Business Setup in SAIF Zone | Sharjah Airport Free Zone Company Formation
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) is a business setup zone in Sharjah, UAE, located next to Sharjah International Airport. Established in 1995, it is one of the region’s leading free zones for company formation, supporting trading, logistics, manufacturing, and service-based businesses.
SAIF Zone offers companies 100% foreign ownership, fast business licensing, and cost-effective setup options. Its strategic location provides direct access to global air cargo routes and efficient import-export operations across the GCC and international markets.
Businesses choose SAIF Zone for its low setup costs, flexible office and warehouse facilities, and streamlined company registration process.
It is commonly used for:
- Low-cost UAE business setup
- Trading and logistics companies
- Manufacturing and industrial operations
- SMEs and international startups entering the UAE market
Types of Companies in SAIF Zone
When setting up a business in SAIF Zone, you can choose from the following structures:
1. Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
- Single shareholder company
- Ideal for solo entrepreneurs
2. Free Zone Company (FZC)
- 2 or more shareholders
- Suitable for partnerships
3. Branch Office
- Extension of an existing UAE or foreign company
- No separate legal identity
SAIF Zone License Types
SAIF Zone offers multiple license categories depending on business activity:
- Trading License: For import/export and general trading activities.
- General Trading License: Allows trading in multiple unrelated product categories.
- Service License: For consultancy, IT, marketing, and professional services.
- Industrial License: For manufacturing, production, and industrial operations.
- Specialized Licenses: Aviation, Oil & Gas Trading, Shipping & Freight Forwarding, Investment Activities, Real Estate Activities.
Business Setup Process in SAIF Zone
The company formation process in SAIF Zone is straightforward and typically completed within 2 to 4 weeks.
Step 1: Choose Business Activity: Select the type of commercial, industrial, or service activity.
Step 2: Select Legal Structure: FZE, FZC, or Branch of an existing company.
Step 3: Submit Application: Provide required documents and application form to SAIF Zone authority.
Step 4: Initial Approval: Receive preliminary approval from the free zone authority.
Step 5: Office or Warehouse Lease: Select and lease physical office, warehouse, or facility.
Step 6: License Issuance: Obtain your official trade license.
Step 7: Visa Processing (if required): Apply for investor or employee residency visas.
Industries You Can Set Up in SAIF Zone
SAIF Zone supports a wide range of industries, including:
- Trading & Import/Export
- Logistics & Freight Forwarding
- Manufacturing & Industrial Production
- Aviation Services
- IT & Technology Services
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Oil & Gas Support Services
- E-commerce Businesses
If your industry is not listed, eligibility can still be assessed based on SAIF Zone regulations.
Why Choose FAR Consulting Middle East for SAIF Zone Company Formation?
FAR Consulting Middle East is a UAE-based business setup consultancy assisting entrepreneurs and companies with seamless company formation in SAIF Zone and across UAE free zones.
Our Services Include
- Company registration and licensing
- Business activity selection advisory
- Document preparation and submission
- Immigration and labor file setup
- Visa processing support
- Bank account assistance guidance
We ensure a smooth, compliant, and efficient setup process from start to finish.
FAQs
How much does it cost to set up a company in SAIF Zone?
The cost typically starts from AED 12,000 and varies depending on license type, office space, and visa requirements.
How long does company formation take in SAIF Zone?
Usually between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on documentation and approvals.
Can I fully own a company in SAIF Zone?
Yes, 100% foreign ownership is allowed.
What are the main license types in SAIF Zone?
Trading, Service, Industrial, General Trading, and specialized licenses.
Do I need an office in SAIF Zone?
Yes, office or warehouse space is required depending on license and visa allocation.
Is SAIF Zone good for small businesses?
Yes, it is widely used by SMEs due to cost efficiency and flexible setup options.
Request A Proposal
Following industries you can setup in Sharjah Airport International Free Zone
We covers all the following industries, even if your industry not in list you can consult with us we can help you setup.
Benefits of Business Setup in SAIF Zone
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) has been operating for more than two decades now. Investors are still coming to conduct Sharjah freezone business setup because of its advantages that duly meet the needs of the business owners and what they’re looking for in a location.
Some of the advantages are listed below that investors see, giving them the reason to choose SAIF Zone as the place to build their company.
- 100% foreign ownership
- 100% exemption from corporate and personal income taxes
- Freedom of repatriation of both capital and profits
- One of the world’s most sustainable living and working business clusters
- Highly cost-effective licensing and office space
- 100% free transfer of funds
- Launching point into local, regional and international markets
- Critical mass of sector knowledge and talent
Business Setup in Saif Zone Requirements & Procedure
Documents Required for Company Formation in Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone):
Basic requirements for SAIF Zone business setup:
- Issued certificate for the reservation of company’s trade name
- Initial Approval from SAIF Zone Authority
- Passport of each stakeholder (copy)
- Appointed manager’s CV/resume and passport (copies)
- Rental agreement for office/warehouse
- Information sheet of appointed general manager and stakeholders
- POA (attested and notarized) for company’s legal representative
For a Company Branch or Limited Liability Company in SAIF Zone, the following documents must also be furnished:
- Memorandum of Association (notarized and attested)
- Company registration certificate (only if applicable)
- Board resolution for SAIF Zone business setup
The procedure of processing your business setup in SAIF Zone will range from 2 to 4 weeks.
Support Services Offered in SAIF Zone
FAR Consulting Middle East is one of the leading Sharjah business setup consultants that offer quality business setup services in Sharjah. We will ensure that you have all your questions answered, such as business setup cost in Sharjah and any follow-up questions you have about your Sharjah trade license inquiry.
Our solutions for SAIF Zone business setup include:
- Company registration processing
- Ministry of Labor business account opening
- Account opening with UAE Ministry of Interior
- Establishing of business address
- Company formation requirements processing
If you have inquiries regarding the process of SAIF Zone business setup, call us.
Sharjah Free Zone License Cost
The SAIF Zone is known for its location and flexibility to incorporate various business activities while encouraging diverse cultures. Farahat & Co has a team of professional business setup consultants that can assist in company formation in the said free zone. The fee table below explains the estimated cost for SAIF zone company formation. Contact us for more information on SAIF Free Zone License Fees.
Cost for Business setup in Cost in Fees of SAIF Free Zone Company Setup Costs
Business Registration and Licensing Cost Fees Registration Fee – FZE/FZC AED 10,000.00 Registration Fee – Branch AED 5,000.00 Knowledge Fee & Innovation Fee AED 20.00 Cost by Trade Licence Type (Select one of the following) Trading License Fee AED 7,500.00 Service License Fee AED 7,500.00 General Trading License Fee AED 15,000.00 Oil & Gas Trading License Fee AED 15,000.00 Real estate License Fee AED 15,000.00 Aviation License Fee AED 15,000.00 Shipping License Fee AED 15,000.00 Investment of Own Financial Resources License Fee AED 15,000.00 Industrial License Fee AED 7,500.00 Freight Forwarding License AED 8,500.00 Setting up a branch office (Starting from) AED 7,500.00 Setting up a Branch of a Foreign Company (Starting from) AED 7,500.00 Additional Fees for Business Registration Chamber of Commerce Fees AED 1,800.00 E – Channel Registration AED 2,100.00 E – Channel Refundable Deposit AED 5,035.00 Immigration Card Pre-Approval AED 510.00 Immigration Card AED 1,400.00 Visa Processing Cost Bank Guarantee / Employee Visa deposit One Month Salary + One Way Ticket Issuance of employment contract AED 350.00 Visa Allocation Fee AED 1,600.00 Attestation of Employment Contract (for below 60) (if applicable) AED 100.00 No Claim Declaration and NOC (above 60) (if applicable) AED 900.00 Emirates ID Application (Starting from) AED 270.00 Medical Test AED 500.00 Employment/Residence Visa (Select one of the following) Employment / Residence Visa, including local amendment – In Country (Starting from) AED 3,580.00 Employment / Residence Visa – Out of the Country (Starting from) AED 2,730.00 Investor/ Partner Residence Visa, including local amendment – In Country (Starting from) AED 4,780.00 Investor/ Partner Residence Visa – Out of the Country (Starting from) AED 3,930.00 Postal Services Cost New P.O. Box, Normal Process AED 1,124.00