How to Set Up Your Business in SAIF Zone : Company Formation in Sharjah Airport International Free Zone
SAIF Zone's prime location makes it an ideal choice for trading, manufacturing, and logistics companies seeking a cost-effective business setup in the UAE. If you are exploring business setup services in Dubai, consider SAIF Zone as a viable option.
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- Easy Business Setup
- Unmatched Strategic Location
- World-class infrastructure
The Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF) is strategically located adjacent to the Sharjah International Airport. Established in 1995, SAIF Zone is one of the oldest free zones in the UAE, boasting a highly developed infrastructure that includes offices, warehouses, and available land for lease, catering to various businesses. Currently, it is home to approximately 7,000 companies and stands out as the only industrial free zone in the UAE with lush green surroundings.
Why Setup your Business in SAIF Zone?
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone is among the select few zones offering ready-to-use facilities. Its warehouses come equipped with fitted offices complete with air conditioning, a pantry, and a kitchen, minimizing the need for extensive fit-out expenses.
Warehouses are available in various sizes, starting from 125 sq. m, with 22 sq. m allocated for office space. Other options include 250 sq. m, 400 sq. m, and 600 sq. m.
Available types of Offices in SAIF Zone
Within SAIF Zone, you'll find three types of offices:
- SAIF Suite: Fully fitted, air-conditioned, and furnished with an executive suite office, offering 8 visa quotas.
- SAIF Executive Office: Fully fitted, air-conditioned, and furnished with an executive desk, providing 5 visa quotas.
- SAIF Office:n unfurnished but fully customizable office with included utility costs, offering 3 visa quotas.
All office options are equipped with high-quality telecom and IT infrastructure. Additionally, SAIF offers staff accommodation facilities, container parking, and temporary warehouses.
The free zone even features a Jewelry Park, a comprehensive hub dedicated to jewelry production and exchange, accommodating various reputable jewelry businesses. SAIF's facilities are well-suited to a wide range of companies considering business setup in Sharjah.
Benefits of Business Setup in SAIF Zone - Sharjah Airport International Free Zone
SAIF Zone offers a plethora of benefits for businesses, including:
- Located next to Sharjah airport - easy logistics
- Wide range of Industrial activities
- The company can be registered in 1 day
- Small office facilities available
- 100% foreign company ownership
- 100% capital repatriation, no currency limitations
- No personal income taxes
- No export and import taxes
Top Permitted Business Activities in SAIF Zone
SAIF offers three primary categories of licenses for building your business within the SAIF Zone (Sharjah Airport International Free Zone). Some of the activities you can engage in include:
- Trading
- Service
- Industrial
Your license can belong to only one of these categories. If you wish to combine them, you'll need to obtain an additional license. For instance, E-commerce activities fall under the Service license category.
The business activity list in Sharjah Airport SAIF zone is extensive, encompassing even some hard-to-obtain service activities such as "Investment of own funds". These activities permit storage and consolidation of products specified in your license, as well as the manufacturing and assembly of your products.
SAIF does not publicly disclose its complete activity list, so it's necessary to check for the availability of specific business activities. While multiple activities can be included in your company's license, if they are unrelated, additional fees will apply.
Types of Business Setup Licenses in SAIF Zone
- FCZO (Free Zone Company): Essentially, a free zone LLC formed by multiple shareholders, including individuals and non-individual entities (companies).
- FZE (Free Zone Establishment): An LLC with a single shareholder, whether an individual or a non-individual entity (company).
- Branch: Established by a parent company within SAIF, whether foreign or UAE-based, with 100% ownership by the parent company and aligned with its name and activities.
These packages include eligibility for 3 resident visas and include a small office as part of the package. If you plan to rent a larger facility, you'll need to cover the license fee in addition to the office or warehouse rent. Prices are competitive compared to the cost of forming an LLC in Sharjah, although mainland facilities typically have lower rates than free zones.
It's important to note that facility lease costs in SAIF are not publicly disclosed and are provided upon request. Visa fees and other immigration-related charges are separate.
Looking for a seamless business setup experience? Trust Smart Zones® Dubai to pave the way.
Company Setup Process in SAIF Zone - Sharjah Airport International Free Zone
Setting up a Sharjah free zone company in SAIF can be accomplished either by the company owners themselves or by Power of Attorney holders. Upon application, the license is issued instantly on the same day. Essential documents and information required for incorporation in Sharjah Airport Free Zone include:
- Passport
- Passport-sized photo
- Residential address, phone number, and email of the owner
SAIF provides several documents after company registration, including the Certificate of Incorporation, License, Memorandum and Articles of Association, Investment Service Agreement, Share Certificate, and Lease Agreement. Company registration in this free zone can be facilitated by business setup consultants in Sharjah or Dubai.
SAIF Zone (Sharjah Airport International Free Zone) Visa Costs
Typically, company formation in SAIF involves the opening of resident visas. The company owner's visa is valid for 3 years, while an employee's visa is valid for 2 years. If you apply for a resident visa while on a tourist visa, a procedure for changing your status will apply, incurring a cost of 850 AED or 1010 AED for expedited processing.
Trade License Renewal in SAIF Zone (Sharjah Airport International Free Zone)
Renewing a company registered in the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone can be accomplished without the personal visit of company owners and is processed within one day. The renewal process involves making the required payment and signing the renewed lease agreement.
SAIF Zone offers ready-to-use facilities, strategic location, and a range of office and warehouse options, minimizing fit-out expenses.
SAIF Suite, SAIF Executive Office, and SAIF Office with varying sizes and visa quotas.
Easy logistics, quick registration, 100% foreign ownership, no personal income taxes, and 100% capital repatriation.
Trading, service, and industrial activities, each requiring a specific license. Combining activities may require an additional license.
FCZO (Free Zone Company), FZE (Free Zone Establishment), and Branch, each with different ownership structures and benefits.
Owners or Power of Attorney holders can apply, and the license is issued instantly on the same day. Required documents include passport, photo, and contact details.
Owner's visa is valid for 3 years, employee's visa for 2 years. Changing status from tourist visa incurs additional charges.
Renewal is processed within one day without the need for a personal visit. It involves making the required payment and signing the renewed lease agreement.
Want to know more, talk to Smart Zones® Dubai advisory team they will be happy to help. Ready to invest in your future?
