Free Zone Guide

Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZA)

The UAE’s Only Dual-Coast Industrial Free Zone, With Exceptional Visa Flexibility

In short: Hamriyah Free Zone, established in 1995, is the only UAE free zone authority with port access on both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, hosting over 7,000 companies across genuine heavy-industrial sectors. Licences start from around AED 5,000, and a basic flexi-desk package allows up to 7 residency visas without an office, scaling to 50 visas with a warehouse, one of the most generous visa structures in the UAE.

INCHUB LICENSED CORPORATE SERVICE PROVIDER
IncHub Trade Licence

IncHub Corporate Services Providers LLC is a duly licensed business operating in the United Arab Emirates, authorised to provide corporate and business setup consultancy services in accordance with its trade licence. The trade licence serves as official proof of the company’s legal registration and authorised business activities, demonstrating that IncHub operates as a licensed corporate service provider in the UAE.

Licence No.
1017774
Issue Date
28/12/2021
Valid Through
27/12/2026
Zone Overview

What Is Hamriyah Free Zone?

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) was established on 12 November 1995 by Emiri Decree No. 6 of 1995, making it one of the UAE’s longest-running industrial free zones. It sits in the northern part of Sharjah, the only emirate with ports on both the Arabian Gulf (Hamriyah Port) and the Gulf of Oman (via Khor Fakkan Port), giving HFZA companies a genuinely unusual dual-coast shipping advantage that most UAE free zones simply cannot offer. Spanning more than 22 million square metres, HFZA now hosts over 7,000 companies from more than 160 countries.

HFZA is organised around dedicated sector zones, including oil and gas, steel, petrochemicals, food processing, maritime, global logistics and an industrial manufacturing park, reflecting genuinely heavy industrial activity rather than desk-based licensing. Its standout feature for founders who don’t need a warehouse, though, is visa flexibility: a basic flexi-desk package at the Hamriyah Business Centre allows up to 7 residency visas without requiring a dedicated office, one of the most generous visa-to-cost ratios in the UAE, while a warehouse facility unlocks up to 50 visas for larger operations.

Ideal Profiles

Who Is Hamriyah Free Zone For?

Oil and gas service companies, petrochemical traders and steel fabricators needing genuine industrial infrastructure

Manufacturers and processors across food, construction materials, timber and related sectors

Trading and logistics companies that want dual-coast port access via Hamriyah Port and Khor Fakkan Port

Founders needing multiple residency visas without committing to a large office, thanks to HFZA’s unusually generous flexi-desk visa quota

Businesses requiring up to 50 visas through a warehouse facility, for larger logistics or manufacturing operations

It is a less natural fit for a purely digital or media business with no industrial, trading or logistics component, where a desk-based free zone like SHAMS or SPC will be cheaper and faster to set up.
Sector Profile

What Hamriyah Free Zone Is Famous For: Sector Profile and Core Commercial Case

Hamriyah Free Zone is famous in the heavy industry sector as Sharjah’s deep-water port-adjacent industrial zone, hosting steel fabricators, petrochemical service companies, offshore rig equipment manufacturers, heavy machinery businesses and large-scale construction materials producers. Its tenant base is dominated by businesses that move heavy, oversized or bulk cargo that cannot practically pass through standard container terminals, the category of goods that specifically needs a deep-water berth.

The core commercial problem it solves: Hamriyah solves the heavy-cargo and oversized-shipment problem for industrial businesses. Standard container ports handle standardised boxes. But an offshore drilling rig component, a 200-tonne steel structure, a processing plant module or a large-diameter pipeline section cannot go in a 40-foot container. It needs a deep-water quayside, a heavy-lift crane, and the ability to drive the piece directly from the manufacturing floor onto a barge. Hamriyah Port’s deep-water berths and direct-to-quay access from within the free zone solve this problem for heavy manufacturers who cannot operate exclusively from a standard container port. The ability to buy rather than only lease industrial land additionally solves the capital asset problem for businesses that need permanent on-site infrastructure: they can own the land their factory sits on, not merely rent it on an annual lease.
Steel fabrication and structural steel manufacturing companies
Petrochemical service and oilfield equipment businesses
Offshore rig supply and heavy equipment operators
Pre-cast concrete and construction materials manufacturers
Industrial tank, storage vessel and pressure vessel fabricators
Pipe, fitting and valve manufacturers and traders
Heavy machinery importers, distributors and operators
Chemical plant and process equipment businesses
Who is actually registered here: Steel fabrication and structural steel manufacturers, petrochemical service and offshore equipment companies, construction materials and concrete product manufacturers, heavy machinery importers and distributors, chemical and industrial cleaning product manufacturers, offshore rig supply and maintenance companies, industrial equipment rental businesses, and large-scale general trading operations handling bulk and breakbulk cargo through Hamriyah Port.
Designated Zone for VAT purposes: Yes: Designated Zone under Cabinet Decision No. 59: as a Designated Zone, supplies of qualifying goods within Hamriyah Free Zone or between Hamriyah Free Zone and another Designated Zone are treated as outside UAE territory for VAT purposes; this means B2B goods transactions within the zone do not attract 5% VAT on the goods themselves, provided the goods remain under Customs supervision and are not consumed within the UAE; this is a material cash-flow and cost advantage for trading, warehousing and re-export businesses; note that services, specifically consulting, management, professional fees, are subject to standard 5% UAE VAT regardless of designated zone status; VAT registration remains mandatory for all businesses meeting the AED 375,000 annual supply threshold
Structures & Requirements

License Types and Company Structures

Licensing

License Types Available at Hamriyah Free Zone

Commercial Licencefor retail, wholesale and import-export activity, HFZA’s most popular licence, allowing up to 10 product categories under a single registration
Professional / Service Licencefor consulting, IT, HR, marketing, project management and similar service activity
Industrial Licencefor manufacturing, processing, assembly and production, supported by dedicated zones for oil and gas, steel, petrochemicals and food processing, with sector-specific ministry approvals where required
Foodstuff Trading Licencefor import, distribution and sale of food products
Even HFZA’s most basic licence allows up to three business activities without additional fees.
Legal Structures

Company Structures at Hamriyah Free Zone

Free Zone Establishment (FZE)a single shareholder, individual or corporate
Free Zone Company (FZCO)multiple shareholders
Minimum share capital is commonly cited at around AED 150,000, which can be reflected in the company’s statutory documents without requiring an actual transfer of funds into a bank account. Annual audit reports are mandatory and must be submitted at the end of the company’s financial year.
Setup Costs

Setup Costs

ItemTypical Cost (AED)
Entry-level licence (1 visa provision)From approx. 5,000 to 8,800
Visa package (incl. licence)Approx. 13,500
Office rentFrom approx. 8,000
WarehousingFrom approx. 70,000
Phase 2 entry-level (flexi-desk + basic licence)Approx. 18,000 to 25,000
Formation Guide

How to Set Up a Company in Hamriyah Free Zone

  1. Identify licence type

    1 Business Day

    Identify your licence type (Commercial, Professional, or Industrial) and confirm your activities are permitted under HFZA regulations

  2. Choose legal entity

    1 Business Day

    Choose your legal entity, FZE for a single shareholder or FZCO for multiple shareholders

  3. Trade name options

    1 Business Day

    Submit two to three trade name options for HFZA approval

  4. Submit application

    1 – 2 Business Days

    Complete and submit the company setup application with passport copies, business plan and supporting documents

  5. Select facility

    1 – 2 Business Days

    Select your facility, virtual office, flexi-desk, executive office, warehouse, or industrial land

  6. Pay fees & licence

    Same Day – 1 Business Day

    Pay fees and receive your licence, which can be issued in as little as one hour for straightforward applications, or 1 working day with all documents ready

  7. Apply for visas

    7 – 10 Business Days

    Apply for investor and staff visas through HFZA, including medical tests, Emirates ID and entry permits

  8. Open bank account

    5 – 10 Business Days

    Open a corporate bank account, a separate process from licensing

Commercial Advantages

Key Benefits of Setting Up in Hamriyah Free Zone

Hamriyah Port: direct deep-water port access within the zone

Hamriyah Free Zone includes Hamriyah Port, one of Sharjah’s three ports with deep-water berth capacity, giving industrial and logistics businesses direct port access without leaving the free zone boundary

Industrial land available for purchase and lease

unlike most UAE free zones which offer only leasehold, Hamriyah offers industrial land for both lease and purchase, allowing capital-intensive manufacturers to own their operational footprint rather than carrying ongoing lease obligations

Mandatory annual audit as a financial credibility signal

HFZA’s enforced annual audit requirement, while a compliance obligation, also signals financial discipline to banks, government procurement bodies and international trade counterparties that optional-audit zones do not

Heavy manufacturing and large-scale industrial infrastructure

Hamriyah accommodates heavy industrial operations including steel fabrication, petrochemical services, heavy machinery and large-volume manufacturing that smaller or lighter-weight free zones cannot handle

Sharjah industrial base with three-port connectivity

Hamriyah’s location within Sharjah gives companies access to Port Khalid, Hamriyah Port and Sharjah International Airport within the same emirate, alongside road access to Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Suitability Check

When Hamriyah Free Zone May Not Be the Right Fit

If you need the largest-scale port-adjacent operations with the widest container handling capacity, JAFZA’s Jebel Ali Port, the world’s ninth-busiest by container volume, outscales Hamriyah for the highest-volume trade flows
If your manufacturing business needs Abu Dhabi government supply chain access and Khalifa Port connectivity, KEZAD is better positioned for that market
If you need the lowest possible entry cost for a Northern Emirates industrial business, RAKEZ offers competitive industrial rates in Ras Al Khaimah without Hamriyah’s mandatory annual audit cost
If your activity is services, digital or consultancy with no port, warehousing or manufacturing component, Hamriyah’s industrial infrastructure adds cost without delivering the value it was designed around
IncHub compares Hamriyah against JAFZA, KEZAD and RAKEZ before recommending it; Hamriyah is strongest when port-adjacent deep-water access, heavy industrial facilities and land ownership are all genuine requirements.
Free Zone Comparison

Hamriyah vs JAFZA vs KEZAD vs RAKEZ

Hamriyah, JAFZA, KEZAD and RAKEZ serve overlapping industrial and logistics models in different ways. IncHub compares each one so you choose the authority that matches what your business actually needs, not just the most recognisable name.

Factor Hamriyah JAFZA KEZAD RAKEZ
Core Focus Heavy industry, dual-coast ports, manufacturing Port trading, logistics, industrial Industrial, manufacturing, ADNOC supply chain Cost-efficient industrial, trading, freelancers
Location Northern Sharjah, Hamriyah Port Jebel Ali, Dubai Khalifa Port, Abu Dhabi Ras Al Khaimah
Port & Logistics Access Dual-coast (Hamriyah + Khor Fakkan) Excellent (Jebel Ali Port) Khalifa Port & Etihad Rail Moderate (Saqr Port)
Industrial Land Purchase and lease Primarily leasehold Large-scale industrial plots Competitive industrial land
Entry-Level Cost From approx. AED 5,000–8,800 Premium From approx. AED 9,350 From approx. AED 6,000
Annual Audit Mandatory (enforced) Mandatory Required Not required for renewal
Ideal Company Types Heavy manufacturers, dual-coast logistics, high visa needs Large-scale port traders, established logistics ADNOC supply chain, Abu Dhabi heavy industry Cost-sensitive industrial and Northern Emirates setups

IncHub holds direct relationships across the UAE’s free zones, helping you choose the one that best fits your sector and regulatory needs, not just the one with the strongest brand.

Ongoing Requirements

Compliance and Ongoing Obligations

Standard UAE federal compliance obligations that apply to all free zone companies (corporate tax, VAT, UBO, accounting, licence renewal, visa renewal and FTA amendments) are documented in full in IncHub’s UAE Free Zone Compliance Guide. The Hamriyah Free Zone-specific obligations that differ between zones are listed below.

Annual Audit (Mandatory)

HFZA requires audited financial statements to be submitted at the end of each financial year as a condition of ongoing licence maintenance; Hamriyah enforces this requirement; companies should engage a UAE-registered auditor from year one

Economic Substance Regulations (ESR)

companies carrying out a relevant activity, including holding, distribution and service centre, intellectual property, headquarters, shipping, fund management, banking, insurance, lease-finance, and high-risk IP activities, must file annual ESR notifications and, where applicable, full ESR reports with the FTA; first-violation penalties are AED 50,000 rising to AED 400,000 on repetition

Port and Industrial Environmental Compliance

industrial and manufacturing companies at Hamriyah Free Zone with operations involving chemical handling, heavy equipment, waste discharge or atmospheric emissions must maintain compliance with Sharjah Environmental Protection and Development Authority requirements; environmental compliance runs on its own inspection and renewal calendar independent of the HFZA licence

Work with IncHub

How IncHub Can Help You Set Up in Hamriyah Free Zone

IncHub supports industrial, manufacturing and logistics businesses through Hamriyah Free Zone, advising on the HFZA vs JAFZA vs KEZAD decision for heavy manufacturing and bulk trade, coordinating Hamriyah Port access compliance and industrial environmental requirements, and managing the mandatory annual audit and ESR filings that HFZA enforces.

Our services for Hamriyah Free Zone company formation include:

  • Free zone suitability assessment comparing HFZA against JAFZA, KEZAD and RAKEZ for your industrial activity, port requirements and land ownership objectives
  • Industrial land purchase vs lease decision support and facility selection
  • Hamriyah Port access compliance and cargo handling coordination
  • Sharjah Environmental Protection and Development Authority compliance programme setup for industrial and manufacturing operations
  • Investor and employee visa processing, medical and Emirates ID coordination
  • Corporate bank account introduction with banks experienced in HFZA industrial entity onboarding
  • Mandatory annual audit coordination, ESR notification and reporting
  • UBO maintenance, VAT registration and FTA amendment management
Client Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

Watch how IncHub helped entrepreneurs and international businesses establish their companies in Hamriyah Free Zone through our authorised Professional Partner network.

Video Stories
Google Reviews 1 / 20
L
L S R Holiday Homes L.L.C
3 weeks ago

Visa renewal can often feel complicated due to the multiple steps involved. However, my experience with IncHub was very smooth. They planned the process in advance, guided me at every stage, and ensured everything was completed on time. What I liked most was that I didn’t have to follow up everything was managed efficiently by their team.

Google Verified Review
D
DigitalX Tech – FZCO
1 month ago

Setting up my free zone company was not straightforward, especially when it came to choosing the right jurisdiction for my business model. Making the wrong decision could have resulted in unnecessary time and cost. IncHub provided clear and practical guidance, helping me select the most suitable free zone based on my activities.

Google Verified Review
C
Cosmium IT – FZCO
2 months ago

Setting up a company in Dubai can get confusing, especially with so many free zones. I wasn’t sure what would suit my business, but IncHub made it simple. They guided me clearly, handled everything, and kept me updated throughout. The whole process felt very smooth. Definitely recommend speaking to them before you get started.

Google Verified Review
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BLUEDCM FZE
1 month ago

Setting up my free zone company through IncHub was seamless from start to finish. Their team handled everything — trade licence, immigration card, and office registration — within the promised timeline. No surprises on costs. If you’re serious about establishing in the UAE, IncHub is who you call first.

Google Verified Review
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ABI Quality Goods Wholesalers Co. L.L.C
2 weeks ago

Most consultants only react when you approach them, but Inchub is different. They track your renewal timelines and remind you in advance. The execution was smooth, and everything was done exactly when it should be. If you want it done right the first time, Inchub is the way to go.

Google Verified Review
O
Optimity L.L.C
1 month ago

I had a very positive experience with Inchub for my license renewal. What stood out the most was their follow-up system — I was reminded well before the expiry date, which gave enough time to plan everything properly. The team handled the entire process efficiently, and the renewal was completed without delays.

Google Verified Review
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Univex L.L.C-FZ
3 months ago

Inchub handled the entire business setup process smoothly — everything was clearly explained, and the execution was efficient from start to finish. They have also assisted and guided us when there were AML compliance notifications from the authority. Overall, a reliable partner for end-to-end corporate services.

Google Verified Review
E
Ecom Vacation Homes Rental L.L.C
1 month ago

We had a bit of a challenge when it came to opening the labor file and processing new visas. There were a few complications along the way. That’s where Inchub really stepped in. Their team handled the entire process clearly and kept us updated throughout without us having to follow up constantly. Very reliable team.

Google Verified Review
C
CMAR Management FZE
3 months ago

Our experience with Inchub has genuinely exceeded expectations. From the very beginning, the team has been extremely professional, approachable, and proactive. They’ve supported us across multiple areas — including corporate services, corporate tax filing, and visa renewals — all managed in a structured manner.

Google Verified Review
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Toyo Mea L.L.C-FZ
2 months ago

We worked with Inchub on a share amendment, which was quite complex. Their team guided us through each step, managed the process efficiently, and ensured everything was handled correctly despite the challenges. They also handle our accounting and VAT filing smoothly. A reliable and professional team.

Google Verified Review
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Nicube International FZCO
4 months ago

We’ve been working with Inchub across multiple areas. They initially helped us with setting up both our offshore and free zone company, guiding us clearly. Since then, they’ve assisted us with annual renewals on time, and they manage our accounting and VAT filings efficiently. A highly dependable partner.

Google Verified Review
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Well Mate L.L.C-FZ
5 months ago

I’ve been working with Inchub for several years, and the experience has been consistently positive. Their services are reliable and efficient. They’ve supported me across multiple areas — from managing trade license renewals to assisting with business bank account opening. Having everything under one team saved a lot of effort.

Google Verified Review
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Telora Global L.L.C – FZ
2 months ago

Managing compliance alongside running a business can get overwhelming. Inchub takes care of our accounting, VAT, CT filings, and license renewal, which has saved us a lot of time and effort. Everything is handled efficiently and professionally. IncHub operates across every discipline and maintains high quality.

Google Verified Review
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Gaia Resources DMCC
2 months ago

We’ve been working with Inchub for our ongoing compliance and business support. They handle everything from maintaining our company’s good standing to managing renewals on time, along with accounting and VAT filings. A very smooth experience, and they are definitely a reliable partner.

Google Verified Review
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Nextgen Brokers FZE
3 months ago

We have engaged Inchub for ongoing compliance support. They handle our company’s good standing, ensure renewals are completed on time, and manage accounting and VAT filings efficiently. The team is proactive, well-organized, and keeps everything on track without the need for constant follow-ups.

Google Verified Review
M
Mw Holding Group Ltd
4 months ago

We worked with Inchub for setting up our offshore holding company. They facilitated the entire process smoothly, including the company formation and opening the corporate bank account. They also manage our accounting and bookkeeping. It’s helpful to have one team handling both setup and ongoing requirements.

Google Verified Review
J
Jannali Foundation
3 months ago

We engaged Inchub for setting up our RAK ICC foundation. They supported us throughout the entire formation process, including documentation, and guided us at every step. They also assisted with opening the bank account, which was handled smoothly. The team was very organized and efficient.

Google Verified Review
D
Drops By Nada Portal
1 month ago

We worked with Inchub for both our license renewal and visa renewal. The entire process was handled very smoothly and efficiently from start to finish. Everything was completed right on time without any complications. Their structured approach and clear communication make them very easy to work with.

Google Verified Review
P
Peopex LLC
5 months ago

Setting up a company in the UAE can feel complex. With Inchub, the entire process was handled seamlessly. They took care of everything — from the trade license and immigration card to visa application and even opening the company bank account. The team managed the entire process efficiently.

Google Verified Review
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Aube International Commercial Brokers
4 weeks ago

We’ve been working with Inchub since day one for license renewals, accounting and bookkeeping, and visa processing. The experience has been very smooth. One thing that stands out is how responsive their team is. Whenever we need support, they’re quick to respond and guide us clearly.

Google Verified Review
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to set up a company in Hamriyah Free Zone?

Entry-level licences with a single visa provision start from around AED 5,000 to 8,800. A combined visa and licence package runs approximately AED 13,500, while warehousing starts from around AED 70,000.

How many visas can a Hamriyah Free Zone company sponsor?

Up to 7 residency visas on a basic flexi-desk package without requiring a dedicated office, and up to 50 visas with a warehouse facility, among the most generous visa allowances in the UAE.

Why is Hamriyah Free Zone's port access unique?

HFZA is the only UAE free zone authority with access to ports on both the Arabian Gulf, via Hamriyah Port, and the Gulf of Oman, via Khor Fakkan Port, a dual-coast shipping advantage no other zone offers.

What legal structures does HFZA offer?

Free Zone Establishment (FZE) for a single shareholder, and Free Zone Company (FZCO) for multiple shareholders.

How fast can I get a licence at Hamriyah Free Zone?

Licence issuance can take as little as one hour for straightforward applications, or about one working day once all required documents are submitted.

Is there a minimum share capital requirement at HFZA?

A minimum of around AED 150,000 is commonly cited, which can be reflected in the company's statutory documents without requiring an actual transfer of funds into the bank account.

Start Your Setup

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