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Business Setup in SAIF Zone

Start Your Business in SAIF Zone (Sharjah Airport International Free Zone). Get expert guidance, fast company formation, full 100% ownership.

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Want to Know How?

Want to Know How?

Business Setup in Sharjah Free Zone

Sharjah Free Zone (SFZ) is a leading business hub in the UAE, offering a strategic
location for entrepreneurs and investors to start and grow their companies. With modern
infrastructure, streamlined processes and access to local and international markets,
SFZ makes business setup simple and efficient.

Businesses in SAIF Zone benefit from 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and a
range of commercial, industrial and service licenses. The zone’s facilities, including
offices, warehouses and logistics support, provide an ideal environment for startups
and established companies alike.

At Helen and Sons, we help businesses navigate the setup process in Sharjah Free
Zone, providing expert guidance and customized solutions to ensure your UAE venture
succeeds from day one.

Types of Business Licenses in Sharjah Free Zone

Sharjah Free Zone offers different types of licenses depending on the nature of your business. Here are the main Sharjah Freezone license categories you can choose from:

Commercial or Trading License

This license is for businesses that want to buy, sell, or trade products within the UAE or
internationally. It’s ideal for import/export companies, retail traders and distributors who
deal with goods and merchandise.

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Professional License

Designed for freelancers, consultants, and professionals, this license allows you to offer
specialized services. Examples include IT services, marketing, legal consultation, and
advisory businesses.

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Service License

If your business provides service-based activities, this license is suitable. It covers
areas like logistics, education, hospitality, healthcare, and other service-oriented
companies.

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Industrial License

This license is for businesses involved in manufacturing, production, or industrial
activities. It allows companies to set up factories, workshops, or production facilities
within Sharjah Free Zone.

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How to Setup a Business in Sharjah Free Zone

Starting a business in Sharjah Free Zone is easy when you follow these five steps

Choose Your License & Company Type

  1. Select your business activities.
  2. Choose the right structure: FZE, FZC, or Branch.
Step
01

Reserve Trade Name & Submit Application

  1. Reserve your trade name.
  2. Submit your KYC documents and application forms.
Step
02

Select Facility & Pay Fees

  1. Choose your workspace: office, executive office, suite, or warehouse.
  2. Complete the required payments for licensing.
Step
03

Licence Issuance & Visa Allocation

  1. Receive your Sharjah Freezone license once all requirements are met.
  2. Open an immigration file and set visa allocations for investors and employees.
Step
04

Employee / Investor Visas & Bank Account

  1. Process entry permits, medical tests, Emirates IDs, and visa stamping.
  2. Open a corporate bank account to manage finances efficiently.
Step
05

Benefits of Setting Up Business in Sharjah Free Zone

Setting up your business in Sharjah Free Zone comes with a range of advantages designed to support growth, efficiency, and profitability:

✅ 100% Repatriation of Capital & Profits

Enjoy full repatriation of your capital and profits. Move your earnings freely without restrictions.

✅ Free Transfer of Funds

Conduct international transactions with ease. The free zone allows seamless and unrestricted movement of funds.

✅ No Currency Restrictions

Trade globally without limitations on currency conversions or transactions.

✅ 24-Hour Licensing Services

Benefit from streamlined and fast licensing procedures to start operations quickly.

✅ Low-Cost Labor & Warehouse

Access skilled labor and affordable warehouse facilities within the free zone.

✅ 100% Foreign Ownership

Fully own your business, maintaining complete control over operations and decision-making.

✅ Low-Cost Abundant Energy Supply

Reduce operational expenses with a readily available and cost-effective energy supply.

✅ Exemptions on Import and Export Duties

Enjoy 100% exemption on import and export duties, fostering a favorable trade environment.

✅ Affordable Lease Rents

Lower commercial space leasing costs make it easier for businesses to manage overheads.

✅ Close to Major Ports & International Airport

Strategic access to ports and Sharjah International Airport ensures smooth logistics and trade operations.

How Much Does a Sharjah Free Zone License Cost?

The cost of a Sharjah Freezone license begins at AED 5,750*. Additional expenses may
apply depending on your choice of office or warehouse space, multi-year visas, or
higher visa quotas. It’s also important to factor in initial setup fees and annual renewal
charges to ensure your business operates smoothly from the start.

Freezone

Visas

License Cost

SRTIP

0

AED 5,510

SHAMS

0

AED 5,760

SPC

0

AED 6,875

HFZ

1

AED 11,000

Documents Required for Business Setup in SAIF Zone

1. Individuals / Shareholders

✅ Passport copy and passport-size photo

✅ Current UAE entry stamp/visa (if any)

✅ Proof of address (utility bill/bank statement)

✅ Proposed trade names and activities

2. Corporate Shareholders (if applicable)

✅ Certificate of incorporation & MOA/AOA.

✅ Board resolution to establish the SAIF entity and appoint authorised signatory.

✅ Certificate of incumbency / good standing.

✅Passport copy of UBOs/directors

3. After Licence (for visas)

✅ Establishment card, visa quota approval, Emirates ID/medical steps

Our Major Services in SAIF Zone

Company Formation & Renewals

Company registration, license amendments, and renewals

Visa Services

Investor, employment, and family visas
Visa renewal and cancellation support

Tax & Compliance

FTA portal registration
VAT filing and compliance
Corporate tax filing
AML registration

Accounting & Bookkeeping

Accounting and auditing services
Bookkeeping
Accounting software solutions

Banking & Penalty Services

Bank account opening assistance
Penalty reconsideration services

Additional Support

Customs code registration
Document attestation
Legal translation
Insurance (health, life, office, vehicle)
Delivery, driver, and messenger services

Frequently Asked Questions

  • SAIF publishes facility packages with “from” prices. Your total depends on licence type, the facility you choose, and visas, plus immigration and optional services. We share a transparent fee table and confirm a tailored quote after we map your activities and team plan.
  • FZE is a single-shareholder free-zone entity; FZC allows multiple shareholders. Both offer limited liability and free-zone benefits. Choose based on ownership structure, capital preferences, and long-term hiring or banking needs.
  • Visa eligibility ties to your facility and office size. Common allocations are approximately 3 visas (Office), 5 visas (Executive Office), and 8 visas (Suite). Larger spaces such as warehouses can support more, subject to authority approval.
  • Free-zone licences cover activity within the free-zone jurisdiction. You can contract with mainland clients and distributors, but direct on-ground mainland activities usually require a compliant mainland arrangement. We advise on the cleanest route for your model.