What documents does a German national need to start a real estate development business in the UAE?

You will need a valid Germany passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Germany, attested documents via German Federal Foreign Office / Apostille, and a business plan for your real estate development venture.

How long does it take for a German citizen to set up a real estate development 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 Real Estate Development licence from RAK DED?

Yes, your real estate development 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.

How long does it take to get a Real Estate Development licence in RAK DED?

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

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Real Estate Development 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 real estate development. Previously, a local sponsor holding 51% was required, but this is no longer the case.

What documents do I need to set up a Real Estate Development 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 RERA. IBA handles all document preparation and submission on your behalf.

What are the tax implications for a Real Estate Development 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.

Real Estate Development in RAK Mainland for German nationals

MainlandReal EstateRegulated Activity

Real Estate Development in RAK DED

Starting From

AED 5,500

Setup Time

2 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Ras Al Khaimah

About Real Estate Development

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

As a mainland entity regulated under Ras Al Khaimah's commercial laws, your Real Estate Development 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 real estate development 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 Real Estate Development?

There are several compelling reasons why RAK Mainland continues to attract real estate development entrepreneurs from around the world.

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

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

Cost-effective setup

Industrial land availability

Trade anywhere in the UAE

Tourism and hospitality growth

Strategic northern location

Visa Requirements for German Nationals

For German entrepreneurs, the visa process works as follows: German nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 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 real estate development business in RAK DED.

Banking for German Business Owners

Opening a corporate bank account for your real estate development company in RAK DED: German nationals generally experience smooth corporate bank account opening. Strong German-UAE trade relations facilitate banking processes. IBA has established relationships with major UAE banks and will personally introduce you to relationship managers who understand German business structures.

Document Attestation for German Nationals

Document attestation for German nationals involves: (1) Notarisation in Germany, (2) Attestation by German Federal Foreign Office / Apostille, (3) UAE Embassy attestation in Dubai. IBA provides a complete attestation checklist specific to real estate development businesses to ensure nothing is missed.

Requirements & Documents

1Valid Germany passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by German Federal Foreign Office / Apostille

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Detailed business plan or activity description

5Passport-sized photographs with white background

6Completed application form for trade licence

7Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

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

Regulatory Note: Real Estate Development is a regulated activity in the UAE. Additional approval from RERA 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 real estate development business plan and the best RAK DED licence options for German nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Germany through German Federal Foreign Office / Apostille and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the real estate development 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. German nationals can enter the UAE visa-free for 90 days.

Bank Account

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

Start Operations

Your real estate development 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, German nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including real estate development.

Real Estate Development in Other Jurisdictions

SHAMS

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RAKEZ

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DIFC

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Abu Dhabi DED

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JAFZA

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Dubai DED

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DMCC

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IFZA

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