Business Setup in Fujairah Mainland

Starting a business in Fujairah Mainland gives entrepreneurs a cost-friendly and strategic location in the UAE. Close to major shipping routes with its own seaport and airport, Fujairah is great for trade and logistics.
 
With business-friendly rules, zero income tax, 100% foreign ownership in free zones, and quick licensing, it’s a good choice for regional and international growth.
100% Foreign Ownership in UAE
Strategic Location for Global Trade
No Annual Audit Requirements
Cost-Effective Business Setup
Easy Access to Global Markets

Business Setup

Company Formation

Bank Account Opening

Visa Services

Types of Business Licenses in Fujairah

Industrial License

For companies in manufacturing. Allows import of raw materials, production, and export of goods, ideal for large-scale industries.

Service License

Allows businesses like IT, consulting, and marketing to operate legally. For companies providing non-physical services.

 

Trading License

Enables businesses to trade various products within the UAE and internationally, allowing import, export, and re-export activities.

Commercial

A Commercial License permits trading of specific goods, used by companies in retail, wholesale, or product distribution.

Process of Mainland Company Formation In Fujairah

Choose Your Business Activity:

Start by identifying the business activities your company will engage in. This is crucial as it determines the licenses and approvals you will need.

Reserve a Trade Name:

Select a unique trade name that complies with UAE regulations and get approval from the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Fujairah.

Obtain Initial Approval:

Apply for initial approval from the DED to confirm that the UAE government has no objections to your business.

 

Draft and Notarize MOA:

Prepare the Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement, depending on your legal structure, and have it notarized by an approved UAE notary.

Select a Business Location:

Secure a physical office space and provide a rental agreement. Fujairah offers options from physical offices to virtual workspaces, depending on the nature of the business.

 

Submit Documentation and Pay Fees:

Submit all required documents, including identification documents, trade name approval, and lease agreement, to the DED. Pay the relevant fees for the trade license.

 
 

Obtain Business License:

After verification of your documents and approval of your application, you will be issued a business license, officially allowing you to begin operations in Fujairah mainland.

 

Required Documents for Company Formation in Fujairah Mainland

Passport Copies: All shareholders need to provide passport copies.
Proof of Residence: Recent utility bill or address proof.
Trade Name Approval: Proof of approved business name by DED.
Initial Approval: Issued after business activity approval by authorities.
MOA: Shows business structure and ownership; must be notarized.
Local Service Agent Agreement: Required for full foreign ownership.
Office Lease: Mandatory physical address with a lease agreement.
Bank Reference Letter: Shows financial standing for certain licenses.
KYC Form: Details of all shareholders for compliance.
Business Plan: Required for specific licenses, especially complex setups.

Key Advantages for Business Setup in Fujairah Mainland

Business-Friendly Policies

Strategic Location

Quick Licensing Process

No Annual Audit

Cost-Effectiveness

Access to UAE & Global Markets

Types of Mainland Business Entities in Fujairah

Sole Proprietorship

Ideal for individual entrepreneurs who want full control and profit retention. Foreigners may need a UAE national as a local agent for government-related processes.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

Popular due to limited liability, where shareholders are only liable up to their investment. Supports up to 50 shareholders and allows full foreign ownership in many sectors.

Partnership

Reserved for UAE nationals, with partners fully liable for business obligations. Suitable for businesses where partners share responsibilities.

Limited Partnership

General partners manage and are fully liable, while limited partners only invest and have liability limited to their investment. Appeals to passive investors.

Public Shareholding Company

Best for large businesses needing significant capital. Requires at least 10 founders, with UAE nationals owning at least 51%. Shares can be publicly traded.

Private Shareholding Company

For medium to large companies, requiring at least three shareholders and a minimum capital of AED 2 million. Shares are not publicly traded, allowing controlled ownership.

No Trade Restrictions

Can operate anywhere in the UAE, allowing to expand freely without geographical limitations.

Joint Ventures

A flexible partnership between local and foreign entities, operating under a UAE partner’s name. Allows foreign investors market access with shared ownership.

Branch of a Local (UAE) Company

Branches of UAE companies allow local entities to expand operations across Abu Dhabi and beyond, conducting business under the parent company’s framework and complying with UAE regulations.

Branch of a Foreign Company

Enables international companies to operate in Abu Dhabi without creating a new legal entity. Operates under the parent company’s authority and local laws.

Foreign Representative Office

Used mainly for market research and promotions, without direct sales. Ideal for companies testing the UAE market with minimal operational commitment.

Types of Free Zone Business Entities in Fujairah

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Free Zone Establishment (FZE)

A single shareholder entity, ideal for small businesses or sole owners. It offers 100% foreign ownership, with liability limited to the shareholder’s invested capital.
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Free Zone Company (FZC)

Allows 2 to 5 shareholders with 100% foreign ownership, ideal for small groups or joint ventures.
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Branch of a Foreign Company

A foreign company can open a branch in Fujairah’s free zones to extend its operations under the parent company’s name. This branch is not a separate legal entity.
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Branch of a UAE Company

UAE companies can expand to Fujairah’s free zones by setting up a branch, operating under the parent company’s structure.

Free Zones in Fujairah

Type of Business Activity

Choose an activity that fits the allowed categories (e.g., commercial, industrial, professional) as it affects license type and approvals.

Ownership Structure

Decide on an ownership type like LLC, sole proprietorship, or branch. Some sectors allow full foreign ownership, while others need a local sponsor.

Compliance with Industry Regulations

Certain sectors (e.g., healthcare, education) need extra approvals from regulators. Prepare for additional compliance if in a regulated industry.

Business Setup Consultants in Fujairah

Leaders HUB is renowned as one of the top business setup consultants in Dubai, with over 15 years of experience facilitating a wide range of businesses throughout the UAE. Our deep connections with government officials and key authorities, combined with our extensive expertise in consultancy, streamline the process of establishing your business in Dubai. Additionally, we offer comprehensive financial, legal, and corporate services to support our clients throughout their business endeavors.

We are here to provide comprehensive support for your Business Setup in Fujairah Mainland, from preparing your documents to completing the process. Connect with us now to begin your journey with a FREE consultation!

ASK WHAT YOU WANT TO KNOW

FAQS

How long does it take to register a business in Fujairah free zone?
Registering a business in Fujairah’s free zones typically takes 1 to 3 working days, depending on the type of license.



What types of visas are available for business owners in Fujairah?
Business owners can apply for investor visas, employment visas for staff, and dependent visas for family members.

What is the process for renewing a trade license in Fujairah?
Trade license renewals require submitting updated documents and fees to the relevant authority and usually take 1 to 3 days.

Are there any specific industries promoted by the Fujairah government?
Fujairah promotes industries like logistics, shipping, tourism, and creative media through its free zones and government initiatives.

What are the tax implications for businesses in Fujairah?
Businesses enjoy zero income tax and corporate tax, though VAT (5%) and customs duties may apply depending on the business.
Are there any restrictions on the type of businesses that can be established in Fujairah's free zones?
Certain industries like banking and insurance are restricted in free zones and must operate under specific licenses.
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