Sharjah Communication Technologies Free Zone (COMTECH)
2023
100+
COMT
Physical Address
Sharjah Communication Technologies Free Zone, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
About Sharjah Communication Technologies Free Zone (COMTECH)
A specialized free zone focused on advancing communication technologies, digital infrastructure, and IT innovation, providing a supportive ecosystem for tech-driven enterprises
About Sharjah Communication Technologies Free Zone (COMTECH)
Established as a specialized economic zone in Sharjah, the Sharjah Communication Technologies Free Zone (COMTECH) represents a focused initiative to develop a thriving ecosystem for telecommunications, information technology, and digital communications in the emirate. The free zone was conceived with a progressive vision to create an enabling environment where technology companies, IT service providers, telecommunications operators, and digital businesses could establish and grow their ventures with strategic advantages in terms of technical infrastructure, regulatory framework, and specialized support. COMTECH Authority, the governing body, has consistently focused on creating an environment that balances technological innovation with business practicality, establishing the zone as a preferred destination for communications technology enterprises seeking to develop their operations in a supportive and technically advanced ecosystem.
What distinguishes COMTECH is its dedicated focus on communications technologies and its comprehensive approach to supporting digital innovation. The free zone features a progressive licensing framework that accommodates various operational models—from technology startups and software developers to established IT companies and telecommunications enterprises—with flexible packages designed to address the specific needs of tech businesses at different stages of their development journey. This specialized approach is complemented by advanced technical infrastructure, high-capacity connectivity, and digital facilities that support technology development, software creation, and communications services. The zone’s strategic location in Sharjah, with its business-friendly environment and commitment to technological advancement, creates an enabling environment for tech companies seeking to develop innovative solutions and digital services with regional reach and global potential.
Communications Technology Ecosystem
COMTECH has developed a dynamic technology ecosystem supporting diverse ICT-focused activities—from software development and systems integration to telecommunications services, digital solutions, and IT consulting. This integrated environment creates a collaborative community where technology professionals and communications enterprises can establish operations with appropriate infrastructure support, regulatory frameworks, and development opportunities. The zone’s business model accommodates multiple technology approaches—from digital startups and software houses to established IT companies and telecommunications providers, offering tailored solutions that align with specific technical requirements and business objectives in today’s evolving digital landscape.
The zone’s ecosystem emphasizes technological enablement through a combination of advanced infrastructure, supportive frameworks, and specialized services. This approach creates an environment where technology companies can focus on innovation and digital development while benefiting from cost-effective setup options and efficient operational frameworks supported by comprehensive technical facilitation and business development assistance. Supporting this core approach is a complete service platform including technology licensing, facility provision, technical networking, and administrative facilitation that enhances the capabilities of digital enterprises within the ecosystem through coordinated methodologies and innovation-focused solutions designed specifically for communications technology business development.
Available License Types
Choose from a comprehensive range of specialized business licenses designed to support various commercial activities in the COMT free zone
Commercial
General trading and business activities
Consulting
Expert advisory and consulting services
E-commerce
Online trading and digital commerce
Industrial
Manufacturing and production
Professional
Consulting and professional services
Service
Support and service industries
Specialized Trading
Niche commodity and specialized trading
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 COMT for Your Business
Discover the unique advantages that make Sharjah Communication Technologies Free Zone (COMTECH) a leading free zone for international business and strategic growth opportunities
ICT Industry Focus
Dedicated focus on information and communication technologies, creating a specialized ecosystem for tech companies, IT service providers, and digital businesses with industry-specific advantages.
Advanced Digital Infrastructure
State-of-the-art digital infrastructure including high-capacity internet connectivity, advanced telecommunications networks, and technical facilities designed specifically for technology operations.
Technology Business Support
Specialized business support addressing the unique requirements of technology operations including technical facilitation, digital development assistance, and IT-focused business services.
Rapid Setup Process
Streamlined registration process with efficient documentation requirements and expedited approvals, enabling technology businesses to establish operations quickly and begin digital activities within 7-10 days.
Zero Capital Requirement
No minimum capital requirement for business establishment, removing financial barriers to entry and enabling technology entrepreneurs to formalize their operations without significant initial investment.
Competitive Cost Structure
Highly competitive establishment and operational costs compared to other UAE free zones, with flexible packages and scalable solutions that optimize expenses for technology businesses.
Technical Facility Options
Specialized facilities designed for technology operations including tech offices, development spaces, server rooms, testing labs, and technical meeting facilities tailored to IT business needs.
100% Foreign Ownership
Complete ownership of your technology business without local partner requirements, giving international IT companies full control over operations, technical direction, and business development.
100% Repatriation of Capital & Profits
Full repatriation rights for capital investment and business profits without restrictions, providing financial flexibility and investment security for international technology businesses.
Tax Advantages
Comprehensive tax benefits including 0% corporate and personal income tax, exemption from import and export duties for technology equipment, and absence of currency restrictions.
Technology Community Environment
Vibrant community of technology professionals, IT specialists, digital innovators, and communications experts, fostering collaboration, networking, and technical partnerships.
Digital Business Networking
Regular industry events, technology meetups, digital forums, and professional networking opportunities facilitating connections within the ICT community and digital ecosystem.
Technical Talent Access
Access to technical talent, IT professionals, digital specialists, and technology experts through established recruitment channels and facilitated visa processes for international talent.
Technology Market Access
Strategic positioning for accessing regional technology markets, digital service opportunities, and ICT business development across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia regions.
ICT-Focused Regulatory Framework
Progressive regulatory environment designed specifically to support digital business models, technology services, and communications operations with flexible approaches to evolving digital practices.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 Communication Technologies Free Zone (COMTECH)
Initial Consultation
1 day
Engage with COMTECH consultants to discuss your technology business objectives, digital focus, and operational needs. This consultation addresses how your IT venture can benefit from COMTECH's specialized ecosystem and identifies the optimal license type for your specific activities.
License Type Selection
1 day
Select the appropriate license type (Technology, Service, Trading, or Consulting) based on your core technology activities, digital services, and business objectives within the ICT sector.
Business Activity Selection
1 day
Identify and select the specific technology and communications activities that align with your technical focus and business objectives, ensuring proper categorization within COMTECH's licensing framework.
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.
Technical Requirements Assessment
1-2 days
Conduct detailed assessment of your technical requirements including connectivity needs, server specifications, digital infrastructure, and technical facilities based on your technology operations.
Facility Selection
1 day
Identify and select your required facilities based on your technology operations and budget considerations, choosing from tech offices, development spaces, server rooms, testing labs, or meeting facilities.
Document Preparation
1-2 days
Prepare and organize all required documentation including personal identification, technical qualifications, technology profiles, solution portfolios, and business information according to COMTECH requirements.
Application Submission
1 day
Complete and submit the application forms with company information, technical team details, and selected technology activities to initiate the formal review process with COMTECH Authority.
Document Submission
1 day
Submit required documentation including identification documents, technical qualifications, technology profiles, solution portfolios, and business information through the COMTECH application portal.
Application Review
2-3 days
Your application undergoes review by COMTECH authorities who evaluate technical credentials, technology focus, regulatory compliance, and alignment with the zone's ICT development strategy.
Initial Approval
1-2 days
Receive initial approval for your technology business in COMTECH, confirming eligibility to proceed with registration and facility preparation for your specific ICT activities.
Fee Payment
1 day
Pay the required fees including registration fee, license fee, facility 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 technology premises in COMTECH.
License Issuance
1-2 days
Receive your COMTECH business license, officially authorizing your technology company to operate within the free zone for specified ICT activities and digital 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 technology operations.
Technical Infrastructure Setup
3-5 days
Install and configure technical infrastructure, connectivity solutions, server systems, and digital facilities required for your technology operations according to your specifications.
Immigration Card Issuance
2-3 days
Obtain your establishment immigration card, enabling your company to sponsor visas for technical specialists, IT professionals, and support personnel according to your allocation.
Staff Visa Processing
5-10 days
Begin processing employment visas for your technical team according to your visa allocation and operational requirements, with support from COMTECH'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 technology business including digital transactions and online payments.
Commencement of Operations
1 day
Launch your technology business operations following completion of all setup requirements and regulatory approvals, beginning your digital journey in COMTECH Free 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 (2 copies). Photos must be professional quality, showing full face with neutral expression and meeting international ID photo standards.
Technical qualifications
Documentation of technical qualifications, IT certifications, and professional credentials for key technical personnel demonstrating expertise in relevant technology domains.
Permitted Activities
Software Development
Creation and development of software applications, platforms, systems, and digital solutions for various business needs, industries, and technological applications
IT Services
Provision of information technology services including system implementation, technical support, IT management, and digital infrastructure services for businesses and organizations
Telecommunications Services
Delivery of telecommunications solutions, connectivity services, network operations, and communications infrastructure for various business and consumer applications
Systems Integration
Integration of diverse IT systems, software platforms, and technological components into cohesive solutions addressing complex business and operational requirements
Network Solutions
Design, implementation, and management of computer networks, data communications systems, and connectivity infrastructure for organizations and enterprises
Restricted Activities
Amenities Available in This Free Zone
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Sharjah Communication Technologies Free Zone, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates