Deciding between UAQ FTZ and Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) for your UAE company? This side-by-side comparison breaks down costs, visa quotas, setup time, and banking ease so you can make an informed decision.
Quick Verdict
- Cheapest year 1: UAQ FTZ (AED 13,000)
- Fastest setup: UAQ FTZ (10 business days)
- Easiest banking: UAQ FTZ
- Best 3-year value: UAQ FTZ (saves AED 22,800)
UAQ FTZ vs Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) — Full Comparison Table
| Factor | UAQ FTZ | Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 Licence Cost | AED 13,000 | AED 21,000 |
| Annual Renewal Cost | AED 11,000 | AED 18,000 |
| Visa Cost (per visa) | AED 3,200 | AED 4,000 |
| Visa Quota (base) | 1 | Flexi |
| Setup Time | 10 days | 14 days |
| Banking Ease | Challenging | Challenging |
| 3-Year Total (1 visa) | AED 38,200 | AED 61,000 |
When to Choose UAQ FTZ
UAQ FTZ is the stronger choice if you prioritise lower upfront costs — AED 8,000 cheaper in year 1. It is best suited to entrepreneurs and solo founders looking for an affordable entry point into the UAE.
When to Choose Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ)
Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) wins if a well-established free zone brand is your priority. It suits businesses whose primary clients are international and who can work around the longer bank account opening process.
3-Year Cost Deep Dive
Year 1 costs include the licence fee and first visa. Years 2 and 3 use the renewal rate. Over 3 years with 1 visa:
- UAQ FTZ: AED 38,200 (Year 1: 13,000 + Year 2: 11,000 + Year 3: 11,000 + Visa: 3,200)
- Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ): AED 61,000 (Year 1: 21,000 + Year 2: 18,000 + Year 3: 18,000 + Visa: 4,000)
UAQ FTZ saves AED 22,800 over 3 years. For multiple visas, multiply the visa cost by the number of people you need to sponsor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I operate from both UAQ FTZ and Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) simultaneously?
You can set up separate companies in both zones simultaneously, which some business groups do for different activities or for liability separation. However, each company has its own licence fees and visa costs. Most solo founders and small teams are better served by choosing one zone.
Which zone is better if I need to open a UAE bank account quickly?
UAQ FTZ has a lower banking difficulty score, meaning it is generally easier to open a UAE business bank account as a licensee of this zone. For the fastest bank account opening, also consider using Wio Business or Mashreq Neo Biz, which have lower barriers for new free zone companies.
Is the setup process significantly different between the two zones?
Yes — UAQ FTZ is notably faster at 10 business days vs 14 days. If speed is a priority (e.g., you need to start invoicing clients quickly), factor this into your decision.
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