Investing in Qeshm Free Zone: A Strategic Opportunity for Foreign Investors

Qeshm Island, Iran’s largest island located in the Persian Gulf, is home to one of the most attractive free zones in the region. Known for its strategic location, favorable investment laws, and expanding infrastructure, Qeshm Free Zone is increasingly gaining the attention of international investors from across the globe.

Legal Advantages for Investors in Qeshm Free Zone

1. 20-Year Tax Exemption

All economic activities—including commercial, industrial, and service-based businesses—are exempt from income tax for 20 years, as per the Iranian Free Zones Law.

2. 100% Foreign Ownership

Foreign nationals and companies can fully own businesses without requiring a local Iranian partner. This ensures total control over operations and profit distribution.

3. Customs Exemptions

Raw materials, machinery, and equipment imported into the Free Zone are exempt from customs duties, greatly reducing the cost of setting up industrial or production units.

4. Repatriation of Capital and Profits

Foreign investors are allowed to transfer both capital and profits freely out of the country, with no restrictions or complex regulatory barriers.

5. Simplified Visa and Residency

Business owners and their families can benefit from long-term visas and simplified residency procedures, facilitating relocation and operation.

Strategic Location and Infrastructure

1. Global Connectivity

Qeshm Island is strategically located at the entrance of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. It offers direct access to international waters and is close to the UAE, Oman, and other GCC countries.

2. Advanced Infrastructure

• International Airport (Qeshm International Airport)

• Multiple commercial seaports

• Reliable electricity, water, and telecommunications networks

• Ready-to-invest industrial and commercial zones

3. Rich Natural Resources

Qeshm boasts abundant natural gas, minerals, and marine biodiversity, providing ideal conditions for investment in energy, seafood, and environmental tourism sectors.

Investment Process in Qeshm Free Zone

1. Company Registration
   Submit required documents including passport copy, business plan, and capital information to the Qeshm Free Zone Organization (QFZO).

2. Obtain Business License
   Licenses are issued based on the nature of the activity (e.g., industrial, trade, tourism, services).

3. Open a Local Bank Account
   Investors are required to deposit part of their declared capital.

4. Finalize Registration
   Pay minimal administrative fees and sign official agreements with QFZO.

Average processing time: 30–45 business days.

High-Potential Investment Sectors

✅ Fisheries and Aquaculture

• Shrimp farms spanning over 2,500 hectares

• Floating cage fish farming with significant annual capacity

✅ Oil & Energy

• Export of 20,000+ barrels of oil per day

• Refining heavy crude with a planned capacity of 35,000 tons per year

✅ Tourism

• International resorts and beachfront hotels

• Largest marine aquarium under construction

• Ecotourism and geological attractions

✅ Industry and Mining

• Light and heavy industrial parks

• Petrochemical and mineral projects

• Equipment and machinery manufacturing

Government Incentives for Foreign Investors

The Iranian government and Qeshm Free Zone Organization offer several support mechanisms, including:

• One-Stop Service Window for investment-related procedures

• 50% discounts on customs tariffs for approved projects

• Support for joint ventures and public-private partnerships

• Fast-tracked licensing and construction permits

Why Foreign Investors Should Choose Qeshm

• Stable, investor-friendly regulations

• Competitive labor costs

• Vast regional market access via Iran’s trade agreements

• No currency restrictions within the Free Zone

• Proximity to GCC markets (Dubai, Doha, Muscat within 1-hour flight)

Qeshm Free Zone is not just an Iranian development zone—it’s a regional gateway to international trade and investment. With its legal security, financial incentives, and growing economic ecosystem, Qeshm is rapidly emerging as a top destination for forward-looking foreign investors.