What documents does a Canadian national need to start a mep contracting 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 mep contracting venture.

How long does it take for a Canadian citizen to set up a mep contracting 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 MEP Contracting licence from RAK DED?

Yes, your mep contracting 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 documents do I need to set up a MEP Contracting 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 Municipality. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

What are the tax implications for a MEP Contracting 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.

Is RAK Mainland good for mep contracting start-ups?

RAK DED is one of the most start-up-friendly jurisdictions in the UAE, offering cost-effective setup and industrial land availability. Flexible office solutions starting from AED 5,000 per year help keep initial overheads manageable.

How long does it take to get a MEP Contracting licence in RAK DED?

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

MEP Contracting in RAK Mainland for Canadian nationals

MainlandConstructionRegulated Activity

MEP Contracting in RAK DED

Starting From

AED 5,500

Setup Time

2 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Ras Al Khaimah

About MEP Contracting

Setting up a MEP Contracting business in RAK Mainland as a Canadian citizen is a straightforward process when you understand the specific requirements that apply to Canada-based entrepreneurs. IBA International has helped hundreds of Canadian 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 construction 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 mep contracting 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 MEP Contracting?

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

The jurisdiction offers cost-effective setup, which is particularly valuable for mep contracting 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 mep contracting professionals. Furthermore, tourism and hospitality growth positions your mep contracting 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 construction 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 setup

Industrial land availability

Trade anywhere in the UAE

Tourism and hospitality growth

Strategic northern location

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 mep contracting 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 Canadian Business Owners

Canadian nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. Strong Canadian-UAE relations facilitate banking processes. For your mep contracting business in RAK DED, 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 mep contracting), 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 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

5Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

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

7Relevant industry experience documentation

8Passport-sized photographs with white background

Regulatory Note: MEP Contracting 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	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 mep contracting business plan and the best RAK DED 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 mep contracting 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. 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 mep contracting 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, Canadian nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including mep contracting.

MEP Contracting 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