Sharjah Free Zones: A Hub for Business Growth and Innovation Growth and Innovation
Sharjah, the third-largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is home to some of the fastest-growing free zones in the region. These free zones offer a conducive business environment for businesses of all sizes, from startups and SMEs to multinational corporations. With world-class infrastructure, excellent connectivity to major trading hubs, a tax-free business environment, affordable rental schemes, and cost-effective business setup packages, Sharjah’s free zones are an ideal location for business setup.
A Diverse Range of Business Opportunities
While Sharjah is known as an industrial powerhouse, its free zones offer a diverse range of business activities beyond manufacturing and logistics. These include media, entertainment, consultancy services, e-commerce, and many other lucrative activities. Setting up a company in Sharjah Free Zones is straightforward and flexible, and business setup consultants in Sharjah can assist foreign investors in expediting the license approval process.
Licensing Options in Sharjah Free Zones
Before starting a business in Sharjah’s free zones, foreign investors need to decide on the business activities they wish to undertake. Each free zone offers unique licenses that cater to some of the most lucrative business activities in the UAE. Here are some of the most common business licenses available in Sharjah’s free zones:
Legal Structures in Sharjah Free Zones
Determining a legal structure or form is a crucial step in setting up a company in Sharjah Free Zones. The legal form represents the legal status of the company, which can be determined based on the number of shareholders. Sharjah’s free zones recognise the following types of legal entities:
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
Free Zone Company (FZC)
Branch Company
Setting Up a Business in Sharjah Free Zones
The process of company registration in Sharjah Free Zones is simple and flexible. It involves selecting a business activity, determining an appropriate legal form, reserving a company name, choosing a facility/office space, receiving the trade license, applying for a visa, and opening a corporate bank account.
Benefits of Business Setup in Sharjah Free Zones
Setting up a company in Sharjah’s free zones offers a wide range of benefits, including 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax and personal income tax, exemption from customsduties, 100% repatriation of profits and capital, quick and easy incorporation, world-class facilities, one-stop solution for all services, proximity to airport and seaport, and excellent connectivity through land, sea, and air.
Regulatory Compliance in Sharjah Free Zones
Companies operating in Sharjah Free Zones must comply with regulatory requirements such as Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO), Economic Substance Regulations (ESR), and Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting Financing of Terrorism (AML-CFT). Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties, including suspension of trade license and information exchange with foreign competent authorities. It is advisable to seek assistance from business setup consultants in Sharjah to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
Sharjah's Free Zones
Sharjah’s free zones contribute significantly to the UAE’s economy. Their strategic location and unique licenses make them attractive to foreign investors. Some of the active free zones in Sharjah include:
Need Assistance?
PW offers comprehensive services covering essential requirements such as visa processing, document drafting, government liaising, bank account opening, and more. Our team of business setup consultants, PRO service executives, and compliance advisers ensures a hassle-free company incorporation process in Abu Dhabi Free Zones