Setting up a company in Fujairah Free Zone is one of the most straightforward and affordable ways to enter the UAE market. The process comes down to a few clear steps: choose your activity, select your legal structure, reserve your trade name, prepare your paperwork, secure initial approval, lease a space, and collect your license.
Fujairah sits on the country’s East Coast, facing the Gulf of Oman. Its free zone is minutes from Fujairah Port, a global shipping hub that connects directly to Asia, Africa, and Europe. For entrepreneurs who depend on smooth logistics and lower overheads, that access alone makes it a smart choice.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the full steps for company setup in Fujairah Free Zone, types of licenses, paperwork needed, costs involved, and the benefits of setting up here – with Creative Zone guiding you at every stage.
Why entrepreneurs are choosing Fujairah Free Zone
Entrepreneurs are gravitating to Fujairah Free Zone because it combines location, cost efficiency, and simplicity. Thanks to Fujairah Port, it’s the only Emirate with direct access to the Gulf of Oman, so businesses here avoid the busy Strait of Hormuz. That advantage shortens transit times and reduces freight costs for importers and exporters alike.
The free zone also links seamlessly to Fujairah International Airport and the UAE’s highway network. Together, they create a logistics triangle that supports shipping, storage, and manufacturing companies. Add to that low setup fees, fast visa processing, and investor-friendly regulations, and it’s easy to see why Fujairah Free Zone has become a favorite for startups and global brands expanding into the Middle East.
Benefits of setting up a company in Fujairah Free Zone
The advantages of setting up a business in Fujairah Free Zone include full foreign ownership rights, tax-free status, strategic location, fast business setup, and access to regional and global markets.
100% foreign ownership
Investors retain complete ownership of their company – no local partner required. You control every decision and keep 100% of the profits.
Tax-free environment
Fujairah Free Zone offers a zero-tax environment with no import or export duties and full profit repatriation. It’s designed to help new ventures conserve capital and scale faster.
Strategic location and port access
Situated beside Fujairah Port, the free zone gives immediate access to major international sea routes. Companies involved in trade, logistics, or light manufacturing benefit from faster turnaround times and lower shipping costs.
Fast and affordable company setup
Licensing is quick – often just a few business days – and packages are among the most cost-effective in the UAE. Minimal bureaucracy means you can move from application to operation without delay.
Access to regional and global markets
From Fujairah, you can reach the GCC, India, Africa, and Europe with ease. The Emirate’s port and airport connectivity make it an ideal base for export-oriented companies.
Step-by-step guide to company setup in Fujairah Free Zone
The steps are choosing your business activity, picking a company structure, reserving your business name, submitting the required paperwork, securing initial approval, leasing a space, and receiving your trade license.
Step 1 – Choose your business activity
Start by defining what you’ll do: trade, manufacturing, logistics, or services. Your chosen activity determines the license type and workspace you’ll need.
Creative Zone can guide you through this entire process so you can launch your business confidently on day one.
Step 2 – Select your company structure
You can register your business as a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) for a single owner, a Free Zone Company (FZC) for multiple shareholders, or a branch of an existing local or international business.
Step 3 – Reserve your trade name
Pick a distinctive name that meets UAE naming rules and submit it to the Fujairah Free Zone Authority (FFZA) for approval. Once accepted, you’ll receive a trade name reservation certificate.
Step 4 – Submit the required documents
Provide shareholder passports, visa copies (if resident), proof of address, and a short business plan. If a company is a shareholder, include its incorporation papers and a board resolution.
Step 5 – Obtain initial approval and pay fees
After the FFZA reviews your application, it issues initial approval. Pay the registration and license fees to move to the next stage.
Step 6 – Lease an office or warehouse
Choose your facility – flexi-desk, private office, warehouse, or industrial plot. A signed lease is mandatory before the authority releases your license.
Step 7 – Receive your business license
Once the paperwork clears, the free zone issues your trade license and registration certificate. You can then open a bank account, apply for visas, and begin trading.
Types of licenses available in Fujairah Free Zone
The license types available are a trading license, service license, industrial license, warehousing license, and e-commerce license.
Trading license
Authorizes import, export, and re-export of goods inside and outside the UAE. Ideal for distributors, wholesalers, and commodity traders using Fujairah Port.
Service license
Covers professional and consultancy services such as marketing, IT, design, or HR. Perfect for firms that provide expertise rather than physical goods.
Industrial license
Suited for light manufacturing and assembly operations. It allows import of raw materials, on-site production, and export of finished goods directly through the port.
Warehousing license
For logistics and storage companies needing on-site facilities. Warehouses in the zone come equipped with modern infrastructure and direct port access.
E-commerce license
Built for online retailers and digital platforms trading through electronic channels. It streamlines customs procedures and supports fulfillment operations.
Documents required for company setup in Fujairah Free Zone
Have these ready before you apply:
- Passport copies of all shareholders and managers
- Passport-size photos
- Proof of residence (utility bill or tenancy contract)
- Visa or entry-stamp page (if applicable)
- Completed application form and brief business plan
- Incorporation certificate and board resolution for corporate shareholders
Depending on your license type, the authority might ask for additional documentation. Creative Zone’s team can manage submissions and attestations to keep your process hassle-free.
Cost of company setup in Fujairah Free Zone
Setting up a business in Fujairah Free Zone is budget-friendly. Basic packages start around AED 12,000 to AED 15,000, which typically include registration, a flexi-desk, and one license.
Your total depends on several factors, such as license type, number of visas, and workspace size:
- Trading or service license – from AED 12,000 per year
- Industrial license – from AED 20,000, depending on utilities and warehouse size
- Visa processing – about AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 each
- Warehouse rental – starting around AED 25 per sq ft annually
Compared with Dubai or Abu Dhabi free zones, Fujairah’s lower overheads make it ideal for small to mid-size companies and entrepreneurs testing the UAE market.
Why choose Creative Zone for your Fujairah Free Zone company setup
Creative Zone has helped more than 75,000 entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses across the UAE. Our specialists handle everything – from license applications and visa processing to office leasing and banking support – so you can focus on running your company.
We ensure your business setup in Dubai or anywhere in the Emirates is smooth, compliant, and cost-efficient. With over a decade of experience and strong ties to UAE free-zone authorities, Creative Zone is the partner of choice for founders who want expert guidance and ongoing post-setup support.
Ready to take the next step? Reach out today and let Creative Zone help you launch with confidence in Fujairah Free Zone.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to set up a company in Fujairah Free Zone?
Most setups finish within 5 to 7 working days once documents and payments are in order.
Can foreigners own 100% of a business in Fujairah Free Zone?
Yes. The free zone allows full foreign ownership with no local-sponsor requirement.
What is the cost of a business license in Fujairah Free Zone?
License fees start around AED 12,000 and vary with activity, office type, and visa quota.
Is Fujairah Free Zone suitable for trading businesses?
Absolutely. Its direct connection to Fujairah Port makes it ideal for import-export and logistics operations.
Can I operate my Fujairah Free Zone company across the UAE?
Free-zone companies can trade internationally and within their zone. To sell directly on the UAE mainland, you can appoint a local distributor or open a branch later.
