Sharjah Airport International Free
Zone (SAIF ZONE)
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone
SAIF Zone was established in 1995 in the United Arab Emirates and is considered to be one of the main business hubs in Sharjah Airport. SAIF Zone is situated next to Sharjah International Airport thus strategic positioned with fine business connection. The free zone is a designated free zone given special tourist privileges in terms of corporate and value added taxes.
Key Highlights
Strategic Location: SAIF zone has access to one of the significant shipping points such as Port Khalid and Port Khorfakkan where import and export activities effortlessly take place
The fact that it is close to Sharjah International Airport and has a well-developed system of highways makes it very suitable in regards to its logistic and trading potential
Business Incentives: The free zone offers attractive benefits for companies, including:
- 100% foreign ownership
- 0% corporate and personal income tax (subject to compliance with regulatory requirements)
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits
- Tax exemption on imports and exports
- Fast-track licensing and visa services
Infrastructure: SAIF Zone boasts state-of-the-art facilities tailored to various business needs, including:
- Office spaces
- Warehouses
- Industrial plots
- Labor accommodation
- Container parking areas
Business Setup
The SAIF Zone tends to cover various kinds of business activities in various sectors. The free zone grants three major kinds of licenses:
- Commercial License:In trading, importation, exportation and distribution activities
- Service License:In certain service orientation kinds of business
- Industrial License:In the case of manufacturing, processing, as well as assembly activities
The process of setting up a business in the SAIF Zone typically involves the following:
- Choosing a business structure (FZE, FZCO, or branch office)
- Selecting appropriate business activities
- Applying for the relevant license
- Submitting required documents
- Paying applicable fees
Business Community
SAIF Zone has attracted over 8,000 companies from more than 160 countries
The free zone is particularly popular among businesses in sectors such as:
- Trading and logistics
- Manufacturing
- E-commerce
- Professional services
- Aviation-related industries
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone is a place where companies want to open a new organization or expand the existing one in the UAE and the Middle East area in general. The company benefits in a special way in terms of location, modern infrastructure and their business-friendly policies.
The procedure to establish a company at Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) includes following main processes:
Select Your Business Enterprise and Organisation
The first step will be to identify the business activity you wish to conduct within the SAIF Zone. Next, choose a proper structure of the company:
- Free Zone Establishment (FZE): For a single shareholder
- Free Zone Company (FZC): For 2-5 shareholders
- Branch of a Foreign/UAE Company: For existing companies expanding to SAIF Zone
Name and Register Your Company
- Choose and book company name which will meet SAIF Zone naming conditions
- Prepare and submit the required documents, including:
- Completed application form
- Passport copies of shareholders/managers
- Business plan
- Proof of address for shareholders/managers
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (for FZE/FZC)
- Obtain initial approval from SAIF Zone authorities
Secure Office Space and License
- Pick and rent a suitable office or facility at the SAIF Zone
- The required cost of licensing and office space and other administrative related expenses must be paid.
- Obtain your company documents including business license, retail business license, and others.
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Share Certificate
- Lease Agreement
Complete Post-Registration Steps
- Open a corporate bank account with a UAE bank
- Apply for relevant visas for yourself and your employees. The company owner’s visa is typically valid for 3 years, while employee visas are valid for 2 years
- Set up your office and commence business operations
Additional Considerations
- The total process usually takes about ten days on average
- SAIF Zone offers various business license packages, some including office space
- Consider engaging a business setup consultant to navigate the process smoothly
Remember that specific requirements vary based on your business activity and the latest regulations. Always verify the most current procedures with SAIF Zone authorities or trusted business setup consultants like Alpha Equity to register a company efficiently and cost-effectively.
The Cost Estimate of setting up a normal firm in Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF ZONE) will be around AED 18,500 (USD2,995). This cost can depend on the needs of the investors and the facilities required in order to successfully carry on with the business. This is a Free Zone that receives special treatment of taxes and benefits when it comes to paying custom duties.
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If you are ready to start your business in the UAE, Alpha Equity MC is here to help. As a Top Corporate and Business Setup Service Provider in UAE, we offer the best services to make your business journey smooth and successful. Contact us today to find out how we can help you!