Fujairah Free Zone (FFZ)
Unlock Strategic Industrial and Logistics Growth in UAE’s Key Eastern Hub with 100% Ownership and Tax-Free Benefits
Table of Contents
Fujairah Free Zone Authority (FFZA), established in 1987, is one of the UAE’s oldest and strategically important free zones located in the emirate of Fujairah on the eastern coast, adjacent to the Port of Fujairah — the largest bunkering port in the GCC and a global hub for oil storage. FFZ benefits from its unique access to the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean, offering seamless shipping routes by sea, air, and land. It also has proximity to Fujairah International Airport, the only international airport on the UAE’s east coast serving northern Oman and eastern UAE.
The free zone focuses on industries such as heavy manufacturing, maritime services, logistics, industrial production, oil and gas support services, and trade. Its infrastructure includes warehouses, industrial land plots, and ready-to-move units tailored for industrial and logistics companies. Fujairah Free Zone is known for its competitive pricing, rapid company registration (license issuance within 1 business day), tax exemptions (0% corporate and personal taxes), and customs duty waivers, making it a highly cost-effective base for businesses focusing on Asian, European, and Middle Eastern markets.
Key Benefits
✅ 100% foreign company ownership
✅ Zero corporate and personal income tax (subject to compliance)
✅ Customs duty exemptions on imports/exports and raw materials
✅ Strategic location with world-class port and airport connectivity
✅ Fast license issuance in approximately one business day
✅ Competitive and low-cost leasing for warehouses, industrial plots, and offices
✅ Access to three modes of transportation: sea, air, and land
✅ Wide range of permitted business activities including unique licenses for maritime, alcohol, and tobacco trading
✅ Full repatriation of profits and capital
✅ Support for industrial, trading, and logistics companies
✅ Mandatory office or warehouse rental ensures physical presence for operational efficiency
Ideal For
Industrial manufacturers and heavy industry companies
Maritime and logistics businesses leveraging port access
Trading companies focused on Asian and European markets
Oil & gas-related businesses requiring bunkering and storage facilities
Entrepreneurs and SMEs seeking cost-effective setup with a fast process
Businesses requiring specialized licenses unavailable in other free zones (e.g., alcohol, tobacco trading)
Investors looking for a tax-free environment with flexible business structures
Licenses in Fujairah Free Zone
Commercial License
Permits trading, import/export, storage, and distribution activities across the UAE and international markets.
Alcohol and Tobacco Trading License
Unique license option in Fujairah for regulated trading in alcohol and tobacco
products.
Industrial License
Exclusive to Fujairah Free Zone, supports services related to shipping, bunkering, and maritime logistics.
Maritime License
Enables independent professionals in creative, technology, administrative, and media fields to operate with a trade license.
Freelance Permit
Allows individuals in technology, media, or professional services to operate independently with a trade license.
Warehousing License
For businesses needing storage solutions and cargo handling facilities within the free zone.
Setup Process in Fujairah Free Zone
1. Choose Your Business Activity
Select from industrial, maritime, trading, or service activities aligned with your business goals and sector.
2. Decide on Company Name
Choose a unique and compliant company name following FFZA guidelines and cultural standards.
3. Determine Your Company Structure
Decide between Free Zone Establishment (FZE), Free Zone Company (FZC), or branch of existing entity, based on ownership and shareholder requirements.
4. Prepare and Submit Documents
Submit application forms, passport copies of shareholders and managers, business plans, bank references, lease agreements, and NOCs if applicable.
5. Pay Fees and Obtain License
Upon document approval, settle registration and licensing fees to receive your official trade license, often within 1 business day.
6. Lease Office Space (If Required)
A mandatory physical office or warehouse lease within FFZ supports operational compliance and visa eligibility.
7. Open Corporate Bank Account and Visa Processing
With a valid trade license, proceed to open corporate bank accounts and apply for visas for you and your employees.
Key Documents Required
Completed application form from FFZA
Passport copies of shareholders, directors, and managers
Visa copies (if applicable)
Detailed business plan
Bank reference letters
No Objection Certificate from UAE sponsor, if required
Proof of address (utility bill or tenancy contract)
Passport-sized photographs
Memorandum and Articles of Association (notarized if applicable)
Lease agreement for premises in the free zone
Corporate Power of Attorney if using a representative
Additional documents for branches such as parent company license or incorporation certificates
Fujairah Free Zone Residency and Visas
FFZ offers residency visas to entrepreneurs, investors, freelancers, and employees linked to valid FFZ licenses. Visas generally last 2-3 years and include work permits valid within the free zone jurisdiction.
Visa quotas depend on the leased office or warehouse space size. The streamlined visa process involves company registration, entry permit issuance, medical fitness testing, Emirates ID registration, and final visa stamping.
Visas also allow holders to sponsor dependents, subject to accommodation and income requirements.
Conclusion
Fujairah Free Zone stands out as a vital industrial and logistics hub on the UAE’s east coast, offering unmatched access to key global trade routes via sea, land, and air.
Its unique licensing options, fast setup process, zero taxes, and customs duty exemptions provide a cost-efficient, investor-friendly environment that supports a diverse range of industries, including maritime, heavy manufacturing, and trading.
Whether you are an industrialist, trader, or service provider, Fujairah Free Zone offers strategic advantages for expanding your business towards Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, backed by robust infrastructure and simplified procedures.
Why Choose MenaHerald for Your Company Formation?
Let MenaHerald take the hassle out of your business setup. We offer expert guidance, assist with complete documentation, and streamline your registration from selecting the right license to arranging office space and processing visas.
Why Choose MenaHerald?
✓ End-to-end company formation for outsourcing businesses
✓ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
✓ Specialized expertise in regulations and requirements
✓ Ongoing support for renewals and compliance
Get Started Today — Speak to a Specialist Now!
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