Business setup in Sharjah Free Zones UAE

How to Register a Company in Sharjah Free Zone

The initial step involves preparing company formation documents, with a predetermined decision on the number of company owners. For instance, if there is a single owner, the setup can be established as a Sole Establishment (equivalent to a Sole Proprietorship). In the case of multiple owners, establishing the company as a Limited Liability Company is an option.

It’s crucial to note that only Limited Liability Company structures, including the Sole Establishment company structure, are permitted in free zones. If not a Sole Establishment, the company must be registered as a Limited Liability Company, requiring a minimum of two shareholders and allowing a maximum of 50. In a Limited Liability Company, all shareholders possess an equal number of shares, without distinctions between majority and minority shareholders.

A single-owner Sole Establishment company in a free zone is denoted by the initials FZE, representing Free Zone Establishment. In the case of a Limited Liability Company in a free zone, it uses FZC or FZCO, signifying Free Zone Company. Some entities opt for FZ-LLC, which stands for Free Zone-Limited Liability Company.

Securing commercial space in the free zone is another essential step. Depending on operational requirements, this space may include offices, warehouses, or a combination of both. Free zones offer diverse options, ranging from various warehouse sizes to flexible office solutions such as co-working spaces or fully furnished offices.

Additionally, some free zones may allow the rental of semi-furnished office space, providing the opportunity for customized interiors. The general guideline is to lease 100 square feet of commercial space for each planned employee. For businesses looking to start small and expand gradually, the flexibility to move into larger office spaces is available.

A notable advantage of scaling up in a free zone is the stability of the registered office address, which remains unchanged even when moving to different offices or warehouses. The registered address is typically a PO Box within the free zone, allowing businesses to scale up or down seamlessly.

List of Documents Required for Sharjah Free zone Business Setup

• Passport copy
• Visa copy (if currently residing in the United Arab Emirates)
• Emirates ID copy (if a resident of the United Arab Emirates)
• Proof of residency in your country of residence (if not residing in the UAE)
• Articles of Incorporation / Company Formation Documents
• Lease Agreement copy for the leased commercial space
• Additional necessary approvals
• Documents related to individuals must be submitted for each shareholder.

What you need to know about setting up in Sharjah Airport International Freezone (SAIF Zone)

1. Get multiple visas without committing to an office

The appeal of the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone is heightened by its offering, allowing entrepreneurs to apply for up to three visas without the requirement to lease physical office space. This flexibility caters to solo entrepreneurs and small business owners looking for a quick start without the need for a dedicated office every day. The flexi-desk package in Sharjah Free Zone not only provides the potential for three visas but also grants access to various office services, including desk space, conference room rentals, reception support, and equipment usage on a per-need basis. For businesses in need of additional visas, leasing an office space as small as 24 square meters permits the application for up to six visas.

2. Keep costs down

Taking the cost aspect into consideration in most business decisions, the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone stands out favorably. The initial estimated setup expenses for the free zone’s flexi-desk package, inclusive of three visas, total approximately AED 25,000. Moreover, SAIF-ZONE frequently conducts periodic promotions, reducing the cost to around AED 18,000, presenting an attractive proposition for businesses. The initial setup costs for the flexi-desk package, covering three visas, amount to approximately AED 25,000.

3. Set up your business quickly and easily

The process of registering a company in Sharjah Free Zone is not only swift but also uncomplicated. The required documentation is minimal, typically involving the completion of the free zone application form, submission of a project or business summary, and providing copies of the shareholders’ passports. In general, the entire process can be concluded within approximately 48 hours.

4. Benefit from the variety of business types available

A key appeal for businesses setting up in Sharjah Free Zone is its extensive support for various business types. Sharjah Free Zone issues licenses for general trading, commercial, service, and industrial activities, accommodating a wide range of organizations. With its strategic location at Sharjah International Airport and the availability of dedicated warehousing, storage, and container parking facilities, the free zone is particularly favored by businesses in the import/export, freight, and cargo industries.

5. Choose from a variety of business setup options

SAIF-ZONE not only accommodates companies with up to five shareholders but also offers a variety of business setup options. The free zone includes Free Zone Establishments (FZEs), Free Zone Companies (FZCs), subsidiaries, and branches of existing local or foreign businesses.

6. Benefit from highly-respected auditing process:

Sharjah Free Zone is well-regarded for its efficient and comprehensive incorporation and auditing procedures, positioning it as one of the most respected free zones in this regard. To obtain a certificate of incorporation/share certificates, business owners are required to submit a letter of appointment from an auditor and evidence of a minimum share capital of AED 150,000. Alternatively, SAIF-ZONE frequently runs promotions that exempt these requirements, catering to entrepreneurs seeking a streamlined process with minimal paperwork.

7.  Get assistance establishing your corporate bank account

Sharjah Freezone offers valuable assistance in alleviating the paperwork burden for new business owners by facilitating the establishment of a corporate bank account. In addition to providing guidance on the most suitable bank based on individual needs, the staff at Sharjah Airport International Free Zone can assist in completing applications and arrange meetings with financial institutions on behalf of entrepreneurs.

8. Sponsor your dependants with ease: 

Choosing to set up your business in Sharjah Airport International Free Zone makes acquiring your own visa straightforward, and sponsoring dependents and domestic staff for their visas is relatively uncomplicated. Whether you require a visa for a spouse, child, maid, or driver, the process involves four simple stages: entry permit, status adjustment, a medical fitness test, and Emirates ID registration along with visa stamping. Due to the importance of this process, it is advisable to seek advice from an expert in setting up UAE free zone businesses to ensure that both you and those you intend to sponsor meet the entry criteria before initiating the application.

9. Leverage the strategic location:

In addition to being situated at Sharjah International Airport, offering access to a substantial market, Sharjah Free Zone features excellent road and sea connectivity. The nearby E88 provides swift access to the bustling sea ports of Khalid and Hamriyah in just half an hour, while the port of Khor Fakkan, connected to major east-west shipping routes, is a little over an hour and a half away.