Fujairah mainland company setup
Establish a mainland company on the UAE's east coast, with direct access to major shipping routes and the full UAE market.
Fujairah mainland
What is a Fujairah mainland company?
Fujairah sits on the eastern coast, outside the Strait of Hormuz, with strong access to shipping routes and emerging markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Mainland licences are issued by Fujairah DED.
A mainland licence lets you trade freely across the UAE and deal with local government and private clients, with greater flexibility on activities, premises and hiring than most free zones.
- Trade across the UAE and internationally
- Up to 100% foreign ownership for most activities
- No local sponsor needed for most activities
- Flexible choice of activities and premises
- Strategic east-coast location for logistics
Why mainland
Benefits of a mainland licence
Trade across the UAE
Sell to anyone in all seven emirates and abroad, with no zone boundary limiting your market.
Up to 100% ownership
Most activities no longer need a local partner. We confirm the rules for your activity.
Government contracts
Mainland companies can bid for government and semi-government work.
Choose your location
Place your office where your customers and team are, anywhere in the emirate.
Scalable hiring
Your visa quota grows with your office space as the business grows.
Wide activity range
Commercial, professional and industrial activities under one licensing framework.
Why Fujairah?
- Good fit for trading, shipping and logistics businesses
- Broad choice of legal structures
- Cost-effective premises compared with larger emirates
Compare
mainland or free zone?
Both routes give you a UAE company. The right one depends on where your customers are and how you plan to operate.
| Feature | mainland | Free zone |
|---|---|---|
| Market access | All emirates and international markets | Within the zone and export; UAE sales usually via a distributor |
| Government contracts | Eligible to bid | Generally not eligible |
| Office | Physical premises and registered tenancy | Flexi-desk or virtual often possible |
| Ownership | Up to 100% for most activities | 100% foreign ownership |
| Corporate tax | 9% on profit above AED 375,000 | Qualifying Free Zone Persons may pay 0% on qualifying income |
| Visa quota | Linked to office size | Linked to the zone package |
Licence types
Licences in Fujairah
Issued by the Fujairah Department of Economic Development (Fujairah DED). The licence has to match your actual activity.
Commercial licence
Suitable for trading businesses.
Professional licence
Consultancy, legal, accounting and engineering services.
Industrial licence
Manufacturing, processing and production.
Freelancer permit
Independent design, writing, photography and IT consultancy.
Branch or representative office
For foreign companies expanding into Fujairah.
Popular sectors
Set-up process
8 steps to your Fujairah licence
Choose activity and legal structure
We match your business to the right licence and structure, such as an LLC, sole establishment or branch.
Reserve your trade name
We check availability and reserve a compliant name with the economic authority.
Get initial approval
We file your application so the authority can approve your activity and shareholders.
Lease and register your office
We help you find suitable premises and register the tenancy with the right authority.
Prepare and notarise documents
We draft the Memorandum of Association and gather all shareholder documents.
Secure external approvals
Regulated activities such as healthcare, education or transport need extra clearances. We handle them.
Pay fees and receive your licence
We submit the final application, pay the fees and collect your trade licence.
Bank, visas and tax registration
We open your corporate account, process visas and register you for corporate tax and VAT.
Office requirements
A leased physical office in an area approved by Fujairah DED is required. Choices include commercial or industrial premises, depending on your activity and zoning rules.
Corporate tax and VAT
Corporate tax on taxable profit above AED 375,000. Below that, 0%.
VAT once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000.
Registration with the Federal Tax Authority is required. We handle corporate tax and VAT registration and ongoing filings. Rules can change, so we confirm current thresholds when you apply.
Pricing
Fujairah mainland costs
Indicative pricing only. Government fees and final costs may vary.
Documents
What you need to provide
We prepare, translate and submit everything. This is what we'll ask you for.
- Completed application form
- Passport copies for all shareholders and managers
- Approved trade name certificate
- Initial approval certificate
- Notarised Memorandum of Association (where applicable)
- Registered lease for your premises
- External approvals for regulated activities
- NOC from your current UAE employer, if employed
- Proof of address from the last three months
- Bank reference letter for shareholders
Other emirates
Compare mainland locations
Fujairah mainland FAQ
Typically 2–4 weeks. The full process, including premises, visas and a bank account, usually takes longer. We give you a timeline once we know your activity.
For most activities you can own up to 100% of the company. Certain strategic or regulated sectors may still need a local partner or service agent, and we confirm this for your activity.
Yes. A mainland licence lets you trade across all emirates and internationally, subject to your licensed activity and any local permits.
Physical office required. A leased physical office in an area approved by Fujairah DED is required. Choices include commercial or industrial premises, depending on your activity and zoning rules.
UAE corporate tax is 9% on taxable profit above AED 375,000, with 0% below that threshold. Registration with the Federal Tax Authority is required. VAT of 5% applies once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000.
Cost depends on your activity, office, visa count and any external approvals. After a short consultation we send a written quote with every government fee itemised.
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