Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone)
1995
6K+
SHJ
Physical Address
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
About Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone)
A major industrial and commercial hub with direct access to Sharjah International Airport, offering fast company setup, cost-effective packages, and a full spectrum of facilities for trading, manufacturing, and logistics
About Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone)
Established in 1995 as part of Sharjah’s economic diversification strategy, SAIF Zone has evolved into one of the UAE’s most dynamic business hubs, strategically positioned adjacent to Sharjah International Airport. The free zone was developed with a clear vision to create a comprehensive business ecosystem where trading, manufacturing, and service companies could establish operations with strategic advantages in terms of air connectivity, infrastructure, and regulatory framework. SAIF Zone Authority, the governing body, has consistently focused on creating an environment that balances business efficiency with operational flexibility, establishing the zone as a preferred destination for companies seeking to establish or expand their presence in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asian markets with particular emphasis on air freight logistics and time-sensitive business operations.
What distinguishes SAIF Zone is its exceptional air connectivity and multimodal transportation advantages. The zone’s direct integration with Sharjah International Airport provides businesses with immediate access to cargo facilities, passenger terminals, and air freight services that enable efficient movement of goods, personnel, and time-sensitive shipments. This aviation advantage is complemented by comprehensive business infrastructure including modern office complexes, versatile warehousing facilities, and serviced industrial plots that support diverse operational requirements from basic trading to complex manufacturing processes. The zone’s strategic location in Sharjah, with proximity to major highways, seaports, and neighboring emirates, creates a logistical advantage for businesses serving regional markets while maintaining global connectivity through integrated air transport networks.
Comprehensive Business Ecosystem
SAIF Zone has developed a comprehensive business ecosystem supporting diverse commercial and industrial activities—from international trading and distribution operations to light manufacturing, assembly processes, and specialized services. This integrated environment creates a dynamic business community where companies of various scales and sectors can establish operations with appropriate infrastructure support, regulatory frameworks, and ecosystem integration. The zone’s business model accommodates multiple operational approaches—from virtual offices and executive suites for commercial representatives to standard offices, warehouses, and industrial plots for companies requiring physical operational space, offering tailored solutions that align with specific business requirements and strategic objectives in today’s competitive business landscape.
The zone’s ecosystem emphasizes operational efficiency through a combination of purpose-built infrastructure, streamlined procedures, and business support services. This approach creates a business-friendly environment where companies can focus on core activities while benefiting from cost-effective setup options and efficient operational frameworks supported by comprehensive administrative support and strategic positioning. Supporting this core approach is a complete service platform including business licensing, facility provision, visa processing, and administrative facilitation that enhances the operational capabilities of enterprises within the ecosystem through coordinated methodologies and market-focused solutions.
Available License Types
Choose from a comprehensive range of specialized business licenses designed to support various commercial activities in the SHJ free zone
Commercial
General trading and business activities
Consulting
Expert advisory and consulting services
Industrial
Manufacturing and production
Professional
Consulting and professional services
Service
Support and service industries
Trading
Import / export and commodity tradingEach license type has specific approvals and requirements to suit different types of businesses. Our experts will help you choose the most appropriate license for your business operations.
Why Choose SHJ for Your Business
Discover the unique advantages that make Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) a leading free zone for international business and strategic growth opportunities
Strategic Airport Integration
Direct integration with Sharjah International Airport providing immediate access to cargo facilities, passenger terminals, and air freight services for efficient movement of goods, personnel, and time-sensitive shipments.
Rapid Business Setup
Streamlined registration process with efficient documentation requirements and expedited approvals, enabling businesses to establish operations quickly and begin commercial activities within 1-3 weeks.
Competitive Cost Structure
Highly competitive establishment and operational costs compared to other UAE free zones, with flexible facility options and scalable solutions that optimize initial investment and ongoing expenses.
Versatile Facility Options
Comprehensive range of business premises including executive suites, standard offices, warehouses, and industrial land plots, providing appropriate facilities for various business types and operational scales.
Strategic Geographic Position
Central location within the UAE with excellent connectivity to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Northern Emirates, creating logistical advantages for businesses serving the entire UAE market.
Multimodal Connectivity
Exceptional transportation links including direct airport access, proximity to major highways, and connections to seaports, creating an integrated logistics network for efficient movement of goods and personnel.
100% Foreign Ownership
Complete ownership of your business enterprise without local partner requirements, giving international companies full control over operations, business development, and strategic direction.
100% Repatriation of Capital & Profits
Full repatriation rights for capital investment and business profits without restrictions, providing financial flexibility and investment security for international businesses.
Tax Advantages
Comprehensive tax benefits including 0% corporate and personal income tax, exemption from import and export duties for certain activities, and absence of currency restrictions.
Flexible Visa Allocation
Appropriate visa quotas based on facility type and business activity, enabling companies to secure necessary residency permits for executives, specialists, and support staff according to operational requirements.
Business Support Services
Access to comprehensive business support services including company formation assistance, government liaison, visa processing, and administrative support, simplifying operational management and regulatory compliance.
Air Freight Advantage
Direct access to air cargo facilities and freight services, creating significant advantages for businesses involved in time-sensitive shipments, high-value goods, and international distribution operations.
Strategic Market Access
Ideal positioning for serving Middle East, Africa, and South Asian markets with efficient air connections, established trade routes, and strategic proximity to major regional economies and emerging markets.
Integrated Business Community
Presence within a dynamic business ecosystem with over 8,000 companies across diverse sectors, creating opportunities for business partnerships, supply chain integration, and collaborative ventures.
Investor-Friendly Policies
Progressive regulatory framework designed to support business growth, operational flexibility, and investment security with transparent procedures and consistent application of rules and regulations.Ready to Join the World's Leading Trading Hub?
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Setup Process
A streamlined 20-step process to establish your commodity trading business in the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone)
Initial Consultation
1 day
Engage with SAIF Zone consultants to discuss your business objectives, operational requirements, and facility needs. This consultation addresses how your organization can benefit from the free zone's offerings and identifies the optimal approach for your specific operations.
Business Activity Selection
1-2 days
Identify and select the specific business activities that align with your operational focus and commercial objectives, ensuring proper categorization within SAIF Zone's licensing framework.
Site Visit & Facility Tour
1 day
Visit SAIF Zone to experience the business environment, assess available facilities, understand the infrastructure, and identify the optimal facility type for your specific operation.
License Type Selection
1 day
Determine the most appropriate license type based on your specific business activities, operational focus, and strategic objectives, ensuring proper regulatory alignment for your operations.
Company Name Reservation
1-2 days
Submit your proposed company name for approval and reservation. Names are evaluated for compliance with naming conventions and to prevent confusion with existing organizations in the UAE registry.
Facility Selection
1-3 days
Identify and select the optimal facility for your business based on your spatial requirements, operational needs, and budget considerations, choosing from executive suites, office spaces, warehouses, or industrial land.
Application Submission
1 day
Complete and submit the application forms with company information, shareholder details, and proposed business activities to initiate the formal review process with SAIF Zone Authority.
Document Submission
1-2 days
Submit required documentation including corporate documents, shareholder information, business specifications, and operational plans through the SAIF Zone application portal.
Application Review
2-3 days
Your application undergoes review by SAIF Zone authorities who evaluate business viability, regulatory compliance, and alignment with the zone's development strategy.
Initial Approval
1-2 days
Receive initial approval for your business in SAIF Zone, confirming eligibility to proceed with registration and facility preparation for your specific activities.
Fee Payment
1 day
Pay the required fees including registration fee, license fee, facility reservation fee, and other applicable charges through the designated payment channels.
Lease Agreement Signing
1 day
Formally execute the lease agreement for your selected facility, establishing the legal framework for your business premises in SAIF Zone.
License Issuance
1-2 days
Receive your SAIF Zone business license, officially authorizing your company to operate within the free zone for specified business activities and operational functions.
Facility Handover
1 day
Take possession of your leased facility with formal handover of keys, access cards, and facility documentation, allowing you to begin preparation for your business operations.
Facility Setup
3-14 days
Prepare your facility for business operations including interior setup, furniture installation, equipment placement, and technical configurations according to your operational requirements.
Utility Connections
2-5 days
Establish connections to essential utilities including electricity, water, telecommunications, and internet services according to your business requirements.
Immigration Card Issuance
2-5 days
Obtain your establishment immigration card, enabling your company to sponsor visas for executives, specialists, and support personnel according to your allocation.
Staff Visa Processing
5-10 days
Begin processing employment visas for your team members according to your visa allocation and operational requirements, with support from SAIF Zone's visa services department.
Bank Account Opening
5-10 days
Open corporate bank accounts with local or international banks operating in the UAE, facilitating financial operations for your business including operational funding and transaction processing.
Commencement of Operations
1-2 days
Launch your business operations and activities following completion of all setup requirements and regulatory approvals, beginning your commercial journey in SAIF Zone.
Total Timeline
2-4 weeks typical setup
Documentation
Comprehensive support provided
Expert Guidance
End-to-end assistance
Eligibility Requirements & Documentation
Comprehensive requirements and documentation needed for establishing your free zone business
Required Documents
Passport copies
Color copies of passport with minimum 6 months validity for all shareholders, directors, and key personnel. Digital scans must be high-resolution and clearly show all passport details and biometric information.
UAE visa copies
For existing UAE residents - copies of current residence visa with sponsor information clearly indicated and validity dates visible.
Emirates ID
For existing UAE residents - clear copies of Emirates ID (front and back) with all information legible and expiry dates visible.
Passport-size photographs
Recent passport-size photographs with white background (6 copies). Photos must be professional quality, showing full face with neutral expression and meeting international ID photo standards.
Business plan
Concise business plan outlining your operational strategy, business approach, and growth projections specific to your activities in SAIF Zone, with particular attention to your market focus and operational requirements.
Permitted Activities
International Trading
Import, export, and distribution of products, commodities, and goods across international markets, leveraging SAIF Zone's strategic location and air connectivity for efficient global trade operations
Light Manufacturing
Production of goods, components, and finished products through light manufacturing processes, assembly operations, and production activities requiring moderate infrastructure and utility support
Assembly Operations
Assembly of components, equipment, products, and finished goods from imported parts and materials, creating value-added products for regional and international markets
Distribution & Logistics
Management of distribution networks, logistics operations, and supply chain activities for efficient movement of goods throughout the Middle East, Africa, and South Asian markets
Air Freight Services
Provision of specialized air cargo services, air freight management, time-sensitive shipping solutions, and aviation logistics leveraging direct access to Sharjah International Airport
Restricted Activities
Amenities Available in This Free Zone
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Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates