What documents does an American national need to start a veterinary clinic business in the UAE?

You will need a valid United States passport (minimum 6 months validity), passport-sized photos, proof of address in United States, attested documents via US Department of State / Secretary of State, and a business plan for your veterinary clinic venture.

How long does it take for an American citizen to set up a veterinary clinic 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 Veterinary Clinic licence from RAK DED?

Yes, your veterinary clinic 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.

Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to set up a Veterinary Clinic company in RAK DED?

Most of the setup process for a veterinary clinic business in RAK DED 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.

What are the annual renewal costs for a Veterinary Clinic business in RAK Mainland?

The annual licence renewal for a Veterinary Clinic RAK DED company costs approximately AED 5,500, which covers the trade licence fee. Additional annual costs may include office space rental, visa renewal, and establishment card fees. IBA provides renewal services to ensure uninterrupted business operations.

Is RAK Mainland good for veterinary clinic 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.

What are the tax implications for a Veterinary Clinic 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.

Veterinary Clinic in RAK Mainland for American nationals

MainlandHealthcareRegulated Activity

Veterinary Clinic in RAK DED

Starting From

AED 5,500

Setup Time

2 Business Days

Visa Quota

0 Visas

Location

Ras Al Khaimah

About Veterinary Clinic

As an American national looking to establish a Veterinary Clinic business in RAK Mainland, the UAE offers one of the most welcoming environments for international entrepreneurs. United States has strong bilateral trade relations with the UAE, and thousands of American professionals have already successfully set up businesses across the emirates.

As a mainland entity regulated under Ras Al Khaimah's commercial laws, your Veterinary Clinic 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 veterinary clinic 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 Veterinary Clinic?

There are several compelling reasons why RAK Mainland continues to attract veterinary clinic entrepreneurs from around the world.

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

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

Cost-effective setup

Industrial land availability

Trade anywhere in the UAE

Tourism and hospitality growth

Strategic northern location

Visa Requirements for American Nationals

US citizens can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days. A residence visa is processed after company formation for long-term business operations. Once your veterinary clinic 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 American Business Owners

US nationals face additional FATCA compliance requirements when opening UAE corporate accounts. IBA assists with the additional documentation required. For your veterinary clinic business in RAK DED, IBA recommends opening a corporate account with a bank that has experience serving American business owners. We will prepare your banking file including the trade licence, shareholder documents, business plan, and any United States-specific attestations required.

Document Attestation for American Nationals

American nationals setting up a business in the UAE will need to attest certain documents through US Department of State / Secretary of State. This typically includes your passport copy, educational certificates (if applicable for veterinary clinic), 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 United States passport (minimum 6 months validity)

2Documents attested by US Department of State / Secretary of State

3UAE Embassy attestation from Abu Dhabi

4Detailed business plan or activity description

5Office tenancy contract (Ejari) for the registered business address

6Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement)

7Relevant industry experience documentation

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

Regulatory Note: Veterinary Clinic 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 veterinary clinic business plan and the best RAK DED licence options for American nationals.

Document Preparation

Prepare and attest all required documents from United States through US Department of State / Secretary of State and the UAE Embassy.

Licence Application

Submit the veterinary clinic 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. US citizens can enter the UAE visa-free for 30 days.

Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account. US nationals face additional FATCA compliance requirements when opening UAE corporate accounts.

Start Operations

Your veterinary clinic 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, American nationals can own 100% of most mainland business activities including veterinary clinic.

Veterinary Clinic in Other Jurisdictions

DIC

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RAKEZ

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DIFC

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SHAMS

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JAFZA

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DMCC

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IFZA

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DSO

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