Compare Fujairah Free Zone vs Hamriyah Free Zone Authority

Fujairah Free Zone
VerifiedFujairahFree Zone

Fujairah Free Zone

The Verdict

Starts from AED 15,000 (Mid-Range) — best for Logistics, trading, and manufacturing companies seeking port and airport access..

Starting From
AED 15,000
Setup Time
2 days
Hamriyah Free Zone Authority
More Affordable
VerifiedSharjahFree Zone

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority

The Verdict

Starts from AED 11,000 (Mid-Range) — best for Industrial, manufacturing, and trading companies requiring port access and warehousing facilities..

Starting From
AED 11,000
Setup Time
2 days

Feature Comparison

A comprehensive side-by-side analysis of key metrics.

Starting From
AED 15,000
Starting From
AED 11,000
Price Positioning
Mid-Range
Price Positioning
Mid-Range
Visa Cost (All-in)
AED 6,530
Visa Cost (All-in)
AED 4,500
Health Insurance/yr
AED 800
Health Insurance/yr
AED 800
Setup Time
2 days
Setup Time
2 days
Remote Setup
Yes
Remote Setup
Yes
Bank Account Help
Yes
Bank Account Help
Yes
Max Visas (No Office)
0
Max Visas (No Office)
0
Golden Visa
Yes
Golden Visa
Yes
Dependent Sponsorship
Yes
Dependent Sponsorship
Yes
QFZP (0% Tax)
Yes
QFZP (0% Tax)
Yes
Corporate Tax 9%
Yes
Corporate Tax 9%
Yes
Audit Required
Required upon renewal
Audit Required
Mandatory for all
VAT Designated Zone
No
VAT Designated Zone
Yes
Total Activities
54
Total Activities
36
Mixed Activities
No
Mixed Activities
Yes

Cost Scenarios

Pre-computed year 1 and renewal costs for common business setups

Fujairah Free Zone

Year 1 Total

AED 28,025

Annual Renewal

AED 20,000

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority

Year 1 Total

AED 12,000

Save AED 16,025

Annual Renewal

AED 12,000

Detailed Breakdown

license and registrationAED 25,820
facilityAED 0
government feesAED 2,205
third party servicesAED 0

Detailed Breakdown

license and registrationAED 11,000
facilityAED 1,000
government feesAED 0
third party servicesAED 0

License Packages

Pre-bundled business packages offered by each zone

Fujairah Free Zone

2 Packages

Virtual Office Package (0 Visa)

Starter Tier

Annual Cost

AED 15,000

0 Visas Included
1 Activities
Virtual Address
Establishment Card

NoteBase package for establishing a legal presence without requiring physical space or visas.

Most Popular

Flexi Desk Package (1-2 Visas)

Standard Tier

Annual Cost

AED 18,000

2 Visas Included
3 Activities
Flexi Desk
Establishment Card Access to shared office facilities

NoteThis is a facility-only cost; license and registration fees are additional. Total setup cost is higher.

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority

3 Packages
Most Popular

E-Office / Virtual Office Package

Starter Tier

Annual Cost

AED 11,000

1 Visa Included
3 Activities
Virtual Address
Eligibility to apply for one residence visa

NoteThis is the most common entry-level package for startups and solo entrepreneurs. The annual renewal cost is also AED 11,000.

Executive Office Package (2 Visa)

Standard Tier

Annual Cost

AED 16,000

2 Visas Included
5 Activities
Private Office
Dedicated unfurnished office space (~10 sqm) Water and electricity bills included

NoteA step-up package for small teams requiring a physical office space. Several tiers exist with increasing visa quotas.

General Trading Package (7 Visa)

Premium Tier

Annual Cost

AED 35,000

7 Visas Included
Private Office
General Trading activity permitted Dedicated office space (~10 sqm)

NoteAllows for broad trading activities without restriction to specific product categories.

Who Wins Where?

A definitive category-by-category verdict based on real-time data and specific business priorities.

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority

Budget Priorities

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority offers a lower starting price point at AED 11,000

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority

Setup Speed

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority typically processes new licenses in ~2 days

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority

Visa Capacity

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority allows up to ? visas without requiring a physical office space

Tie

Tax Optimization

Both jurisdictions are eligible for QFZP (0% tax on qualifying income)

Tie

Brand Prestige

Both offer highly competitive, standard market positioning

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority

Lean Startups

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority wins for being both notably cheaper and consistently faster

Detailed Feature Breakdown

Expand each category for an exhaustive side-by-side comparison

Agricultural License
Yes
Agricultural License
No
Commercial Trade License
Yes
Commercial Trade License
Yes
Crypto Virtual Assets License
No
Crypto Virtual Assets License
No
E Commerce E Trader License
Yes
E Commerce E Trader License
Yes
Freelance Permit
Yes
Freelance Permit
Yes
General Trading License
Yes
General Trading License
Yes
Holding Company License
No
Holding Company License
No
Industrial Manufacturing License
Yes
Industrial Manufacturing License
Yes
Innovation And Tech License
Yes
Innovation And Tech License
No
Professional Services Consultancy License
Yes
Professional Services Consultancy License
Yes
Tourism Hospitality License
Yes
Tourism Hospitality License
No

About Each Zone

Executive summaries and competitive positioning

Fujairah Free Zone

Fujairah Free Zone targets a diverse range of industries, with a primary focus on trading, logistics, manufacturing, and oil and gas support services. [5, 2] Its strategic port location makes it an ideal hub for import/export, distribution, and global container shipping. [9, 5] The primary investor profile includes small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and multinational corporations seeking a cost-effective base with robust infrastructure for global trade and manufacturing operations. [16, 2]

Key Advantages

Gain a unique logistical edge with direct maritime access to the Indian Ocean, completely bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.
Operate from a global energy hub, adjacent to the Port of Fujairah, the world's second-largest bunkering port.
Launch your business rapidly with licenses issued in as little as one working day through a fast-track setup process.
Benefit from a cost-effective structure with competitive setup packages and lower overheads than other major emirates.
Ideal Target

Logistics, trading, and manufacturing companies seeking port and airport access.

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority

Hamriyah Free Zone is optimized for heavy industry, oil and gas, petrochemicals, maritime trade, manufacturing, and logistics. It targets a wide range of investors from SMEs to large multinational corporations seeking 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and robust infrastructure for import, export, and manufacturing activities within the MENA region and beyond.

Key Advantages

Unrivaled Maritime Access: Leverage a 14-meter deep-water port and 7-meter inner harbor, ideal for global logistics and shipping.
Unmatched Industrial Scale: Operate from the UAE's second-largest industrial free zone, spanning over 30 million square meters.
Specialized Industry Hubs: Gain a competitive edge in dedicated zones for Oil & Gas, Petrochemicals, and a purpose-built Food Park.
Total Business Control & Tax Freedom: Benefit from 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate and personal taxes, and full repatriation of profits.
Ideal Target

Industrial, manufacturing, and trading companies requiring port access and warehousing facilities.

Things to Watch Out For

Hidden costs and common objections — with honest rebuttals

Fujairah Free Zone

Hidden Costs
Minimum share capital requirement of AED 150,000.
Security deposits for facilities.
Utilities are billed separately from rent.

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority

Hidden Costs
Mandatory audit report for renewal after year 2 (or a waiver fee)
Visa costs are separate from the advertised package price
Refundable security deposits for facilities and employee visas

Ask The Experts

Common questions answered transparently with real data

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority is currently more affordable for initial setup, with entry packages starting from AED 11,000. In the broader market context, Hamriyah Free Zone Authority is officially positioned as "Mid-Range".

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority typically processes new trade licenses faster, averaging around 2 days for issuance from the time of application submission. Furthermore, for Hamriyah Free Zone Authority, fully remote company setup is natively supported, meaning you do not need to be physically present in the UAE.

Fujairah Free Zone: Eligible for Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status. This means you may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided you meet all economic substance requirements. Hamriyah Free Zone Authority: Eligible for Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status. This means you may benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate on qualifying income, provided you meet all economic substance requirements.

Fujairah Free Zone: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa. Hamriyah Free Zone Authority: Yes, the jurisdiction provides direct support channels and streamlined processing for eligible investors seeking a 10-year Golden Visa.

Logistics, trading, and manufacturing companies seeking port and airport access.

Industrial, manufacturing, and trading companies requiring port access and warehousing facilities.