01Trading activitiesA trading licence may be suitable for businesses dealing in permitted goods and commercial products. The exact products and activities should be confirmed before applying because certain goods can require additional approvals or have specific regulatory requirements.
02Service activitiesBusinesses providing professional or commercial services can explore the relevant service or consultancy licensing options available for their proposed activity. This can be relevant for Indian consultants, professional firms and service providers establishing a UAE presence.
03Industrial activitiesManufacturers and businesses involved in production may require an industrial setup with suitable facilities and approvals. The space, equipment and regulatory requirements can be different from those of a service company, so these requirements should be assessed before incorporation.
04Other specialised activitiesSome business activities have their own licensing conditions or require approval from another authority. The proposed activity should therefore be checked before the company name and licence application are finalised.
01Single-owner companyAn entrepreneur establishing a business independently may choose a structure designed for a single shareholder, subject to the applicable free zone requirements.
02Company with multiple shareholdersTwo or more business partners can establish a company where the ownership is divided between the shareholders according to the agreed structure.
03Branch of an existing companyAn established company may consider a branch structure when it wants to extend its business presence into Fujairah while maintaining its relationship with the parent company.
01Decide what the company will doClearly define the products or services you intend to offer. The activity affects the licence, approvals and potentially the premises required.
02Select the ownership structureDetermine whether the company will have one shareholder, multiple shareholders or operate as a branch of an existing business.
03Choose the company nameThe proposed name must meet the applicable UAE and free zone naming requirements.
04Determine your facility requirementsA consultancy and a manufacturing company will not have the same premises requirements. Consider whether you need an office, warehouse, industrial space or another approved facility.
05Prepare the application documentsShareholder, director and company information is collected according to the requirements applicable to the proposed structure.
06Apply for the licenceThe completed application and supporting documents are submitted to the relevant Fujairah Free Zone authority.
07Complete the remaining setup requirementsDepending on the company and visa requirements, this can include immigration-related procedures, establishment documentation, visas and other post-licensing steps.
01Choosing the licence before defining the businessA vague business plan can make it difficult to identify the appropriate activity and facility requirements.
02Selecting a location based only on priceA lower licence cost may not compensate for additional transport, warehouse or operational expenses if the location does not suit the business.
03Underestimating facility requirementsTrading, manufacturing and logistics businesses should consider their actual space and storage needs before finalising the setup.
04Assuming every product can be traded under a general licenceCertain products can have additional restrictions or approval requirements. Product-specific checks should be completed before licensing.
05Forgetting about visas and post-setup costsThe initial licence is only one part of the overall business setup budget.
06Treating a free zone licence as permission for every UAE activityThe company must operate within the activities and permissions applicable to its licence and business structure.
