Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) was started in 1995 and is located next to Sharjah International Airport. It gives businesses easy access to major seaports on the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. With its good location and strong infrastructure, SAIF Zone is a great place for companies that want to reach markets in the GCC, Asia, Africa, CIS, and Europe.
SAIF Zone offers different types of business licenses for many activities. Each license is made to fit the company needs and allows businesses to work easily and follow all rules.
This license is for businesses that import, export, distribute, or store goods. Companies can trade up to three similar types of products under this license.
Best for: Trading companies, retailers, wholesalers, and logistics firms.
Covers: General trading of consumer goods, industrial tools, and electronics.
This license lets businesses buy, sell, and trade many kinds of products under one license. It is good for companies that deal in different types of goods.
Best for: Importers and distributors.
Includes: Consumer goods, electronics, clothes, machinery, and others.
This license is designed for service-based businesses, such as consultancies, e-commerce platforms, and digital agencies. It’s an excellent choice for companies in the service industry looking to operate in the UAE or expand to international markets.
Perfect for Marketing firms, IT services, consulting agencies, and e-commerce businesses.
Activities covered: Consultancy services, online retail, web development, digital marketing, etc.
Designed for businesses that are engaged in manufacturing, processing, assembling, and packaging activities. This license allows companies to operate their own production facilities within the zone.
Perfect for Manufacturers of goods, construction companies, and packaging firms.
Activities covered: Factory operations, food processing, assembly lines, packaging services.
SAIF Zone provides different company setup options to match business size and ownership needs. A Free Zone Establishment (FZE) is for businesses with one owner. It suits individuals or small business owners who want full control of their company. This setup gives 100% ownership and limited liability, making it a good choice for startups and single entrepreneurs.
The Free Zone Company (FZC) is for businesses with two to five owners. It allows partners to share ownership, responsibilities, and resources. This setup works well for joint ventures, family businesses, or small to medium-sized companies that prefer working together. Like an FZE, it offers limited liability, so the owners’ personal assets are protected.
For international companies that want to open a presence in the UAE, the Branch of a Foreign Company is a good choice. This setup allows a foreign business to operate in the UAE without creating a new company. It gives full ownership to the parent company and provides the same tax benefits and advantages as other free zone businesses. It’s a simple way for foreign firms to enter and grow in the Middle East market.
Each business structure in SAIF Zone has its own benefits, depending on your needs. Whether you’re working alone, with partners, or running an international company, there’s an option that fits your goals. Setting up is simple, and as your business expands, you can easily adjust your structure when needed.
SAIF Zone provides a variety of facilities to meet the diverse needs of businesses:
SAIF Office: Fully furnished office space with a 3-visa quota, starting from AED 10,800.
SAIF Executive Office: Customizable, unfurnished office space with a 5-visa quota, starting from AED 15,650.
SAIF Suite: Fully furnished executive suites with an 8-visa quota, starting from AED 28,650.
Warehouses: Multi-purpose warehouses for manufacturing and trading, starting from AED 48,000.
Labor Accommodations: Comfortable and fully furnished accommodation options with recreational facilities for your staff.
Starting a business in SAIF Zone is simple. While SAIF Zone offers fast licensing and setup, mainland business setup in Dubai is also an option for those seeking wider UAE market access.
SAIF Zone offers a range of visa services for investors and employees:
License Renewal: Your business license must be renewed annually. This process includes submitting documents and paying the renewal fee.
Company Liquidation: If you need to close your business, the liquidation process involves obtaining necessary clearances from relevant authorities and submitting the required documentation.
If SAIF Zone doesn’t fully align with your business goals, you may also consider other top free zones in the UAE. Explore opportunities in Ajman Free Zone, Ajman Media City, or Dubai Free Zones to find the ideal location for your company.
SAIF Zone supports many types of businesses, such as trading, manufacturing, logistics, and services. It offers different license options like general trading, commercial trading, and industrial manufacturing. Whether you run an e-commerce store, a consulting firm, or a product distribution company, SAIF Zone provides simple and flexible setup options.
To register your business in SAIF Zone, you first need to choose the license type that matches your business activity. Then, select a business structure such as FZE, FZC, or Branch. After that, submit the required documents, including identification and proof of your business activity. Once your application is approved, you can receive your business license, usually within one hour.
To start your business in SAIF Zone, you need a valid passport copy of the business owner, proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, and shareholder details if you are setting up an FZC or FZE structure. A business plan is optional but helpful for larger setups, and a UAE residence visa may be required if applicable. The exact documents depend on your business type, but the setup process is simple and fast.
The process of setting up a business in the SAIF Zone is fast and efficient. In most cases, you can receive your business license within one hour after submitting the required documents. This makes SAIF Zone one of the fastest free zones in the UAE for business setup.
For businesses established as a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) or Free Zone Company (FZC), the minimum capital requirement is AED 150,000. However, if you are setting up a branch of a local or foreign company, no minimum capital is required. This flexibility enables businesses of all sizes to establish a presence in the free zone.
