Business setup in SAIF Zone

Business Setup in SAIF Zone.

Start Your Business in SAIF Zone (Sharjah Airport International Free Zone) with Helen and Sons. Get expert guidance, fast company formation &  100% ownership.


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Want to Know How?

Want to Know How?


saif zone

Company Setup in SAIF Zone

The Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) is one of the most famous and renowned free zones in the UAE. It is close to Sharjah International Airport and only 20 minutes from Dubai International Airport. It is the best destination for investors who want to start or grow their business in the UAE.

At Helen and Sons, we specialize in company setup in SAIF Zone, helping investors establish their presence quickly and efficiently. The free zone provides fully equipped office spaces, modern warehouses, and flexible leasing options to support businesses of all sizes.

Companies that do manufacturing, trading, logistics, packing, and re-export should think about starting a business in the SAIF Zone. Investors can own the whole business, not have to pay income tax, and receive a license rapidly.

The SAIF Zone is a wonderful spot to start a business in Sharjah because rates are affordable (beginning at USD 2,960) and the area is hospitable to businesses. Our experts handle every part of the process, from the paperwork and licenses to the visas and PRO services, to make sure everything goes well from beginning to end.

Helen and Sons can help you set up your business in the SAIF Zone if you wish to start one in the UAE. This is one of the top areas to do business in the UAE.

saif zone

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 SAIF 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.

SAIF 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

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

  • Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) is one of the UAE’s most popular free zones, offering investors an easy, cost-effective way to set up a company with full foreign ownership and tax-free benefits.

  • You can register a Free Zone Establishment (FZE), Free Zone Company (FZC), or a Branch of a local or foreign business, depending on your company structure and ownership needs.

  • SAIF Zone supports trading, industrial, service, and logistics businesses. You can choose from hundreds of approved activities based on your business model.

  • The cost of a SAIF Zone business license starts from AED 5,750*. Additional fees may apply for visa quotas, office or warehouse space, and annual renewals.

  • SAIF Zone offers Commercial, Service, and Industrial licenses, allowing investors to operate across multiple sectors in Sharjah and the wider UAE.

  • With the right documents, company setup in SAIF Zone can be completed within 1–3 working days, making it one of the fastest free zones for new businesses.

  • No. SAIF Zone provides 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits, so you don’t need a local Emirati partner.

  • Yes. Business owners, employees, and their dependents can apply for UAE residence visas through their SAIF Zone license.

  • You can choose from flexible workspace options such as shared desks, private offices, warehouses, or industrial units, depending on your activity and visa requirements.

  • SAIF Zone offers a strategic location next to Sharjah International Airport, low setup costs, zero corporate and personal tax, and easy access to global markets—making it ideal for startups and established investors.