United Arab Emirates

Company Formation in Hamriyah Free Zone

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA)

Formation Time

3–5 business days

Min. Capital

AED 150,000

Corporate Tax

0% qualifying income / 9% standard

Foreign Ownership

100%

Overview

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA), located on the Arabian Gulf coast of Sharjah, is the UAE's industrial and maritime epicenter. Encompassing 26 million square meters of prime industrial land, HFZA features a 14-meter deepwater sea port, dedicated petrochemical terminals, maritime fabrication yards, and heavy industrial zones. Home to more than 6,500 enterprises from 160 nations, HFZA is the premier destination in the Northern Emirates for heavy engineering, steel manufacturing, oil and gas logistics, maritime repair, and commodity trading.

14m deepwater sea port

26 million sq m industrial area

VAT Designated Zone

Oil & gas terminal berths

0% QFZP tax potential

Why Choose Hamriyah Free Zone

14-meter deepwater port with dedicated container, bulk, and liquid chemical berths

Prime coastal industrial land with direct sea frontage for maritime fabrication and shipbuilding

Over 6,500 active companies specializing in heavy industry, petrochemicals, and maritime services

Designated Zone status for UAE VAT, enabling tax-free storage and bulk cargo transshipment

0% corporate tax on Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) revenue

Extremely competitive land lease and warehouse rates compared to Dubai maritime zones

Business Entity Types

Entity	Ownership	Directors	Capital	Tax	Best For
FZE / FZC (Free Zone Establishment / Company)	100%	1	AED 150,000	0% QFZP qualifying income / 9% standard CIT above AED 375,000	Heavy manufacturing, steel fabrication, oil & gas services, maritime repair, bulk trading
Branch of Foreign / UAE Company	100%	1 manager	None	Subject to UAE Corporate Tax Law and PE rules	Multinational industrial groups, maritime engineering contractors, energy trading firms

Step-by-Step Formation Process

Application & Industrial Project Approval

2–3 days

Submit company application, activity selection, and industrial project brief.

Plot or Warehouse Allocation

2–3 days

Select deepwater berth, industrial land plot, or pre-built warehouse.

Environmental Sign-Off & Lease

3–5 days

Secure environmental approval (if industrial) and sign HFZA lease agreement.

Commercial License Issuance

1–2 days

Pay government fees and receive the HFZA commercial or industrial license.

Visas & Banking

2–3 weeks

Process immigration establishment card, employee visas, and open UAE corporate bank account.

Costs & Fees

Government / License Fee	AED 12,500+
Our Service Fee	USD 2,600 – 4,000
Annual Renewal	AED 10,500+

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

HFZA companies have solid credibility with UAE commercial banks, particularly for trading and manufacturing operations backed by physical warehousing or factory leases.

Account Opening Time

2–4 weeks

Multi-Currency

Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD)Emirates NBDBank of SharjahFirst Abu Dhabi BankMashreq Bank

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax

0% on Qualifying Income; 9% on Non-Qualifying Income above AED 375,000

Personal Income Tax

VAT / Sales Tax

Designated Zone status — VAT 0% on cargo stored and transshipped within the port free zone

Capital Gains Tax

Withholding Tax

Double Tax Treaties

137 countries

Manufacturing, processing, and distribution of goods from HFZA to foreign markets are qualifying activities eligible for 0% corporate tax under UAE Corporate Tax Law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What maritime facilities does Hamriyah Free Zone have?

HFZA features a 14-meter deepwater port with dedicated liquid chemical berths, container terminals, bulk cargo facilities, and maritime repair quays capable of accommodating large ocean-going vessels, oil tankers, and cargo ships.

Is Hamriyah Free Zone a Designated Zone for VAT?

Yes. HFZA is gazetted as a VAT Designated Zone by the Federal Tax Authority. Cargo held in the free zone's warehouses, tank farms, or port facilities is exempt from 5% UAE VAT until imported into the domestic UAE mainland.

Can I set up a small trading company in HFZA without an industrial plant?

Yes. In addition to massive industrial plots, HFZA offers 'Hamriyah E-Office' and executive office packages designed for commercial trading, maritime brokerage, and consultancy firms that do not require physical factory space.

What is the minimum share capital for a Hamriyah Free Zone company?

The standard minimum share capital for an FZE or FZC in HFZA is AED 150,000. Branch offices of foreign or UAE companies have no minimum capital requirement.

Does HFZA support oil and gas or petrochemical companies?

Yes. HFZA is the leading petrochemical and oil storage hub in the Northern Emirates, featuring specialized oil tank terminals, blending facilities, and pipeline networks connected directly to deepwater tanker berths.

How does UAE Corporate Tax apply to industrial manufacturers in HFZA?

Industrial manufacturing and processing of goods within a free zone are designated as Qualifying Activities under Cabinet Decision No. 55 of 2023. HFZA manufacturers that satisfy economic substance requirements and audited financials pay 0% corporate tax on their manufacturing profits.