Sharjah Airport International Free Zone is one of the most prominent investment destinations in the United Arab Emirates, providing an advanced commercial environment that combines a strategic location with integrated facilities. Located in the heart of Sharjah, this free zone is a vital hub that connects regional and international markets thanks to its proximity to the international airport, which is one of the most prominent logistics centers in the region.
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone is a gateway for companies looking to expand and grow in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. It offers a variety of incentives to investors, including tax exemptions, exemptions from customs duties on imports and exports, and 100% foreign ownership, making it an ideal destination for foreign investors seeking to enter global markets without the need for a local partner.
The free zone provides a modern infrastructure including offices, warehouses and manufacturing facilities, allowing companies to operate efficiently and meet market needs with high flexibility. Sharjah Airport International Free Zone also provides integrated support services including administrative procedures, business licenses and legal consultations, which contribute to simplifying the process of establishing and operating companies.
With its strategic location and comprehensive facilities, Sharjah Airport International Free Zone is an ideal choice for companies looking to expand their business activities in a dynamic business environment. The free zone in Dubai allows investors to achieve their expansion goals with ease, enhancing their ability to compete in the growing global markets.

Procedures required to establish a company in the Sharjah International Airport Free Zone
Establishing a company in the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) requires following a set of basic steps and procedures. Here is an overview of these procedures:
- Determine the type of activity: Determine the type of business activity you intend to conduct, as this may affect the type of license required.
- Choosing a company name: Choose an appropriate name for your company and make sure it complies with the naming rules of the free zone.
- Submitting the application: Submit your application to establish the company through the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone website or by visiting the free zone offices directly.
- Choose a company location: Locate an office or workspace within the free zone and complete the rental procedures.
- Issuance of a commercial license: After reviewing and evaluating your application, the appropriate commercial license for your activity will be issued. This may include a commercial, industrial, or professional license.
- Open a bank account: Open a business bank account to facilitate your company’s financial transactions.
- Issuing Visas: Submit applications for investor and employee visas, which will allow you to employ the people needed for your business.
- Tax Registration: Ensure your company is registered for tax purposes if required, and ensure compliance with local and international laws.
- Additional procedures: Depending on the type of activity, you may need to obtain additional approvals from the relevant authorities or comply with certain requirements.
- Starting operations: After completing all the steps and procedures, you can start operating your company’s activity in the free zone.
Costs associated with setting up a company in this free zone
Setting up a company in the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) involves a range of key costs, which may vary depending on the size of the company and the type of business activity. Below is an overview of the associated costs:
- Registration Fees: This includes the company registration application fee, which includes preparing and submitting the basic documents.
- License fees: The cost of obtaining a commercial license for the company’s activity, whether it is a commercial, industrial, or professional license.
- Rental Fees: The cost of renting an office or workspace within the free zone. Rental costs may include annual or monthly fees.
- Visa Fees: Includes the costs of obtaining residence and employment visas for investors and employees. The cost varies depending on the number and type of visas.
- Incorporation costs: These include the costs of preparing legal documents such as the articles of incorporation, power of attorney, and any other legal requirements.
- Administrative service fees: These may include fees for submitting license renewal applications, amending data, or obtaining additional services from the free zone.
- Insurance costs: Various insurances may be required such as property insurance or health insurance for employees.
- Renewal fees: Costs of renewing commercial licenses and visas after they expire.
Business Activities Allowed in Sharjah Airport International Free Zone
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) offers a wide range of business activities that companies can engage in. Activities permitted in the free zone include:
- General Trading: Buying and selling of goods and merchandise. This includes importing, exporting and distributing products.
- Import and Export: Handling international shipments and distributing goods across borders.
- Industry and Manufacturing: Establishing factories and production facilities to convert raw materials into finished products.
- Logistics: Providing warehousing, shipping, distribution, and supply chain management services.
- Professional Services: Consulting, law, accounting, training, and educational services.
- E-commerce: Operating online stores and providing online commerce services.
- Research and Development: Activities related to developing new technologies, testing products, and research in technical and scientific fields.
- Printing and Packaging: Companies that work in the field of printing and packaging products.
- Financial Services: Providing financial and banking services such as financial consulting and brokerage services.
- Technology and Tech: Software Development, Website Design, IT Consulting.
- Maintenance and Repair: Maintenance and repair services for equipment and devices.
- Health services: Providing medical and health services, including private clinics and health centers.
Features of Sharjah International Airport Free Zone
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) offers a range of features that make it an attractive option for businesses. Some of the most notable features include:
- Strategic Location: The free zone is located in a prime location near Sharjah International Airport, providing easy access to global destinations and speed in shipping and distribution.
- Tax Exemptions: Companies operating in the free zone benefit from full tax exemptions on profits, as well as exemption from Value Added Tax (VAT) on business operations.
- Full Foreign Ownership: The free zone offers the possibility of 100% foreign ownership of companies, which enhances its attractiveness to international investments.
- Modern Infrastructure: The free zone offers advanced infrastructure including offices, warehouses, factories, and logistics facilities that support companies’ operations efficiently.
- Logistics Facilities: The free zone provides integrated logistics facilities including shipping and storage services, which contribute to facilitating import and export operations.
- Professional Services: The Free Zone offers a range of professional services including assistance with licensing and registration, license renewal, and legal advice.
- Ease of procedures: The region is distinguished by providing quick and simple procedures for establishing companies, which saves time and effort for investors.
- Visas and Residency: The free zone offers flexible options for obtaining residency and employment visas for investors and employees.
- Supportive business environment: The free zone provides a suitable business environment with innovative support facilities, helping companies grow and expand.
At the end of our article about Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, it is clear that this area represents one of the most prominent commercial options in the United Arab Emirates, thanks to the advantages and facilities it offers that contribute to enhancing and expanding businesses. The free zone is distinguished by its strategic location that connects the markets of the Middle East, Asia and Africa, which provides companies with wide opportunities to reach new markets.
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone offers a stimulating business environment with its advanced infrastructure and modern facilities including offices, warehouses and factories. This infrastructure not only supports efficient business operations but also contributes to enhancing the competitiveness of companies by providing integrated and innovative services.
In addition, the tax exemption benefits and freedom to repatriate profits make the free zone an attractive option for international investors. Exemption from customs duties and the provision of fast licensing through simplified procedures contribute to speeding up the establishment process and reducing operational costs.
The Sharjah Airport International Free Zone is also a vibrant hub for business partnerships and innovation, with a diverse business community that enables the exchange of knowledge and expertise. This interaction provides companies with the opportunity to expand and grow by leveraging strong business resources and networks.
Ultimately, Sharjah Airport International Free Zone reflects its commitment to providing a supportive and conducive business environment for growth and development. By investing in advanced infrastructure and offering various business benefits, the free zone contributes to enhancing the success of companies and facilitating their access to global markets. For this reason, Sharjah Airport International Free Zone is an ideal choice for investors and companies seeking to achieve success and sustainability in the global market.
Top Frequently Asked Questions About Sharjah Airport International Free Zone
What types of companies can be established in Sharjah Airport International Free Zone?
Several types of companies can be established in the free zone, including limited liability companies, private joint stock companies, and sole proprietorships. The free zone also offers flexible options for company formation to meet different needs.
What documents are required to establish a company in the Sharjah International Airport Free Zone?
Required documents include the founders’ passports, ID cards, personal photos, office lease contract, business plan, and sometimes additional approvals depending on the type of business activity.
Is there a minimum capital required to establish a company?
Yes, there are capital requirements that may vary depending on the type of company and business activity. Specific requirements should be checked with the free zone authorities or specialist advisors.
Can foreign companies own 100% of the company’s shares in the free zone?
Yes, foreign companies can own 100% of the company’s shares in the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, without the need for a local partner.
How long does it take to establish a company in Sharjah Airport International Free Zone?
The process of establishing a company usually takes from a few weeks to about a month, depending on the speed of submitting the documents and approval procedures.