Company Setup in Sharjah Free Zones
Setup your company in Sharjah Free Zones and unlock your business potential
Sharjah Free Zones is viewed as a significant global business hub for organizations looking to expand internationally. Setting up your business in Sharjah Free Zones offers the strategic advantage of connecting to emerging global markets.
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Setting up your business in Sharjah Free Zones provides the important advantage of connecting to emerging markets around the globe
World-Class Infrastructure
Efficient Business Operations
State-Of-The-Art Logistics Facilities
Investor-Friendly Regulations
Low Corporate Tax
Full Repatriation of Profits
With a variety of business setup options such as mainland, free zone, and offshore, Sharjah Free Zones cater to the needs and objectives of entrepreneurs. Establishing a presence in Sharjah Free Zones offers a pathway to profitability and connection with one of the world’s most advanced and stable economies. No matter the focus of local leadership or the level of international recognition, starting a company in Sharjah Free Zones is a smart decision that opens up significant market opportunities.
Why Setting Up Your Business in Sharjah Free Zones is Advantageous
- Easy visa process: Foreign investors in Sharjah Free Zones find the visa process straightforward, allowing for a smooth introduction of the talent needed for business expansion.
- Free zones: Sharjah Free Zones offer free zones that provide benefits such as 100% foreign ownership, no corporate tax, and no personal income tax.
- Highly skilled workforce: Sharjah Free Zones have an advanced, largely English-speaking workforce.
- Strategic Location: Positioned as a gateway between Europe, Asia, and Africa, Sharjah Free Zones are ideally situated for trade, tourism, and logistics, offering seamless access to emerging markets.
- Tax Benefits: Most jurisdictions within Sharjah Free Zones offer low corporate tax advantages. Additionally, there are no restrictions on repatriation of profits or capital, making it a refined location for businesses considering tax efficiency.
- Vibrant Economy: Sharjah Free Zones boast a dynamic, fast-growing economy, creating ample opportunities for businesses to thrive.
- Access to Global Markets: As a hub for international trade, Sharjah Free Zones provide companies with the chance to expand globally and navigate multiple markets.
- Ease of Doing Business: The government in Sharjah Free Zones has implemented several reforms to streamline the company registration process, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on business growth.
- Promotion of Entrepreneurship: The government of Sharjah Free Zones actively encourages entrepreneurship, offering financial incentives, training programs, and business support services.
General Procedures for Company Setup in Sharjah Free Zones
- Choose the Business Activity: Select the type of business activity. The required license depends on whether your business is commercial, industrial, or professional.
- Select the Company Structure and Jurisdiction: Based on regulatory benefits and costs, establish your company in either the mainland, a free zone, or offshore. You may also choose the type of company, such as Limited Liability Company, Sole Establishment, Branch Office, or a Free Zone Entity.
- Register the Trade Name: Secure a unique trade name for your company from the relevant licensing authorities. It must not be similar to any other existing business.
- Apply for Initial Approval: Obtain an initial approval from the government, confirming there are no objections to your business activity or plan.
- Prepare Legal Documents and Obtain a Trade License: Prepare company incorporation documents such as the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA). Apply for the necessary business license based on your activity.
- Lease an Office Space: Mainland companies must lease office space. Free zone companies are required to be located within the designated free zone.
- Register with the Chamber of Commerce: Register your company with the Sharjah Free Zones Chamber of Commerce to benefit from business services and forums.
- Visa Processing: Apply for visas for yourself, employees, and dependents. Obtain an Establishment Card to sponsor visas for your company.
Mainland vs. Freezone vs. Offshore: Choosing the Right Business Structure in the UAE
Mainland Companies
- Mainland companies in Sharjah Free Zones are registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED). They have the right to operate throughout the UAE.
- The requirement to have a local partner has been waived.
- Mainland companies have full operational freedom and can bid for government contracts.
- Ideal for businesses wanting direct market access in the UAE.
Freezone Companies
- Free zone companies are set up in industry-specific free zones, such as DMCC, DIC, and JAFZA.
- They offer 100% foreign ownership, tax holidays, and no import/export duties.
- Free zone companies are restricted from trading directly in the UAE mainland without a distributor.
- Popular for businesses involved in import/export, e-commerce, or specific industries.
Offshore Companies
- Offshore companies in Sharjah Free Zones are incorporated in offshore jurisdictions.
- They cannot conduct commercial activities within the UAE but can operate outside of the UAE.
- Offshore companies ensure privacy for shareholders and provide favorable tax legislation.
- Suitable for companies with limited physical presence and focused on international transactions.
Licenses Available in Abu Dhabi
- Trade License: For businesses engaged in buying and selling goods.
- Industrial License: Issued to companies involved in manufacturing.
- Business License: For service providers, professionals, artisans, and craftsmen.
Documents Required for Company Setup in Abu Dhabi
- Shareholder information
- Passport and visa copies of shareholders
- Application form
- Business plan PDF
- Board resolution
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Articles of Association (AOA)
Sharjah Free Zones offer a range of benefits including 100% foreign ownership, no corporate or personal income tax, full repatriation of profits, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a strategic location connecting global markets. Additionally, the visa process is easy, and there are investor-friendly regulations.
The setup process typically takes around 1-4 weeks, depending on the type of business activity, license, and completion of required documentation. The process includes trade name registration, initial approval, document submission, and acquiring the business license.
Businesses in sectors like trading, manufacturing, services, logistics, e-commerce, and consultancy can be established. You can choose from different company structures such as Limited Liability Company (LLC), Free Zone Entity (FZE), or Branch Office.
No, one of the main advantages of setting up in Sharjah Free Zones is that you can have 100% foreign ownership, meaning a local partner is not required. This contrasts with mainland company setups that may require local partnerships.
A free zone company can operate within the free zone, with benefits like tax holidays and no import/export duties. However, they are restricted from trading directly in the UAE mainland. Offshore companies, on the other hand, cannot operate within the UAE but are ideal for businesses with international transactions and privacy needs.
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