Unlock Opportunities: Start Your Business in Sharjah Free Zones

Benefit from 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and a thriving business environment in Sharjah Free Zones.

Establish your company in one of Sharjah's free zones with ease and tap into global markets.

Advantages

Why set up in one of Sharjah's free zones?

Dubai provides a top-tier offshore environment with tax-free benefits, 100% foreign ownership, and fast company setup, ensuring privacy and profit repatriation. Positioned as a gateway to global markets, Dubai is an ideal choice for international business expansion.

  • 100% Foreign Ownership
  • Wide Range of Business Activities
  • Full Tax Exemptions
  • Affordable Setup Costs
  • Modern Infrastructure and Facilities
  • Access to Global Markets

6 Free zones in Sharjah to choose from.

Explore Sharjah's top free zones offering specialized facilities, tax benefits, and streamlined business setup for diverse industries.

  • Hamriyah Free Zone A strategically located free zone offering cost-effective setup, modern infrastructure, and access to global markets via seaports and airports.
  • Sharjah Publishing City A specialized free zone dedicated to publishing and media businesses, offering streamlined setup, tax benefits, and world-class facilities.
  • Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) A dynamic free zone catering to media, creative, and technology businesses, offering affordable packages and 100% foreign ownership.
  • Sharjah Airport International (SAIF) A strategic free zone offering logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing facilities, with easy access to air, sea, and land transport networks.
  • The U.S.A. Regional Trade Center (USARTC) A specialized free zone focused on facilitating U.S. companies' expansion in the Middle East, offering flexible business setup options and strong trade connections.
  • Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI) A hub for innovation and research, SRTI offers advanced infrastructure and support for tech, research institutions focused on cutting-edge technologies.
Incorporation timeline

Steps to set up a free zone company in Sharjah

Here’s a step-by-step timeline to guide you through setting up an off shore company in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. From securing approvals to finalising your trade license, this process will help you establish your business smoothly and efficiently.

01.

Very important

Check if you are allowed to setup a business abroad

Certain countries have restricted or has kept complex reporting mechanisms to control and to keep in check foreign investments made by its residents. Being a founder setting up abroad, you have to have full knowledge that you are complying to those home jurisdictional compliances while setting up in the JAFZA.
Note: Certain countries prevent setting up a foreign company and or impose hefty penalties for violation.

02.

Select Your Business Activity

Choose from the wide range of permissible business activities to determine the type of license you need.

03.

Choose a Legal Structure

Decide on the legal entity for your business, such as a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) or Free Zone Company (FZC).

04.

Reserve a Trade Name

Register a unique trade name with the Sharjah Free Zone authority that reflects your business identity.

05.

Submit Initial Documentation

Provide passport copies, proof of address, and other required documents to start the registration process.

06.

Obtain Initial Approvals

Get preliminary approvals from the free zone authority for your chosen business activity and structure.

07.

Secure Office Space

Lease or rent office premises within the free zone to meet operational requirements and licensing criteria.

08.

Pay Fees and Obtain License

Complete the payment for registration, licensing, and other applicable fees to receive your business license.

09.

Finalize Visas and Bank Account

Apply for investor visas and open a corporate bank account to commence business operations.

10.

Start operations

Once all the steps are complete, you may start operations in your newly incorporated offshore company in Dubai

How much does it cost?

Cost of setting up a company in Sharjah Free Zone

Typically starts from AED 5875. The final cost will depend on the specific requirements and services chosen for your business setup in the Sharjah Free Zones.

It is always advised to get an an expert's advise before you set up a business in the UAE.
Documents required

Documents Required for Offshore Company Setup in Sharjah

Documents required for offshore company setup in Sharjah include passport copies, proof of address, personal profiles, and bank reference letters for all shareholders and directors.

  • Passport copies of all shareholders and directors.
  • Address proof for shareholders and directors.
  • A fully filled application for company registration.
  • A proposed company name for registration and approval.
  • An attested MoA outlining the company structure and activities.
  • A resolution from corporate shareholders authorizing the establishment of the company (if applicable).
  • A letter from a bank verifying the financial credibility of shareholders or directors.
  • Documents proving the background of shareholders, such as personal profiles or business references.
  • If applicable, authorizing a representative to handle registration on behalf of the company.
  • A lease or virtual office agreement, depending on the free zone’s requirements for office space.
For Resident Indians

RBI - ODI Compliances for Indian founders & businesses

The Reserve Bank of India has put forth guidelines for foreign investments from India via FEMA regulations, 2022. Being a tax resident in India, an Individual/a body corporate must abide by this regulation while setting a business outside the country.
ScaleX Business with its team of expert consultants and advisors can help you navigate and be compliant with these regulations.
Add on services

Get started. Pick an accounting plan that suits your business.

Not expecting much transactions in the first year?

You may choose the basic accounting plan to get started and upgrade later. Need a custom quote ? Feel free to contact us.

Accounting Basic

Suitable for small companies with an expected yearly transaction of 100 line entries overall.

AED 800 /month
  • Upto 100 line entries a year

    Line entries are in and out transactions combined.

  • Upto 50K AED in revenue
  • Accounting & Book-keeping

    The upper limit for this is 100 line entries (Debit & credit together)

  • VAT Compliance
  • Flexibility to switch to other plans (Prorated)
Accounting Pro

Suitable for companies with expected yearly transaction of upto 400 line entries in a year.

AED 1200 /month
  • Upto 400 line entries a year

    Line entries are in and out transactions combined.

  • Upto 800K AED in revenue
  • Accounting & Book-keeping

    The upper limit for this is 400 line entries (Debit & credit together)

  • VAT Compliance
  • Flexibility to switch to other plans (Prorated)
  • MIS Reporting

    Monthly review call

  • Corporate Tax Consultation

Business License Options in Sharjah

Sharjah offers various business license options, including Trading License, Commercial License, and Professional License, allowing entrepreneurs to choose the best structure for their business activities.

Commercial License

Issued by free zone authorities, this license is suitable for businesses involved in dealing, selling products, and activities like logistics, automobile rentals, and real estate services.

Trading License

Designed for manufacturing and industrial businesses with a local office, covering activities such as furniture making, packaging, metal fabrication, and food production.

Professional License

Required for service providers, professionals, artists, and craftsmen, this license covers industries like law, management consulting, auditing, accounting, education, and healthcare services.