What documents does a Canadian national need to start a media production 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 media production venture.

How long does it take for a Canadian citizen to set up a media production 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 get a residence visa with my Media Production licence from RAKEZ?

Yes, your media production licence from RAKEZ entitles you to apply for residence visas. The standard package includes 3 visa(s), with the option to apply for additional visas based on your office space. Each visa costs approximately AED 3,700.

How long does it take to get a Media Production licence in RAKEZ?

The typical processing time for a media production licence at RAKEZ is 3 business days, subject to document completeness and any regulatory approvals. Since this is a non-regulated activity, the process is straightforward and typically completed within the standard timeframe.

What business activities can I include on my RAKEZ licence?

Your RAKEZ licence can include media production 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 tax implications for a Media Production 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 Media Production business in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone?

The total setup cost for a Media Production 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.

Media Production in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone for Canadian nationals

Free ZoneProfessional

Media Production in RAKEZ

Starting From

AED 7,500

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

3 Visas

Location

Ras Al Khaimah

About Media Production

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

As a free zone entity regulated under Ras Al Khaimah's commercial laws, your Media Production 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 media production 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 Media Production?

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

The jurisdiction offers cost-effective licensing, which is particularly valuable for media production 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 media production professionals. Furthermore, gateway to northern emirates positions your media production 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

For Canadian entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: Canadian nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days. For business setup, a residence visa is processed after company incorporation. IBA handles the complete immigration procedure — from entry permit to residence visa stamping — so you can focus on launching your media production business in RAKEZ.

Banking for Canadian Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your media production company in RAKEZ: Canadian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. Strong Canadian-UAE relations facilitate banking processes. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand Canadian business structures.

Document Attestation for Canadian Nationals

Document attestation for Canadian nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in Canada, (2) Attestation by Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication, (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to media production businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Canada passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Global Affairs Canada / Provincial Authentication

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Detailed business plan or activity description

5Passport-sized photographs with white background

6Completed application form for trade licence

7Entry stamp or valid UAE visa copy (if applying from within the UAE)

8Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

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 media production 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 media production 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 media production 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.

Media Production in Other Jurisdictions

DIC

From AED 15,000

RAKEZ

From AED 7,500

DIFC

From AED 12,000

SHAMS

From AED 6,150

JAFZA

From AED 16,000

DMCC

From AED 15,300

IFZA

From AED 11,750

DSO

From AED 12,000