SAIF Zone – Sharjah

Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone), established in 1995, is one of the oldest, most cost-effective, and strategically located free zones in the UAE. Located next to Sharjah International Airport and with close proximity to Sharjah seaports and Dubai, SAIF Zone is a preferred destination for businesses engaged in trading, light manufacturing, services, import/export, and logistics.

SAIF Zone offers world-class infrastructure, simplified business setup procedures, full ownership rights, and a wide range of facilities, from executive offices to warehouses and industrial plots.

Location

Adjacent to Sharjah International Airport.
20 minutes to Dubai International Airport.
Well-connected by air, sea, and land transport networks.
Direct access to regional and international markets.

Key Advantages of Setting Up in SAIF

100% foreign ownership.
0% corporate and personal income tax.
No customs duties on imports/exports within the free zone.
Full repatriation of capital and profits.
Quick and easy setup process (sometimes in 24 hours).
Wide range of facilities (offices, warehouses, industrial land).
Access to Sharjah’s extensive seaports: Port Khalid and Hamriyah Port.
Low operational costs compared to other UAE free zones.
No restriction on the number of visas (based on office/warehouse size).

Types of Company Structures in SAIF Zone

Type	Description
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)	Single shareholder (individual/corporate)
Free Zone Company (FZC)	2–50 shareholders
Branch of a Local Company	UAE-based company expansion
Branch of a Foreign Company	International firms setting up in UAE

Documents Required for Company Setup

For Individuals (New Company Formation)

Passport copy of the shareholder(s), director(s), and manager.
UAE visa or entry stamp page (if applicable).
Passport-size photos (white background).
NOC (No Objection Certificate) from current sponsor (if UAE resident).
Business plan (for certain regulated activities).

For Corporate Shareholders

Certificate of Incorporation.
Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Board Resolution for company establishment in SAIF Zone.
Power of Attorney for the company representative.
Passport copies of shareholders and authorized signatories.

(All documents must be notarized and legalized.)

License Types Offered

Trade License: For import, export, distribution, and storage of specified products.
Commercial License: Allows trading of a wider range of goods and services.
Service License: For service providers such as consultancy, IT services, marketing, etc.
Industrial License: For manufacturing, packaging, and assembling industries.

Key Setup Requirements

Minimum of one shareholder and one director.
A registered office inside SAIF Zone is mandatory.
Share capital requirements:
- Minimum AED 150,000 for FZE/FZC (in practice, no need to deposit initially unless required).
Appointment of a manager/director is mandatory.

No need for local Emirati partner or sponsor.

Types of Facilities Available

Type	Description
Executive Offices	Ready-to-use workspaces
Warehouses	Storage, packaging, light manufacturing
Industrial Units	Medium/large-scale industries
Land Plots	Custom industrial setups
Flexi-Desks	Temporary/shared workspaces

Step-by-Step Company Setup Process in SAIF Zone

Choose the Business Activity and Company Structure.
Submit Application Form along with initial documents.
Name Reservation and Initial Approval from SAIF Zone authority.
Lease Office/Warehouse within SAIF Zone.
Prepare and Sign Company Documents (Articles of Association, Lease Agreement).
Pay License, Registration, and Lease Fees.
Issue Certificate of Incorporation, License, and Lease Agreement.
Apply for Establishment Card (mandatory for visa processing).
Visa Applications for shareholders, employees, and dependents.
Open Corporate Bank Account.

Typical Setup Costs (Estimates)

Item	Cost (AED)
License Fee	7,500 – 15,000/year
Office/Warehouse Lease	12,000+/year
Registration Fee	3,500 – 5,000 (one-time)
Visa Cost	3,000 – 4,500 per visa
Establishment Card	1,500/year

(Costs vary based on business type & space requirements.)

Compliance Obligations

Annual license and lease renewal.

Maintenance of proper accounting records (for certain types of activities).

Compliance with UAE’s Economic Substance Regulations (where applicable).

Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) disclosure compliance.

VAT registration if annual taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000.

Why Choose SAIF Zone?

Feature	Benefit
Fast Setup	24-hour processing
Affordable	Lowest costs in UAE
Prime Location	Near airports & seaports
Flexible Space	Offices, warehouses, land
Government-Backed	Reliable & secure
Scalable	Easy business expansion