All About the Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZA): Licenses, Costs, and Business Benefits
What Is the Hamriyah Free Zone?
Established in 1995, the Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) is one of the UAE’s most prominent industrial zones, strategically located in Sharjah — the third-largest emirate and a key logistics and trade hub between the East and the West. With over 6,500 businesses from more than 163 countries, HFZA offers robust infrastructure, a well-connected seaport, and direct access to major international markets including India, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Iran.
Why Set Up a Business in Hamriyah Free Zone?
Strategic Advantages
- Only emirate with ports on both the Arabian Gulf and Arabian Sea
- Direct access to Hamriyah Port, facilitating global exports
- Well-connected to E311 and E611 highways and proximity to Sharjah International Airport
Key Benefits
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| 100% Foreign Ownership | No UAE national sponsor required |
| Zero Custom Duties | No export, import, or re-export duties |
| Industrial & Commercial Facilities | Warehouses, offices, and land plots ready for use |
| Fast Licensing | Business setup within 1–5 working days |
| Maritime Infrastructure | Access to deep-water inner harbour (4m) and port (14m depth) |
| Long-term Lease Options | Up to 25+ years with fixed land lease rates for 10 years |
| VAT Registration Support | Special VAT facilities and TRN setup |
| 24/7 Security | Secured environment for businesses and logistics |
| E-Services Portal | Fully digital platform for licensing, renewals, and visa services |
| Dedicated Business Zones | HFZA Maritime City, HFZA Food Park, and Steel Zone |
Hamriyah Free Zone Location
Located in the northern part of Sharjah, HFZA is bordered by both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Its prime geographical position enables easy connectivity to Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and onward to Asia, Africa, and Europe via shipping routes.
Available Business Licenses
| License Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Industrial License | For manufacturing, assembly, packaging, and processing of raw materials |
| Commercial License | For export, import, general trading, and e-commerce |
| Service License | For consultancy, engineering, and professional services |
| Maritime License | For shipbuilding, repair, offshore fabrication, and logistics |
You may also apply for General Trading or Specific Trading licenses with up to 3–5 activities.
Types of Legal Entities in HFZA
| Entity Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Free Zone Establishment (FZE) | Single shareholder (individual or corporate) |
| Free Zone Company (FZC) | 2–5 shareholders |
| Branch Office | UAE-based or international parent company branch |
Hamriyah Free Zone Industries
HFZA supports a wide array of industries:
- Oil & Gas
- Maritime & Shipbuilding
- Food & Beverage (via HFZA Food Park)
- Steel, Metal & Construction Materials
- Timber & Building Materials
- Packaging & Recycling
- Petrochemicals
- Perfume & Cosmetics
- Textiles & Logistics
- SMEs & Light Manufacturing
- Heavy Industry
- Marine Equipment & Offshore Fabrication
Notable Feature: HFZA Food Park
A dedicated zone for food processing, importing, packaging, and Halal certification. Includes testing labs and repacking services.
Offices, Warehouses, and Land Options
Warehouses
- Sizes: 276 m² to 614 m²
- Pre-built, with compliance to UAE safety standards
- Ample parking, IT infrastructure, and utilities
Offices
- Executive offices: from 15 m²
- Suites: 22–40 m²
- Conference rooms, IT support, parking, renewable annual leases
Land for Lease
- Starting size: 2,500 m²
- Lease term: short-term or 25+ years
- Price: from AED 30/m²
- Buildable up to 60% of plot area
Packages Offered by HFZA
| Package Type | Details |
|---|---|
| HBC Offices | Starting from 1 visa, designed for import/export and trading |
| E-Office | Up to 7 visas, eligible for multiple services and trade categories |
| Executive Office | AED 3,500 license fee; general trading license AED 12,000 |
| Warehouse | License fee from AED 3,500/year; one-time AED 9,000 incorporation fee |
| Land Lease | AED 30/m², customizable plot sizes for long-term industrial use |
Setup Process in HFZA (Simple 3-Step)
- Submit signed application form and documents
- Pay registration and license fees
- Collect your trade license and begin operations
Required Documents
| For FZE / FZC | For Branch Office |
|---|---|
| Passport copies of shareholder & manager | Parent company license and incorporation certificate |
| Passport-sized photo | Board resolution |
| Visa/entry stamp (if applicable) | MOA/AOA (if applicable) |
Visit HFZA’s official portal for up-to-date checklists.
E-Service & Digital Infrastructure
- Investor e-Portal for application tracking, licensing, payments
- Document verification & electronic license issuance
- VAT registration support and certificate upload
- Login via Emirates ID, email, or registered username/password
TRN & Corporate Tax in HFZA
- TRN (Tax Registration Number): Mandatory for companies with annual taxable turnover over AED 375,000.
- Corporate Tax (2023 law): Qualifying Free Zone companies can benefit from 0% corporate tax under specific conditions.
See: Ministry of Finance – Corporate Tax Guide
Hamriyah Free Zone Setup Costs (2025)
| Component | Cost Estimate (AED) |
|---|---|
| Trade License | 8,000 – 15,000 |
| Office/Warehouse Lease | 5,000 – 30,000+ |
| Visa (per person) | 3,000 – 5,000 |
| Admin & Registration Fees | 2,000 – 3,000 |
| Total Setup From | AED 12,000 – 15,000 |
Set Up Your Hamriyah Free Zone Company with Affinitas DMCC
Set up your UAE Free Zone company with Affinitas DMCC. Our expert team offers end-to-end support with licensing, compliance, and registration in top Free Zones like Hamriyah, DMCC, RAKEZ, and more. Gain 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, and access to one of the UAE’s most strategic trade and industrial hubs.
Launch Your Business In the UAE Free Zones with Confidence
Get Your Free Consultation with Our Business Consultants
📞 +971 (0) 4 576 2903
📧 inquiries@affinitasdmcc.com
📌 Office: Fortune Tower, Jumeirah Lake Towers - Dubai