Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) in Sharjah is one of the UAE’s most affordable and strategically located free zones, offering direct access to Hamriyah Port. It is particularly popular with heavy industry, manufacturing, oil and gas, and general trading companies seeking lower costs than Dubai-based free zones.
HFZA Location and Infrastructure
Located on the Arabian Gulf coast of Sharjah, HFZA is adjacent to Hamriyah Port — one of the busiest ports in the northern UAE. The free zone spans 2.6 million sqm and hosts 6,500+ companies from 160+ nationalities. It offers industrial land, warehouse units, office space, and a dedicated port terminal.
HFZA Company Formation Cost 2026
- Trade licence (trading): AED 9,500–15,000 per year
- Trade licence (industrial/manufacturing): AED 12,000–20,000
- Flexi-desk package: AED 6,000–10,000 per year
- Warehouse units: AED 30,000–80,000 per year (250–2,000 sqm)
- Industrial land: lease from AED 18 per sqm per year
- Visa: AED 3,500–5,000 per investor/employee
Best Industries for HFZA
HFZA is particularly strong for: heavy industry and manufacturing, oil and gas equipment trading, steel and metals, construction materials, chemical trading, general merchandise import/export, and any business requiring large warehouse or industrial space at affordable rates.
HFZA vs RAKEZ for Industrial Companies
- HFZA: Sharjah port access, larger industrial plots, more established for heavy industry
- RAKEZ: Ras Al Khaimah, cheaper licensing, growing manufacturing ecosystem
For businesses needing Sharjah port access or proximity to Dubai, HFZA is the stronger option. For maximum cost efficiency in northern UAE, RAKEZ may be marginally cheaper.
HFZA QFZP and UAE CT Status
HFZA is a UAE-designated free zone. Companies with qualifying income and adequate substance may qualify for QFZP status under UAE CT, enabling 0% corporate tax on qualifying income. Consult a UAE tax adviser to confirm substance requirements for your specific activities.
Pricing Evidence & Source Notes
Use this profile as a planning guide, not a final invoice. Confirm the current package, activity wording, visas, office or flexi-desk requirement and renewal amount before payment.
| Free Zone | Package | Year 1 Cost | Renewal Cost | 3-Year Total | Visa Option | Office / Flexi Requirement | Year 1 Confidence | Source Type | Conflict Status | Last Reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamriyah Free Zone | Basic licence public component | AED 11,000 basic licence component; facility and other setup costs priced separately Confidence: High-confidence public consensus |
Quote-based renewal Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Quote-based 3-year total Confidence: Needs confirmation |
Depends on facility | Warehouse, land, office or industrial facility | High-confidence public consensus | Public consultant sources; official FAQ may block automated fetches | Current package / renewal confirmation required | June 2026 |
| What is included | Public consultant sources consistently list an AED 11,000 starting licence component; final facility and authority quote must be confirmed. |
|---|---|
| What is not included | Facility, visas, utility costs, deposits and industrial approvals unless quoted. |
| Hidden-cost risk | Industrial approvals and facility needs can alter totals. |
| Banking difficulty | Medium |
| Best fit | Industrial, manufacturing, trading and warehouse-led companies in Sharjah. |
Source evidence: Review source | Methodology | Corrections.
Prices can change based on free zone authority updates, activity selection, visa count, office or flexi-desk requirement, shareholder structure, establishment card, immigration file, medical test, Emirates ID, insurance, banking support and consultant service fees. Last reviewed June 2026. Always request a current quote before payment. View methodology or compare all rows in the UAE Free Zone Cost Index.