Looking for an affordable, flexible, and media-friendly location to start your business in the UAE? Welcome to Creative City Fujairah—a free zone that caters to creatives, consultants, freelancers, and startups from around the world.
With low license fees, no physical office requirements, and easy visa processing, business setup in Creative City Fujairah is a smart move for entrepreneurs who want maximum freedom with minimal costs.
What is Creative City Fujairah?
Overview of the Free Zone
Creative City Free Zone & business setup in RAKEZ Free Zone launched in 2007 in the Emirate of Fujairah, was designed to attract media, consulting, and creative talent from around the globe. It operates as an independent authority offering a wide range of business activities—from media production and IT to e-commerce, training, and consultancy.
Despite its creative branding, Creative City welcomes businesses in dozens of sectors.
Who is it Ideal For?
Creative City is perfect for:
- Freelancers and solopreneurs
- Marketing agencies
- Consultants and coaches
- IT professionals and startups
- E-commerce businesses
- International entrepreneurs seeking UAE residency
Why Choose Creative City Fujairah?
Core Benefits
- 100% foreign ownership
- No physical office required
- Affordable license packages
- Quick company formation (2–5 working days)
- No NOC required from current employer
- UAE residency visa options available
Strategic Advantages
Though located in Fujairah, the free zone gives you full access to UAE markets and international banking. Plus, you don’t need to be physically present in Fujairah to operate—remote work is 100% allowed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Business Setup in Creative City Fujairah
Step 1: Select Business Activity
Creative City supports a variety of activities, including:
- Media and production services
- IT consulting
- Digital marketing
- Graphic and web design
- E-commerce
- Education and training
- General consultancy
You can choose multiple related activities under one license, making it easy to scale.
Step 2: Choose License Type
You can register as:
- FZ LLC (Free Zone Limited Liability Company) – Single or multiple shareholders
- Branch – For UAE or foreign companies
Most solopreneurs go with the FZ LLC setup.
Step 3: Reserve Company Name
Pick a trade name that reflects your business. Avoid restricted words like “bank,” “insurance,” or “government.”
Step 4: Submit Application
Required documents typically include:
- Passport copy
- Passport-size photo
- Application form
- Optional: Business plan (for certain activities)
Step 5: Receive Your Documents
Once approved, you’ll receive:
- Trade license
- Certificate of incorporation
- Memorandum of Association (MoA)
- Share certificate
Creative City Visa Cost
Investor/Partner Visa
Want to live and work in the UAE? Apply for an investor or partner visa through your company:
- Cost: AED 3,750 – 4,200
- Validity: 2–3 years
- Includes: Entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, stamping
Employee Visa
Need to sponsor staff? Here’s what to expect:
- Cost: AED 4,000 – 5,500
- Includes: Work permit, medical, Emirates ID
The Creative City visa cost is budget-friendly and includes all key government services.
Office & Workspace Options
No office needed? No problem. But if you want one, here are your choices:
Flexi Desk
- Shared workspace
- Included in most visa packages
- No long-term lease
Executive Office
- Private, lockable space
- Ideal for teams or clients
- Optional upgrade
Meeting Rooms & Co-working Spaces
Available on demand for meetings, training, and presentations.
Who Should Set Up in Creative City?
- Digital nomads – Enjoy remote setup and easy visa options
- Freelancers – Save money with zero-visa license
- Startups – Scale flexibly without heavy operational costs
- Agencies & consultants – Enjoy full ownership, easy licensing, and no office overhead
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing the Wrong Package
If you plan to get a visa, don’t choose a zero-visa license. Upgrading later may cost more.
Underestimating Visa Costs
Always budget for medical tests, Emirates ID, and visa stamping fees in addition to license costs.
Using a Restricted Trade Name
Stick to UAE naming conventions to avoid delays in registration.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a smart, flexible, and budget-friendly way to launch your UAE company, business setup in Creative City Fujairah is the way to go. With licensing packages starting under AED 7,000, no office rent, and easy visa options, it’s one of the best-kept secrets in the UAE startup ecosystem.
Whether you’re a content creator, tech pro, consultant, or solo entrepreneur, Creative City gives you the tools to succeed—without the stress.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to set up a company in Creative City?
Most companies are formed within 2 to 5 working days after submission.
2. Can I operate from outside Fujairah?
Yes! Creative City allows full remote business operations, with no physical office needed.
3. What’s the cheapest way to register in Creative City?
The freelancer package starts around AED 6,000 and is ideal for solo professionals.
4. Can I get a UAE visa through Creative City?
Yes, both partner/investor and employee visas are available, valid for up to 3 years.
5. Do I need a local sponsor to set up in Creative City?
No. You can have 100% foreign ownership of your company.