About Sharjah Free Zones
Sharjah’s free zones have become increasingly popular for business setup in recent years, attracting entrepreneurs seeking an ideal environment to thrive. With competitive housing and startup costs, Sharjah is an attractive destination for those looking to establish themselves in the UAE.
Beyond affordability, Sharjah offers exceptional connectivity, making it a key trade and transportation hub. Its extensive coastline, combined with Sharjah International Airport and the proximity to Dubai International Airport, ensures easy access to both regional and global markets. Notably, free zones like the Hamriyah Free Zone Authority and SAIF Zone are strategically located near a port and an airport, providing businesses with significant logistical advantages.
Popular Free Zones in Sharjah
Here, we highlight some of the most popular free zones in Sharjah. From healthcare and publishing to research and development and manufacturing, these free zones serve a diverse array of industry sectors.
Business Setup Costs in Sharjah Free Zones
The cost involved in forming a company is a significant concern for anyone looking to start a business. It is essential to recognize that several factors influence the costs of your venture. The first factor is the free zone you select; each of Sharjah’s free zones has different pricing for trade licenses. Typically, these licenses are offered as part of packages that include visas. This leads us to the second factor: the number of visas you require, which is crucial to consider when determining your expenses.
The duration of your license also affects the overall setup costs. Additionally, if you lease office space, those leasing costs will contribute to your total expenses. The type of workspace you choose will also vary in price; for instance, a flexi-desk is generally less expensive than a private office.
Moreover, the license price largely depends on the type of business activities you select. In some free zones, the cost increases as you add more activities. Lastly, certain free trade zones may require a minimum paid-up capital from you.
License-Types Available at Sharjah Free Zones
Free trade zones in Sharjah are known to offer a variety of license types. Typically, the license types depend on the specific industry that each free zone caters to. It’s also possible for two different free zones to have different names for similar types of licenses. Below, we have explained the most common types of licenses that can generally be opted for at most free zones in the Emirate.
License-Types Available at Sharjah Free Zones
Here are the steps for free zone company registration in Sharjah:
1. Trade name reservation
As the first step in applying for a Dubai free zone trade license, you must reserve a trade name for your company. Every free zone authority has predetermined naming conventions that your company name must comply with.
2. Signing and submission of the application form
You will sign the application form and submit it along with the following: Documents for individual shareholders
- Passport copy of the shareholder(s) and manager(s)
- Latest UAE entry stamp/visit visa copy
- Residence visa copy and Emirates ID of the shareholder(s) and manager(s) (for UAE residents)
- Address proof of the shareholder(s) and manager(s)
- Passport-sized photo of the shareholder(s) and manager(s)
Documents for corporate shareholders
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Article of Association (AOA)
- Business license (for an existing company)
- Board Resolution
- Certificate of Incorporation
Note: All documents for corporate shareholders must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) as well as the UAE Embassy in the country of issuance. Also, additional documents other than those mentioned above may be required for both individual and corporate shareholders.
3. Issuance of trade license
Upon reviewing and approving your application, the free zone authorities will issue your trade license, and with this, your Dubai free zone registration process is complete. You may then proceed with the visa application process (if applicable).
Free Zones in Sharjah
Below we have discussed some of the most sought-after free zones in Sharjah. These jurisdictions cater to a wide array of industries that include aviation, F&B, oil and gas, information technology, etc. As mentioned earlier, free zones can be either industry-specific or general purpose.
