Why Set Up a Business in Fujairah Free Zone?
Fujairah Free Zone provides several licensing options for businesses operating across commercial, professional, industrial and specialised sectors.
It can be suitable for companies looking for:
● Trading and Import / Export Activities
● Consultancy Activities
● E-Commerce Operations
● Manufacturing and Processing
● Marine and Shipping-Related Activities
● Holding and Investment Structures
● Petroleum, Bunkering and Chemical Activities
● Office Packages with Different Visa Quotas
The appropriate setup will depend on the proposed business activity, facility requirement, number of visas needed and whether the activity requires additional regulatory approval.
For investors comparing different company structures, DMC also provides UAE business setup services to help assess the appropriate jurisdiction and setup option.
What Business Activities Are Available in Fujairah Free Zone?
The Fujairah Free Zone Authority offers several license categories, allowing businesses to select activities that match their intended operations.
Choosing the right activity from the beginning is important because the approved license determines what the company is permitted to carry out and whether any additional authority approval is required.
Trading License
A Trading License can cover activities such as:
1) Import / Export
2) Electronics Trading
3) Building Materials Trading
4) Garments Trading
5) Foodstuff Trading
6) Automobile Spare Parts Trading
A trading business should select the activities that accurately reflect the products it intends to import, export or sell.
General Trading License
A General Trading License allows:
1) Import / Export
2) Trading in Multiple Products
Certain regulated products are excluded from this category, including alcohol, petroleum, petrochemicals, chemicals, tobacco and precious metals.
Businesses intending to deal in regulated products should select the appropriate specialised license.
E-Commerce License
The E-Commerce License includes:
1) Online Selling
2) Digital Marketplace
This can be suitable for businesses operating through online sales channels or digital marketplace models.
Consultancy License
Available consultancy activities include:
1) Management Consultancy
2) Marketing Consultancy
3) HR Consultancy
4) IT Consultancy
5) Real Estate Consultancy
The selected consultancy activity should match the services the company intends to provide.
Manufacturing License
Manufacturing-related activities include:
1) Manufacturing
2) Processing
3) Assembly
4) Production
5) Packaging
Businesses planning manufacturing activities should also consider facility, operational and approval requirements before proceeding.
Marine License
Marine-related activities include:
1) Ship Inspection
2) Maintenance / Repair
3) Ship or Vessel Management
4) Ship Chartering
5) Bunker Quantity Survey
6) Hire and Off-Hire Surveys
7) Hot Work and Gas Free Activities
8) Pre-Purchase / Pre-Fixture Activities
9) Cargo Quantity and Condition Surveys
10) Draft Surveys
11) Pre-Vetting Inspections
12) P&I Investigations
13) Maritime Training for Non-Technical Houses
14) Towing Certificate
15) Insurance Survey
16) Annual Safety Inspection
Marine activities require prior approval from Fujairah Port.
Aviation License
Fujairah Free Zone also offers aviation-related licensing.
Aviation activities require prior approval from Fujairah International Airport.
The exact activity should be confirmed before proceeding because approval requirements can vary depending on the nature of the aviation business.
Aviation businesses evaluating different UAE jurisdictions should also consider the licensing and approval requirements for aviation business setup in Dubai, as the applicable authority and setup process can differ by location.
Bunkering License
The Bunkering License includes:
1) Bunkering
2) Bunker Trading
A No Objection Certificate is required from the Department of Industry and Economy as well as the Port of Fujairah.
Petroleum License
Petroleum-related activities include:
1) Import / Export
2) Trading
3) Storage
4) Blending
5) Refining
These activities require prior approval from FOIZ / FFZA Management.
Holding License
A Holding License can cover:
1) Owning Shares in Subsidiaries
2) Holding Intellectual Property
3) Holding Real Estate Assets
4) Managing Group Companies
This may suit businesses whose main purpose is ownership, asset holding or management of subsidiary companies.
For businesses considering broader ownership structures or group arrangements, DMC also assists with UAE company formation and corporate structuring support.
Investment License
Investment-related activities include:
1) Venture Capital Investment
2) Private Equity Investment
3) Portfolio Investment in Stocks
4) Real Estate Investment
5) Funding Startups
The selected activity should correspond with the intended investment model.
Chemical License
The Chemical License covers:
1) Import / Export
2) Trading
3) Storage
4) Services
Chemical-related activities may involve additional regulatory considerations, so the exact activity and approval requirements should be confirmed before incorporation.
Which Fujairah Free Zone Office Package Should You Choose?
Companies may need RTA vehicle registration support at different stages of business operations.
| Scheme | Visa Quota | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Office | 0 | Virtual Office |
| Flexi Desk | 1 | Flexi Desk |
| Small Office | 2 | 20 Square meter |
| Big Office | 4 | 30 Square meter |
Business Requirement
What It May Involve
New company vehicle purchase
Registration, ownership certificate and plate-related process
Vehicle registration renewal
Insurance check, inspection and renewal fee payment
Vehicle ownership transfer
Sale and purchase agreement, buyer/seller process and registration update
Fleet management
Tracking registration expiry dates and renewal requirements
Free zone company vehicle registration
Trade licence, company documents and possible authority NOC
Commercial vehicle use
Additional inspection or authority requirements, depending on activity
A Virtual Office may be suitable for a company that does not currently require employee visas.
A Flexi Desk provides one visa quota, while the Small Office and Big Office packages provide higher quotas for businesses planning to employ additional staff.
The package should therefore be selected based on both the current setup requirement and expected workforce needs.
What is the cost for business setup in Fujairah Free Zone?
The actual amount may vary depending on:
✔ Selected Business Activity
✔ License Category
✔ Facility or Office Requirement
✔ Number of Visas Required
✔ External or Regulatory Approvals
✔ Additional Services Required
✔ Changes in Applicable Authority Fees
The visa quota refers to the number of visas available under the selected package. Employee visa processing charges should be confirmed separately.
Documents Required for an Individual Shareholder
For an individual applicant, the required documents may include:
1- Passport Copy
2- High-resolution photograph with a white background
3- NOC if the Applicant Holds a UAE Residence Visa
4- Completed Application Form
5- Ultimate Beneficial Ownership Forms – Statement & Declaration
6- EDD & CDD Forms
Documents should be clear, valid and consistent with the information entered in the incorporation application.
Documents Required for a Branch, Subsidiary or Corporate Shareholder
Where the proposed entity is owned by another company or is being established as a branch or subsidiary, additional corporate documents are required.
These may include:
1- Board Resolution of the Parent Company – Duly Notarized and Attested by the UAE Embassy
2- Power of Attorney of the Authorized Signatory – Duly Notarized and Attested by the UAE Embassy
3- Certificate of Incorporation – Duly Notarized and Attested by the UAE Embassy
4- Memorandum of Articles – Duly Notarized and Attested by the UAE Embassy
5- Valid Operating License of the Parent Company or Equivalent Document – Duly Notarized and Attested by the UAE Embassy
6- Document Showing the Ultimate Beneficial Ownership of the Parent Company – Attested
7- Passport Copies of Directors, Shareholders and Person-in-Charge with Two Photographs
8- Completed Application and Incorporation Forms
9- Latest Audit Report of the Parent Company – For Branch Setup
10- Certificate of Good Standing
11- Ultimate Beneficial Ownership Forms – Statement & Declaration
12- EDD & CDD Forms
Corporate shareholders should allow additional preparation time because several parent-company documents may require notarization and attestation before submission.
Where a Power of Attorney is needed for the authorized signatory, DMC can also assist with POA preparation, attestation coordination and related corporate documentation.
Which Fujairah Free Zone Activities Require Additional Approval?
Some specialised activities require approval from another authority before the license can be completed.
| License Type | Additional Approval |
|---|---|
| Marine License | Prior Approval from Fujairah Port |
| Aviation License | Prior Approval from Fujairah International Airport |
| Bunkering License | NOC From Department of Industry and Economy and Port of Fujairah |
| Petroleum License | Prior Approval from FOIZ / FFZA Management |
Businesses operating in these sectors should factor the approval process into the overall setup timeline and budget.
How DMC Can Assist with Fujairah Free Zone Business Setup
Choosing the right Fujairah Free Zone package involves more than comparing license costs. The activity, visa requirement, facility, shareholder structure and regulatory approvals should all support the way the business intends to operate.
Decision Management Consultants can assist with:
✔ Business Activity Review
✔ License Selection
✔ Fujairah Free Zone Company Formation
✔ Package and Visa Quota Review
✔ Document Preparation
✔ Corporate Shareholder Documentation
✔ External Approval Coordination, Where Required
✔ Visa and Immigration Support
✔ Corporate Bank Account Assistance
✔ Corporate Tax and Accounting Support
✔ Ongoing PRO and Corporate Services
DMC can review the proposed business model and help identify a suitable setup structure before the application is submitted.
For Fujairah Free Zone business setup assistance, call us at +971 4 262 4023 or reach us on WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fujairah Free Zone Business Setup
Can I Set Up a Fujairah Free Zone Company Without a Visa?
Yes. The Virtual Office option provides zero visa quota and may be suitable for a company that does not currently require employee sponsorship.
The estimated setup total is approximately AED 37,175, subject to the selected activity and applicable charges.
Which Fujairah Free Zone Package Includes One Visa?
The Flexi Desk package provides one visa quota.
Its estimated setup total is approximately AED 45,730.
How Many Visas Can I Get with a Small Office?
The 20 sq. m Small Office package provides a visa quota of two.
The estimated setup total is approximately AED 60,880.
How Many Visas Can I Get with a Big Office?
The 30 sq. m Big Office package provides a visa quota of four.
The estimated setup total is approximately AED 70,880.
Are Employment Visa Costs Included in the Setup Package?
The package specifies the available visa quota, but employee residence visa processing involves separate charges.
The actual visa cost should be confirmed according to the company and employee requirements.
Is the Fujairah Free Zone Security Deposit Refundable?
Yes. The security deposit is refundable.
The amount depends on the selected facility:
– Virtual Office – AED 5,000
– Flexi Desk – AED 10,000
– Small Office – AED 15,000
– Big Office – AED 15,000
Is the Fujairah Free Zone Setup Cost the Same for Every Activity?
No. The final cost can vary depending on the business activity, license category, facility, visa requirement and whether additional regulatory approvals are required.
The package figures should therefore be treated as indicative until the activity and company requirements are confirmed.
Can a Foreign Company Establish a Branch in Fujairah Free Zone?
A corporate entity can establish a branch or subsidiary subject to the applicable incorporation requirements.
Additional parent-company documents such as the board resolution, incorporation documents, Power of Attorney, operating license, UBO documentation and, for branch setup, the latest audit report may be required.
Do Corporate Shareholder Documents Need Attestation?
Several corporate documents may need to be notarized and attested before submission.
The exact requirement depends on the document, the company structure and where the document is issued.
Which Activities Require Additional Approval in Fujairah Free Zone?
Marine, aviation, bunkering and petroleum-related activities have additional approval requirements from the relevant Fujairah authorities.
Can I Change My Office Package Later if I Need More Visas?
The possibility of changing a facility or visa allocation will depend on the available package options and applicable Free Zone procedures at the time of the request.
Businesses expecting workforce growth should therefore consider future manpower requirements when selecting the initial package.
