Fujairah Creative City Cost 2026: Complete Fee Breakdown
Fujairah Creative City license costs in 2026 range from AED 10,000 for a zero-visa Freelancer License to AED 33,500 for the Baby Business package with up to 6 visas. Standard zero-visa options include single-owner FZE licenses at AED 17,000 annually and multi-owner FZ-LLC setups at AED 21,000 annually. For entrepreneurs requiring residency visas, a Freelancer package with 3 visas costs AED 30,000 annually, while individual visa add-ons cost AED 4,795 per person. Establishing a company involves selecting a license structure, submitting passport documentation, receiving approval, paying mandatory fees, and completing residency visa processing.
2026 Cost Summary Table
The table below outlines the official annual package fees and visa costs for company setup in Fujairah Creative City for 2026.
| Package / Entity Type | Government Fee | Service Fee | Visa Fee | Flexi-desk | Total (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freelancer License (0 Visa) | Included in Package | Included in Package | N/A (0 Visas) | Included | AED 10,000 |
| FZE Single Owner (0 Visa) | Included in Package | Included in Package | N/A (0 Visas) | Included | AED 17,000 |
| FZ-LLC Multiple Owners (0 Visa) | Included in Package | Included in Package | N/A (0 Visas) | Included | AED 21,000 |
| Freelancer Package (3 Visas) | Included in Package | Included in Package | Included (Up to 3) | Included | AED 30,000 |
| Baby Business Package (6 Visas) | Included in Package | Included in Package | Included (Up to 6) | Included | AED 33,500 |
| Visa Add-On (Per Person) | N/A | N/A | AED 4,795 | N/A | AED 4,795 |
Detailed Breakdown of License Packages
Fujairah Creative City provides several setup options designed for solo entrepreneurs, media professionals, small enterprise founders, and international teams. Choosing the appropriate setup depends on ownership structure and residency visa requirements.
Freelancer Packages
Individual practitioners and sole proprietors can choose between two primary freelancer configurations:
- Freelancer License (0 Visa): Priced at AED 10,000 annually, this package is designed for independent consultants who do not require UAE residency sponsorship. It includes business incorporation documents and a virtual flexi-desk arrangement.
- Freelancer Plus (3 Visa Package): Priced at AED 30,000 annually, this option supports growing independent practices by providing eligibility for up to 3 residence visas alongside company establishment.
Corporate Entity Formations
For structured commercial entities, Fujairah Creative City offers two corporate registration formats depending on the number of shareholders:
- Free Zone Establishment (FZE): Formed with a single individual or corporate shareholder. The annual license fee without visa eligibility is AED 17,000. This configuration suits single-owner entities seeking complete equity control.
- Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC): Formed with two or more shareholders, allowing joint equity distribution. The annual fee without visa allocations is AED 21,000.
Baby Business Package
The Baby Business package is structured for expanding teams requiring multiple residency permits. At an annual rate of AED 33,500, this option grants setup allocation for up to 6 visas. It provides a flexible solution for operational management, production teams, or agency staff.
Residency Visa Allocation and Add-On Costs
Residency visas linked to Fujairah Creative City licenses allow business owners and employees to reside in the UAE, open personal bank accounts, and sponsor dependents. When purchasing a zero-visa license or expanding team allocation beyond package limits, individual visa allocations can be added.
The standard visa add-on fee is AED 4,795 per person. This fee covers visa allocation rights and processing through the free zone authority. Applicants must also account for mandatory UAE immigration requirements, including medical fitness testing, Emirates ID registration, entry permit issuance, and status change procedures.
UAE Corporate Tax Framework for Fujairah Entities
All businesses registered in Fujairah Creative City fall under the UAE Corporate Tax regulatory regime. Corporate tax compliance requires attention to statutory obligations regardless of total company revenue:
- Mandatory Tax Registration: Every legal entity registered in the free zone must register for UAE Corporate Tax with the Federal Tax Authority and obtain a Tax Registration Number (TRN).
- 0% Rate for Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZP): Entities that satisfy the legal conditions of a Qualifying Free Zone Person pay a 0% tax rate on qualifying income earned from qualifying activities or transactions with non-mainland entities.
- Standard 9% Tax Rate: A 9% tax rate applies to taxable income exceeding AED 375,000. Income derived from non-qualifying activities or mainland commercial transactions is subject to this standard rate.
Mainland Business Operations Framework
Free zone entities operate under specific regulations regarding trade with the mainland UAE market. Under the established regulatory framework, a Fujairah Creative City company is legally domiciled within the free zone jurisdiction.
To deliver services or sell physical products to entities or consumers in the UAE mainland, businesses generally utilize one of the following legal structures:
- Engaging a licensed mainland distributor or commercial agent to handle mainland distribution.
- Establishing a registered mainland branch office through the relevant Department of Economy and Tourism.
- Securing dual-licensing approval where regulations permit cross-jurisdictional service provision.
Direct B2B service delivery to mainland companies is permitted under specific conditions, provided tax and legal rules are maintained. Business owners should review operational models with qualified legal advisors to ensure full compliance with regional trade requirements.
Step-by-Step Company Incorporation Process
Setting up a business in Fujairah Creative City follows a standardized corporate procedure:
- Activity Selection: Identify business activities from the approved list of media, publishing, consulting, and service categories.
- Documentation Submission: Submit passport copies, passport photo, and registration forms to the authority.
- License Approval and Payment: Pay statutory fees, including the standard license cost (e.g., AED 10,000 for zero-visa freelancer setups up to AED 33,500 for Baby Business packages).
- Issuance of Corporate Documents: Receive the commercial license, Articles of Association, and Lease Agreement.
- Visa Application: Submit entry permit requests and complete medical checks for packages with visa allocations or visa add-ons (AED 4,795 per person).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum annual setup cost in Fujairah Creative City?
The minimum annual cost is AED 10,000, which provides a Freelancer License with zero visa allocations and virtual flexi-desk access.
How much does adding an individual residency visa cost?
An individual visa add-on costs AED 4,795 per person in addition to standard government residency processing fees.
Do Fujairah Creative City entities need to register for UAE Corporate Tax?
Yes, corporate tax registration is mandatory for all registered entities. A 0% tax rate applies to qualifying income for Qualifying Free Zone Persons, while taxable income above AED 375,000 is taxed at 9%.
What is the price difference between an FZE and an FZ-LLC license without visas?
An FZE license with single ownership costs AED 17,000 annually, whereas an FZ-LLC license for multiple owners costs AED 21,000 annually without visa allocations.
