Setting up a business in Sharjah Free Zone, but not sure where to start? Between paperwork, approvals, and choosing the right license, it can feel overwhelming. Simplify the process with Safe Ledger!
Sharjah, the third-largest emirate of the UAE, is rapidly becoming a preferred hub for entrepreneurs and investors seeking cost-effective and flexible business setup options. With its strategic location, affordable licensing packages, and investor-friendly policies, the Sharjah Free Zones offer a gateway to both Middle Eastern and international markets.
Whether you are starting a small trading company, a service firm, or a light manufacturing unit, Sharjah’s free zones provide diverse opportunities with minimal bureaucracy. Sharjah’s free zones are designed to serve as gateways to both the local and international markets.
With a forward-thinking government and a strong focus on innovation, the emirate provides a supportive environment for businesses of all sizes, from tech startups to large industrial operations.
Choosing the right location is the first step toward business success. Sharjah free zones offer a compelling value proposition that stands out in the UAE market.
The benefits of a Sharjah free zone company formation are numerous and attract investors from around the world:
There is no personal income tax.
Sharjah is home to several distinct free zones, each with its own specializations, advantages, and facilities. Choosing the right free zone depends on your business activity, budget, and long-term goals.
One of the oldest and most established free zones in the region, SAIF Zone is a hub for industrial, commercial, and logistics companies. Located next to Sharjah International Airport, it offers a strategic advantage for businesses involved in import, export, and trading. SAIF Zone is known for its world-class infrastructure, warehouses, and extensive office facilities.
As one of the largest industrial free zones in the UAE, Hamriyah Free Zone is ideal for companies in the manufacturing, oil and gas, maritime, and heavy industry sectors. It provides businesses with access to deepwater ports, ready-to-use land for development, and a wide range of industrial facilities.
Shams is a modern and rapidly growing free zone focused on media, creative industries, and technology. It is a highly attractive option for freelancers, consultants, and startups due to its competitive pricing and simplified company formation process. Shams offers flexible desk options and a wide range of media-related business activities.
SPC is the world’s first free zone dedicated to the publishing and creative industries. It caters to a wide range of activities, including printing, publishing, distribution, and e-commerce. SPC is a great choice for businesses looking for a simplified setup process and access to a niche community.
SRTIP is a free zone focused on research, development, and innovation. It provides a supportive ecosystem for tech startups, researchers, and innovators. Located near major universities, SRTIP offers state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative environment for R&D-intensive businesses.
Finding the perfect Free Zone in Sharjah, UAE, often depends on multiple factors:
Sharjah Free Zones offer a wide range of license types to suit almost any business activity.
The documents required for a Business Setup in Sharjah are minimal and vary slightly depending on your chosen free zone and legal structure.
For Corporate Shareholders (if the company is owned by another company):
The cost of setting up a business in Sharjah is a key factor for many entrepreneurs. While prices vary by free zone, license type, and facility, here is a general overview:
It is crucial to get a full, transparent quote that includes all government and administrative fees to avoid any surprises.
The process for a company formation in a Sharjah free zone is designed to be fast and efficient. Here are the steps involved:
This is the most critical first step. You must decide on your exact business activities. Based on this, you will choose a legal structure:
Select a unique name for your company that complies with the free zone’s naming conventions. The name should not be offensive and should not be similar to any existing companies.
Choose the facility that best suits your needs:
Gather all the documents mentioned earlier and submit them to the free zone authority. This is often the most time-consuming part, and ensuring all documents are correct and complete is essential.
The free zone authority will review your application and documents. Once everything is in order, you will receive an initial approval to proceed.
After approval, you will make the necessary payments for the license and any facility leases. The free zone will then issue your business license and Certificate of Incorporation.
With your new company documents, you can now open a corporate bank account in a local or international bank in the UAE.
Once your company is licensed, you can apply for entry permits and residence visas for yourself, your employees, and their dependents.
Ready to launch your business in Sharjah Free Zone?
Contact Safe Ledger now and let our experts guide you through every step, from choosing the right setup to securing your license.
A successful setup goes beyond just getting a license. These are some of the long-term considerations you need to be aware of.
The number of visas you can apply for is often tied to your chosen facility and license package. Larger offices or more expensive packages generally come with more visa slots.
UAE introduced a 9% Corporate Tax in 2023. However, a “Qualifying Free Zone Person” can benefit from a 0% tax rate on their “Qualifying Income.” It’s important to understand the specific rules and ensure you meet the requirements. You must also register for VAT if your annual turnover exceeds AED 375,000.
Your freezone business setup license in Sharjah must be renewed annually. The free zone authority will notify you of the renewal deadlines. Timely renewal and compliance with all free zone regulations are essential to keep your license active.
UAE law and free zone regulations require all companies to maintain proper books of accounts. Some free zones also require an annual audit report to be submitted at the time of renewal.
Opening a corporate bank account can sometimes be challenging, with banks requiring extensive documentation and background checks. Working with a Business Setup partner can streamline this process by guiding you through the requirements and introducing you to the right banking contacts.
The visa process involves medical tests, an Emirates ID application, and visa stamping.
Key benefits for forming a company in Sharjah Free Zone includes:
With all documents in order, license issuance can take just a few days. The complete process, including visa and bank account setup, may take a few weeks.
The starting cost for a license and flexi-desk package is around AED 6,000. Total costs depend on the number of visas, facilities, and added services.
Yes, free zone companies in Sharjah allow 100% foreign ownership without needing a local partner.
No, many free zones offer flexible workspace options like Flexi-Desks or co-working spaces that fulfill the physical presence requirement.
Yes, but with restrictions. To sell directly on the mainland, you must either appoint a local distributor or set up a mainland branch of your company.
While there is no personal income tax, UAE corporate tax may apply. Qualifying Free Zone Persons can benefit from a 0% tax on qualifying income. VAT registration is mandatory if turnover exceeds AED 375,000.
You’ll need a passport copy and a visa copy (if applicable). For corporate shareholders, parent company documents are also required.
Yes, once you obtain your own residence visa through the company, you can sponsor visas for your family members.
No, you can start a Free Zone company without being a UAE resident. You can then apply for a residence visa through your new business.
Safe Ledger offers expert guidance on the best Free Zone for your business, handles documentation, licensing, visa processing, and bank account opening—all with transparent pricing and dedicated support.
Your information is safe with us. We never
share your details.
UAE laws & notary approved
POAs prepared within a single business day
No office visits, fast, digital, hassle free
Handled by top-tier legal professionals
