Setup your business in Sharjah
Sharjah Free Zone Company Setup
Sharjah is a dynamic administrative region of the United Arab Emirates, famous for its investment-friendly laws and a robust economy. Sharjah has introduced many free zones that are perfect for business growth. These zones are attractive to business people — generally start-ups and smaller ventures — for their tax benefits, full foreign ownership, and simple procedures. Sharjah offers different types of free zones meant to suit different business interests.
Sharjah is the economical alternative to Dubai to set up a business, in the proximity of the International Airport and ports on the east and west coast of the Arabian Gulf. Sharjah has been the safest global city with an enormous economic energy supply. The judicial system of Sharjah is fair, and the economy is liberal with property lease rates and competitive fee structures.
Sharjah has a growing economic expansion and rewarding industrial destinations to bring in foreign investment. The Government of Sharjah knows the significance of the service, trade and manufacturing sectors to support the country’s economy, and has devised policies to promote foreign investment.
At a glance
Sharjah key facts
4,500+
Companies in SAIF Zone
91
Countries represented
0%
Income & corporate tax
100%
Foreign ownership
The directory
Best free zones in Sharjah
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone)
Foreign investment has continued to grow in SAIF Zone, which now hosts a diverse number of businesses and industries. It is particularly open to manufacturing, trade, logistics, and service related businesses, and provides world-class amenities such as buildings, offices, and plots of land for industrial use.
Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZ)
Hamriyah Free Zone is located beside the sea port and many major roads. It facilitates companies in warehousing and commercial businesses, and incorporates industrial company settlements, an industrial area for heavy manufacturing, a petrochemicals zone as well as one for the steel industry.
Sharjah Media City (Shams)
One of the most geared-up free zones for creative and media industries, Shams is an excellent location for production, advertising, editing, and video making. It is quick and inexpensive to get a licence, and e-commerce and business services are also supported.
Sharjah Publishing City (SPC Free Zone)
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone is the world’s first free zone for publishing and printing. It provides office spaces of varying sizes, warehouses and licences capable of meeting the requirements of every business.
USA Regional Trade Center (USARTC)
Founded in 2011 as part of Sharjah’s objective to be a hub for foreign trade and an investment-driven economy. USARTC helps small and medium sized enterprises to trade in the Middle East and North Africa region and establish a presence in the UAE.
Key advantages
Why choose Sharjah free zones?
There are various advantages of Sharjah’s free zones that make them popular among foreign businessmen. Some of these advantages include the following:
100% foreign ownership
No personal or corporate taxes
Full repatriation of capital and profits
Modern infrastructure and facilities
Access to international markets
A modern legal framework with zero foreign exchange controls, quotas or trade barriers
Exemption from import and export taxes and other commercial levies
Warehousing facilities where investors can store goods for two months free of charge
Multiple foreign and local banks with an advanced communication system
Competitive property lease rates and fee structures
Moreover, the strategic location of Sharjah, with easy access to seaports, air transportation, and neighbouring emirates, boosts its attraction as a business centre.
Company structures
How companies are formed and governed
Launched in 2009, Shurooq — the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority — is an autonomous government body focused on development, asset and property management and investment in the emirate. It oversees the economic, social, cultural and environmental development of Sharjah. Expatriates can choose between two business jurisdictions in Sharjah: free zone or mainland. Within the free zones, two kinds of company can be set up based on shareholding.
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
A limited liability company set up with a single shareholder.
Free Zone Company (FZC)
A limited liability company set up with multiple shareholders — five or fewer.
Ready to set up in Sharjah?
Entrepreneurs, local businesses and multinational corporations are all welcome to take advantage of Sharjah’s economic freedoms. These zones work across a wide range of sectors, which is good news for anyone considering investing in the UAE.
There is a pathway to set up a business in Sharjah that builds customer relations, long-term contracts and continuous trade orders across the UAE. Talk to our consultants and we will help you choose the right free zone and licence for your activity.
Wider picture
Benefits of setting up business in the UAE
- 100% foreign ownership
- Tax benefits
- Duty free
- Low operational cost
- Low freight charge
- Abundant & inexpensive energy
- Exemption from all import and export duties
- Freedom to recruit expatriates
- Freehold offices available on sale or lease
- Readymade offices, factories & warehouses
- Free transfer of funds
- No foreign exchange control
