WhatsApp quoteSince the 2021 ownership reforms, most Fujairah mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection company owners used to have. A Fujairah mainland licence, issued by the Fujairah Municipality and Department of Industry and Economy, lets your company trade anywhere in the UAE, bid for government work and open as many branches as you need. Put simply, typical examples of this activity include ship chandling, crew change services, marine spares and vessel management, which can usually sit together on one Fujairah licence. the UAE is Australia's largest trade and investment partner in the Middle East, with a CEPA concluded in 2024, which gives Australian entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Fujairah licence is issued.
Why Fujairah
To be clear, fujairah mainland licences are released by the Fujairah Municipality and Department of Industry and Economy, which currently processes most standard files in around 4 working days. Government and semi-government tenders in Fujairah require a mainland licence and Chamber of Commerce membership, both of which GoldenKey arranges.
How Fujairah works with GoldenKey
Step 1Activity and legal form
GoldenKey maps your business to the right Fujairah Municipality and Department of Industry and Economy activity codes and recommends the legal form that fits ownership and liability needs.
Step 2Trade name and initial approval
Your trade name is reserved and initial approval secured from the Fujairah Municipality and Department of Industry and Economy, together with any external approvals the activity requires. Nothing is submitted for opening a maritime services company in the UAE as an Australian founder until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 3Office, MOA and submission
As we tell every client, the memorandum of association is signed (online or before the notary), your tenancy is registered and the complete file is submitted to the Fujairah Municipality and Department of Industry and Economy.
Step 4Licence, Chamber and immigration
The Fujairah mainland licence is released, Chamber membership activated, and we open the establishment and labour files so visa processing can start. Your portal shows the status of this step for opening a maritime services company in the UAE as an Australian founder in real time.
Documents required
Put simply, the document list for opening a maritime services company in the UAE as an Australian founder is short, and most clients already have everything on it.
- Proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, requested by some zones
- A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
- Attested parent-company supporting documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
- A police clearance certificate from Australia if the activity or the Golden Visa category requires it
- A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
- A passport-size photograph on a white background
Pricing
The figures below for opening a maritime services company in the UAE as an Australian founder are updated by GoldenKey whenever the authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one. Pricing for opening a maritime services company in the UAE as an Australian founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated.
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
- Trade licence & registration
- Establishment card included
- GoldenKey full assistance
| Additional visa | AED 2,700 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | AED 7,800 |
Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-06.
Why the UAE
The UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for opening a maritime services company in the UAE as an Australian founder. Banking, logistics, telecoms and digital government services in the UAE are among the most advanced in the region, which keeps the running costs of opening a maritime services company in the UAE as an Australian founder predictable.
Why GoldenKey
GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with opening a maritime services company in the UAE as an Australian founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. We speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for opening a maritime services company in the UAE as an Australian founder. Our quotations for opening a maritime services company in the UAE as an Australian founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before you pay anything.
If you would like a written quotation for opening a maritime services company in the UAE as an Australian founder, use the form below or message us on WhatsApp and we will respond as soon as possible.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Fujairah mainland company trade in other emirates?
Yes. A mainland licence is valid across the UAE, and you can open branches in other emirates by registering with their economic departments.
How much office space do I need for a Fujairah mainland licence?
The Fujairah Municipality and Department of Industry and Economy requires a registered tenancy for most licences. A small office or a desk in a business centre is enough for a few visas, and the visa quota increases with the floor area.
Can I convert my free zone company to a Fujairah mainland company?
You cannot convert directly, but you can open a mainland branch of your free zone company or set up a new mainland LLC and transfer the business. GoldenKey advises on the most tax-efficient route.
Can a Australian citizen own 100% of a company in Fujairah?
Yes. Australians can own the full share capital of a Fujairah company with no local partner, exactly like any other nationality.
Is maritime & ship services allowed in Fujairah?
Yes. Australians can own 100% of a maritime services company in the UAE. {brand} recommends Fujairah for this activity and confirms any sector approvals before you commit.
