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Zone Compare/zones/Sohar Free Zone/Getting Started

Formation route · Sohar Free Zone

Plan the route through Sohar Free Zone

Al Batinah North·Candidate·Year 1 from AED 4,298
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1

Document Preparation

Days 1–5

  • Passport copy (colour scan, 6+ months validity remaining)
  • 2× passport-size photographs (white background)
  • Bank statements (last 3–6 months, from your home country bank)
  • Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement from the last 3 months)
  • CV / professional profile (1–2 pages)
  • Source of funds declaration (brief written explanation of how you will fund the business)

Attestation note: Have all documents certified/notarised before applying if they are from outside UAE. Attestation costs vary by country and document count — typically AED 1,500–4,000 (indicative, not a quoted fee).

2

Licence Application

Days 3–10

Expected: 10 business days
  1. 1Trade name reservation — submit 3 name options (indicative fee AED 600–1,500)
  2. 2Submit licence application with documents
  3. 3Pay licence fee — approximately AED 1,910
  4. 4Receive Memorandum of Association (MOA) draft for signature
  5. 5Licence issuance

Cost estimate — Phase 2

Licence feeAED 1,910
Registration feeAED 2,388
3

Residency Visa

Days 15–15

10–21 days

Investor / partner visa process

  1. 1Entry permit application (fee ~AED 800–1,200)
  2. 2Medical fitness test (AED 300–500 — must be done inside UAE)
  3. 3Emirates ID application (AED 370 — government fee)
  4. 4Visa stamping in passport (AED 1,200–2,500)

Indicative visa cost range

AED 2,670–4,570 per person

Typical 2026 range for entry permit, medicals, Emirates ID and stamping — government fees change; confirm current amounts with the zone. Excludes status change if already in UAE.

4

Bank Account

Days 15–29

Banking with Sohar Free Zone: moderate

Required bank documents

  • Licence copy (issued in Phase 2)
  • MOA / Memorandum of Association
  • Passport copies of all shareholders/directors
  • 6 months of personal bank statements (from home country)
  • Proof of UAE address (tenancy contract or hotel invoice initially)
  • Source of funds declaration
  • Business plan (1–2 pages, describing your business model and expected revenue)

Bank selection: which banks are realistic depends on your activity, nationality mix and banking profile — we don't recommend specific banks. Use the bank-approval lens to see how Sohar Free Zone companies typically fare. Allow 14 days from licence issuance.

Minimum deposit: AED 240 required to open.

✓

Operations Ready

You're operational.

You now have everything you need to operate as a UAE free zone company:

  • ✓UAE trade licence (valid for 1 year, renewable)
  • ✓UAE residency visa (2–3 year validity)
  • ✓UAE corporate bank account
  • ✓Emirates ID

Renewal reminder

Mark your calendar: your licence renews annually. Renewal cost: confirm with the zone. Begin renewal 30–60 days before expiry to avoid fines.