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

You will need a valid Lebanon passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in Lebanon, attested documents via Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a business plan for your real estate development venture.

How long does it take for a Lebanese citizen to set up a real estate development 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 documents do I need to set up a Real Estate Development business in RAKEZ?

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.

How much does it cost to set up a Real Estate Development business in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone?

The total setup cost for a Real Estate Development 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.

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

The typical processing time for a real estate development licence at RAKEZ is 3 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.

What business activities can I include on my RAKEZ licence?

Your RAKEZ licence can include real estate development 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.

Can I open a corporate bank account with my RAKEZ Real Estate Development licence?

Yes, with a valid trade licence from RAKEZ, you can open a corporate bank account at any UAE bank. Free zone companies can bank with most major UAE banks including Emirates NBD, ADCB, RAKBank, and Mashreq. IBA assists with introductions and documentation for smooth bank account opening.

Real Estate Development in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone for Lebanese nationals

Free ZoneReal EstateRegulated Activity

Real Estate Development in RAKEZ

Starting From

AED 7,500

Setup Time

3 Business Days

Visa Quota

3 Visas

Location

Ras Al Khaimah

About Real Estate Development

The UAE continues to attract Lebanese entrepreneurs seeking to tap into the Middle Eastern market, and RAKEZ is one of the most popular jurisdictions for real estate development operations. Influential business community (~150,000), which means you will find an established support network, community events, and nationality-specific resources to help your business thrive.

Operating from Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone gives your Real Estate Development business access to Ras Al Khaimah's world-class infrastructure, including modern office facilities such as flexi desk, shared office, private office and excellent connectivity. As a regulated activity, you will need approval from RERA before commencing operations, but IBA's team handles this process seamlessly on your behalf.

IBA International has been helping entrepreneurs set up real estate development businesses in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone since 2004. Our team of incorporation specialists will guide you through every step, from initial consultation to licence issuance and bank account opening, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup experience.

Why RAKEZ for Real Estate Development?

Choosing RAKEZ for your real estate development business comes with a host of strategic advantages that directly impact your bottom line and growth potential.

The jurisdiction offers cost-effective licensing, which is particularly valuable for real estate development 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 real estate development professionals. Furthermore, gateway to northern emirates 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, RAKEZ 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 Lebanese nationals specifically, the Ras Al Khaimah government has fostered a business-friendly environment with streamlined processes that cater to the large Lebanese business community.

Cost-effective licensing

Industrial and commercial zones

100% foreign ownership

Gateway to Northern Emirates

Manufacturing facilities

Visa Requirements for Lebanese Nationals

Lebanese nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa. Employment or investor visa is processed through the company after incorporation. Once your real estate development 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 Lebanese Business Owners

Lebanese entrepreneurs have a strong reputation in UAE business circles. Many have established successful businesses across various sectors. For your real estate development business in RAKEZ, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving Lebanese business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any Lebanon-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for Lebanese Nationals

Lebanese nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for real estate development), 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 Lebanon passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Proposed company name (2-3 alternatives)

5Passport copies of all shareholders and directors (valid for at least 6 months)

6Passport-sized photographs with white background

7Signed application form from RAKEZ authority

8Professional qualification certificates or approvals from RERA

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	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 real estate development business plan and the best RAKEZ licence options for Lebanese nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from Lebanon through Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the real estate development 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. Lebanese nationals require a pre-arranged UAE visa.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. Lebanese entrepreneurs have a strong reputation in UAE business circles.

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: 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 Lebanese nationals. No local sponsor or partner is required.

Real Estate Development 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