Choosing the Fujairah Creative City (FCC) Free Zone gives businesses a clear competitive edge. This comes from its friendly policies and lower business costs. The free zone is designed to help entrepreneurs succeed by making it easy to follow rules and operate efficiently. Here are the main benefits that make FCC a top choice for startups, freelancers, and growing companies in the UAE.
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No Physical Office is Required
A major benefit of FCC is its affordable business packages that include a Flexi-Desk or virtual office. This means businesses do not need to rent a costly physical office. This flexibility is a perfect solution for many types of entrepreneurs:
- Remote Businesses: It is ideal for companies that work mainly online or have teams in different parts of the world.
- Solo Entrepreneurs and Freelancers: Individuals who do not need a permanent office can save a significant amount of money.
This approach greatly reduces both the initial setup cost of a business license in Fujairah Creative City and the yearly running expenses.
Foreign investors who set up a company in FCC can own 100% of their business. This is guaranteed by both UAE federal law and the free zone’s own rules.
- Legal Structure: A business owner does not need a local sponsor or a UAE national as a partner.
- Control and Security: This gives entrepreneurs complete control over their company’s assets and decisions. This is a very important factor for international investors who want full independence.
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Zero Corporate and Personal Tax
Operating in the FCC offers significant tax advantages. The UAE’s tax system provides a strong financial reason to set up a business here.
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- Corporate Tax Exemption: Companies can get a 0% corporate tax rate on their qualifying income. To get this benefit, they must follow the new UAE Corporate Tax Law rules, which started on June 1, 2023.
- No Personal Income Tax: There is still no personal income tax on salaries or wages for employees in the UAE.
- Full Repatriation: Investors can also send 100% of their business profits and capital back to their home country without any taxes or fees.
The Fujairah Creative City Free Zone is known for its highly efficient and fast company setup process. Starting a business here is much quicker compared to many other locations.
- Speed: The license can be issued in as little as 2 to 3 working days. This happens after the authorities approve the business activity and complete a security check.
- Minimal Documents: The process requires only a few simple documents, such as passport copies and a completed application form. This quick and easy process saves valuable time for entrepreneurs.
Registering a company in the FCC makes it possible for business owners and their employees to obtain UAE residence visas. This permit allows them to live and work legally anywhere in the country, providing stability for both personal and professional life.
- Investor and Employee Visas: Owners qualify for an Investor Visa. The company can also sponsor Employee Visas for its team members.
- Visa Quota Flexibility: Packages allow for single-visa eligibility up to multiple visas (sometimes up to 15 visas). The final number depends on the chosen business package, ensuring scalability.
- Dependent Sponsorship: Once the main visa is secured, the resident can sponsor their family dependents.
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No Annual Audit Requirement
One significant operational advantage for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is the waiver of the mandatory annual audit requirement.
- Simplified Compliance: Unlike some other UAE free zones or the mainland, where an external audit is compulsory, many FCC license types do not require the submission of an audited financial statement to the Authority.
- Cost Savings: This exemption dramatically reduces annual accounting and compliance costs. This is highly appealing to freelancers and small consulting firms globally.
Note: While a formal audit submission is not required by the FCC, companies must still maintain accurate books of accounts. They do this to comply with the UAE Corporate Tax Law and global economic substance regulations.
Know more about how to start a business in the Fujairah Creative City Free Zone with expert assistance from Safe Ledger. Contact Now!