Sharjah Airport Free Zone (SAIF) is a premier business hub located in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Established in 1995, SAIF is one of the oldest and most developed free zones in the UAE. It is strategically located next to the Sharjah International Airport, making it an ideal destination for trading, manufacturing, and logistics companies.
SAIF offers a wide range of business facilities and infrastructure, including fully furnished offices, warehouses, and land that can be leased for any business purpose. It also offers modern communication and transportation systems, making it easy for companies to connect with their customers and suppliers locally and globally.
The free zone is home to almost 7,000 companies from different parts of the world, including Europe, Africa, and Asia. These companies are engaged in various sectors such as aviation, logistics, IT, media, manufacturing, and trading.
Advantages of Setting Up a Business in Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF)
- SAIF offers a tax-friendly environment with no corporate or personal income tax. This means that businesses operating in the free zone can retain more of their profits, allowing them to reinvest in their operations and grow their business.
- The licensing process in SAIF is quick and reasonably priced, allowing businesses to get started quickly. In fact, SAIF offers a 24-hour licensing service, making it one of the fastest free zones in the UAE to set up a business.
- There is no share capital requirement to be paid up when setting up a business in SAIF. This means that businesses can start with a lower initial investment, making it easier for entrepreneurs to establish their businesses in the free zone.
- SAIF is well-situated with easy access to cargo airports and seaports, making it an ideal location for logistics and trading companies. This also makes it easier for businesses to connect with their customers and suppliers locally and globally.
- Businesses operating in SAIF can enjoy 100% repatriation of all capital and profits, including free transfer of funds. This allows businesses to freely move their money in and out of the country without any restrictions.
- SAIF allows for 100% foreign ownership, meaning that businesses can own their operations exclusively without the need for local partners. This gives businesses more control over their operations and allows them to make decisions that are in the best interest of their business.
- SAIF offers a wide range of facilities for all business types. From warehouses and single offices to manufacturing units and industrial plots, SAIF has the facilities to meet the diverse needs of businesses.
Types of Licenses in Saif Zone
There are four types of licenses available for businesses operating in Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF). These licenses allow businesses to operate in different sectors and carry out specific activities.
- Commercial License: This license allows businesses to import, export, distribute, consolidate, store or warehouse goods specified in the license. It’s important to note that the maximum permitted limit is three similar product lines or company activities.
- General Trading License: This license is acquired under a commercial license that permits a large number of products. This license allows businesses to trade in a wide range of products without any specific restrictions.
- Service License: This license allows the holder to carry out services specified in the license only. All types of services are allowed unless they are forbidden by the Federal or Local Authorities.
- Industrial License: This license allows businesses to import raw materials, fabricate, process, assemble, package and export finished goods. Businesses that operate in the manufacturing sector can obtain an Industrial License.
It’s important to note that each license has specific requirements, and the process for obtaining a license may differ depending on the type of business activity. SAIF also offers an e-services platform that allows businesses to apply and renew their licenses online, making the licensing process quicker and more efficient.
Business Registration Fees in Saif Zone
Sharjah International Airport Free Zone (SAIF) is a popular location for businesses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to its strategic location and business-friendly environment. SAIF Zone offers a variety of business registration packages that cater to different types of businesses.
When starting a business in SAIF Zone, you will need to consider the registration fees that are associated with the business setup process. The fees vary depending on the type of business entity you want to set up, as well as the size and nature of your business operations.
Here are some of the business registration fees you can expect to pay when starting a business in SAIF Zone:
License fee: You will also need to pay an annual license fee to operate your business in SAIF Zone. The license fee varies depending on the type of business activity you are engaged in.
Visa fees: If you need to apply for visas for your employees or dependents, you will need to pay visa fees. The fees vary depending on the type of visa and the duration of stay.
Office rent: You will need to rent an office space to operate your business in SAIF Zone. The rent varies depending on the size and location of the office.
Other fees: There may be other fees associated with starting a business in SAIF Zone, such as utility fees, maintenance fees, and other operational costs.
It is important to note that these fees are subject to change and may vary depending on the specific requirements of your business. It is recommended that you consult with a business setup expert who can provide you with detailed information on the costs associated with starting a business in SAIF Zone.
Starting a business in SAIF Zone requires careful planning and consideration of the registration fees and other associated costs. By working with a professional business setup service, you can ensure that you have a clear understanding of the costs involved and receive support throughout the entire setup process.
Type of License and Registration Fees
LICENSE TYPE |
ANNUAL FEES |
Trading or Service License / Specific Industrial License |
AED7,500 |
Freight Forwarding License |
AED8,500 |
Precious Metal / Chemical Trading / 3rd Party Logistics |
AED10,000 |
Oil & Gas Trading / Real estate / Aviation / Shipping / General Trading /Investment of Own Financial Resources |
AED15,000 |
REGISTRATION TYPE |
ONE TIME FEE |
FZE (1 shareholder) or FZC (2 or more shareholders) − applicable for packages with warehouse facility |
AED10,000 |
Branch |
AED5,000 |
Type of Facilities
FACILITY TYPE |
FEES |
SAIF Desk (3 Visas eligibility) |
AED10,000 |
SAIF Office (5 Visas eligibility) |
AED5,000 |
SAIF Desk (3 Visas eligibility) |
AED15,000 |
SAIF Office (5 Visas eligibility) |
AED20,000 |
SAIF Suite, 21 sqm (6 Visas eligibility) |
AED34,000 |
SAIF Suite, 24 sqm (10 Visas eligibility) |
AED39,000 |
SAIF Warehouse, 125 sqm |
AED60,000 |
(15 Visas eligibility) |
|
SAIF Warehouse, 250 sqm (25 Visas eligibility) |
AED110,000 |
SAIF Warehouse, 400 sqm (35 Visas eligibility) |
AED160,000 |
SAIF Warehouse, 600 sqm (45 Visas eligibility) |
AED205,000 |
SAIF Industrial Plot, min. 2,500 sqm |
AED 25 per sqm |
Refundable Lease Deposit: SAIF Desk/Office SAIF Suite or SAIF Industrial Plot/Land SAIF Warehouse |
N/A AED3,500 AED5,000 |
Refundable Utility charge (for warehouse only) 125 sqm 250 sqm 400 sqm 600 sqm |
AED3,000 AAED7,000 AED5,000 AED10,000 |
Miscellaneous Cost: SAIF Desk/Office SAIF Warehouse SAIF Plot/Land |
AED 3,300 AED 6,300 AED 8,300 |
Miscellaneous Documents
Immigration Card Fees (ANNUAL) |
AED1,400 |
P.O. Box Annual Fees (ANNUAL) |
AED1,070 |
Residence Visa in SAIF Zone
In case you would like to apply for the UAE Residence Visa inside UAE, you can just apply for the Status Change service, which will not require you to exit the country so that you could enjoy the hassle-free process.
SERVICES |
FEES |
Investor Visa Fees (Valid for 2 years) |
AED4,040 |
Employment Visa Fees (Valid for 2 years) |
AED3,440 |
Employment Visa Guarantee Deposit (one-way airfare ticket cost) + 1-month full salary |
AED1,200 |
Visa Status change |
|
• Investor Visa |
AED1,010 |
• Employee Visa |
AED860 |
Medical Test, Emirates ID, photo |
AED1,250 |
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