Creative City Fujairah Free Zone
Creative City Fujairah is one of the UAE's most affordable free zones, purpose-built for media, consulting, IT, and creative businesses. Established in 2007 in Fujairah, it offers freelancer licenses from AED 10,000 and company licenses from AED 17,000, with visa allocations up to 15 per license. The zone is popular with freelancers and small service businesses seeking low entry costs and a straightforward digital setup process.
From
AED 10,000
Established
2007
Companies
0
Max Visas
15
Banking
Moderate
Creative City Packages & Pricing
| Package | License | Visas | Office | Year 1 Total | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freelancer License (0 Visa) | AED 10,000 | 0 | Flexi Desk | AED 10,000 | AED 10,000 |
| Commercial License — Single Owner (FZE) | AED 17,000 | 0 | Flexi Desk | AED 17,000 | AED 15,000 |
| Commercial License — Multiple Owners (FZ-LLC) | AED 21,000 | 0 | Flexi Desk | AED 21,000 | AED 18,000 |
| Freelancer Company + 3 Visa Package | AED 30,000 | 3 | Flexi Desk | AED 44,220 | AED 30,000 |
| Baby Business + 6 Visa Package | AED 33,500 | 6 | Flexi Desk | AED 61,940 | AED 33,500 |
Pros & Cons
What we like
- One of the cheapest UAE free zones — freelancer license from AED 10,000/year all-in
- Company licenses from AED 17,000 (FZE) including establishment card, flexi desk, and government fees
- Up to 15 visas per license depending on package — strong for scaling small teams
- No physical office required — flexi desk included in all packages
- Fast license issuance: 2-3 business days after document submission
- Over 2,000 licensed business activities across media, consulting, IT, and creative sectors
- Remote setup possible — no mandatory UAE visit until visa stamping
- 100% foreign ownership with no minimum capital requirement
Watch out for
- Fujairah location means limited networking compared to Dubai or Abu Dhabi free zones
- Banking can be challenging — Fujairah-based licenses face more scrutiny from Dubai banks
- No crypto or fintech licensing framework
- Visa processing slower than Dubai zones — 4-6 weeks typical for full visa completion
- Limited physical infrastructure for companies needing premium office space
- Activity scope weighted toward media, consulting, and services — limited industrial or trading options
- Renewal costs not always transparent upfront — confirm current schedule before committing
Visa Information
Max Quota
15 visas
Up to 15 visas depending on license package and facility type.
Processing Time
30 days
Renewal Cost
AED 3,500
Every 2 years
Dependent Visa
AED 4,000
Standard UAE dependent visa fees. Costs vary by sponsor salary and dependent type.
Available Visa Types
Visa Cost Breakdown
Employee Visa
AED 3,200
Investor Visa
AED 3,200
Medical Standard
AED 450
Medical V I P
AED 850
Emirates Id Typing
AED 390
4-6 weeks end-to-end including entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, and visa stamping.
Banking
Partner Banks
Banking is the main friction point for Fujairah-based licenses. Dubai banks sometimes require additional documentation for non-Dubai free zone entities. Plan for 3-6 weeks. Wio Bank and RAKBANK tend to be more accommodating for Fujairah licenses. A personal UAE visit is required for account opening.
Features
Mainland Trading
Free zone entity trades internationally and within the zone. Mainland operations require a separate mainland license or branch permit.
Physical Office Required
No physical office required. Flexi desk included in all packages.
Dual License Allowed
Crypto Friendly
No crypto or virtual asset licensing framework available.
Shared Ownership
100% foreign ownership. FZ-LLC supports multiple shareholders.
Free Zone to Mainland
Online Portal
Online application and renewal portal available. Remote setup possible for license issuance.
Co-working Available
Audit Required
Creative City does not require audited accounts for standard license renewal. Audits may still be needed for corporate tax compliance or banking purposes.
Share Capital Requirement
None required
Recent Developments
- 2025: Strategic partnership signed with Fujairah International Airport for business connectivity
- 2025: Expanded digital services portal for remote company setup and renewal
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Creative City Fujairah license cost in 2026?
Freelancer licenses start from AED 10,000/year. Commercial single-owner (FZE) licenses cost AED 17,000 and multi-owner (FZ-LLC) licenses cost AED 21,000. Both include establishment card, flexi desk, and government fees.
How many visas can I get with a Creative City license?
Up to 15 visas depending on your license package. The Freelancer Company package includes 3 visas and the Baby Business package includes 6 visas. Additional visas can be added at approximately AED 4,000 each.
How long does Creative City Fujairah company setup take?
License issuance takes 2-3 business days after document submission. Full setup including visa, medical, and Emirates ID takes 4-6 weeks.
Is it easy to open a bank account with a Creative City Fujairah license?
Moderately difficult. Fujairah-based licenses face more scrutiny from Dubai banks. Creative City provides introduction letters to partner banks. Plan for 3-6 weeks and consider RAKBANK or Wio Bank for smoother onboarding.
What types of businesses can set up in Creative City Fujairah?
Creative City supports over 2,000 business activities across media, consulting, IT, education, design, marketing, entertainment, and e-commerce. The zone is focused on creative and service sectors rather than industrial or heavy trading activities.
Does Creative City Fujairah require a physical office?
No. All packages include a flexi desk and P.O. box. There is no requirement for a physical office, making it ideal for remote businesses and freelancers.
What is the Creative City Fujairah license renewal cost?
Renewal costs are approximately AED 10,000 for freelancer licenses and AED 15,000-18,000 for commercial licenses. Visa renewals are billed separately on a 2-year cycle at approximately AED 3,500 per visa.
Can I set up a Creative City company remotely?
Yes. License issuance can be completed entirely online. However, a personal UAE visit is required for visa stamping and bank account opening per UAE Central Bank regulations.
Ready to set up with Creative City?
Get a personalised quote for your Creative City business setup. Compare packages and find the best deal.
Starting From
AED 10,000 /yr