Free Zones
Fujairah Free Zone: Company Setup & Accounting Guide
· 4 min read · By Aureus Worldwide
Fujairah Free Zone, in the emirate of Fujairah on the UAE's east coast, occupies a strategic position next to the Port of Fujairah, one of the world's major bunkering and oil-storage hubs, with direct access to the Indian Ocean outside the Strait of Hormuz. This makes it a natural base for shipping, bunkering, oil trading and industry. This guide explains how a Fujairah Free Zone company setup works, the licences it offers, the steps, and the accounting and tax obligations that follow.
Why choose Fujairah Free Zone
Fujairah's defining advantage is geography: an east-coast location with deep-water port access that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz, valued by shipping, bunkering and energy-trading businesses. It offers 100% foreign ownership, profit repatriation and a single-authority process at a competitive cost base. It suits maritime, energy and industrial businesses for which the port and route matter, as well as traders wanting an affordable UAE licence.
Who it suits
Fujairah Free Zone is a strong fit for:
- Shipping, bunkering and maritime-services businesses
- Oil storage, trading and energy companies
- Trading and import/export firms
- Light manufacturing and industrial operations
- Service providers wanting a cost-effective base
Licence and activities
Fujairah Free Zone issues licences across trading, service and industrial categories tied to defined activity lists.
| Licence type | Suitable for |
|---|---|
| Commercial / Trading | Import, export and distribution |
| Service | Consultancy and professional services |
| Industrial | Light manufacturing and processing |
| General Trading | A broad range of trading activities |
Confirm the current activity list and any sector approvals with the free zone authority.
Facilities
Fujairah Free Zone typically offers offices, warehouses, land and storage options linked to the port. Premises choices affect visa allocations, so size them with your hiring plans and confirm current facilities and pricing with the authority.
Setup steps
- Choose your activity and licence type.
- Reserve a compliant company name.
- Select your structure and shareholders (full foreign ownership permitted).
- Choose premises, office, warehouse or land.
- Submit documents and receive approval and the trade licence.
- Process establishment card and visas.
- Open a corporate bank account, see our bank account guide.
Our company formation team can run this end to end.
Accounting, audit and tax considerations
A Fujairah Free Zone company has the same UAE-wide obligations as any other entity:
- Bookkeeping. Trading and maritime businesses need solid inventory, cost and revenue accounting, see our accounting service.
- Audit. Free zones commonly expect audited financial statements at renewal; our audit team arranges this through licensed partner firms.
- Corporate Tax. Register and file federally. A QFZP may access 0% on qualifying income with substance and within the de minimis limits; otherwise 9% applies above AED 375,000. See our tax service.
- VAT and customs. Register for VAT at the threshold and manage import VAT, customs duty and excise where relevant, see our customs duty guide.
Setup timeline and costs
A Fujairah Free Zone setup is usually measured in days to a few weeks once documents are complete, though leasing storage or industrial land adds lead time. Costs depend on the licence type, the premises or land, the number of visas and your activities, and the zone revises its terms periodically. Confirm current fees, facility terms and packages directly with the free zone authority rather than relying on third-party figures, and size the commitment to a realistic operating plan. Customs registration and bank-account opening can extend the timeline for trading and maritime businesses.
Staying compliant after setup
A Fujairah Free Zone licence is renewed annually, and obligations continue between renewals. Diarise the renewal date and prepare early so visas, customs codes and banking are not disrupted. Trading and maritime businesses should keep inventory, customs and excise records current throughout the year, alongside Corporate Tax registration and any VAT filings. Reviewing your premises and visa allocation before each renewal keeps a port-based operation running smoothly and avoids gaps that could interrupt shipping or bunkering activity.
Fujairah Free Zone at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Emirate | Fujairah |
| Focus | Shipping, bunkering, energy, trade, industry |
| Key asset | East-coast port outside the Strait of Hormuz |
| Ownership | 100% foreign ownership |
| Tax | UAE Corporate Tax; QFZP 0% on qualifying income with substance |
Fujairah Free Zone versus Creative City
Fujairah Free Zone is built for trade, maritime and industry, while Fujairah Creative City is the emirate's media and creative free zone for agencies, freelancers and content businesses. Choose based on whether your model is physical trade or service/creative. For a broader framework, see choosing the right UAE free zone.
How Aureus Worldwide helps
Aureus Worldwide helps founders set up in Fujairah Free Zone end to end, selecting the right licence, premises and visas through our company formation team. We then keep you compliant with accounting, Corporate Tax, VAT and customs, and arrange audit through licensed partners. We confirm changeable fees and facilities with the authority before you commit. To set up in Fujairah Free Zone, contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Fujairah Free Zone located?
Fujairah Free Zone is in the emirate of Fujairah on the UAE's east coast, next to the Port of Fujairah and outside the Strait of Hormuz, making it strategic for shipping, bunkering and trade. Confirm current details with the free zone authority.
What is Fujairah good for?
Fujairah suits shipping, bunkering, oil storage, trading and industrial businesses that benefit from direct Indian Ocean access without transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Confirm the current activity list with the authority.
Do Fujairah Free Zone companies pay Corporate Tax?
Yes, they fall under UAE Corporate Tax. A qualifying free zone person can access 0% on qualifying income with substance and de minimis compliance; otherwise 9% applies above AED 375,000. Confirm with a tax adviser.