United Arab Emirates

Company Formation in Fujairah Free Zone

Fujairah Free Zone Authority (FFZ)

Formation Time

3–5 business days

Min. Capital

AED 100,000 (standard FZE)

Corporate Tax

0% qualifying income / 9% standard

Foreign Ownership

100%

Overview

Fujairah Free Zone (FFZ), established in 1987 in the Emirate of Fujairah, is the UAE's strategic eastern gateway, uniquely positioned on the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean coastline. Located directly adjacent to the Port of Fujairah—the world's second-largest bunkering hub and a premier international crude oil transshipment terminal—FFZ provides global shipping, bunkering, petrochemical, manufacturing, and commodity trading companies with direct access to open sea shipping lanes without navigating the congested and geopolitically sensitive Strait of Hormuz. Boasting comprehensive multimodal connectivity via deep-water port berths, the Fujairah International Airport, and major highway networks connecting to the UAE interior, FFZ offers specialized industrial land plots, customs-bonded warehouses, bulk storage terminals, and flexible commercial offices tailored for maritime logistics, energy trading, and heavy manufacturing.

Indian Ocean port access outside Strait of Hormuz

Direct integration with #2 global bunkering hub

National Bank of Fujairah trade finance

Bonded warehouses and industrial land

0% QFZP corporate tax

Why Choose Fujairah Free Zone

Strategic location on the Indian Ocean bypassing the Strait of Hormuz

Direct integration with Port of Fujairah — world's #2 bunkering and energy hub

Deep-water port facilities capable of handling bulk cargo, oil tankers, and container vessels

Customs-bonded warehousing, open storage yards, and large industrial land plots

100% foreign company ownership and 100% repatriation of capital and profits

0% import, export, and re-export customs duties

0% personal income tax and 0% Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) corporate tax

Multimodal air, sea, and road logistics connectivity across the GCC and Asia-Pacific

Business Entity Types

Entity	Ownership	Directors	Capital	Tax	Best For
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)	100%	1 individual	AED 100,000	0% QFZP qualifying income / 9% standard CIT	Maritime service providers, bunkering consultants, trading entities
Free Zone Company (FZC)	100%	1 individual	AED 100,000	0% QFZP qualifying income / 9% standard CIT	Joint ventures, commodity trading houses, industrial manufacturers
Branch of Foreign or UAE Company	100%	1 appointed manager	None	0% QFZP qualifying income / 9% standard CIT	International shipping lines, petrochemical conglomerates, logistics operators

Step-by-Step Formation Process

Activity & Facility Selection

1–2 days

Select trade or industrial activities and determine warehouse or land plot requirements.

Initial Approval & Name Reservation

2–3 days

Submit shareholder KYC and business plan to Fujairah Free Zone Authority.

Lease Contract Signing

1–2 days

Sign lease agreement for office, bonded warehouse, or industrial land plot.

License Issuance

1–2 days

Pay authority fees and obtain Fujairah Free Zone Commercial or Industrial License.

Port Pass & Visa Processing

1–2 weeks

Issue Port of Fujairah security passes, sponsor residence visas, and open corporate bank accounts.

Costs & Fees

Government / License Fee	AED 14,000+
Our Service Fee	USD 3,000 – 5,500
Annual Renewal	AED 11,000+

Fees are indicative and may vary based on business activity, entity type, and additional approvals required. Contact us for a precise custom quote.

Get Custom Quote

Banking

Fujairah Free Zone entities maintain strong relationships with National Bank of Fujairah (NBF)—the premier trade finance and maritime bank in the region—as well as major national lenders including Emirates NBD, FAB, and Mashreq.

Account Opening Time

2–3 weeks

Multi-Currency

Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

National Bank of Fujairah (NBF)Emirates NBDFirst Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)Mashreq BankWio Business

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax

0% on Qualifying Income for QFZPs; 9% on non-qualifying income exceeding AED 375,000

Personal Income Tax

VAT / Sales Tax

5% standard VAT rate (qualifying international maritime transport and foreign exports zero-rated)

Capital Gains Tax

Withholding Tax

Double Tax Treaties

137 countries

Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZPs) engaged in qualifying commodities trading, bunkering, and international maritime logistics benefit from 0% corporate tax.

Visa & Residency

Investor / Partner Visa

2 years (renewable)

For company shareholders and maritime investors

Employment Visa

2 years (renewable)

For maritime engineers, logistics operators, port coordinators, and executive staff

Family visa: AvailableProcessing: 5–10 business days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the strategic advantage of Fujairah Free Zone?

Fujairah Free Zone is the only major UAE free zone positioned directly on the Indian Ocean coast outside the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic position eliminates the risk of Strait passage, reduces shipping insurance premiums, and cuts sailing times to India, Africa, and East Asia by several days.

How does FFZ connect with the Port of Fujairah?

FFZ is directly adjacent to the Port of Fujairah—the world's second-largest bunkering hub. Free zone companies have direct pipeline connections, bonded customs gates, and specialized berth access for bunkering, petrochemical handling, and bulk commodity transshipment.

What types of licenses does Fujairah Free Zone offer?

FFZ issues Commercial Licenses (trading and distribution), General Trading Licenses, Industrial Licenses (assembly and manufacturing), Warehousing Licenses, and Professional/Service Licenses.

Is physical office or warehouse leasing mandatory in FFZ?

Yes, Fujairah Free Zone requires a physical operational facility, ranging from cost-effective executive offices for service and trading firms to large bonded warehouses and open industrial land plots for manufacturing and logistics.

Which banks are best for Fujairah Free Zone companies?

National Bank of Fujairah (NBF) is the market leader for FFZ entities, offering specialized trade finance, letter of credit (LC) issuance, and maritime banking solutions, alongside national banks like Emirates NBD and FAB.

Does a Fujairah Free Zone company qualify for 0% UAE corporate tax?

Yes. An FFZ company qualifying as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) that conducts qualifying activities—such as international commodity trading, maritime logistics, or bunkering with foreign vessels—enjoys a 0% corporate tax rate under UAE Corporate Tax Law.