What documents does a Filipino national need to start a gym & fitness business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Philippines passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Philippines, attested documents via Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and a business plan for your gym & fitness venture.

How long does it take for a Filipino citizen to set up a gym & fitness company in RAK DED?

The complete process — from initial application to trade licence issuance — typically takes 2–5 business days. Adding visa processing and bank account opening, the total timeline is approximately 12–22 business days.

What are the tax implications for a Gym & Fitness business in RAK Mainland?

The UAE introduced a 9% corporate tax on profits exceeding AED 375,000 (effective June 2023). Mainland companies are subject to the standard 9% corporate tax rate on taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000. There is no personal income tax in the UAE. VAT at 5% applies to most goods and services.

How much does it cost to set up a Gym & Fitness business in RAK Mainland?

The total setup cost for a Gym & Fitness business in RAK DED starts from approximately AED 5,500 for the trade licence. Additional costs include visa processing (AED 3,200 per visa), office space, and establishment card fees. IBA provides a detailed cost breakdown during your free consultation.

Can I get a residence visa with my Gym & Fitness licence from RAK DED?

Yes, your gym & fitness licence from RAK DED entitles you to apply for residence visas. The number of visas depends on your office space size — larger offices qualify for more visas. Each visa costs approximately AED 3,200.

What are the annual renewal costs for a Gym & Fitness business in RAK Mainland?

The annual licence renewal for a Gym & Fitness RAK DED company costs approximately AED 5,500, 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 a Gym & Fitness business in RAK DED?

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 Sports Council. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

Gym & Fitness in RAK Mainland for Filipino nationals

MainlandServicesRegulated Activity

Gym & Fitness in RAK DED

Starting From

AED 5,500

Setup Time

2 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Ras Al Khaimah

About Gym & Fitness

As a Filipino national looking to establish a Gym & Fitness business in RAK Mainland, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. Philippines has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of Filipino professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a mainland entity regulated under Ras Al Khaimah's commercial laws, your Gym & Fitness business will benefit from cost-effective setup and industrial land availability. The RAK DED licensing framework is designed to accommodate both start-ups and established firms, with annual licence fees starting from approximately AED 5,500.

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

Why RAK DED for Gym & Fitness?

There are several compelling reasons why RAK Mainland continues to attract gym & fitness entrepreneurs from around the world.

The jurisdiction offers cost-effective setup, which is particularly valuable for gym & fitness operations. Additionally, industrial land availability ensures that your business remains competitive in the regional market. Operating on the mainland allows you to trade directly with the local UAE market without restrictions, and you can bid on government contracts — a significant advantage over free zone entities. Office solutions start from AED 3,000 per year for a co-working, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. Trade anywhere in the UAE further enhances the appeal of RAK DED for gym & fitness professionals. Furthermore, tourism and hospitality growth positions your gym & fitness business for long-term success in the region. With Ras Al Khaimah continuing to invest in infrastructure and business-friendly regulation, RAK DED remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established services enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

Cost-effective setup

Industrial land availability

Trade anywhere in the UAE

Tourism and hospitality growth

Strategic northern location

Visa Requirements for Filipino Nationals

Filipino nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. Once your gym & fitness licence is issued by RAK DED, IBA will process your residence visa application, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests. The entire process typically takes 7–14 business days from licence approval to visa stamping.

Banking for Filipino Business Owners

Filipino entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation. A solid business plan helps expedite the process. For your gym & fitness business in RAK DED, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Filipino business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Philippines-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Filipino Nationals

Filipino nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for gym & fitness), and any existing business documents. The attestation must then be verified by the UAE Embassy in Abu Dhabi before submission to RAK DED.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Philippines passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

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

6Detailed business plan or activity description

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

8Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

Regulatory Note: Gym & Fitness is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from Dubai Sports Council is required. IBA can guide you through the full regulatory process.

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	5,500
Visa Package (per visa)	3,200
Ejari Office	5,000
Co-Working	3,000
Private Office	10,000
Estimated Total (Year 1)	From AED 13,700

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

Setup Timeline

Consultation

Free consultation with IBA to discuss your gym & fitness business plan and the best RAK DED licence options for Filipino nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Philippines through Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the gym & fitness licence application to RAK DED. IBA handles all paperwork and government interactions.

Trade Licence Issued

Receive your official RAK DED trade licence within 2–5 business days.

Visa Processing

Process your UAE residence visa, Emirates ID, and medical fitness. Filipino nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Filipino entrepreneurs can open corporate accounts with standard documentation.

Start Operations

Your gym & fitness business is ready to operate in the UAE. IBA provides ongoing PRO, accounting, and compliance support.

Total estimated time: 2 business days. IBA handles the entire process end-to-end so you can focus on your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Since the UAE's 2020 Commercial Companies Law amendment, Filipino nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including gym & fitness.

Gym & Fitness 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