Fujairah Free Zone Authority (FFZA)
FFZA is a Fujairah-based free zone with packages starting from AED 21,500, supporting up to 10 visa allocations, and moderate banking access. FFZA is Fujairah's flagship industrial-and-logistics free zone near the Port of Fujairah, built for operators who value Indian Ocean shipping access and lower facility rents versus many Dubai zones. Entry pricing for a zero-visa virtual office setup starts from AED 21,500.
From
AED 21,500
Established
1987
Companies
2,000
Max Visas
10
Banking
Moderate
FFZA Packages & Pricing
| Package | License | Visas | Office | Year 1 Total | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Office — No Visa | AED 21,500 | 0 | Virtual | AED 21,500 | AED 16,200 |
| Flexi Desk — 1 Visa | AED 9,500 | 1 | Flexi Desk | AED 37,349 | AED 0 |
| Flexi Desk — 2 Visas (Modeled) | AED 9,500 | 2 | Flexi Desk | AED 44,993 | AED 0 |
| Warehouse License — 100 sqm + 4 Visas | AED 59,320 | 4 | Warehouse | AED 115,101 | AED 0 |
Pros & Cons
What we like
- Published facility rents improve budgeting: Virtual Office from AED 12,000/year, Flexi Desk from AED 18,000/year
- Warehouse leasing from AED 230/sqm/year — competitive for industrial operators
- Strategic east-coast position near Port of Fujairah with Indian Ocean access for trade/logistics
- Fast licensing: FFZA markets license issuance within ~1 hour after documentation and payment
- Active international presence: participated in GITEX 2025, BIG 5 2025, and other trade events
- Supports special activities: tobacco and alcohol trading subject to approvals
Watch out for
- Commonly quoted AED 21,500 starter often includes refundable deposits (~AED 5,000) affecting cash flow
- Visa onboarding includes multiple cost layers: FFZA fee + e-channel + medical + Emirates ID + insurance
- Renewals occur in January regardless of incorporation date — can create proration issues
- Distance from Dubai/Abu Dhabi adds operational friction for teams needing frequent in-person meetings
- Some sources cite much lower figures (AED 5,000–6,000) that often describe different jurisdictions or license-only components
- Audit required after year 2 (not year 1)
Visa Information
Max Quota
10 visas
Processing Time
10 days
Renewal Cost
AED 6,444
Every 2 years
Dependent Visa
AED 0
Available Visa Types
Visa Cost Breakdown
Employee Visa
AED 6,444
Investor Visa
AED 6,444
Medical Standard
AED 450
Medical VIP
AED 850
Emirates ID Typing
AED 390
FFZA states license issuance within ~1 hour after final agreement. Entry permits within ~3–4 days, then medical and Emirates ID add time. End-to-end ~1–2 weeks.
Banking
Partner Banks
Plan for 2–6 weeks. East-coast location is acceptable but banks may request stronger substance evidence (lease, operations, shipping proof) for trading/industrial entities.
Features
Mainland Trading
Physical Office Required
Dual License Allowed
Crypto Friendly
Shared Ownership
Free Zone to Mainland
Online Portal
Co-working Available
Audit Required
Share Capital Requirement
Unspecified — confirm with FFZA
Special Ecosystems
Location
Recent Developments
- December 2025: Recognition for Fujairah Digital Government and digital transformation support
- November 2025: Participated in BIG 5 GLOBAL 2025 (construction/infrastructure event)
- October 2025: Participated in GITEX GLOBAL 2025 (technology and digital transformation)
- July 2025: Welcomed delegation from Fujairah Customs Department for operational cooperation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum cost to set up in FFZA in 2026?
Entry pricing starts from AED 21,500 for a zero-visa license with virtual office, often with a refundable deposit (~AED 5,000). Adding visas increases Year 1 costs significantly.
How much is an FFZA virtual office?
FFZA's official website states Virtual Office rental starts from AED 12,000/year, explicitly without visa quota. For visas you need a Flexi Desk or larger premises.
How much is an FFZA flexi desk?
FFZA's official rate is from AED 18,000/year, eligible to apply for 1 investor visa. Total Year 1 costs are higher with visa processing, e-channel, and insurance.
What is the FFZA warehouse rental rate?
FFZA publishes warehouse rates starting from AED 230/sqm/year. Actual rent depends on unit size, and industrial approvals may apply depending on activity.
How much is an FFZA visa?
Conservative per-person budget: FFZA visa fee AED 3,399 + e-channel AED 2,205 + medical + Emirates ID, plus ~AED 1,200 annual insurance. Total ~AED 7,644 per visa in Year 1.
How long does FFZA company setup take?
License issuance within ~1 hour after documentation and payment. Visa processing adds 1–2 weeks for entry permit, medical, and Emirates ID.
When do FFZA renewals happen?
FFZA renewals occur in January regardless of incorporation date. Zero-visa company renewal is cited at ~AED 16,200. This timing can affect first-year budgeting.
Can I sponsor family with an FFZA visa?
Dependent sponsorship is possible once you hold a valid UAE residence visa, subject to immigration rules and salary/relationship documentation.
Compare with Similar Free Zones
FFZA Comparisons
Related Articles
Learn More About UAE Free Zones
Ready to set up with FFZA?
Get a personalised quote for your FFZA business setup. Compare packages and find the best deal.
Starting From
AED 21,500 /yr