What documents does a Canadian national need to start a engineering consultancy business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Canada passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Canada, attested documents via Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication, and a business plan for your engineering consultancy venture.

How long does it take for a Canadian citizen to set up a engineering 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.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my RAKEZ Engineering Consultancy licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from RAKEZ, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Free zone companies can bank with most major UAE banks including Emirates NBD, ADCB, RAKBank, and Mashreq. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

How much does it cost to set up an Engineering Consultancy business in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone?

The total setup cost for an Engineering Consultancy business in RAKEZ starts from approximately AED 7,500 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 3,700 per visa), office space, and establishment card fees. IBA provides a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation.

What business activities can I include on my RAKEZ licence?

Your RAKEZ licence can include engineering consultancy as the primary activity, along with related activities that fall under the same category. Most free zones allow multiple activities on a single licence, though some may charge a small fee for additional activities. IBA advises on the optimal activity selection for your business needs.

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

The annual licence renewal for an Engineering 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.

Is Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone good for engineering 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.

Engineering Consultancy in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone for Canadian nationals

Free ZoneProfessionalRegulated Activity

Engineering Consultancy in RAKEZ

Starting From

AED 7,500

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

3 Visas

Location

Ras Al Khaimah

About Engineering Consultancy

The UAE continues to attract Canadian entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and RAKEZ is one of the most popular jurisdictions for engineering consultancy operations. Growing Canadian business community (~40,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone gives your Engineering Consultancy business access to Ras Al Khaimah's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as flexi desk, shared office, private office and excellent connectivity. As a regulated activity, you will need approval from Dubai Municipality before commencing operations, but IBA's team handles this process seamlessly on your behalf.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up engineering consultancy businesses in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone since 2004. Our team of incorporation specialists will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to licence issuance and bank account opening, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup experience.

Why RAKEZ for Engineering Consultancy?

Choosing RAKEZ for your engineering consultancy business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

The jurisdiction offers cost-effective licensing, which is particularly valuable for engineering 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 engineering consultancy professionals. Furthermore, gateway to northern emirates positions your engineering 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 Canadian nationals specifically, the Ras Al Khaimah government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Canadian business community.

Cost-effective licensing

Industrial and commercial zones

100% foreign ownership

Gateway to Northern Emirates

Manufacturing facilities

Visa Requirements for Canadian Nationals

Canadian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. Once your engineering 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 Canadian Business Owners

Canadian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. Strong Canadian-UAE relations facilitate banking processes. For your engineering consultancy business in RAKEZ, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Canadian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Canada-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Canadian Nationals

Canadian nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for engineering 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 Canada passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Professional qualification certificates or approvals from Dubai Municipality

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

6Signed application form from RAKEZ authority

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

8Relevant industry experience documentation

Regulatory Note: Engineering 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 engineering consultancy business plan and the best RAKEZ licence options for Canadian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Canada through Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the engineering 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. Canadian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Canadian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening.

Start Operations

Your engineering 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 Canadian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Engineering 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