How long does it take to get a Fujairah free zone licence?

From submission to licence collection it usually takes 5–10 working days if all documents are complete and no extra approvals are required.

What is the minimum capital for a Fujairah FZ-LLC?

FFZA does not impose a minimum share capital for standard trading or service licences; consultants may still suggest AED 50 000 for credibility.

Can I sponsor family visas on a free zone licence?

Yes, once you hold a valid residence visa you can sponsor spouses and children; proof of accommodation and medical insurance is required.

Do I need a physical office in the Fujairah Free Zone?

A flexi-desk package satisfies the licence requirement, but warehouses or factories must lease actual space inside the zone.

Is corporate tax payable in Fujairah free zones?

Qualifying income inside a free zone is taxed at 0 % for the first 50 years if substance requirements are met; non-qualifying income faces 9 % federal corporate tax.

How to Apply for Free Zone Company in Fujairah 2026

Quick answer

Apply for a free zone company in Fujairah through the Fujairah Free Zone Authority (FFZA). The fastest route is to pick a legal structure (LLC or branch), reserve a name, submit documents online, pay the licence fee and collect your licence within 5–10 working days once all approvals are received.

Why Fujairah Free Zone?

Fujairah Free Zone sits on the east coast with direct access to the Indian Ocean, making it attractive for trading, logistics and light manufacturing. Companies enjoy 100 % foreign ownership, zero corporate tax on qualifying income for the first 50 years, and no currency restrictions. Rental costs for small warehouses start around AED 45 000 per year—lower than many Dubai free zones.

Legal structures you can choose

Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC) – most popular for trading and services.
Branch of a foreign company – ideal if you already run an overseas entity.
Free Zone Establishment (FZE) – single-shareholder option for consultants or holding firms.

Step-by-step: how to apply for free zone company in Fujairah

1. Decide activity and legal form

Check the FFZA activity list. Trading, consultancy, logistics and light industrial licences are readily available. Note any restricted activities that need extra approvals from federal bodies.

2. Reserve your trade name

Submit three preferred names via the FFZA portal or through a registered business-setup consultant. The name must end with “FZ-LLC”, “FZE” or “FZ-Branch”. AED 500–1 000 is charged for reservation.

3. Prepare the documents

Passport copies of all shareholders and managers (minimum 6-month validity).
Passport-size photos with white background.
Business plan (1–2 pages) stating projected turnover and staff numbers.
Parent company documents (for branches) attested by the UAE embassy abroad.
Proof of address (utility bill or tenancy contract) for each shareholder.

4. Submit the application

Upload everything through the FFZA e-services portal. Pay the initial application fee (AED 2 000). The authority issues an initial approval within 2–3 working days.

5. Sign the lease agreement

Choose a flexi-desk (AED 12 000–18 000/year), serviced office or warehouse. The Ejari-style lease must be registered with FFZA before the licence is printed.

6. Pay the licence and visa fees

Typical first-year total for a single-activity FZ-LLC with one visa:
• Licence fee: AED 12 500–15 000
• Flexi-desk: AED 15 000
• One investor visa: AED 3 500
• Medical + Emirates ID: AED 1 200
Grand total ≈ AED 32 000. Renewals drop to AED 20 000–22 000 per year.

7. Receive your licence and open a corporate bank account

Once payment clears, download the digital licence and apply for a physical copy. Open a corporate account with banks such as RAKBANK or Mashreq; most request the licence, passport copies and tenancy contract.

Common mistakes expats make

Choosing an activity that later needs Ministry of Health approval (e.g., food supplements) without budgeting extra time.
Underestimating visa costs—each additional employee visa adds AED 4 500–5 500 in year one.
Skipping the business plan; FFZA may reject applications that look like shell companies.
Forgetting to renew the Ejari lease; the licence can be suspended if the tenancy expires.

Timeline and costs at a glance

Step	Time	Fee (AED)
Name reservation	1 day	500–1 000
Initial approval	2–3 days	2 000
Lease agreement	1–2 days	12 000–45 000
Licence issuance	3–5 days	12 500–15 000
Visa + Emirates ID	5–7 days	4 700

Tips from frequent Fujairah founders

Use a consultant registered with FFZA; they can shave 2–3 days off processing if documents are incomplete.
Apply for a 3-year licence upfront to lock in the current fee and avoid annual renewal paperwork.
Consider IFZA or RAKEZ as backups; both are 45–60 minutes’ drive and sometimes run promotional packages.
Register for corporate tax with the Federal Tax Authority within 30 days of licence issuance even if you expect zero-tax treatment.

Fujairah vs neighbouring free zones

Rental cost: Fujairah is 15–25 % cheaper than RAKEZ for similar warehouse space.
Visa quota: FFZA grants two visas for every 10 m² of leased space; RAKEZ allows three.
Inspection: FFZA performs only a desk review for most trading licences, whereas some Dubai zones still require physical inspections.

Next steps after licensing

Open a corporate bank account within 30 days to avoid compliance flags.
Apply for a TIN (Tax Identification Number) via the FTA portal.
Register for VAT only if projected turnover exceeds AED 375 000 in a 12-month period.
Arrange medical insurance for staff—minimum cover is AED 150 000 per person under DHA rules.

Key takeaway

Applying for a free zone company in Fujairah remains one of the most cost-effective ways for expats to start a 100 % foreign-owned business in the UAE. With clear steps, realistic costs around AED 32 000 in year one, and direct ocean access, FFZA is worth serious consideration in 2026—provided you prepare documents correctly and budget for visas and renewals.