Question 1

Q-1. What is the main difference between Mainland and Free Zone company formation in Fujairah?

Accepted Answer

Understanding where you form your business matters for operations, ownership, and flexibility.

Mainland companies (licensed by the Department of Economic Development – DED) can operate anywhere in the UAE.
Free Zone companies (like those in Fujairah Free Zone or Creative City Fujairah) are mainly limited to business within the Free Zone or international trade.

Free Zones offer benefits like 100% foreign ownership, low-cost packages, and tax exemptions. Many Mainland activities also now allow 100% ownership.

Question 2

Q-2. What is the Creative City Fujairah business setup good for?

Accepted Answer

If you're in media, design, IT, or consulting, Creative City is one of the easiest and most affordable places to start.

Freelancers, digital entrepreneurs, and small creative teams
Fast setup (usually within 2–5 working days)
100% foreign ownership with no need for a local sponsor
Low-cost license packages tailored for single owners and startups
No requirement for a physical office, virtual and flexi-desk options are available

You can also sponsor visas under your company setup and enjoy simplified paperwork.

Question 3

Q-3. What are the usual costs & fees required to set up a business or company in Fujairah?

Accepted Answer

Costs depend on the license type and business needs:

Free Zone: Starting from AED 5,500 (e.g., Creative City Fujairah)
Mainland: Starting from AED 15,000

Additional costs may apply for visas, offices, or approvals depending on the activity.

Question 4

Q-4. Can I own 100% of my company in Fujairah?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both Free Zone and Mainland setups allow 100% foreign ownership. Earlier, Mainland businesses required a local Emirati partner or agent, but now, most business activities are open to full foreign ownership. This gives entrepreneurs more control and flexibility in managing their companies.
Note: Always check with the relevant authority for activity-specific ownership rules.

Question 5

Q-5. How long does it take for a new business setup in Fujairah?

Accepted Answer

Timelines depend on the license type and required approvals.

Free Zone licenses are issued quickly, usually within 2 to 5 working days
Mainland company formation typically takes 1 to 3 weeks, depending on your activity, documents, and special approvals (if any)

Visa processing, corporate bank account setup, and document attestations may add a few extra days to the process.

Question 6

Q-6. Do I need a real office for my business in Fujairah?

Accepted Answer

Office requirements depend on whether you register in the Mainland or Free Zone.

Mainland companies must lease a physical office space and submit a tenancy contract to the DED
Free Zones offer more flexibility with shared desks, co-working spaces, or virtual offices, a cost-effective option for small teams and solo founders

You can upgrade your office space later if your business needs grow.

Question 7

Q-7. Are there company taxes for businesses in Fujairah?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The UAE now applies a 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000.
If your business earns less, it is taxed at 0%. Free Zone companies can still enjoy 0% tax if they meet specific compliance rules.

Question 8

Q-8. Can I apply for a UAE residence visa with a Fujairah company?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can apply for a UAE residence visa through your company setup.
Both Free Zone and Mainland companies in Fujairah allow you to sponsor residence visas for yourself, employees, and family members. Free Zones like Creative City offer packages with visa quotas (usually 1–6 visas). The process includes a medical test, Emirates ID application, and visa stamping.

Question 9

Q-9. What are the visa eligibility criteria for Free Zone companies in Fujairah?

Accepted Answer

Visa eligibility depends on the license package and workspace type.

Shared desk or virtual office packages may allow 1–3 visas
Physical office spaces allow more visitors, depending on the square footage
Each visa applicant must meet standard requirements (passport validity, medical fitness, etc.)

Creative City and Fujairah Free Zone publish clear guidelines on the number of visas allowed per setup.

Question 10

Q-10. Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to start a Fujairah company?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Many Free Zones allow remote company formation. Free Zones like Creative City Fujairah offer a fully online or Power of Attorney-based setup process. You can register your company and receive your license without visiting the UAE. However, to apply for a visa or open a bank account, physical presence is usually required.

Question 11

Q-11. Can I open a corporate bank account with a Fujairah company?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can open a UAE corporate bank account. Once your company is registered, you’ll receive legal documents (license, MoA, share certificate, etc.) required for account opening. UAE banks conduct due diligence, so it's essential to have a clear business plan, website, and proper documentation. Mainland companies often get faster approvals, but Free Zone companies can also open accounts with proper guidance.

Question 12

Q-12. Is annual renewal required for companies in Fujairah?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all companies must renew their licenses yearly. Free Zone companies must renew their trade license and office/flexi-desk agreement annually. Mainland companies renew their DED license, tenancy contract, and other corporate documents yearly. Delays may result in fines or penalties, so plan your renewals.

Business Setup in Fujairah

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