Establishing a company in the Sharjah International Airport Free Zone

In the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, the possibility of establishing a company in the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone holds exciting opportunities for investors seeking to explore a dynamic and conducive business environment. This region is considered a gateway to successful investments in the heart of the Middle East, as it offers unique advantages to companies wishing to expand their business in the region and beyond. This region deserves the attention of those interested in investments of an international nature and who wish to access the Middle East market easily and efficiently.

In this article, we will explore the in-depth procedures for establishing companies in the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, as well as the benefits of investing in this distinguished economic environment. We will take a look at the steps needed to establish your company in this free zone, including the legal and procedural requirements and available facilities. We will also discuss how to take advantage of the advanced infrastructure and excellent logistics facilities available in this region, which is an exceptional advantage for companies that rely on distribution and export.

We will also highlight the relevant government regulations and bodies that manage the processes of establishing a company in the free zone , and how to communicate with them and explore the services they provide. In addition, we will talk about potential challenges and how to overcome them during the process of establishing a company in a new environment, and we will provide practical tips for success in this context.

Ultimately, this article will be a comprehensive guide for investors and businessmen seeking to explore investment opportunities and establish companies in the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, helping them make the right decisions and successfully achieve their goals.

Steps to establish a company in the Sharjah International Airport Free Zone

Establishing a company in the Sharjah International Airport Free Zone requires following several important steps. Here’s an overview of the steps to take:

1. Choosing the type of company and economic activity: First of all, you must determine the type of company you want to establish, whether it is a sole proprietorship, limited liability company, or partnership, as well as the proposed company activity.
2. Choosing a company name and ensuring its availability: You must choose an appropriate name for the company and ensure its availability and compliance with legal requirements and local legislation.
3. Prepare legal documents: Prepare the required legal company documents, such as the company contract, registration application form, and copies of passports for shareholders and directors.
4. Submitting a registration application: Submit a company registration application to the competent authority in the Sharjah International Airport Free Zone, attached with all required documents.
5. Pay fees and costs: Pay the fees and costs related to registering the company and obtaining the necessary licenses. These fees vary according to the type of company and its activity.
6. Obtaining licenses and approvals: You may need to obtain additional licenses and approvals from relevant authorities, such as building permits or environmental permits, depending on the nature of your company’s activity.
7. Opening a bank account: Once the company is registered, open a commercial bank account in the name of the company at one of the approved banks in the region.
8. Insurance and Business Licensing: Register the company with the tax, health insurance and social insurance authorities as needed, and obtain the necessary licenses to start business operations.
9. Renting an office and securing employees: Secure an office for the company in the free zone, and hire the employees necessary to start operations.

Advantages of establishing a company in the free zone area

• The ability to transfer money to the country of origin without imposing any restrictions
• Allowing free foreign ownership
• Complete exemption from corporate and individual taxes
• Complete exemption from import and export duty tax
• Facilitating the mechanism of establishing businesses in a rapidly growing infrastructure
• A distinctive and strategic location for business to facilitate access to various places and regions
• Lands of different sizes
• Exchange companies and international banks nearby
• Service and medical facilities such as restaurants and supermarkets, including the duty free market at Sharjah Airport
• Possibility of accommodation and customs services
• Accommodation for foreign workers
• International and local shipping services

How to benefit from establishment opportunities in the free zone

There are several ways you can benefit from establishment opportunities in the Sharjah Airport Free Zone . Here are some strategies you can follow:

• Access to a wide market:   Sharjah Airport promotes international trade and enjoys a strong strategic location. You can leverage this site to reach a wide market and expand your business operations across borders.
• Benefiting from customs facilities: Free zones usually provide customs facilities such as not imposing import and export duties and not imposing taxes on imported or exported goods. You can benefit from these facilities to achieve financial savings and enhance the competitiveness of your products.
• Advanced Infrastructure: Sharjah Airport Free Zone provides advanced infrastructure that includes integrated logistics facilities, warehouses, and manufacturing and assembly areas. You can leverage this infrastructure to improve your operations and reduce production and distribution costs.
• Providing a skilled workforce:   Usually attracting highly skilled and specialized personnel. You can take advantage of the availability of skilled workforce in the free zone to strengthen your business team and develop your competitive capabilities.
• Access to business networks and cooperation: In the free zone, you will be surrounded by other companies and investors from different sectors. You can benefit from the presence of these networks to expand your business relationships and develop collaborations and partnerships with other companies.

Documents required to establish a company in the free zone

The documents required to establish a company in the free zone vary depending on the type of company and local legislation. However, here is a general list of documents you may need:

• Registration application form: Contains basic information about the company, such as name, business activity, and ownership structure.
• Shareholder information form: includes information about shareholders and directors of the company.
• A copy of the lease contract or office license: to confirm the office address and obtain approval to use it as a company headquarters.
• Shareholder approval form: requires the signature of all shareholders of the company.
• Passport copy for shareholders and directors: Passport copies are often required along with identity documents.
• Company incorporation instrument: in the case of limited or limited liability companies.
• Bank report or illustration of the source of financing: May be required to document the company’s ability to operate.
• Business Plan: In some cases, it is required to better understand the company’s strategies and future plans.
• Economic feasibility report: to show the feasibility of the commercial activity.
• Profession license: depends on the type of business activity you carry out.

Costs of establishing a company in the free zone

There are costs for establishing a company in the free zone at Sharjah International Airport. These costs may include the following:

1. Registration fees: Establishing a company usually requires paying registration fees to the authority supervising the free zone. These fees vary depending on the type of company and the amount of capital invested.
2. License fees: Fees may be charged for the licenses necessary to carry out the company’s activities in the free zone. These licenses vary depending on the type of business activity and company details.
3. Rental fees: Companies operating in the free zone must pay rental fees for the space they use. These fees vary according to the size of the space and its location within the free zone.
4. Service Fees: Fees may be charged for services provided by the free zone, such as logistics, warehousing, insurance and manufacturing, according to the actual usage of the company.
5. Administrative fees: You may incur other administrative costs such as fees for legal advisors or accountants who assist you in the process of establishing the company and complying with legal requirements.

Different types of licenses available in the free zone

A free zone is a special economic zone that encourages commercial and investment activities by providing tax benefits and relaxed regulatory procedures. In the free zone, companies can obtain different types of licenses based on the nature of their activity. Here are the common types of licenses available in free zones:

• General Trading License: Allows the practice of general commercial activities such as importing, exporting, storing and distributing various goods and merchandise.
• Trading License: Designated for specific commercial activities such as trading in goods or materials specific to a specific field.
• Industrial License: Designated for companies that wish to establish and operate industrial units or manufacture specific products.
• Service License: Designated for companies that provide services such as consulting, marketing, education, training, information technology, and other professional services.
• Warehouse License: Allows companies to manage and operate warehouses to store goods and commodities.
• Educational License: Designated for educational institutions such as schools, institutes, and universities that wish to provide education and training services.
• Media License: Designated for companies working in the field of media, publishing and media production.
• E-commerce License: intended for companies that wish to manage and operate online stores and e-commerce platforms.
• Tourism and Hospitality License: Designated for companies operating in the tourism sector such as travel agencies, hotels, and tour operators.
• Healthcare License: Designated for health institutions such as hospitals, clinics, and health care centers.
• Financial License : Designated for companies that provide financial services such as banks, insurance companies, and investment companies.
• Research and Development License (R&D License): Designated for companies and institutions that carry out research and development activities in various fields.

Facilities available for new companies

In the Sharjah International Airport Free Zone, a wide range of facilities and benefits are available that aim to support and encourage new companies and enhance their growth and development. Here are some of the facilities available:

• Facilitations in incorporation: The free zone provides quick and easy incorporation procedures for new companies, which helps reduce bureaucracy and saves time and effort for investors.
• Tax exemptions: Investors in the free zone enjoy many tax exemptions, such as not imposing income tax on companies and not imposing value-added tax, which reduces business costs and increases profits.
• Facilitations in permits and licenses: The free zone’s legislative system allows companies to access permits and licenses faster and at a lower cost compared to other zones.
• Flexibility in work: The free zone allows companies flexibility in managing work, as they can hire workers of different nationalities and provide flexible work periods that suit the company’s needs.
• Advanced infrastructure: The free zone provides an advanced infrastructure that includes modern facilities, advanced technology, and excellent logistics services, which facilitates production and distribution operations and enhances practical efficiency.
• Support and Assistance: The Free Zone provides ongoing support to new companies through consulting, guidance and training services, in addition to networking and cooperation opportunities with other companies within the region.

At the conclusion of this article, we can conclude that establishing a company in the Sharjah International Airport Free Zone represents an exciting opportunity for investors seeking to benefit from the facilities and advantages provided by this distinguished investment environment.

The Sharjah International Airport Free Zone is distinguished by its advanced infrastructure, flexible legislation, and distinguished services, making it an attractive destination for startups and investors seeking to develop their businesses in an important strategic location on the regional and global levels.

Thanks to the ease of government procedures and facilities, investors can start establishing their companies quickly and easily, and enjoy a range of tax, customs and logistical benefits that enhance the success of their business.

This encouraging environment provides diverse opportunities for growth and expansion in various economic sectors, attracting investors and companies from all over the world to take advantage of the promising opportunities offered by the Sharjah International Airport Free Zone.

The most important frequently asked questions about establishing a company in the free zone