What documents does a Russian national need to start a hotel management business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Russia passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Russia, attested documents via Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Apostille, and a business plan for your hotel management venture.

How long does it take for a Russian citizen to set up a hotel management 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.

Can I get a residence visa with my Hotel Management licence from RAK DED?

Yes, your hotel management 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.

Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to set up a Hotel Management company in RAK DED?

Most of the setup process for a hotel management business in RAK DED can be completed remotely, with documents submitted online or via courier. However, you may need to visit the UAE for Emirates ID biometrics and bank account opening. IBA can coordinate to minimise your required visits.

What are the tax implications for a Hotel Management 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 long does it take to get a Hotel Management licence in RAK DED?

The typical processing time for a hotel management licence at RAK DED is 2 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. As a regulated activity requiring DTCM approval, additional time of 1-3 weeks may be required.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Hotel Management company in RAK Mainland?

Yes, following the recent amendments to the UAE Commercial Companies Law, 100% foreign ownership is now permitted for most mainland activities, including hotel management. Previously, a local sponsor holding 51% was required, but this is no longer the case.

Hotel Management in RAK Mainland for Russian nationals

MainlandTourismRegulated Activity

Hotel Management in RAK DED

Starting From

AED 5,500

Setup Time

2 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Ras Al Khaimah

About Hotel Management

Setting up a Hotel Management business in RAK Mainland as a Russian citizen is a straightforward process when you understand the specific requirements that apply to Russia-based entrepreneurs. IBA International has helped hundreds of Russian business owners navigate the licensing, visa, and banking procedures unique to their nationality.

The licensing process at RAK DED has been streamlined significantly, with most tourism licences processed within 2 business days. With the recent changes to UAE commercial law, 100% foreign ownership is now available for most mainland activities. The base licence fee is approximately AED 5,500, making it one of the most affordable options in the UAE.

At IBA International, we simplify the process of establishing your hotel management business in RAK Mainland. From selecting the right licence type to securing your visa and opening a corporate bank account, our experienced team ensures every detail is handled professionally and efficiently.

Why RAK DED for Hotel Management?

RAK Mainland is widely regarded as one of the UAE's premier destinations for tourism businesses, and for good reason.

The jurisdiction offers cost-effective setup, which is particularly valuable for hotel management 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 hotel management professionals. Furthermore, tourism and hospitality growth positions your hotel management 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 tourism enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

Cost-effective setup

Industrial land availability

Trade anywhere in the UAE

Tourism and hospitality growth

Strategic northern location

Visa Requirements for Russian Nationals

For Russian entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Russian nationals can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 90 days. For business purposes, a proper residence visa is recommended. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your hotel management business in RAK DED.

Banking for Russian Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your hotel management company in RAK DED: Russian entrepreneurs may face additional compliance requirements due to international regulations. IBA assists with proper documentation and bank selection. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Russian business structures.

Document Attestation for Russian Nationals

Document attestation for Russian nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in Russia, (2) Attestation by Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Apostille, (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to hotel management businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Russia passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Apostille

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Detailed business plan or activity description

5Office tenancy contract (Ejari) for the registered business address

6Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

7Passport-sized photographs with white background

8Completed application form for trade licence

Regulatory Note: Hotel Management is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from DTCM 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 hotel management business plan and the best RAK DED licence options for Russian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Russia through Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Apostille and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the hotel management 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. Russian nationals can obtain a UAE visa on arrival for 90 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Russian entrepreneurs may face additional compliance requirements due to international regulations.

Start Operations

Your hotel management 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, Russian nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including hotel management.

Hotel Management 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