Skip to content

UAEGet your business licence in just 60 minutes

Golden KeyBusiness & Consultant Services Get Started

Maritime & Ship Services in the UAE for Vietnamese nationals

Ship chandling, bunkering support, crew services, marine supplies and vessel management

From day one, since the 2021 ownership reforms, most Fujairah mainland activities allow 100% foreign ownership, which removed the biggest objection business owners used to have. Fujairah is the UAE's east-coast gateway — shipping, bunkering and Indian Ocean trade, and GoldenKey registers mainland companies there with the economic department week in, week out. the UAE is Vietnam's largest trading partner in the Middle East, with a CEPA concluded in 2024, which gives Vietnamese entrepreneurs a ready market and supply chain the moment their Fujairah licence is granted. On the ground, external approvals for maritime & ship services are: port authority registration; FTA for bunkering.

Why Fujairah

On the ground, fujairah mainland licences are released by the Fujairah Municipality and Department of Industry and Economy, which currently processes most standard files in around 4 business 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

  1. Step 1: Activity and legal form
    Step 1

    Activity and legal form

    From day one, we select the correct activity codes from the Fujairah Municipality and Department of Industry and Economy list and the legal form, typically a LLC or a sole establishment. For opening a maritime services company in the UAE as a Vietnamese founder this step rarely needs your presence; scans and e-signatures are enough.

  2. Step 2: Trade name and initial approval
    Step 2

    Trade 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.

  3. Step 3: Office, MOA and submission
    Step 3

    Office, MOA and submission

    Importantly, you sign the memorandum of association before the notary or online, we register your tenancy contract and submit the full file. Nothing is submitted for opening a maritime services company in the UAE as a Vietnamese founder until you have reviewed and approved it.

  4. Step 4: Licence, Chamber and immigration
    Step 4

    Licence, Chamber and immigration

    As a rule, your Fujairah mainland licence is issued, Chamber membership is activated and we open the establishment and labour files so visas can begin.

Documents required

Here is what you will need for opening a maritime services company in the UAE as a Vietnamese founder; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.

  • Attested parent-company documents and a board resolution if the shareholder is a company
  • Educational certificates attested by the Vietnam authorities and the UAE embassy, for professional activities
  • A no-objection certificate from your employer if you hold a UAE employment visa
  • A short business plan or activity description for certain professional activities
  • A passport-size photograph on a white background
  • A bank statement from your Vietnam bank for the last three months, which banks use to understand your profile

Pricing

Just as important, pricing for opening a maritime services company in the UAE as a Vietnamese founder depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. In our experience, use the table below to compare packages for opening a maritime services company in the UAE as a Vietnamese founder; we will confirm the exact total for your case in a written quotation.

1 Visa Package
AED 10,000
1 residence visa · 1-year licence
  • Trade licence & registration
  • Establishment card included
  • GoldenKey full assistance
Get this package
3 Visa Package
AED 18,000
3 residence visas · 1-year licence
  • Trade licence & registration
  • Establishment card included
  • GoldenKey full assistance
Get this package
Additional visaAED 2,700
Annual renewalAED 7,800

Prices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-07.

Why the UAE

Day to day, 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 a Vietnamese founder. As a rule, there are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from opening a maritime services company in the UAE as a Vietnamese founder can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely.

Why GoldenKey

Importantly, our quotations for opening a maritime services company in the UAE as a Vietnamese founder list every government fee and our service fee on one page, in writing, before any payment anything. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries with opening a maritime services company in the UAE as a Vietnamese founder, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. Our office is a short drive from the Ajman Free Zone, Ajman DED and the immigration centre, so physical submissions for opening a maritime services company in the UAE as a Vietnamese founder happen the same day they are ready.

Message GoldenKey now and we will prepare a personalised quotation for opening a maritime services company in the UAE as a Vietnamese founder, valid for 30 days and confirmed in writing.

Frequently asked questions

Do I still need an Emirati partner for a Fujairah mainland company?

For most commercial and industrial activities, no. Since 2021 foreign nationals can own 100% of a Fujairah mainland LLC. A short list of strategic activities still requires Emirati participation, and GoldenKey checks your activity before you commit.

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.

Are Fujairah mainland companies subject to corporate tax?

Yes. Mainland companies pay 9% corporate tax on profits above AED 375,000 and must register with the FTA, which GoldenKey handles as part of your setup.

Do Vietnamese nationals need a UAE visa before applying for Fujairah?

No — You can apply for the licence from Vietnam with scanned documents, and the investor residency visa is completed afterwards.

Is maritime & ship services allowed in Fujairah?

Yes, it can. Vietnamese nationals 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.

WhatsApp Call us