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Business Setup in Sharjah Free Zone

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Business Setup in Sharjah Free Zone

Choosing Sharjah Free Zones for Business

Sharjah’s reputation as a top business destination has grown significantly with the rise of its free zones. Free zones in Sharjah offer the perfect blend of tax advantages and a world-class business environment, which is why today they host numerous MNCs, big brands, and growing startups.

Business setup in Sharjah free zone brings entrepreneurs to a platform where they can engage in various kinds of business activities with 100% ownership rights and access to rich markets. For those seeking to build their business on solid ground, Sharjah free zone is the place to be.

Sharjah Freezone

With the expert support of corporate advisors at Dubiz, your journey to establish a business in Sharjah free zone becomes seamless, rewarding and efficient. We will handle the business license, visas, business bank account, documentation, and all other essential work, to deliver you the best company formation experience.

Sharjah free zones are recognized as business-friendly economic zones that offer a simple and cost-effective process for various kinds of business setups. These zones provide specialized support across diverse industries, including finance, science, media, healthcare, IT, consulting, marketing, and many more.

Today, Sharjah is home to 66,000+ businesses who have proudly chosen it as their base of operations. If you are planning to set up in one of its thriving free zones, you are making a smart and strategic move.

Distinguishing Features of Sharjah Free Zones

Going for business setup in Sharjah free zone introduces you to the following benefits:

  • Strategic location with access to international markets

  • Affordable setup costs ideal for startups and SMEs

  • No income tax plus import/export duty exemptions

  • 100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor required

  • Proximity to major ports and international airports

  • Easy hiring with a diverse and skilled workforce

  • Corporate tax exemptions on qualifying income

  • Visa eligibility for self, employees, and families

  • Modern infrastructure and affordable office leasing

  • No restrictions on currency and global trade

Starting Sharjah Free Zone Company with Dubiz Business Setup

Business setup in Sharjah free zone offers great opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors. At Dubiz Business Setup, we have helped many aspiring entrepreneurs launch their businesses in free zones across various industries.
We are confident our corporate advisors will help you with each of your requirements and make the entire Sharjah free zone company registration journey a smooth one for you.
Ever company setup service at one place.
8+ years of solid experience in the industry.
7000+ clients across diverse industries.
Customised packages as per client’s need.
Transparent prices with no hidden charges.
50+ team of PROs, corporate and legal advisors.

Sharjah Free Zone Company Setup Cost

Sharjah free zone license cost starts from as low as AED 5750*. That is comparatively lower than the cost of business setup in Sharjah mainland. However, the costs may be higher depending on the visa quota you require, office or warehouse space, and the type of business license.

Additionally, there will be periodic (typically annual) charges for renewals and other associated fees that you should keep in mind.

Few factors determining the overall cost of your business setup in Sharjah free zone:

Business license type
Number of visas
Chosen freezone
Initial setup fees
Office space needs
Bank account setup

Top Free Zones in Sharjah

Currently there are 6 strategic free zones in Sharjah where interested investors can start their businesses:

  • Hamriyah Free Zone:

    Hamriyah Free Zone:

    UAE’s second-largest industrial free zone, Hamriyah Free Zone offers business setup in less than an hour.
  • Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF):

    Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF):

    SAIF Free Zone offers convenient access to Sharjah International Airport and is suitable for both MNCs and startups alike.
  • Sharjah Media City (SHAMS):

    Sharjah Media City (SHAMS):

    SHAMS holds a reputation as a global hub for creative and media businesses, with innovative facilities.
  • Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation (STRI) Park:

    Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation (STRI) Park:

    SRTI Park offers a top-notch innovation ecosystem, attracting innovation-focused SMEs, multinationals and startups.
  • Sharjah Publishing City:

    Sharjah Publishing City:

    For publishing, wholesale, retail and consultancy business setups, Sharjah Publishing City offers a simpler and smarter solution.
  • Sharjah Healthcare City (SHCC):

    Sharjah Healthcare City (SHCC):

    SHCC free zone is dedicated to healthcare and wellness businesses and is home to numerous hospitals and clinics.
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How To Start a Business in Sharjah Free Zone?

Through a well-structured process, you can start your free zone business setup in Sharjah successfully. Each free zone in Sharjah will have its own legal requirements. The general steps of Sharjah free zone company formation include these:
1

Plan Your Business

Decide on the business activity you will conduct. Create a business plan outlining your mission, goals, legal structure (LLC, sole establishment, etc.) and financial projections.
2

Choose the Free Zone

Based on the nature of your business and preferences, choose the most suitable free zone in Sharjah.
3

Reserve Trade Name

Register a suitable trade name with the authorities. The name must comply with the naming rules and regulations in place.
4

Office Setup

For your business, finalise a suitable office space. In free zone you get diverse options like share desks, warehouses, private offices, etc.
5

Get the Approvals

Secure initial approvals and any external clearances required for your business setup.
6

Obtain Sharjah Business License

Apply for the Sharjah free zone business license with the selected free zone authority. Submit the application form along with the required documents and fees.
7

Get the Sharjah Free Zone Visa

Apply for Sharjah free zone visas for yourself and your employees, as needed. You can also apply for family visas once you secure yours.
8

Open Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account with a suitable bank. Some banks may require a minimum initial deposit.

Documents Required for Business Setup in Sharjah Free Zone

For starting a business in one of the free zones in Sharjah, you will need to keep some basic documentation ready. It typically includes the following:
  • Passport copies of shareholders/managers
  • Passport-sized photos of shareholders/managers
  • Business plan
  • Copy of current business license/incorporation certificate, if applicable
  • No Objection Certificate from current sponsor, if applicable
  • Two years’ audited financial reports or a bank reference letter
  • Statement of intent
  • Attested and notarized resolution of the board on appointment of management
  • Attested and notarized MOA and AOA
  • Sample signatures of the appointed manager and the shareholders

The documentation required for company formation in Sharjah free zone may vary based on free zone you choose and specific business requirements. Our experts can guide you based on your special case.

Which Activities Can You Conduct in Sharjah Free zones?

Sharjah free zone company setup can engage in a variety of business activities. The common types of Sharjah free zone license include:

Note: You must get the correct license as per your activity. Also, ensure to check the availability of the desired business license in the selected specific free zone, as it can vary from one free zone to another. Our experts can help.
  • Commercial License:

    Commercial License:

    For businesses involved in buying, selling, and trading goods. This license covers activities like food, perfume, cosmetics, logistics, packaging, and more.
  • Industrial License:

    Industrial License:

    Designed for manufacturing, production, and related activities. Includes sectors such as food processing, furniture making, and other industrial operations.
  • Professional License:

    Professional License:

    Service-oriented businesses such as consultancies, legal advisors, medical services, and similar professions require professional license to operate legally.
  • Ecommerce License:

    Ecommerce License:

    Ecommerce license is for businesses conducting online sales and digital trading of variety of products through electronic platforms.
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FAQs on Business Setup in Sharjah Free Zone

Sharjah free zones do not impose many restrictions on businesses. There are no import/export fees or customs duties, no personal income tax, no limitations on currencies and repatriation, and there is also the possibility of corporate tax exemptions.

Some of the most affordable free zones in Sharjah include SHAMS (Sharjah Media City), SPC (Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone), and SRTIP (Sharjah Research, Technology & Innovation Park) where license packages start from as low as AED 5,750, depending on the business activity and license type.

There are six main free zones in Sharjah:

  • SHAMS – Sharjah Media City
  • SPC – Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone
  • SAIF Zone – Sharjah Airport International Free Zone
  • Hamriyah Free Zone
  • Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP)
  • Sharjah Healthcare City (SHCC)

Yes, foreigners can start and own 100% of their companies in Sharjah free zones.

Legal structures such as Free Zone Establishment (FZE), Free Zone Company (FZC), branch of a local or foreign company, sole establishment, and others can be set up in Sharjah free zones.