why RAKEZ for Architecture Consultancy?

There are several compelling reasons why Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone continues to attract architecture consultancy entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers cost-effective licensing, which is particularly valuable for architecture consultancy operations. Additionally, industrial and commercial zones ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. As a free zone entity, your business enjoys complete repatriation of profits and capital, with no currency restrictions on transactions. Office solutions start from AED 3,000 per year for a flexi desk, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. The standard licence includes a visa quota of 3 residency visas, with options to increase this number as your team grows. 100% foreign ownership further enhances the appeal of RAKEZ for architecture consultancy professionals. Furthermore, gateway to northern emirates positions your architecture consultancy business for long-term success in the region. With Ras Al Khaimah continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, RAKEZ remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established professional enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

For Indian nationals specifically, the Ras Al Khaimah government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Indian business community.

Cost-effective licensing

Industrial and commercial zones

100% foreign ownership

Gateway to Northern Emirates

Manufacturing facilities

Visa Requirements for Indian Nationals

Indian passport holders can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 14 days. For business setup, a proper residence visa is required. Once your architecture consultancy licence is issued by RAKEZ, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 8–15 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Indian Business Owners

Indian nationals typically find it straightforward to open corporate accounts with UAE banks. Many banks have dedicated Indian business desks. For your architecture consultancy business in RAKEZ, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Indian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any India-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Indian Nationals

Indian nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through MEA (Ministry of External Affairs). This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for architecture consultancy), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to RAKEZ.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid India passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by MEA (Ministry of External Affairs)

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Passport-sized photographs with white background

5Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

6Relevant industry experience documentation

7Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

8Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

Regulatory Note: Architecture Consultancy is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from Dubai Municipality is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	7,500
Visa Package (per visa)	3,700
Flexi Desk	3,000
Shared Office	7,000
Private Office	15,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 14,200

* Costs are indicative and subject to change. Contact IBA for a personalised quote.

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your architecture consultancy business plan and the best RAKEZ licence options for Indian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from India through MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the architecture consultancy licence application to RAKEZ. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official RAKEZ trade licence within 3–6 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Indian passport holders can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 14 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Indian nationals typically find it straightforward to open corporate accounts with UAE banks.

Start Operations

Your architecture consultancy business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 3 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. RAKEZ allows 100% foreign ownership for all nationalities, including Indian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Architecture Consultancy in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

Abu Dhabi DED

From AED 10,000

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

Dubai DED

From AED 12,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750