United Arab Emirates

Company Formation in Fujairah Mainland

Emirate of Fujairah — Fujairah Department of Industry and Economy

Formation Time

5–8 business days

Min. Capital

No minimum required

Corporate Tax

9% (0% on profit up to AED 375k; Small Business Relief applies up to AED 3M)

Foreign Ownership

100%

Overview

Fujairah occupies a uniquely strategic geographical position: it is the **only emirate in the United Arab Emirates situated entirely on the Gulf of Oman (Indian Ocean)**, completely bypassing the congested Strait of Hormuz. Because of this direct Indian Ocean maritime access, the Port of Fujairah has grown to become the **second-largest oil bunkering and maritime refueling hub in the world** (ranking just behind Singapore), hosting massive crude oil storage terminals, deep-water berths, and the terminus of the Habshan-Fujairah crude pipeline. Supervised by the Fujairah Department of Industry and Economy, a Fujairah mainland company provides full access to the UAE domestic market and is the ideal vehicle for international shipping, maritime logistics, ship chandlery, oilfield services, bunkering, and commodity trading.

World's #2 bunkering port

Indian Ocean access (no Hormuz)

National Bank of Fujairah (NBF)

100% foreign ownership

Strategic pipeline terminus

Why Choose Fujairah Mainland

Only UAE emirate located entirely on the Indian Ocean, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz

World's #2 oil bunkering and marine refueling hub after Singapore

Terminus of the Habshan-Fujairah pipeline, carrying over 1.5 million barrels of crude oil daily

Unrestricted access to trade across all seven UAE emirates and federal maritime tenders

100% foreign legal ownership across commercial, maritime, and industrial licenses

Strategic deep-water commercial seaport with dedicated breakwater and container terminals

9% federal corporate tax with 0% tax on net profits up to AED 375,000

Significantly lower licensing fees and commercial lease rates than Dubai

Business Entity Types

Entity	Ownership	Directors	Capital	Tax	Best For
LLC	100%	1	No minimum	9% corporate tax (0% on first AED 375,000)	Maritime services, ship chandlery, oilfield logistics, bunkering, general trading
Sole Establishment	100% for professional services	1	None	9% corporate tax (Small Business Relief applies)	Marine surveyors, shipping consultants, technical advisors
Branch Office	100%	1	None	9% corporate tax	Global tanker operators, commodity traders, and maritime service multinationals

Step-by-Step Formation Process

Trade Name Reservation

1 day

Reserve commercial name with Fujairah Department of Industry and Economy.

Initial Approval

2–3 days

Obtain commercial activity approval (and Port Authority clearance if maritime).

MOA Execution

1–2 days

Execute electronic Memorandum of Association via Fujairah Courts.

Commercial Tenancy Registration

1–2 days

License Issuance

1 day

Receive official Fujairah commercial trade license.

Banking & Visas

2–4 weeks

Open corporate accounts with National Bank of Fujairah or Wio and process residency visas.

Costs & Fees

Government / License Fee	AED 6,500 – 13,000
Our Service Fee	USD 3,500+
Annual Renewal	AED 5,000 – 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 is home to the National Bank of Fujairah (NBF), a recognized market leader in maritime, trade finance, and energy banking, alongside digital banks.

Account Opening Time

2–4 weeks

Multi-Currency

Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

National Bank of Fujairah (NBF - premier trade & maritime bank)Wio BankRAKBANKEmirates NBDMashreq

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax

9% on net taxable profits exceeding AED 375,000 (0% up to AED 375k)

Personal Income Tax

VAT / Sales Tax

5% standard VAT

Capital Gains Tax

Withholding Tax

Double Tax Treaties

137 countries

Subject to UAE Federal Corporate Tax Law (Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022). Small Business Relief applies for revenues under AED 3M.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Fujairah strategically important for maritime and energy companies?

Fujairah is the only UAE emirate with a coastline outside the Persian Gulf, situated directly on the Gulf of Oman. Oil tankers and cargo ships can refuel and load cargo without entering the Strait of Hormuz, making it the second-largest bunkering port in the world.

Can a Fujairah mainland company trade in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Yes. An official mainland trade license from Fujairah authorizes unrestricted commercial trade, supply, and contracting across all seven UAE emirates.

What is National Bank of Fujairah (NBF) known for?

NBF is widely regarded as the leading bank in the UAE for maritime finance, ship bunkering accounts, trade commodities, and commercial treasury, providing unmatched expertise for international trade entities.

Does Fujairah permit 100% foreign ownership?

Yes. Under UAE federal law, foreign nationals can own 100% of a Fujairah mainland company without requiring a local Emirati partner.

What is the corporate tax rate in Fujairah?

Fujairah mainland companies are subject to the 9% UAE federal corporate tax rate on net profits exceeding AED 375,000, with 0% tax on profits up to AED 375,000.

How long does it take to form a Fujairah mainland company?

Formation typically takes 5 to 8 business days, including trade name clearance, initial approval, MOA notarization, municipal lease registration, and commercial license issuance.