Fujaira  Free Zone

General Information.

Fujaira free zone, the zone of convenience, we established in 1987 to offer its investors full investment security in setting up companies practicing a range of activities. All types of quality business activities are considered for operation in the zone, subject to the approval of the fujaira free zone authority .

Located in the emirate of fujairah, UAE, The fujaira free zone is ideally located for trade from the east cost of the UAE which is rich in minerals, some of which are utilized in a  number of local industries, while other are exported abroad,. The free zone is within a short distance from the only international air port on the east cost of the UAE, the fujairah international airport  and re-export –related industries thrive in fujairah

Fully furnish trading offices can be leased for import /export  and re-export operation .investors also have access to distribution and warehousing units of different sizes and can also lease pre  built units for manufacturing , or request permission to construct units customized to their requirements.

Fujairah free zone oggers investors access to neighboring and global markets by land, sea and air, through a co-ordinate effort with the port of fujairah , fujairah international air port and fujairah customs, all to steam line commerce for its investors .by using the shipping service available investors have access to all Arabian gulf ports, The red sea, Iran, India and Pakistan mainline services arrive from the U K, Northern Europe the Mediterranean, The far east and north America on a weekly service, and offer sailing twice a weekly to the Far east and once a week to north America .

Location

Fujairah free zone is  in the emirate of fujairah, which is on the eastern cost of the UAE , and is like by modern high way to all major cities in the country Fujairah is mere 90 minutes drive time from sharjah, under two arms from Dubai, and three and half hours from Abu Dhabi

The fujaira free zone complex is located on the costal high way between the city of fujairah and neighbor town of korr fakkan . The complex is five minutes journey from the Hilton fujairah and ten minutes from the city centre hotels

Incentives

In addition to usual benefits to operating from a free zone offers a host of unique facility that investors can take advantages of.

Fujairah custom department offers simple and efficient customers facilities to user s of the port fujairah  Dibba sea port and fujaira international air port free zone business cab benefit from exemption of customs duties on import export of all commodities and finished products  for the purpose export and re-export outside the UAE . Business need not pay duties on fectory7 machinery or raw material used in production.

Application from investors wishing to set up in fujairah free zone are approved after reviewing the application from the relevant documents The trade license is issued within a maximum of 48 hours upon final agreement on the term and conditions, and the

fulfillment of the first years financial commitments. Investor leasing offices or pre- built units can take over the premises with mediate effects upon the issuance of the license. How ever , investors signing contracts  for contracting and customized building can also utilized free zone facilities to prepare their manufacturing units during the period of construction of their units.

Port of Fujairah

The port of Fujairah is adjacent to the free zone to ensure investors derive maximum benefit from Fujairah ’s strategic location the port of Fujaira is one of the middle east leading deep sea multi purposes port serving the gulf, Indian ocean and eastern Africa . Since start of commercial operation in 1982, the port has invested progressively in new facilities and has experience an on going growth.

The port strategic location out side of the Gulf has attract major shipping lines, with regular calls from main mother vessels delivering containers for the UAE market, or for trans – shipment on feeders vessels.

Weekly containers calls by mother & feeder vessels offer regular  connection  with the For East, Europe, North America, Red sea, all Arabian Gulf ports and the Indian Subcontinent

The port of Fujaira being a multi purpose port, handle containers, significant break bulk volumes, general and project cargo, ro-ro cargo,livestock,  oil bunkers and marine supplies.

Now with 1.4 km continuous main quay, the port of Fujaira is dredged to 15 meters and operates a state of art of the art aggregate  bulk loader capable of loading 2000 metric tons per hour. Fujarah, along with Singapore and Rotterdam, is one of the top three bunkering points in the world .Fujairah an chorged has a global reputation for safety and efficiency. It accommodates up to 100vessels at any given time.

In addition , Fujairah free zone business can  use the facilities at Khorfakkan container terminal(KCT) is gearing  up for the  next century. Under a program directed by H.H Dr. sheikh sultan bin Muhammad al qasimi, Ruler of sharjah , The natural deep water  port is being massively expended, The quay has been lengthened by 350 meter to give a total length of 1,000 meters, dredging program has increase the depth alongside to 15 meters and the ship Turing has been enlarged to take the largest container vessels envisaged.

The container stacking area will be increased by 10.000 square meter with the total area providing an extra 6,000 TEUs ground slots and 50 additional reefer points will be installed giving a total of 170 points.

Fujairah International Air port

Fujairah international air port (FIA) is a port of call  for Gulf air, Indian air lines, Egypt air  and air lines of the common wealth of independent state (CIS) as well as several cargo carries and operators As the only air port serving The UAE east cost as well as northern Oman, It is equipped with the latest and the best modern aviation and air cargo handling technology . It is proximity to Fujairah Sea port and its common custom facilities lead to speedy, hassle-free operation for sea and air cargo.

FIA’s Exclusive cargo terminal has equipment and operation skills necessary for handling freighter air craft of all sizes, with fully auto mated cargo handling systems, FIA serves as a break bulk centre and takes cargo input from the port of fujairah and the Fujairah free zone fore on board carriage.

Ø      The emirate of fujairah provides multi-access to neighboring and global markets by land sea and air;

Ø      All types of business activities are considered;

Ø      Co-ordination between government and free zone administration for efficient and  co- effective investment facilitation;

Ø      1 hour one visit, 1 window policy for approval and licensing within one hour;

Ø      Accessible market proximity and fast flow of goods with access to the port of Fujaira and fujairah international air port;

Ø      Market access to over 2 billion consumers;

Ø      Leasing facilities (Office warehouse, land);

Ø      Strong partner ship with fujairah customs, Fujairah port, and Fujairah international air port dedicated to business success.

Trading Offices:

Fully furnished trading offices can be leased for  import, export  and re-export operations. Minimum sea is 35 sq. meters, with possible secretarial assistance.

Distribution/Warehousing

Units of different sizes can be taken on lease for  import export  and re-export of different commoditisers well as general trading . investors can operate  by using storage and packing facilities in their warehouse to become a distribution hub in the region at the most lucrative prices.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing investors can lease pr-built units or request permission to construct customized units with open land available to investors for manufacturing purpose

Business club:

A business club erected on a 1000 sq meter area specially meets the basic needs of the investors. It included a conference room , play room and furnish trading offices as well offering investors a restaurant where they can relax and clinch a business deal in a congenial atmosphere.

Activities allowed by the Free zone

All types of quality business activities are considered by the fujairah free zone authority for approval .

Most of the over 300 successful companies operating from fujairah free zone are involved in trading activities that are allowed include import , Export, manufacturing , processing , Assembling, packing,  distribution , consolidation, storage and different kind of services unless otherwise restricted by federal or local authorities.

Real Estate (Units and prices)

Office Units

Fujairah free zone offers both furnished and un furnished offices in modern and centrally air conditioned office block. Though the standard area is 35 square meters, other sizes are available Fujairah   free zone also offers premises on a shared- desk basis.

Pre- built ware house logistics

For ware housing repacking and distribution activity, Fujairah free z\one offers pre- fabricated and fully insolated ware house units having a built –in office block . standard units sizes being 250/500/1000 square meters; however to meet investor requirements other sizes are also available.

Manufacturing

For assembling of manufacturing activities, investor can lease pre- built units(different sizes) , opt for custom missed units built in accordance with the building Rules and regulations as implemented by the Fujairah free zone authority A license agreement  for the unit can be made ti suit investor’s requirements, and is finalized  on the case by case  basis.

Plot of Land

Investor can request the construction of customized units from the Fujairah  free zone authority

Staff Accommodation.

Two bed room villas  and two apartments are available for staff accommodation in Fujairah

Notes:

1. Refundable security deposit of Dhs 15,000(US$4,083) is required for all projects.
2. Temporary storage facility can be obtained at Dhs20 ( US$5.44) per square meter per month.
3. Above charges are subject to charge , and reconfirmation be the authority

Utilities

The Ministry of Electricity and water provides 3- phase power for investors at the Fujairah free zone at reasonable rates. Water is provided by the ministry from the desalination plants.

Post and Tele communication

Etisalat provides estate-of – the art services and their rates are competitive. These services include telephone lines, mobile telephony, Facsimile, telex, general paging and internet access. The services are highly effective provide instant global communication.

Other Services

Fujairah free zone the zone of the convenience, offers single window services to those investors wishing  to set-up a company. The free zone also provides service such as legalization  of documents secretarial services, immigration services, licensing, utilities set –up, issuance of lab our cards and much more.

The fujairah free zone authority is geared up with efficient staff to provide prompt assistance in obtaining service from related federal ministries with regard to driving licenses, automobile registration, notarization of legal documents, entry permits, residence visas, transit and visit visas for investors and employees

The authority can also assist companies with recruitment services for personal at all levels.

`Fujairah chamber of commerce & industry

The Fujairah chamber of commerce & industry is open  from 7.30 am  to p.m  and I located near etisalat in the Fujairah trade centre building. The following services are providing to business at the fujairah chamber of commerce and industries:

-         Undertaking registration enterprises

-         Issuance of certificates of origin

-         Providing full administration and commercial assistance

-         Organizing exhibitions                                                                                                                                                                               

Fujairah customs

Fujairah customs departments  provides simple and efficient customs services to users of the port of Fujairah , Dibba sea port, and Fujairah international air port. For all customs requirements and documentation the normal office hours  are 7.30a.m to 2.30 p.m. staff on duty provide coverage after office hours on service such as bills of entry , trans-shipment, vessel clearance certificates, crew change inspection, bended warehouse in/out traffic , ship handling service, etc.

Free zone clients can benefits from the exemption of custom duties on imports of all commodities and finished products for the purpose of export and re-export  out side the UAE.  Client need not pay duties on factory machinery on raw material used in production. When importing goods to the UAE through the free zone, client will be required to pay custom duty of 4%

Documents required for imports

.         Duly completed Fujairah import bill of Entry

.         Original commercial invoice

.         Certificates of  origin

.         Packing list

.         Delivery order

.         Copy of trade license

.         Israeli boycott certificate

Additional Documents

Health certificate is mandatory for import of food stuff, agricultural products, and environment-related products.

Documents Required for Export &  Re-Exports.

.         For goods covered by quota, a copy of the Certificate of origin and visa stamp

.         Original commercial invoice

Staff sponsorship

Companies are required  to submit their applications to the Fujairah Free zone administration department , who in turn  will process them for office units. However, there is no restriction for industrial/assembly units operating in pre- built warehouse and lease land as required for the activity.

Banking facilities

Government by the UAE central bank regulations, The national bank of fujairah and other international banks offer excellent services. Free from currency and exchange restriction, several private non banking financial institution also serve commercial companies or individuals.

To open a account in any of the bank in the UAE, a business is required to submitted the following  documents:

1. An introductory letter by the fujairah  free zone authority
2. A copy of the fujairah free zone trade license
3. A copy of chamber of commerce registration
4. A copy of power of attorney of the authorize signatory
5. A copy of article of association of the company

Types trade license available and fees per annum

Companies accepted for operation in the Fujairah free zone can obtain operational trade license in the following categories according to their lease agreement with the authority: Trading and general trading license, Warehousing license and manufacturing license. These license will remain valid whist a company laitance a current lease agreements is in force

Companies practicing several categories of activities should obtain a license for each category of activity, i.e. trading, manufacturing, services, etc. a special agreement will have be made for each of these activities.

If such a company wishes to conduct business and sell its product within the UAE it may do so with the assistance of Fujairah free zone authority who can arrange special municipality license for hassle free operation

The license and conditions for obtaining each type are as follows:

Trading and general trading license:

Authorized to import, export and re-export agreed and specified commodities. The license entitles the investors to carry out import export and re- export freely in the free zone and outside of the UAE. For focal distribution, the authority can arrange

Warehousing license:

Can be obtained on leasing warehousing  facilities. This license entitles the investors to use the warehouses as hub for major distribution, benefiting storage and packaging of goods

Manufacturing license

Obtained on approval and implementation of the project. all project must be fully insured including man power and machinery . all manufacturing and license are subjects to the identification of the following : a)area- requirements –built up a open space ,b)electricity water and manpower requirements, c)environmental aspects of the project.

Investor can get started at fujairah free zone simply and efficiently be filling out the application from in addition .

Initial approval will be granted on reviewing the form and the relevant documents

The license will be issued within a maximum of 48 hours ,upon final agreement of the term and conditions of the contract , and fulfillment of the first year’s financial commitments (premises rent, licensing fees, Fujairah chamber of commerce registration)

Establishing a Fujairah free zone based company

Companies can be established at fujairah free zone is very convenient manner.

To establish a branch office of an already established company , you simply need to have a company already registered in UAE or overseas-including an off shore company .If you are a new company you can set-up a separate legal entity  called the free zone establishment (FZE) of free zone company (FZCO) with limited liability and having its head quarter in Fujairah free zone

                            Cost set- up (At –a- glance)

Documents required for registration

List for documents required for formation of a free zone Establishment (FZE)

1. Memorandum of association
2. passport copies of the share holders
3. Applications form and incorporation details from the fujairah free zone authority

List of Documents required for formation of a free zone company (FZCO)

1. Memorandum of Association
2. Passport copy of the share holders
3. Application form and incorporation details from the fujairah free zone.

List of Documents required for formation of a branch office in Fujairah

Free zone

1. Board resolution of the parents company
2. Memorandum and articles of association attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of parent company
3. valid operating license of parent company /ies*
4. Passport copies of all directors, shareholders, persons(s)in-charge, etc., with two photographs of each.
5. Neatly filled-out application and incorporation forms (available in the brochures of Fujairah free zone )

                    (Notarized by a legal firm)

      Documents Required for Customs

The following documentation is required by fujairah customs for (in &out) cleaning or exporting of goods:

Import

1.      Duly complete fujairah import bill of entry

2.      Original suppliers invoice

3.      certificate of origin

4.      Packing list

5.      Delivery order

6.      Copy of trade license

7.      Israeli boycotted certificate

Additional documents: for food stuff and agriculture products, a health certificate is required. In the absence of original documents, copies may be lodged together with a small deposit.

Export

All cargo being re-exported via fujairah sea and air ports  has to be declared to the customs department in fujairah, along with a fujairah bill of entry supported with a commercial invoice.

Re Export

All cargo being re-export via fujairah sea and air ports should be supported with a fujairah Re-exported bill of entry.

-         In case of good control by quotas, a copy of the certificate of origin /visa stamp must be attached

-         In case of vehicles, copies of traffic police clearance papers must be produced.

Free zone clients may any of the UAE ports and airports for the movement of their goods in and out of the country benefiting from customs duty exemptions.

Types of companies legally allowed in the zone

Free zone Establishment (FZE), free zone company (FZCO), branch of  a foreign company, offshore company, and others.

Application process

1.      Submission of detailed information  on the project , including :

.         status of the company to be formed viz., branch, sister concern,                   subsidiary, Representative office of parents company-offshore or other wise.    

.         Identify capital and mode of investment of the project.

.         Identifying the shareholders and board of directors of the project to be     established                                                  

.         Identify the signing authority of the project.

.         All documents should be legalized by the relevant authorities at the place of issue.

2.      Initial approval will be granted on reviewing the questionnaire and/or application form  along  with the relevant  documents

3.      Transit visas can be arranged for the investors to visit the site upon request

4.      license will be issued , within one working day,, upon the final agreement on the terms and conditions of the contract and fulfillment of the first year financial commitments, i.e. premises rent , licensing fees, registration fees .Fujairah free zone authority shall issue articles of association and share certificates for FZE & FZCO

5.      Investors take position of the premises to commence business operation. fujairah free zone authority shall arrange for facilities (Telecommunications, etc.)and help arrange necessary documents for opening of the bank accounts and registration  with fujairah chamber of commerce

6.      investor of their authorize representative must exit the UAE and return on  a new entry permit for residence  visa processing.

7.      Fujairah free zone authority stats process for endorsing of Residence visa, issuance of health.