All about the Fujairah Free Zone
The small northern emirate of Fujairah offers numerous facilities for entrepreneurs looking to set up a business, the most prominent and successful of which is the Fujairah Free Zone. Strengthening the UAE business and trade sector, this free zone is a tax-free region for companies seeking to operate in Fujairah. Managed by Fujairah Free Zone Authority (FFZA), this zone provides quick access to both the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean. Not to mention, businesses searching for air cargo links can use the nearby Fujairah International Airport.
ABOUT FUJAIRAH FREE ZONE (FFZ)
Adjacent to the Fujairah Port, FFZ provides easy access to all ports in the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea and Southeast Asia. It is close to the Fujairah International Airport and serves the Eastern UAE coast and Northern Oman.
WHY CHOOSE FUJAIRAH FREE ZONE TO SET UP YOUR BUSINESS?
There are some major benefits of starting a business in this free zone in Fujairah.
- Easy access to the neighbouring and international markets. Hence, there is plenty of scope to grow further.
- An abundance of investment options and cost-effective alternatives to start your business and establish a presence.
- Beneficial policies for investors.
- Investors have capital security.
Business Club perhaps is the most obvious highlight of the free zone. When opening a new business, you can host a live event, exhibition, seminar or screening at the in-house ‘Business Club.’
FUJAIRAH FREE ZONE PRODUCTS
The most daunting and challenging aspect of a business is often the first step. FFZ, with a multitude of reasonably priced options, allows investors to start their ventures.
VIRTUAL OFFICES
You can run your business operations from a virtual office in the Free Zone. The cost, however, depends upon the payment terms. The minimum annual charges of a virtual office are AED 15k. Interested parties must pay AED 1,200 (one-time charge) for free zone utilities and AED 5,000 as a refundable security deposit.
FLEXIBLE DESKS
If you want to start small, consider flexible desks. These desks cost AED 18k annually, while you have to pay AED 1,600 for free zone utilities. Those who need a residence visa can pay AED 3,600. The security deposit, however, is AED 10k.
BRANCH OFFICES/REPRESENTATIVES
FFZ offers a host of furnished and unfurnished offices. If you are a Business Development Manager at a company looking to expand operations in Fujairah, these offices can be a good choice.
Spread across 20 sq. m, the rents for these centrally air-conditioned offices start from AED 20k. The free zone licence for such offices would cost you AED 2,500 upwards. Those who want a general trading licence can pay AED 10,000 to get it.
Free zone utilities cost AED 2,850 and incorporation charges are AED 5,300. Last, a valid Residence visa costs AED 3,600, and AED 1,500 is the security deposit.
WAREHOUSES
FFZ features highly insulated warehouses, with each unit spanning 500 sq. m. These warehouses offer numerous facilities, ranging from cargo handling, phone and fax lines to 15KVA power. The rent of warehouses starts from AED 230 per sq. m.
To get a free zone licence, you need to pay a minimum of AED 5k. However, utilities will cost you AED 3,800. Other charges include getting a residence visa (AED 3,400) and a refundable security deposit (AED 15k).
OPEN LAND
You can also consider leasing open land for a long term in the free zone for project development. Rents for open land start from AED 20 sq. m. Similarly, you can get a free zone licence for AED 5k, while a residence visa costs AED 3,460 per person.
CUSTOM-BUILT UNITS
Fujairah Free Zone has multiple warehousing options to suit all kinds of investor needs and industrial activities. You can lease a custom-built unit for AED 230 per sq. m while acquiring a free zone licence costs AED 5k.
OVERSEAS COMPANY
FFZ is a wonderful place to establish Overseas Companies. The process is slightly different from open land and custom-built units and requires mediation through an accredited consultant of the Free Zone Commission.
FUJAIRAH FREE ZONE MAJOR SERVICES
The Fujairah Free Zone Authority offers prompt support to those seeking services from related ministries. It ensures:
- Timely issuance of licence and NOC Certificates
- Registration of cars
- Notarisation of legal documents and entry permits
- Provision of Residence visas, transit and visit visas for investors and employees
- Recruitment for personnel at all levels
- NOC/Certificates
Other services ensured by the FFZA include:
- Provision of Gate Pass
- Issuance of Port Pass
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW TO APPLY FOR FUJAIRAH FREE ZONE SERVICES?
You can download the application form from the official FFZ website. You would need the company name, licence number, contact info, and other particulars to fill the form. There is one requirement when it comes to capital investment. When registering a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) or a Free Zone Company (FZC), the minimum paid-up capital must be AED 150k.
It usually takes one visit and an hour to complete the procedures for a Fujairah Free Zone licence. All you need to do is to fill the application and incorporation form available on the website. The Fujairah Free Zone licence cost depends on the type of business, rental property and other factors.
Once all formalities are complete, licences are issued within 48 hours.
WHAT IS THE FUJAIRAH FREEZONE AUTHORITY CONTACT NUMBER?
For queries, interested individuals can visit the FFZA office or call +971-9-222-8000.
HOW CAN I START A BUSINESS IN FUJAIRAH?
Here is our guide to opening a business in Fujairah. You will find the procedure, fees and more.
That brings an end to our review of the Fujairah Free Zone. Besides FFZ, investors can find a free zone that specialises in media businesses and operations — the Fujairah Creative Free Zone. This site offers publishing, broadcasting, IT and consultancy licences.
If you are interested in investment or effective business administration, you can set up your business in Ajman Free Zone or the popular Hamriya Free Zone in the neighbouring emirate of Ajman.
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Cover Image Credits: FFZA
