Sharjah Airport International Free Zone
Free zones are an attractive option for any business setting up in the UAE. Free zones contribute approximately one-third of the nation’s revenue, excluding the oil sector, and provide numerous advantages to entrepreneurs and business proprietors.
These include the absence of corporate and income taxes, complete ownership of companies, full repatriation of capital and profits, no restrictions on foreign exchange, and total exemption from import and export duties.
These essential benefits are common to all free trade zones, but not all free trade zones are the same.
Each region has its own advantages, depending on its location, the services offered and the type of businesses that can be located there.
In this latest instalment of our free zones article, we explore the unique benefits of setting up shop in the Sharjah International Airport Free Zone (SAIF).
The Emirate of Sharjah accounts for more than a third of the UAE’s total industrial activity and offers access to a global market of over two billion people, all just a four-hour flight from the city. The free zone is ideally located near Sharjah International Airport and takes full advantage of its excellent transportation links.
If you are still considering the possibilities of starting a business in a free zone, here is everything you need to know to decide if starting a business in Sharjah is the right choice for you.
What you need to know about starting a business in Sharjah Airport International Freezone (SAIF Zone)
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Apply For Multiple Visas Without Being Tied To A Single Office:
One of the many reasons for the Sharjah International Free Zone’s popularity is that entrepreneurs can apply for up to three visas without having to rent a physical office. It is ideal for solo entrepreneurs and small businesses that want to get up and running quickly but don’t need a fixed office daily.
In addition to the three-visa option, Sharjah Free Zone’s Flexi Desk package also gives entrepreneurs access to a range of office services, such as desks, conference room rental, reception staff and use of equipment on request.
Businesses that require more visas can apply for up to six visas with an office space as small as 24 square meters.
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Keep Costs Down
As with most business decisions, price plays a role when establishing a free zone – and Sharjah Airport International Freezone performs well here too. The initial cost of the free zone’s Flexi Desk package including three visas is around AED 25,000. SAIF-ZONE is also known for its regular promotions that bring this cost down to almost AED 18,000.
The initial cost of the Free Zone Flexi-desk package (including the three visas) is approximately AED 25,000.
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Start Your Business Quickly And Easily
Registering a company in the Sharjah Free Zone is not only quick but also easy. Minimal documentation is required.
Usually just the free zone application form, a project/company outline and copies of the shareholders’ passports. The entire process usually takes around 48 hours.
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Take Advantage Of The Many Different Business Models Available
Another significant incentive for companies to establish a presence in the Sharjah Free Zone is the diverse range of business types available.
The Sharjah Free Zone issues licenses for general trade, service and industrial activities to a wide range of organisations. Due to the free zone’s location close to Sharjah International Airport.
The associated warehousing, storage and container parking facilities, the zone is naturally particularly popular with companies in the import/export, freight and freight transport sectors.
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Choose Between Different Options For Starting A Business
In addition to companies with a maximum of five shareholders, the SAIF zone is also open to various types of business establishments. The free zone accepts branches ( FZE ), free zone companies ( FZC ), subsidiaries and branches of existing local or foreign companies.
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Benefit From A Highly Respected Audit Process
Sharjah Free Zone’s smooth and comprehensive incorporation and auditing procedures make it one of the most respected free zones in the industry.
Entrepreneurs seeking to obtain a certificate of incorporation or share certificates must provide a letter of authority from an accountant and proof of a minimum share capital of AED 150,000.
For entrepreneurs who are less concerned about paperwork and formalities, Sharjah Free Zone regularly organises campaigns to circumvent these requirements.
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Get Help Opening Your Business Bank Account
Sharjah Freezone supports new entrepreneurs in opening a business account and simplifies paperwork.
The team at Sharjah Airport International Free Zone is ready to assist you in selecting the appropriate bank for your specific requirements, as well as guide you through the application process and arrange meetings with financial institutions.
The Sharjah Free Zone aids new entrepreneurs in establishing a corporate bank account, simplifying the process by reducing paperwork.
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Sponsor Your Family Members Easily
Suppose you choose to start a business in the Sharjah International Free Zone. In that case, it is not only easy to obtain your own visa, but it is also relatively easy to sponsor your family members and domestic staff.
Whether you need a visa for a spouse, child, domestic worker or driver, the process involves four simple steps: entry permit, adjustment of status, medical fitness assessment, registration of an Emirates ID and visa stamping.
Since this is such a critical process, it is advisable to consult with an expert in UAE Free Zone company formation before applying to ensure that both you and the people you intend to sponsor meet the eligibility criteria.
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Take Advantage Of The Strategic Location
The Sharjah Free Zone is not only conveniently located near Sharjah International Airport – and the significant market it serves, but also boasts good road and sea connections.
The adjacent E88 provides access to the busy ports of Khalid and Hamriyah in half an hour, while the port of Khor Fakkan (with links to major east-west sea routes) is just over an hour and a half away.
The Sharjah Free Zone is not only conveniently located near Sharjah International Airport, which offers a significant market, but is also easily accessible by road and sea.
Welcome To Your New Store In Sharjah
You are convinced of the benefits of starting a business in the Sharjah International Free Zone. What is the next step? Several steps are required, some complex, others less complex.
Typically, you start by choosing your business activity. Then you choose a company name, complete and submit the registration forms to the relevant authorities, open a bank account and apply for the necessary visas.
However, the details of this process will depend mainly on the type of permit you are applying for and the type of business you intend to run.
Therefore, always consult a business formation expert before beginning these steps. They will guide you through each step and ensure that it does not take more than a few hours of your time.