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

You will need a valid Australia passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Australia, attested documents via Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and a business plan for your hotel management venture.

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

What are the tax implications for a Hotel Management 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.

How much does it cost to set up a Hotel Management business in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone?

The total setup cost for a Hotel Management 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.

Is Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone good for hotel management 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 business activities can I include on my RAKEZ licence?

Your RAKEZ licence can include hotel management 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.

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

Most of the setup process for a hotel management business in RAKEZ 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.

Hotel Management in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone for Australian nationals

Free ZoneTourismRegulated Activity

Hotel Management in RAKEZ

Starting From

AED 7,500

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

3 Visas

Location

Ras Al Khaimah

About Hotel Management

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

As a free zone entity regulated under Ras Al Khaimah's commercial laws, your Hotel Management 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 hotel management 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 Hotel Management?

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

The jurisdiction offers cost-effective licensing, which is particularly valuable for hotel management 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 hotel management professionals. Furthermore, gateway to northern emirates 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, RAKEZ remains an excellent choice for both start-ups and established tourism enterprises looking to expand into the Middle East and North Africa region.

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

Cost-effective licensing

Industrial and commercial zones

100% foreign ownership

Gateway to Northern Emirates

Manufacturing facilities

Visa Requirements for Australian Nationals

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

Australian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. Commonwealth banking standards are recognised by UAE banks. For your hotel management business in RAKEZ, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Australian business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Australia-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Australian Nationals

Australian nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for hotel management), 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 Australia passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

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

7Signed application form from RAKEZ authority

8Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

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	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 hotel management business plan and the best RAKEZ licence options for Australian nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Australia through Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the hotel management 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. Australian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days.

Bank Account

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

Start Operations

Your hotel management 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 Australian nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

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