Relocation to RAK
The easiest and fastest way to set up a new business in the UAE is through a free trade zone. Otherwise, it is a mandatory requirement to register a new company’s name with the Immigration Department and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. Since most companies recruit their employees from abroad, they need to register a file at the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and Immigration Department once they have received their trade licence.
Without registering with both of these departments a business cannot employ its staff. Upon registering, the company shall be issued an ‘Establishment/Labour Card’ by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. An ‘Establishment/Immigration Card’ can be issued by the Immigration Department.
All visa applications submitted to both departments should be accompanied with a copy of the above cards.
Immigration Procedure
- A contract with the new employer/sponsor has to be signed before the application for work/residency visa is submitted to the relevant authority.
- Visas – see the Visa and Residence Permit factsheet for detailed information on visas.
- A medical check and fingerprinting have to be undertaken before a visa can be issued.
Driving License
While tourists may drive in the UAE on their national or international driving licenses, UAE residents must obtain a UAE driving licence within 30 days of arriving in the UAE. To obtain a driving licence in the UAE, one needs to be a resident of the United Arab Emirates. If the person is a resident of Ras Al Khaimah but has a visa issued in another emirate, then the person needs to obtain a transfer form, allowing the person to obtain a driving licence from Ras Al Khaimah.
Individuals who have driving licences from any of the GCC countries, or any of the countries mentioned below, can transfer to a RAK driver’s licence without having to take driving lessons or tests: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Those who want to transfer their licence must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s licence, have a residence visa in RAK. They must fill in the driver’s licence form with one passport size photograph, original passport and one photocopy, original driver’s licence and one photocopy, eye test report, and pay the required fee. For other than GCC licenses, it is also required to obtain a letter from the Embassy or Consulate from the country the driver’s licence was issued, confirming that the driver’s licence is valid. If the driver’s licence is not in English or Arabic, it is also required to have the licence translated at the Consulate or Embassy. Individuals with an Indian international driving licence will be required to obtain a new licence in order to drive in the UAE.
