In the UAE, more than 40 free zones across the country were established to boost local and international companies. Sharjah Airport International Free Zone is one of the most popular and efficient free zones in the country. It gives you the necessary tools and services to guarantee success for your business.

In this article, you will learn everything you must know about the SAIF zone. With this useful information, you will know more about the benefits that the SAIF zone offers to you. Besides, you can also find some tips you should follow to have a fresh start in this location. Let’s observe:

1. Basic information you should know about the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone.

2. What benefits can you obtain in the SAIF zone to establish your company?

3. Types of facilities foreign investors can obtain in the SAIF Zone.

4. How many types of companies are allowed in this free zone?

5. What types of business licenses can you obtain in the SAIF zone?

6. How can you complete the setup process in the SAIF zone?

7. The documents you need to complete the setup process in the SAIF Zone.

8. How can Connectfz help you set up your business in the SAIF zone?

1. Basic information you should know about the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone.

Since 1995, Sharjah Airport International Free Zone has been a reliable free trade zone for local and international companies. Due to its good reputation, the SAIF zone is home to more than 8000 companies from 165 countries approximately. And above all, these firms have accomplished their goals and keep growing in this convenient free zone.

It’s been recognized as the world’s first ISO Certified Airport Free Zone, making it more popular among investors. Moreover, it always offers high-quality support services to its clients, along with several benefits and advantages. It is also worth mentioning the versatility that this dynamic free zone has. Rules and regulations are business-friendly and help investors to boost their companies successfully.

You can find the SAIF zone at the southern coast of the Persian Gulf, on the Arabian Peninsula. Take a tour and you will find the Sharjah City Centre 10 minutes from the free zone. On the other hand, you will find Dubai 20 minutes from the SAIF zone and Abu Dhabi 90 minutes.

The strategic location and the benefits are only some of the many advantages you can obtain here. If you are planning to set up your business in the UAE, consider the SAIF zone as your best option. Keep reading to learn more about this favorable free trade zone for your future company.

Here you can learn more about the company setup process in Sharjah Airport International Free Zone.

2. What benefits can you obtain in the SAIF zone to establish your company?

Once you decide to start your business in the SAIF zone Sharjah, you will get several benefits. For instance, you will obtain the following ones:

• Total exemption from income and corporate taxes.
• Full repatriation of profits and capital.
• You will get your license issued within 24 hours after applying for it.
• As a foreign investor, you can avail yourself of 100% of foreign ownership of the company.
• There is no restriction regarding hiring foreign workers and professionals.
• The lease period can be elongated to 25 years.
• It provides you with multi-purpose state-of-the-art warehouse facilities tailored to your needs.
• The free zone provides you with the flexibility of onsite labor accommodation.
• Due to its geographical localization, it is a strategic location between the west and the east.
• There is easy access to Arabian Gulf ports and the Indian Ocean.
• You will be provided with a 24/7 hotline and emergency service.
• You will find a well-connected network of highways, seaports, and airports nearby.
• If you are an employee looking for a job, you can apply for countless Sharjah free zone jobs vacancy.

Here you can learn more tips that you need to consider when establishing your business in a UAE free zone.

3. Types of facilities foreign investors can obtain in the SAIF Zone.

Acquiring the most convenient facilities is the key to make your business more comfortable and productive. Therefore, it’s essential to choose the one that suits your business better, and here you will have many alternatives. In case you are unable to choose, you can ask your business partner for advice and tips.

Depending on the nature of your business, you can choose between customizable warehouses, plots, offices, and more. Keep in mind that the number of necessary visas can also influence the decision regarding the needed facilities. But before choosing, you need to analyze all available options. For instance, you can find the following facilities available for you:

• Warehouses.
• SAIF offices.
• Labor accommodation.
• Plots of land.
• Container parking.
• Jewelry Park.

4. How many types of companies are allowed in this free zone?

It’s important to choose the type of company you desire to establish in the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone. And before doing it, you need to examine all available options to choose the most appropriate one. In this free zone, you will have 4 alternatives to choose from, which are the following ones:

• Free Zone Company (FZC): this is a Limited Liability Company incorporated in the free zone. It can have more than one shareholder with a distinct legal entity and an independent financial liability.
• Free Zone Establishment (FZE): it is a Limited Liability Establishment, which is incorporated in the SAIF Zone. Only one person (natural or juridical) can own this type of company along with one shareholder only. Besides, the owner must have a distinct legal entity and an independent financial liability.
• A branch of a UAE company: it must be a company registered in the UAE. The parent company can be located anywhere in the country. It’s important to remember that the branch office must use the same name as the parent company.
• A branch of a foreign company: investors can establish branches in the SAIF Zone. In this case, if they already have companies outside the country. This free zone offers the opportunity to expand their business inside the country and register branch offices.

Here you can learn information about the company setup process in Ajman Free Zone.

5. What types of business licenses can you obtain in the SAIF zone?

This documentation is vital to run your company efficiently in the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone. Therefore, one of the most important steps you must complete is choosing and acquiring your business license. In the SAIF zone, you will find several licenses available for you to start your business, for instance:

• Service license: this type of license will allow you to carry out your services. Before acquiring it, you must specify in the license the services that you will carry out. It is important to remind you that all types of services are allowed. However, the Federal or local authorities can restrict certain services and activities if it is needed. Business consultancy, services, e-commerce, shipping, and freight forwarding are some of the activities you can perform with this license.
• Industrial license: it permits investors to perform industrial activities. For example, importing raw materials, manufacturing, packaging, processing, assembling, and exporting finished products. Jewelry manufacturing is another industrial activity that can be added to the license. Most importantly, it requires clearance from the SAIF Zone Health & Environment Department.
• Standard Commercial license: it allows the investor to cover basic business needs. For instance, importing, exporting, distribution, consolidation, and warehousing are some of those needs that this license covers. However, there is a maximum limit of 3 similar product lines for this license.
• General Trading license: the commercial license covers the activities we mentioned before. Similarly, the general trading license allows you to cover these needs. The only difference is that it covers a larger number of products. Above all, keep in mind that you can only obtain this document under a commercial license.

Here you can learn how to obtain your general trading license in Dubai.

6. How can you complete the setup process in the SAIF zone?

To establish your company in Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, the process will require some steps to follow. As an investor, you must be aware of them. Therefore, here you will learn what you have to do to achieve this goal. Follow these steps to set up your business in the SAIF Zone successfully:

• Choose your business activities and select a proper name for your company. Once you define both of them, the rest of the process can be defined too. Remember that you must follow some rules when selecting your company’s name, like avoiding sensitive and religious content. As for the business activities, you need to define them to apply for your license later.
• Then you can define your type of company, license, and the facilities that you will need. Examine all available alternatives and select the most suitable ones for your business. After this, you will need to submit the required documents to obtain your license. You can find more information on the SAIF Zone website or contact your business partner.
• Opening a corporate bank account for your business will be the next step. You can choose between international and local banks. Moreover, you can let your partner take care of this matter to avoid wasting time.
• And finally, acquire your business license issued by the free zone authorities to complete the process.

Here you can learn how to set up your company in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone.

7. The documents you need to complete the setup process in the SAIF Zone.

Depending on the type of company, you will need certain documents to proceed with the incorporation process. Here we will only mention the general documents that every investor will need. As for other documents, you can ask your business partner to help you obtain more information. The Sharjah Airport International Free Zone requires the following documents to establish a business:

• The application form and project summary.
• The investor’s passport document and a passport size photo.
• Certificate of incorporation / registration.
• Residential address, email, and phone number of the owner.
• The investor’s bank statement of the last three months.
• Board resolution to open a branch in the free zone.

After the registration process is complete, the SAIF zone will issue the following documents:

• The Memorandum and Articles of Association.
• The certificate of incorporation.
• Investment Service Agreement.
• The requested licenses.
• Share certificate and lease agreement.

Here you can learn some reasons why you should establish your company in Umm Al Quwain Free Trade Zone.

8. How can Connectfz help you set up your business in the SAIF zone?

The best way to establish your company in Sharjah Airport International Free Zone is by requesting professional advice and services. It will speed up all processes to complete your company set up efficiently. With a professional business setup partner like Connectfz, you can get the helping hand you need.

Firstly, we can provide you with the information you need regarding the free zone of your interest. And along with it, we will give you the advice and recommendations to successfully establish your company. Besides, we can take care of some important processes, like visa and government procedures, for instance.

Once your business is already established in the SAIF zone, you can ask for our different services. These services will boost your business and make it more efficient and profitable, which is why they’re convenient. For example, you can request our recruitment and staff outsourcing services to find the employees you need.

Would you like to contact Connectfz to know more about company setup in UAE free zones such as the SAIF zone? If you have any questions, call us on +97143316688. You can email us at info@connectfz.ae, and you will talk to one of our representatives who will answer your questions.