Establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone is one of the goals that investors seek to start their businesses with, thanks to the facilities provided by the UAE, especially since the Sharjah Free Zone is characterized by a strategic location, strong infrastructure, and easy procedures for investment and establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone. If you are thinking of establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone, it is a great opportunity, but you must first learn about some important points such as the advantages of establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone and the necessary documents and licenses.

Advantages of establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone

Establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone (SAIF Zone) provides many advantages that make it an attractive destination for investors and entrepreneurs. Here are some of the main advantages:

• 100% ownership of companies is allowed by foreigners, without the need for a local partner.
• Companies enjoy a complete exemption from corporate and individual income tax, and exemptions from import and export taxes.
• Sharjah’s strategic location near the ports of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf makes it a major gateway to markets in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
• The Sharjah Free Zone offers advanced infrastructure, including offices, warehouses and industrial spaces equipped with the latest technology.
• Compared to some other free zones in the UAE, the Sharjah Free Zone has competitive operating costs, which helps reduce operating expenses for companies.
• The Sharjah Free Zone is characterized by quick and easy establishment procedures, with the necessary support provided through the customer service center.
• The Sharjah Free Zone provides the possibility of obtaining residence visas for employees and investors, which facilitates the employment of foreign workers.
• The free zone offers a wide range of support services, including legal and accounting consulting services, and telecommunications and internet services.
• Companies in the Sharjah Free Zone can practice a wide range of commercial, industrial and service activities, allowing companies to expand into multiple fields.
• The free zone provides a stimulating business environment that encourages innovation and investment, with laws and regulations that support economic growth.
• The free zone includes integrated logistics facilities that facilitate transportation and distribution operations, including shipping and storage centers.
• These advantages make Sharjah Free Zone an ideal choice for companies looking for a flexible and supportive business environment, helping them grow and thrive in the Middle East and global markets.
• Documents and documents for establishing a company in the free zone

Establishing a company in the free zone requires submitting a set of documents and documents to ensure

compliance with local laws and obtain the necessary licenses. Here is a list of the basic documents required to establish a company in the Sharjah Free Zone:

Copies of passports: Certified copies of passports of all partners, shareholders and managers.
Personal photographs: Recent personal photographs of all partners and shareholders.
License application form: Fill out and submit the commercial license application form.
Business plan: Submit a business plan that outlines the objectives, business activity, and financial and operational strategies of the company.
Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association: Certified memorandum of association and articles of association of the company, specifying its structure, capital, and activity.
Partnership agreement (if any): In the event that there are partners, a partnership agreement must be submitted that outlines the shares of each partner and their rights and responsibilities.
Initial approval: Obtain initial approval from the Free Zone Authority for the proposed business activity.
Lease Agreement: A notarized lease agreement for the office or commercial space in the free zone, with a no-objection certificate from the landlord (if required).
Security Approvals: In some cases, security approval may be required from the relevant authorities.
Previous Trade License (if applicable): If the applicant owns or participates in other companies, copies of previous trade licenses must be provided.
Good Conduct Certificate: In some cases, a good conduct certificate may be required for partners and directors.
Financial Statement: A financial statement showing the financial capacity of the investors to support the business.
Power of Attorney: If a legal representative is appointed to submit the documents on your behalf, a notarized power of attorney must be provided.
These documents are essential for establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone, and the requirements may vary slightly depending on the type of business and the legal form of the company. It is important to check the exact requirements from the Free Zone Authority or to use the services of specialized companies such as Itqan to facilitate the process and ensure that all required documents are submitted correctly.

Procedures for establishing a company in the free zone

Establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone requires following a set of procedures to ensure compliance with local laws and obtaining the necessary licenses. Here are the basic steps for establishing a company in the free zone:

• Determine the type of business activity you wish to practice, whether commercial, industrial, service, or other.
• Choose the appropriate legal form for the company (such as a limited liability company, a subsidiary, a representative office, etc.).
• Choose a trade name for the company and ensure that it is available and accepted by the Free Zone Authority.
• Submit a request for initial approval from the Free Zone Authority for the proposed business activity, including submitting copies of passports and a business plan.
• Prepare and submit the required legal documents such as the company’s articles of association and memorandum of association, partnership agreement (if applicable), and lease agreement.
• In some cases, security approvals may be required from the competent authorities. Security approval requests are submitted if necessary.
• Sign a lease agreement for an office or commercial space in the free zone. Ensure that the lease agreement is documented and submitted to the Authority.
• Submit all required documents to the Free Zone Authority, including the license application form, memorandum of association, articles of association, passport copies, personal photos, etc.

Pay the required fees to register the company and obtain the trade license. These fees include registration fees, licensing fees, and lease contract fees.

After reviewing and approving all documents, the Free Zone Authority issues the trade license for the company.

Open a bank account in the name of the company in one of the approved banks in the UAE to facilitate financial transactions.

Apply for residence visas for employees and investors, as needed.After obtaining the trade license and residence visas, you can start commercial operations in the free zone.

Following these steps ensures that your company is established in the Sharjah Free Zone smoothly and complies with all legal and regulatory requirements. You can hire the services of specialized companies to facilitate the process and ensure that all documents are submitted correctly and on time.

Types of Licenses in Sharjah Free Zone

Sharjah Free Zone allows many services provided that companies only carry out activities registered with their own licenses. To establish a company in the free zone, you need to obtain a Sharjah Free Zone license. There are many types of licenses in Sharjah Free Zone. These are the most important types of commercial licenses in Dubai:

Type of License Description

The commercial license allows general commercial activities such as import, export, distribution and storage.
The industrial license allows the production, manufacturing and packaging of goods and products. It requires additional approvals related to the environment, health and safety.
The professional license is intended for activities that require specialized professional skills such as consulting, legal services, and technical services.
The service license allows the practice of service activities such as logistics, transportation, and various support services.
The commercial-industrial license combines commercial and industrial activities, allowing the company to carry out import and export activities alongside manufacturing activities.
The commercial-service license combines commercial and service activities, allowing the company to provide services and commercial support.
The industrial-service license combines industrial and service activities, allowing the company to engage in manufacturing activities and provide related services.
The professional-service license combines professional and service activities, allowing the company to provide specialized professional services and other supporting services.
The e-commerce license is intended for commercial activities conducted online, including the sale of products and services through websites.
The retail license allows the sale of products directly to end consumers through retail stores.
If you are planning to establish a company in the Sharjah Free Zone, you can seek assistance from our team of business consultants and experts to facilitate all procedures and understand the rules, laws and regulations for establishing the company

Sharjah Free Zone

There are some diverse free zones in the Emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, the most prominent of which are:

Sharjah Automotive Industry and Trade Free Zone (SAIF Zone):

• Established in 1995 and focuses on the industries and trade sectors related to cars and land transport.
• Provides high-quality infrastructure and customs and tax incentives to attract global companies.
• Includes more than 8,000 companies from more than 155 countries in various fields related to cars.

Sharjah Technology and Innovation Free Zone (SHIEC):

• Established in 2016 and focuses on the technology, innovation and creative industries sectors.
• Provides a stimulating environment for startups and innovative projects through incentives, financial support and administrative facilities.
• Includes more than 800 startups and diverse technology companies.

Sharjah Aviation Free Zone (SAIF Zone – Aviation):

• Established in 2007 and focuses on the aviation, aircraft and related industries sector.
• It provides advanced infrastructure and integrated logistics services for airlines and aircraft companies.
• It includes more than 150 companies operating in the fields of aviation and supporting industries.
• These are the most prominent free zones in Sharjah, which form part of the economic and development infrastructure of the Emirate of Sharjah.

In conclusion, establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone is an attractive strategic step for investors and entrepreneurs seeking to benefit from the favorable investment environment and multiple advantages offered by this free zone. By following specific steps that include choosing a business activity, preparing legal documents, and obtaining the necessary licenses, companies can achieve a strong and sustainable start. These procedures ensure the establishment of a company capable of competing and growing in the thriving Dubai market. Whether you are a local or international investor, the Sharjah Free Zone provides you with advanced infrastructure and simplified establishment procedures, making it easier to achieve your business vision and future goals successfully.

Frequently asked questions about establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone

Are support services available for companies in the Sharjah Free Zone?
Yes, the free zone offers a wide range of support services such as legal and accounting consultancy, telecommunications services, and logistics support.

Can I get residence visas for employees after establishing a company?

Yes, companies in the Sharjah Free Zone can apply for residence visas for employees and managers.

What are the annual fees for renewing a business license in the Sharjah Free Zone?
The annual fees vary based on the type of business activity and license. The specific fees should be checked with the Free Zone Authority.

Is there a minimum capital required to establish a company in the Sharjah Free Zone?
Some activities do not require a minimum capital, but requirements may vary based on the type of activity and legal form of the company.

What are the main advantages of establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone?
The main advantages include full foreign ownership, tax exemptions, easy access to global markets, advanced infrastructure, and simplified incorporation procedures.