Hamriyah Free Zone Company Setup 2026: Your Complete Guide to Costs, Licences and Visa Options
Hamriyah Free Zone is where serious manufacturing and large-scale trading operations come when they need more than a desk and an address. Built around a deep-water seaport in Sharjah, HFZA offers purpose-built industrial units, bonded warehouse space, and physical infrastructure that lightweight digital zones cannot replicate. If your business involves moving physical goods at volume, processing raw materials, or running a proper manufacturing operation, HFZA deserves a close look before you commit elsewhere.
This guide gives you the verified 2026 numbers: licence costs by type, visa quotas, permitted activities, warehouse options, and a zone comparison so you can decide whether HFZA fits your business model before filling out application forms.
- Commercial licence from AED 11,000/year; industrial all-in package (1 visa) from AED 15,000
- Each additional visa: approximately AED 4,500 (entry permit + medical + Emirates ID + stamp)
- Standard visa quota: 2–6; scales to 50+ with warehouse or factory leases
- Direct Hamriyah Port access — best UAE free zone choice for cargo-intensive businesses
- 100% foreign ownership; 0% corporate tax on qualifying income
- Multi-year contracts attract 15–20% discount
What Does It Cost to Set Up in Hamriyah Free Zone in 2026?
Hamriyah Free Zone commercial licences start from AED 11,000 per year. A full industrial package — licence plus one investor visa and flexi-desk space — costs from AED 15,000. Each additional visa adds approximately AED 4,500. Service licences start from AED 5,000. Multi-year contracts (two or three years paid upfront) earn a 15–20% discount.
| Licence Type | Annual Fee (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Service | From 5,000 | Licence only; workspace priced separately |
| Commercial (Trading) | From 11,000 | Includes flexi-desk option |
| Industrial (Manufacturing) | From 15,000 (all-in, 1 visa) | Licence + 1 investor visa + workspace |
| Additional Visa (each) | ~4,500 | Entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, stamp |
| Pre-built Warehouse Lease | From 55,000/year | Units from 276 sq.m; visa quota linked to size |
These figures reflect indicative published schedules for 2026. Your actual cost depends on package selection, number of visas, and whether you require a flexi-desk, shared office, or dedicated warehouse unit. If budget is a primary constraint, our guide to the cheapest UAE free zones under AED 10,000 covers alternatives at lower entry points.
Licence Types at Hamriyah Free Zone
Commercial (Trading) Licence
The commercial licence covers import, export, re-export, and distribution of goods within and through the zone. It is the most common licence type for trading companies that use Hamriyah as a logistics or distribution hub thanks to direct port access. Multiple commodity categories can sit on a single commercial licence, which is practical for businesses dealing across a range of goods — from construction materials to consumer products. Mainland sales are conducted through licensed local agents or distributors.
Industrial (Manufacturing) Licence
The industrial licence authorises holders to import raw materials for processing, packaging, assembly, and manufacturing within the zone, then re-export finished goods or distribute in the UAE through licensed local agents. This licence type requires a physical production facility — either a pre-built warehouse unit or, for larger operations, a leased land plot where you build to your own specifications. The Hamriyah Free Zone is one of the most capable UAE free zones for large-scale industrial output. Read our overview of manufacturing licences across UAE free zones to compare conditions across HFZA and peer zones.
Service Licence
The service licence suits consulting, professional services, and technical service providers operating within the zone. It is the lowest-cost entry point into the zone at AED 5,000 per year and up. Service licence holders cannot trade in physical goods but can apply for investor and employee visas under the standard HFZA visa schedule. It is a good fit for advisory or project-management businesses that need a Sharjah free zone address with port proximity for client access.
Business Activities Supported at HFZA
Industrial and Heavy Manufacturing
Hamriyah Free Zone has strong representation across steel fabrication, timber and joinery, telecommunications equipment, industrial machinery, and home appliances. The Industrial Manufacturing Park is engineered for businesses that need heavy-load floor ratings, large electricity allocations, and outdoor equipment or raw-material storage. Chemical storage and liquid bulk handling are also established at HFZA, with dedicated facilities designed for hazardous materials compliant with UAE civil defence and environmental regulations. Few free zones in the country can match this range of heavy-industry infrastructure under one operator.
Trading, Import/Export and Logistics
Direct Hamriyah Port access gives commercial licence holders a genuine cost and speed advantage for cargo-intensive operations. Container handling, general cargo, ro-ro, and liquid bulk all run through the port, which sits immediately adjacent to the free zone perimeter. Businesses in import/export trading or operating as logistics and freight forwarding businesses benefit from fewer operational friction points compared to inland free zones that depend on road transport to reach a port.
Food Processing and Cold Chain
HFZA has developed a growing food processing and packaging cluster with cold storage facilities adjacent to the port. Businesses in this sector must hold licences from both the Hamriyah Free Zone Authority and the Sharjah Municipality Food Control Section, which adds one approval layer. For properly documented applications, this is a manageable process and the port access makes HFZA a logical base for food import, processing, and re-export operations across the Gulf.
Visa Quota and Requirements at Hamriyah Free Zone
Standard Visa Allocations
HFZA’s visa quota is facility-linked, not purely licence-linked. Standard commercial and service packages begin with two to six investor or employee visas. Industrial tenants who lease warehouse units or factory plots receive larger allocations: a 500-square-metre warehouse typically supports eight to fifteen visas, while full factory operations can qualify for fifty or more. This facility-driven model contrasts with lighter free zones where visa quotas are fixed at the package level regardless of physical footprint. If high visa numbers matter for your headcount, the HFZA model is worth comparing directly.
For full documentation requirements and medical clearance steps, see the UAE free zone investor visa guide and the employee visa quota and process guide, which cover HFZA alongside all major zones.
Visa Process and Timeline
HFZA visa processing follows the standard UAE free zone sequence: entry permit approval (three to five business days), medical fitness test (one to three days), Emirates ID biometrics, then residency stamp in the passport or Emirates ID collection. End-to-end with no complications, the process takes two to four weeks per visa. Companies that need to complete a facility lease before filing visa applications should add one to three weeks for that step, making four to eight weeks a realistic total window from first application submission to fully operational status.
Office, Warehouse and Land Options
Flexi-Desk and Shared Office
Service and commercial licence holders who do not require physical storage space can opt for HFZA’s flexi-desk or shared office packages. These provide a registered free zone address, access to meeting rooms, and the standard visa entitlement attached to the chosen package. For the full picture of desk and workspace options across UAE free zones, our free zone office options guide covers how HFZA’s pricing and setup compare to other zones.
Pre-Built Warehouse Units
HFZA’s pre-built warehouse inventory spans 276 sq.m to 614 sq.m in the commercial and light-industrial area, with larger units in the heavy-industrial zone. Rent starts at approximately AED 55,000 per year for the smallest units. All pre-built units include basic utilities, parking, and IT infrastructure, and comply with UAE building and fire safety codes. These are the fastest route to operational physical space — no construction time, no capital outlay for build-out, and your visa quota becomes unlocked as soon as the lease is signed.
Industrial Land Plots
For larger manufacturers, HFZA offers leased land plots where tenants design and construct their own facilities. Plot sizes range from small industrial parcels to multi-hectare sites for heavy industry. Lease rates are negotiated directly with HFZA based on size, term, and intended use. Businesses in chemicals, steel, food processing, or any sector with non-standard structural, utility, or safety requirements often find this the most cost-effective long-term option despite higher initial capital outlay — because the facility specification matches exactly what the operation needs.
Step-by-Step Setup Process for Hamriyah Free Zone
- Choose your licence type and activity list. Decide between commercial, industrial, or service and list the specific activities you intend to conduct. HFZA’s activity classification reflects its industrial orientation — be specific when listing manufacturing processes or commodity types to avoid amendments that slow approval.
- Select your facility option. Choose between a flexi-desk, pre-built warehouse, or land plot. This choice determines your visa quota ceiling and forms a significant part of your total cost. Industrial tenants typically confirm facility preference before licence approval to keep the two processes aligned.
- Prepare application documents. Standard requirements: passport copies for all shareholders and directors, board resolution or Memorandum of Association (for corporate shareholders), a brief business plan or activity description, and — if currently sponsored inside the UAE — a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your sponsor.
- Submit application and pay the licence fee. Applications can be submitted through the HFZA online portal or in person at the HFZA offices in Sharjah. Licence approval typically takes 5 to 14 business days from submission of a complete document set.
- Sign the facility agreement. If leasing a warehouse or land plot, the lease agreement must be finalised and registered with HFZA before visa applications can be filed. Ensure this step runs in parallel with document preparation to avoid delays.
- Apply for investor and employee visas. File entry permits through HFZA’s visa processing portal. After medical fitness clearance, Emirates ID biometrics, and residency stamp, visa holders are fully authorised to live and work in the UAE under HFZA sponsorship.
- Open a corporate bank account. HFZA companies can open accounts with major UAE banks including Emirates NBD, FAB, Mashreq, and RAKBANK, as well as UAE digital banking options. Industrial businesses should include facility lease agreements in their KYC package — banks expect physical-operations evidence for manufacturing entities. See the UAE free zone bank account guide for documentation details and typical timelines. If you plan to operate across borders, also consider a UAE Tax Residency Certificate to benefit from the UAE’s double-tax treaty network.
How Hamriyah Free Zone Compares to RAKEZ and IFZA
Choosing between HFZA, RAKEZ, and IFZA depends on what your business actually needs from a physical location and visa quota. The comparison below covers the factors that matter most for businesses evaluating industrial and trading setups.
| Factor | Hamriyah FZ (HFZA) | RAKEZ | IFZA (Dubai) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Sharjah (port-adjacent) | Ras Al Khaimah | Dubai Investment Park |
| Commercial licence from | AED 11,000 | AED 6,000 | AED 12,900 |
| Industrial / manufacturing | From AED 15,000 all-in (1 visa) | From AED 9,000+ | Not primary focus |
| Visa cost (per visa) | ~AED 4,500 | ~AED 4,000–5,000 | ~AED 4,500 |
| Max visa quota | 50+ (with large facility lease) | Scalable (base: 4 per package) | Fixed at package level |
| Direct port access | Yes — Hamriyah Port on site | RAK Port nearby by road | No direct port |
| Industrial infrastructure | Extensive — core strength | Good range available | Limited; primarily services/trading |
| Dubai address | No (Sharjah) | No (Ras Al Khaimah) | Yes (Dubai) |
| Multi-year discount | 15–20% | Available | Available |
RAKEZ leads on entry price for basic commercial licences and offers strong industrial options in RAK at competitive rates. IFZA suits businesses that prioritise a Dubai address and a flexible, technology-friendly activity list with fixed visa packages. Hamriyah Free Zone is the strongest choice when your operation is physically intensive — warehousing, manufacturing, port-linked trade, chemical storage, or bulk commodity handling at scale. For businesses requiring 100% foreign ownership, a real operational footprint, and visa capacity that grows with headcount, Hamriyah Free Zone often delivers the best infrastructure value per dirham spent at volume.
For the broader question of selecting between UAE free zones, see our strategic free zone selection guide and the investor’s guide to UAE business setup without a local sponsor.
Corporate Tax for HFZA Companies
HFZA companies that qualify as Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZPs) pay 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Non-qualifying income is subject to the standard 9% rate. QFZP status requires adequate economic substance, a registered office in the zone, and compliance with de minimis thresholds on UAE mainland-sourced income. See the UAE free zone corporate tax guide and the free zone accounting and audit requirements for the full picture on maintaining QFZP status. Annual renewal obligations for your HFZA licence are covered in the UAE free zone renewal costs checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum cost to set up a company in Hamriyah Free Zone?
Minimum cost depends on licence type. A service licence starts from about AED 5,000 per year; a commercial licence from AED 11,000; and an industrial package from AED 15,000 all-in with one investor visa and flexi-desk workspace. Warehouse leases start from AED 55,000 per year on top of the licence fee. Multi-year contracts reduce these figures by 15–20%.
How many visas does HFZA allow per licence?
Standard packages come with two to six visas. Industrial tenants who lease warehouse units or factory plots can scale much higher — large operators at HFZA run fifty or more employee visas. Visa quota is tied to facility footprint rather than being capped at the package level, so your potential headcount can grow as your operation expands.
Can foreigners own 100% of an HFZA company?
Yes. Like all UAE free zones, HFZA permits 100% foreign ownership. You do not need a UAE national partner or sponsor to hold a licence or operate within the zone. This applies to all three licence types — commercial, industrial, and service.
What corporate tax applies to HFZA companies?
Companies meeting the QFZP criteria pay 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Non-qualifying income is taxed at 9%. Maintaining QFZP status requires economic substance in the zone, a registered HFZA office, and staying within de minimis limits on mainland-sourced income. The full rules are covered in the UAE corporate tax framework that took effect in 2023.
Does Hamriyah Free Zone have its own port?
Yes. HFZA is built directly around Hamriyah Port in Sharjah, which handles general cargo, bulk commodities, ro-ro shipping, and liquid bulk. This direct port access is HFZA’s most distinctive operational advantage over free zones that rely on road transport to reach a port. For businesses with high cargo volumes, it translates into real cost savings on clearance and drayage.
How long does HFZA company setup take?
Licence issuance typically takes 5 to 14 business days from submission of a complete document set. Visa processing adds two to four weeks per applicant. Companies leasing a warehouse or factory plot should allow an extra one to three weeks for facility agreement completion before visa applications can be filed. A realistic total window is four to eight weeks from first document submission to fully operational.
Start Your Hamriyah Free Zone Application
Whether you need a commercial trading licence, a dedicated warehouse, or a full industrial setup with port access, Hamriyah Free Zone has the infrastructure to support physical-operations businesses across the UAE and the Gulf. Our advisory team handles licence selection, document preparation, visa filing, and bank account introductions across all major UAE free zones including HFZA.
Chat with us on WhatsApp (971507864823) for a no-obligation cost estimate based on your specific licence type, activity list, and visa headcount. We respond within a few hours on business days.
For independent research, the official activity list, application forms, and current fee schedules are published directly on the Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) website.
