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Sharjah Airport International Free Zone

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Sharjah Airport International Free Zone

Saif Zone Overview

Founded in 1995, the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) is perfectly located next to Sharjah International Airport, offering businesses unmatched access to key seaports on the Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean. Its strategic location, combined with top-notch infrastructure, makes SAIF Zone an ideal base for businesses looking to expand into markets in the GCC, CIS, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Why Choose SAIF Zone?

  • 100% Foreign Ownership: Investors can fully own their businesses without the need for a local partner.
  • Capital & Profit Repatriation: All profits and capital can be repatriated without any restrictions.
  • No Taxes: Enjoy corporate and personal income tax exemptions, which help keep costs low and profitability high.
  • Duty Exemptions: No import or export duties, making it easier and more affordable to trade globally.
  • Quick Licensing: Get your business license approved in just 1 hour, ensuring you can start operations quickly.
  • Diverse Business Options: Opportunities to engage in trading, manufacturing, logistics, and various services.

Available Business Licenses

SAIF Zone offers a variety of licenses to cater to different business activities. Each license is tailored to specific needs, ensuring that companies can operate efficiently and in compliance with the regulations.

Commercial License

This license is ideal for businesses involved in the import, export, distribution, and storage of goods and commodities. Companies with up to three similar product lines can operate under this license.

  • Perfect for Trading companies, retailers, wholesalers, and logistics providers.
  • Activities covered: General trading of consumer goods, industrial equipment, or electronics.

General Trading License

For businesses that wish to trade a wide range of goods, this license permits the sale of unlimited product types across various categories. It’s ideal for companies seeking to operate across multiple sectors.

  • Perfect for: Importers and distributors of non-specific product ranges.
  • Activities covered: Consumer goods, electronics, apparel, machinery, etc.

Service License

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.

Industrial License

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.

Business Structures

You can set up your business in the SAIF Zone using one of the following structures:

Free Zone Establishment (FZE):

SAIF Zone offers a range of legal structures tailored to suit various business types. Each structure provides distinct advantages based on ownership requirements, business size, and operational goals.

A Free Zone Establishment (FZE) is ideal for businesses with a single shareholder. This structure is perfect for sole proprietors or small business owners who wish to retain full control over their operations. With an FZE, entrepreneurs can benefit from 100% ownership and limited liability, making it an attractive option for startups and individual entrepreneurs.

Free Zone Company (FZC):

The Free Zone Company (FZC) is suited for businesses with two to five shareholders. This structure offers flexibility in ownership, allowing small to medium-sized businesses or partnerships to share responsibilities and resources. It is a great choice for joint ventures, family-owned businesses, or companies looking for a more collaborative business model. Similar to an FZE, an FZC also benefits from limited liability, protecting the owners' personal assets.

Branch of a Local Company:

If you already own a business in the UAE, the Branch of a Local Company structure allows you to extend your operations into the SAIF Zone. This option is designed for local companies looking to expand their presence in the free zone. By opening a branch, you can retain your company’s identity and streamline operations with minimal additional setup costs. The Branch operates under the same legal structure and regulations as the parent company, ensuring consistency across business activities.

Branch of a Foreign Company:

For foreign companies seeking to establish a presence in the UAE, a Branch of a Foreign Company is the ideal solution. This structure enables international businesses to expand into the UAE market without the need to establish a new legal entity. It provides full ownership for foreign investors, offering the same tax and operational benefits as other free zone entities. Setting up a branch enables foreign companies to expand their presence in the Middle East while reaping the benefits of operating within a free zone.

Each of these business structures offers a unique set of benefits tailored to the specific needs of various entrepreneurs and companies. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, a partnership, or an international business, there’s a structure in SAIF Zone that can support your goals. Additionally, setting up any of these structures is straightforward. As your business grows, you have the flexibility to adapt your structure to suit your evolving needs better.

World-Class Facilities & Infrastructure

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.

Easy Business Setup Process

Starting a business in SAIF Zone is simple:

  • Choose Your License: Select the license that suits your business activities.
  • Select Your Facility: Choose the type of office or warehouse you require.
  • Choose Your Legal Structure: Select the appropriate company structure, such as a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) or a Free Zone Company (FZC).
  • Submit Your Application: Submit the necessary documents for review.
  • Get Your License: Once approved, you will receive your business license in just 1 hour.

While SAIF Zone offers fast licensing and setup, mainland business setup in Dubai is also an option for those seeking wider UAE market access.


Visa Services

SAIF Zone offers a range of visa services for investors and employees:

  • Investor Visa: Valid for 3 years, costing around AED 3,527.
  • Employee Visa: Valid for 2 years, costing around AED 2,827.

Additional Costs:

  • Medical Test, Emirates ID, and Photo: AED 1,240.
  • Immigration E-channels Registration: AED 2,200.
  • Refundable Deposit for E-channels: AED 5,000.

License Renewal & Company Liquidation

  • 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.

Looking to Explore Other Free Zones in the UAE?

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.


Ready to Set Up in SAIF Zone?

Our experts can help you navigate the setup process, licensing, and visa formalities. We also assist with UAE visa services and PRO services, Saif Corporate Bank Account Assistance for business support.


Contact Us

Ready to apply for your Saif Free Zone visa? Call us at +971 565539955 for expert assistance 24/7 or email info@ajmanbusinesssetup.com.

Mehar Business Solution LLC

Saif Zone Gallery

saif free zone

FAQs – About Saif Free Zone

Setting up a business in the SAIF Zone offers several key advantages:

  • 100% foreign ownership: You can retain complete control over your business.
  • Tax exemptions: There are no corporate or personal income taxes.
  • Full repatriation of capital and profits: You can freely transfer earnings abroad without restrictions.
  • Exemption from import/export duties: You save on costs associated with cross-border trade.
  • Fast licensing: Business licenses are issued within one hour.
  • Diverse business opportunities: Choose from commercial, industrial, and service licenses to suit your needs.

The Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) is a leading business hub located next to Sharjah International Airport. Established in 1995, it offers companies a strategic location with direct access to seaports on both the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. SAIF Zone provides world-class infrastructure and favorable conditions for businesses looking to expand across the GCC, CIS, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

SAIF Zone accommodates a wide range of business activities, including trading, manufacturing, logistics, and services. You can choose from multiple licenses, including general trading, commercial trading, and industrial manufacturing. Whether you are into e-commerce, consulting, or product distribution, SAIF Zone offers flexible business setups..

To register your business in SAIF Zone, follow these simple steps: It’s a straightforward process designed to get you up and running with minimal hassle.

  • Select your license type based on your business activities.
  • Choose a suitable business structure (FZE, FZC, or Branch).
  • Submit the required documents, including identification and proof of business activities.
  • Receive your business license in as little as one hour.

To start your business in SAIF Zone, you’ll need:

  • A valid passport copy of the business owner(s).
  • Proof of address (Utility bill or bank statement).
  • Business plan (Optional but recommended for larger setups).
  • Shareholder details (for FZC or FZE structures).
  • UAE residence visa (if applicable).

The documents required will vary depending on your business type, but the process is designed to be quick and efficient.

Yes, SAIF Zone offers a variety of visa services for employees and family members. You can apply for:

  • Investor visas for business owners, valid for 3 years.
  • Employee visas for staff, valid for 2 years.
  • Family visas to sponsor your dependents (spouse, children, and parents) once you fulfill specific criteria.
  • Visas are processed smoothly as part of the business setup process.

Office space rental in the SAIF Zone is designed to accommodate a wide range of business needs. Furnished offices start from AED 10,800 for 3 visas. More spacious executive suites and warehouses are available for different budgets, starting from AED 28,650. The prices are highly competitive compared to other free zones in the UAE.

For expert assistance in setting up your business in the SAIF Zone, you can contact our business advisors at +971 565539955. Our experienced team will guide you through every step of the process, from selecting the appropriate business structure to managing visas and office space.

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.

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