Compare Dubai Maritime City and Fujairah Free Zone for Maritime & Shipping setup. Side-by-side comparison of fees, processing times, substance, and bank approval.
Dubai Maritime City vs Fujairah Free Zone for Maritime & Shipping: Dubai Maritime City starts at AED 12,000 (85% bank approval) and Fujairah Free Zone at AED 21,500 (85%). On Year-1 cost, Dubai Maritime City is the lower-priced option.
| Jurisdiction | Baseline Gov Fee | Processing Speed | Banking | Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AED 12,000 | 3-5 days | Moderate | Maritime services, ship repair, marine engineering | |
| AED 21,500 | 2-4 days | Moderate | Low-cost setup, port access, industrial and trading activities |
Maritime services, ship repair, marine engineering
Maritime licences cover shipping, ship management, yacht chartering, and marine services. Dubai Maritime City, JAFZA, and Hamriyah Free Zone are popular choices. UAE Federal Transport Authority or Dubai Maritime Authority approval may be required depending on the vessel type and activity. Ship registration under the UAE flag follows a separate process.
Maritime transport services qualify as a qualifying free zone activity. International maritime transport is zero-rated for VAT. Domestic maritime transport services within the UAE may attract 5% VAT.
Maritime companies should prepare for enhanced due diligence related to sanctions screening and vessel ownership verification. Banks will request vessel registration documents, flag state certificates, and crew manifests. Trade finance facilities are essential for shipping operations.
New marine service center opened in 2025
Expanded berth capacity for commercial vessels
Company setup in Dubai Maritime City starts from AED 12,000 per year.
Dubai Maritime City processes company registrations in 3-5 working days.
Bank account approval probability is 85%. Banking difficulty is rated Moderate.
Most UAE free zones including Dubai Maritime City allow remote company incorporation. Bank account opening may require an in-person visit.
Dubai Maritime City does not require paid-up share capital for most standard license types. Share capital is notional.
Dubai Maritime City wins on 3 of 4 dimensions. We recommend Dubai Maritime City for cost-conscious founders and Fujairah Free Zone if lowest cost setup, port access, industrial and trading activities.
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