We offer you to register a UAE company in the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF).
It is possible to do it without a personal visit to the UAE. Company shareholders can issue a power of attorney for registration, but its manager has to visit the country for signing documents.
- What is SAIF Free Zone and what are its benefits for companies?
- Main benefits of UAE company registration in Sharjah Airport Free Zone
- What company types are available in SAIF Free Zone?
- What types of licenses are available for SAIF Zone companies?
- Sharjah International Airport Free Zone rules
- What authorized capital is required to register a company in Sharjah free zone?
- Hiring employees for SAIF Zone company
- UAE resident visas in Sharjah Airport Free Zone
- Documents required for UAE residence visa application
- Accounting in SAIF Free Zone
- What premises are available for SAIF companies?
- Communication and power supply services available in SAIF Free Zone
- SAIF Zone company registration procedure
- Documents required to register a company in Sharjah free zone
- Documents required to register a branch in SAIF Zone
- The cost of registering a SAIF Zone company
- How to start a company registration process in SAIF Zone?
What is SAIF Free Zone and what are its benefits for companies?
SAIF Zone provides attractive business conditions, including high speed of service and convenience of work. It offers a 24/7 licensing service that allows registering and launching companies faster than in many other locations.
More than two billion people live within a four-hour flight from this free zone, allowing your company to have a huge potential customer base. The Emirate of Sharjah is dynamically developing. More than a third of UAE industrial production concentrates here.
Sharjah has well-established connections with the rest of the world. That’s why registering a company in SAIF Free Zone will provide significant advantages for international business. At the same time, the company owner receives a zero-taxation regime of personal and corporate income and the absence of import and export duties.
Versatility has always been one of this free zone’s priorities. SAIF companies have the opportunity to use not only office spaces but also storage facilities, container sites, bunkers, etc. All of this is available at the lowest price and the highest quality.
The zone has air-conditioned office spaces with pre-installed furniture and additional secretarial and reception services. Ready-to-use warehouses of four different sizes with built-in office premises, land plots for own buildings construction, container parks, and temporary storage warehouses are also available.
Registering a company in the Sharjah airport free zone will allow you to attract unlimited labor resources for your business. In addition, the company can obtain resident visas for its employees (the number of visas depends on the size of the business).
Due to such SAIF Zone advantages, many reputable international companies operating in the Middle East have chosen it for their headquarters.
Foreign investors can fully own SAIF Zone companies. At the same time, the owners get the opportunity for completely unhindered funds transfers and capital and profit repatriation.
The creation of SAIF Free Zone became possible due to the Government of Sharjah’s commitment to free trade. It has a favorable location adjacent to Sharjah International Airport and close to the city center. At the same time, Dubai ports are also close, and Khor Fakkan port in the Indian Ocean is only 120 kilometers away. Thus, SAIF companies have convenient access to the UAE western and eastern coasts.
This free zone is an ideal platform for all types of business due to the efficient business environment and the developed infrastructure. You can engage in manufacturing or packaging of goods, re-export, import, trade, and other activities here.
In SAIF Free Zone, companies have access to such benefits as quick issuance of service, trade and production licenses, quick resolution of employees visa issues, cheap electricity and labor, and inexpensive housing for workers.
Many services are available in SAIF Zone, such as:
- Internet and computer training;
- consulting services;
- international courier services;
- legal services;
- customs services;
- traffic police department services;
- gas stations;
- restaurants;
- banks;
- travel agencies;
- post office;
- medical center;
- secretarial services;
- security service;
- bus service to the city.
More than 40 international banks in Sharjah can provide financing for free zone companies. Therefore, SAIF Zone is ideal for all categories of light and medium industrial enterprises.
A low-cost bus runs five times a day from the free zone to the city center.
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Main benefits of UAE company registration in Sharjah Airport Free Zone
- possibility to 100% own the company for foreigners;
- no restrictions on capital and profits withdrawal;
- no personal and corporate income taxes;
- no import and export duties within the free zone territory;
- strategic location;
- global and regional communications with excellent maritime, land, and air transport links;
- global airlines around the world through Sharjah International Airport;
- lease for 25 years, renewable for the same period;
- selection of ready-to-use warehouses and office spaces of various sizes;
- free funds transfer and a stable currency pegged to the US dollar;
- issuing a license in just 24 hours;
- providing equipment and workers for cargo operations within 24 hours;
- possibility to live in the free zone territory for employees;
- possibility of obtaining UAE resident visas for all company employees;
- no restrictions on hiring foreign employees (the number of visas depends on the size of the business);
- possibility to rent a real office, which presence will help open a bank account;
- low company registration prices, which makes this zone very competitive nowadays;
- availability of interesting business activities, such as investing own financial resources, investment consulting, freight forwarding, and aviation activities.
Our experts will also help you open a bank account in Dubai, Sharjah, or any other place in the UAE.
What company types are available in SAIF Free Zone?
It is possible to register the following types of companies in this free zone:
- FZE (Free Zone Establishment) – is a sole proprietorship with limited liability that one individual or legal entity creates. Such a company forms a separate legal entity with its own financial responsibility.
- FZC (Free Zone Company) – this is a limited liability company created by two or more persons. Such a company also forms a separate legal entity with its own financial responsibility.
- Branch of UAE company.
- Branch of a foreign company established outside the UAE.
One person can participate in several companies at once.
What types of licenses are available for SAIF Zone companies?
The following types of licenses are available in SAIF Zone:
- Trade license:
- Commercial license. This license allows import, export, distribution, and storage of specified product groups. The maximum limit is three similar product groups.
- General trading license. This type of license does not have a limit of product groups. It can be obtained under a commercial license.
- Service license. Such a license allows a company to provide specified services. However, you can work only in the free zone territory.
- Industrial license. This license authorizes the import of raw materials, production, processing, assembly, packaging, and export of finished products. The free zone authorities allow all types of industrial activities, except for the leather industry, pesticides production and packaging, battery factories, and production and packaging of any materials that lead to ozone layer destruction.
The license issued by SAIF Zone authorities is valid for doing business only in the free zone territory. Therefore, you cannot use it in any other emirates.
After paying customs duties, you will be able to sell products in the UAE local market.
Sharjah International Airport Free Zone rules
SAIF Zone has introduced Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) standards in addition to pollution safety measures. Their aim is to control environmental pollution such as air pollution, noise, etc.
Subject to environmental and health protection standards, SAIF authorities allow the opening of even pharmaceutical factories.
You can import natural and artificial dyes into the zone. However, the import of chemical compounds containing radioactive substances is prohibited.
The free zone has garbage containers and small bins located at various premises points. It is mandatory to dispose household and non-hazardous waste only there.
What authorized capital is required to register a company in Sharjah free zone?
When registering FZE or FZC, the company’s minimum authorized capital is AED 150,000 dirhams (USD 41,000). However, there is no minimum capital requirement for foreign or local company branch opening.
The authorized capital is declared, but its payment is not mandatory.
Hiring employees for SAIF Zone company
When hiring employees, the company has to apply for UAE resident visas for them.
SAIF Zone can provide you with additional workers, couriers, and technical specialists for hire.
The maximum number of employees depends on the company’s type and size.
UAE resident visas in Sharjah Airport Free Zone
When registering a company in SAIF Zone, it is possible to obtain UAE resident visas for its owner and employees.
The company owner company can also bring their family to the UAE and obtain resident visas for them. After that, family members will be able to work in the country.
In SAIF Zone, it is possible to obtain such visa types:
- an investor visa for the company owner (valid for three years)
- and an employee visa (valid for two years).
To open visas, a company has to connect to the e-channel (online immigration system).
Subsequently, an investor will be able to obtain a UAE tax residence certificate.
Documents required for UAE residence visa application
- license copy
- migration card copy
- copies of all shareholders’ passports
- copies of all shareholders’ visas or immigration reports (with clear UID)
- applicant’s color photos
- diploma (for a work visa). Only certain positions are allowed without it.
Accounting in SAIF Free Zone
To resolve this issue, you can contact us. Our experts will help you with accounting in the UAE.
What premises are available for SAIF companies?
All business properties can be leased for up to 25 years. After this period, you can extend the lease. Lease payments are made on an annual basis.
The security service of the free zone operates 24/7.
Offices
The free zone offers:
- SAIF Desk – a desk in the office for three companies.
- SAIF Office – an unfurnished office, the price of which already includes utility bills;
- SAIF Executive Office – fully furnished air-conditioned office, the price of which already includes utility bills, secretarial and reception services, and parking space. Such an office area starts from 21 square meters.
The free zone also can assist in purchasing furniture at competitive prices.
Land
SAIF Free Zone leases land for construction. The minimum size of such a plot is 2500 square meters. The authorities do not charge rent for the first two months. This grace period is intended for buildings construction. The deferred payment period for construction is up to 6 months. The free zone provides building permits and other documents.
The zone also provides a list of contractors for warehouse or factory construction.
Ready-to-use warehouses
- 125 square meters warehouse. It consists of a 103 square meters warehouse area and 22 square meters office space with facilities.
- 250 square meters warehouse. It consists of a 190 square meters warehouse area and 60 square meters office space with facilities.
- 400 square meters warehouse. It consists of a 340 square meters warehouse area and 60 square meters office space with facilities.
- 600 square meters warehouse. It consists of a 450 square meters warehouse area and 150 square meters office space with facilities.
Temporary storage
- Warehouse
- Container park
Housing for company employees
The employee housing complex includes 82 buildings that can accommodate more than 14,500 people. This complex has all the necessary infrastructure, including a mosque, various retail stores, restaurants, supermarkets, a pharmacy, and a clinic. Residents also have access to active recreation facilities, such as tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, and a large parking space for cars and bicycles.
Communication and power supply services available in SAIF Free Zone
Local and international telephone services, fax and internet are available in the free zone.
In Sharjah, high voltage lines of 33 kV or 11 kV and low voltage lines of 415 V (3 phases) or 230 V (1 phase) are available for power supply. The frequency is 50 Hz.
SAIF Zone company registration procedure
SAIF Zone offers a one-stop solution for all investor requests. Licenses and permits are issued within 24 hours after submitting the necessary documents.
Some business activities require a No Objection Certificate from other government agencies. The investor needs to pay extra for this service.
Documents required to register a company in Sharjah free zone
You need to provide the following documents for company registration in SAIF Zone:
- company registration application
- company activities description
- copies of owners/managers passports with the UAE entry stamp
- a letter from the UAE registered audit company confirming its appointment as the new company auditor
Documents required to register a branch in SAIF Zone
To open a branch in SAIF Free Zone, the following documents are mandatory:
- branch registration application
- branch activities description
- copies of owners/managers passports with the UAE entry stamp
- parent company Registration Certificate (for foreign companies, it should be notarized and certified by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy in the country of origin or the embassy of this country in the UAE)
- parent company Articles of Association and Memorandum of Association
- parent company Board Resolution on opening a branch in SAIF Zone and a power of attorney for authorized persons (for foreign companies, they should be notarized and certified by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy in the country of origin or the embassy of this country in the UAE)
- parent company bank statement for the last three months
- balance sheet for the last two years (if applicable)
The cost of registering a SAIF Zone company
The cost of registering a SAIF Zone company
| Service | Price |
| Our assistance in a SAIF Zone company registration | From USD 2,200 |
| If there is a corporate founder or when registering a branch | Extra USD 822 |
| Company registration fee | AED 10,000 (USD 2,730) |
| Branch registration fee | AED 5,000 (USD 1,370) |
| Company renewal assistance | USD 1,100 |
| Constituent documents amending assistance | USD 1,370 |
| Company closure | From USD 2,740 |
| Audit | USD 1,370 |
| All documents audit | From USD 2,740 |
| Offices | |
| Shared desk | AED 7,700 (USD 2,100) annually |
| SAIF Office (unfurnished) | AED 12,200 (USD 3,330) annually |
| Offices of various sizes | AED 1,200 (USD 327) per a square meter annually |
| 21 square meters office (six residence visas) | AED 34,700 (USD 9,450) annually |
| Ready-to-use warehouses | |
| 125 square meters warehouse (15 residence visas) | AED 60,400 (USD 16,460) annually. Refundable utility bill: AED 3,000 (USD 818) |
| 250 square meters warehouse (25 residence visas) | AED 100,500 (USD 27,400) annually. Refundable utility bill: AED 5,000 (USD 1,370) |
| 400 square meters warehouse (35 residence visas) | AED 140,800 (USD 38,400) annually. Refundable utility bill: AED 7,000 (USD 1,910) |
| 600 square meters warehouse (45 residence visas) | AED 200,000 (USD 54,500) annually. Refundable utility bill: AED 10,000 (USD 2,730) |
| Land plot | |
| The minimum size is 2,500 square meters. The grace period is six months. | AED 25 (USD 6.9) per a square meter annually |
| Additional services | |
| Signboard | AED 300 (USD 81.8) |
| PO Box | AED 830 dirhams (USD 227) annually |
| Migration card | Regular: AED 1,000 (USD 273), Express: AED 1,200 (USD 327) |
| Work visa | Regular: AED 9,500 (USD 2,590), Express: AED 11,900 (USD 3,250) Medical tests, Emirates ID and professional services are additional charges |
| Refundable employee deposit | One month salary and one-way home ticket purchase amount are deposited to SAIF Zone |
| Service packages with a commercial or service license | |
| Shared desk package (3 residence visas) | |
| Shared desk | AED 7,700 (USD 2,100) annually |
| Additional charges | AED 3,300 (USD 900) annually |
| Commercial or service license fee | AED 7,500 (USD 2,050) annually |
| Total | AED 18,500 (USD 5,050) annually |
| SAIF Office package (5 residence visas) | |
| SAIF Office (unfurnished) | AED 12,200 (USD 3,330) annually |
| Additional charges | AED 3,300 (USD 900) annually |
| Commercial or service license fee | AED 7,500 (USD 2,050) annually |
| Total | AED 23,000 (USD 6,270) annually |
| 21 square meters office package | |
| Office | AED 25,200 (USD 6,870) annually |
| Additional charges | AED 3,300 (USD 900) annually |
| Commercial or service license fee | AED 3,300 (USD 900) annually |
| Total | AED 36,000 (USD 9,810) annually |
| Service packages with a general trading license | |
| Shared desk package (3 residence visas) | |
| Shared desk | AED 7,700 (USD 2,100) annually |
| Additional charges | AED 3,300 (USD 900) annually |
| General trading license fee | AED 15,000 (USD 4,090) annually |
| Total | AED 26,000 (USD 7,090) annually |
| SAIF Office package (5 residence visas) | |
| SAIF Office (unfurnished) | AED 12,200 (USD 3,330) annually |
| Additional charges | AED 3,300 (USD 900) annually |
| General trading license fee | AED 15,000 (USD 4,090) annually |
| Total | AED 30,500 (USD 8,320) annually |
| 21 square meters office package | |
| Office | AED 25,200 (USD 6,870) annually |
| Additional charges | AED 3,300 (USD 900) annually |
| General trading license fee | AED 15,000 (USD 4,090) annually |
| Total | AED 43,500 (USD 11,860) annually |
| License cost | |
| License for civil aircraft hire and lease, civil aviation trading, aviation industry services | AED 15,000 (USD 4,090) annually + AED 10,000 (USD 2,730) for no objection letter |
| Commercial license for shipping sector | AED 15,000 (USD 4,090) annually |
| Service license for a specific service type | AED 7,500 (USD 2,050) annually |
| Service license for oil sector | AED 15,000 (USD 4,090) annually |
| Trade license for a specific trading type | AED 7,500 (USD 2,050) annually |
| Freight forwarding license | AED 8,500 dirhams (USD 2,330) |
| License for working with precious metals | AED 10,000 (USD 2,730) annually |
| Commercial license for working with chemical components | AED 10,000 (USD 2,730) annually |
| General trading license | AED 15,000 (USD 4,090) annually |
| Commercial license for oil sector | AED 15,000 (USD 4,090) annually |
| Service license for shipping sector | AED 15,000 (USD 4,090) annually |
| License for investing own financial resources | AED 15,000 (USD 4,090) annually |
| Audit services license | AED 7,500 (USD 2,050) annually |
| Third party logistics license | AED 10,000 (USD 2,730) annually |
| Industrial license for chemical sector | AED 10,000 (USD 2,730) annually |
| Industrial license for specific activity type | AED 7,500 (USD 2,050) annually |
| Industrial license for oil sector | AED 15,000 (USD 4,090) annually |
| Industrial license for shipping sector | AED 15,000 (USD 4,090) annually |
| Industrial license for aviation sector | AED 15,000 (USD 4,090) annually |
| Industrial license for precious metals sector | AED 10,000 (USD 2,730) annually |
How to start a company registration process in SAIF Zone?
To start the registration process, please get in touch with us at info@offshore-pro.info. You will receive professional advice on a company opening in SAIF Free Zone.
Then you will need to pay our assistance fee for registering a company in SAIF Zone.
You can pay by card, bank transaction, using WebMoney or Western Union systems, or cryptocurrencies.
The company cost starts from 7030 USD.
This amount does not include government fees, rental cost or any additional services fees.
Immediately after payment, we begin to prepare all the necessary documents for registering your company.
The average time for opening a SAIF Zone company is five business days.
