Which free zones are located in Sharjah and what are their strengths?

Sharjah is home to several important free zones: SAIF Zone near the airport for logistics and global trade, Hamriyah Free Zone for manufacturing and industrial operations with direct port access, and Shams Media City for creative and digital businesses. Each zone offers specialized infrastructure, affordable licensing, and proximity to Dubai, making Sharjah an attractive balance between cost-effectiveness and strategic access to major UAE markets.

How much does it cost to setup a company in Sharjah Free Zones?

Business setup costs in Sharjah range from AED 8,000 in Shams Media City for digital and media licenses, to AED 15,000–25,000 in SAIF Zone and Hamriyah Free Zone for trading, industrial, or logistics companies. Costs are lower than in Dubai while still providing modern infrastructure and excellent connectivity. Packages often include visas, office space, or warehouse options, making Sharjah attractive for SMEs and manufacturers.

Which banks accept Sharjah Free Zone companies?

Sharjah companies can open accounts with top UAE banks such as Emirates NBD, Mashreq, FAB, ADCB, and Sharjah Islamic Bank. Banking approvals are generally smooth if the documents are complete, including trade license, shareholder details, and office lease agreements. While Dubai companies may have slightly easier recognition internationally, Sharjah firms are well-accepted by banks due to the emirate’s strong reputation and regulatory framework.

How long does it take to obtain a license in Sharjah?

Shams Media City can issue freelance and business licenses within 2–3 working days, while SAIF Zone and Hamriyah typically process applications in 5–7 days. Industrial or manufacturing licenses may take longer (2–3 weeks) due to environmental and safety checks. Overall, Sharjah offers fast setup compared to other regions, balancing affordability with efficiency.

Do Sharjah Free Zones provide options for e-commerce businesses?

Yes. Shams Media City specializes in e-commerce, media, and digital services, offering licenses at some of the most affordable rates in the UAE. SAIF Zone and Hamriyah also allow trading and import-export businesses that integrate with online platforms. Many e-commerce entrepreneurs choose Sharjah due to its cost savings and proximity to Dubai’s shipping and logistics centers.

Can freelancers register their business in Sharjah?

Yes. Shams Media City is one of the most freelancer-friendly free zones in the UAE, offering permits for media professionals, designers, developers, consultants, and digital marketers. Freelancers benefit from 100% ownership, the ability to invoice clients worldwide, and access to affordable visa packages. This makes Sharjah particularly attractive for solo entrepreneurs looking for a legal and low-cost way to operate.

What visa packages are available in Sharjah Free Zones?

Sharjah Free Zones offer flexible visa packages, typically starting with 1–3 visas for small offices or flexi-desks, and scaling up with larger office or warehouse spaces. Family sponsorship is also possible. Visa processing takes around 5–10 working days, and the procedures are simpler compared to some Northern Emirates. Zones like SAIF also provide additional investor visa options.

Which industries thrive in Sharjah Free Zones?

Industries such as logistics, light manufacturing, food processing, media, IT, and creative services thrive in Sharjah Free Zones. SAIF Zone supports global exporters, Hamriyah attracts heavy industries and petrochemical businesses, while Shams Media City focuses on startups, content creators, and digital companies. This industrial and creative mix gives Sharjah a diversified business environment.

What tax advantages are available in Sharjah Free Zones?

Sharjah Free Zones provide 0% corporate tax on qualifying activities, no personal income tax, 100% foreign ownership, and full repatriation of capital and profits. In addition, many zones offer exemptions from customs duties on imports and re-exports, making them highly attractive for traders and manufacturers. This ensures businesses can maximize profits while keeping operational costs low.

Why should I choose Sharjah Free Zones instead of Dubai or Ajman?

Sharjah combines strategic location and affordability. While Dubai has global prestige, Sharjah offers much lower setup costs with nearly the same proximity to international markets. Compared to Ajman or UAQ, Sharjah provides stronger infrastructure, more recognized free zones, and better banking credibility. It is an ideal choice for SMEs, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs seeking value without compromising on quality.

Sharjah Free Zones – SAIF Airport Zone & Shams Setup

Sharjah Free Zones combine cost-effective licenses with strategic access to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, making them ideal for SMEs, trading companies, and manufacturing industries.

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Sharjah Free Zones – Affordable Setup for SMEs and Trading Companies

Sharjah provides cost-effective licensing options and is strategically located between Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Popular among SMEs, traders, and manufacturers seeking competitive costs.

Affordable Licenses

Low-cost setup for SMEs and startups

Strategic Location

Proximity to Dubai and key ports

Manufacturing Base

Ideal for industrial and trading businesses

Creative Industries

Shams Free Zone supports media & IT

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Rating

View Details Get Quote

Free Zone	Industry	License Types	License Cost	Visa Count	Processing Time
Sharjah Communication Technologies Free Zone (COMTECH) 4.5 Rating	Media & Communications Professional Services +1 Technology & IT Show more	Commercial Consulting +6 E-commerce Industrial Professional Service Specialized Trading Trading Show more	Mid-range	Up to 12	1-3 days
Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) 4.5 Rating	Energy & Sustainability Manufacturing & Industrial +2 Science & Research Technology & IT Show more	Consulting Industrial +4 Professional Research & Development Service Trading Show more	Mid-range	Up to 15	1-3 days
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC) 4.5 Rating	Design & Creative Education & Knowledge +4 Media & Communications Professional Services Retail & E-commerce Technology & IT Show more	Commercial Consulting +6 E-commerce Education Media & Entertainment Professional Service Trading Show more	Budget-friendly	Up to 12	1-3 days
Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) 4.5 Rating	Design & Creative Education & Knowledge +6 Logistics & Trading Manufacturing & Industrial Media & Communications Professional Services Retail & E-commerce Science & Research Show more	Commercial Consulting +8 Creative Industries E-commerce Industrial Media & Entertainment Professional Research & Development Service Trading Show more	Budget-friendly	Up to 10	1-3 days
U.S.A. Regional Trade Center (USARTC) Free Zone 4.5 Rating	Food & Agriculture Logistics & Trading +4 Manufacturing & Industrial Professional Services Real Estate & Construction Retail & E-commerce Show more	Agricultural Commercial +6 Consulting Holding Company Industrial Professional Service Trading Show more	Budget-friendly	Up to 15	1-2 weeks
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) 4.5 Rating	Logistics & Trading Manufacturing & Industrial +3 Professional Services Real Estate & Construction Retail & E-commerce Show more	Commercial Consulting +4 Industrial Professional Service Trading Show more	Budget-friendly	Min. 1 visas	1-3 days
Hamriyah Free Zone 4.5 Rating	Food & Agriculture Logistics & Trading +4 Manufacturing & Industrial Maritime & Shipping Professional Services Real Estate & Construction Show more	Agricultural Commercial +6 Consulting Industrial Maritime Professional Service Trading Show more	Budget-friendly	Min. 2 visas	2-4 weeks

Free Zone

Industry

License Types

License Cost

Visa Count

Processing Time

Sharjah Communication Technologies Free Zone (COMTECH)

4.5 Rating

Media & Communications Professional Services +1

Technology & IT

Commercial Consulting +6

E-commerce Industrial Professional Service Specialized Trading Trading

Mid-range

Up to 12

1-3 days

Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP)

4.5 Rating

Energy & Sustainability Manufacturing & Industrial +2

Science & Research Technology & IT

Consulting Industrial +4

Professional Research & Development Service Trading

Mid-range

Up to 15

1-3 days

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC)

4.5 Rating

Design & Creative Education & Knowledge +4

Media & Communications Professional Services Retail & E-commerce Technology & IT

Commercial Consulting +6

E-commerce Education Media & Entertainment Professional Service Trading

Budget-friendly

Up to 12

1-3 days

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)

4.5 Rating

Design & Creative Education & Knowledge +6

Logistics & Trading Manufacturing & Industrial Media & Communications Professional Services Retail & E-commerce Science & Research

Commercial Consulting +8

Creative Industries E-commerce Industrial Media & Entertainment Professional Research & Development Service Trading

Budget-friendly

Up to 10

1-3 days

U.S.A. Regional Trade Center (USARTC) Free Zone

4.5 Rating

Food & Agriculture Logistics & Trading +4

Manufacturing & Industrial Professional Services Real Estate & Construction Retail & E-commerce

Agricultural Commercial +6

Consulting Holding Company Industrial Professional Service Trading

Budget-friendly

Up to 15

1-2 weeks

Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone)

4.5 Rating

Logistics & Trading Manufacturing & Industrial +3

Professional Services Real Estate & Construction Retail & E-commerce

Commercial Consulting +4

Industrial Professional Service Trading

Budget-friendly

Min. 1 visas

1-3 days

Hamriyah Free Zone

4.5 Rating

Food & Agriculture Logistics & Trading +4

Manufacturing & Industrial Maritime & Shipping Professional Services Real Estate & Construction

Agricultural Commercial +6

Consulting Industrial Maritime Professional Service Trading

Budget-friendly

Min. 2 visas

2-4 weeks

Corporate Tax Services

VAT Services

Excise & Other Taxes

Corporate Bank Accounts

Personal Bank Accounts

Compliance & Documentation

Visa & Immigration

Government Services

Business Setup Support

Corporate Law & Business Formation

Regulatory & Compliance

Employment & Labor Law

Dispute Resolution & Arbitration

Succession Planning

Business Restructuring

Exit Strategies

Bookkeeping & Reporting

Payroll Services

Auditing & Compliance

Financial Advisory

Sharjah Free Zones – SAIF Airport Zone & Shams Setup

Sharjah Free Zones – Affordable Setup for SMEs and Trading Companies

Affordable Licenses

Strategic Location

Manufacturing Base

Creative Industries

Sharjah Business District

Sharjah Free Zones – Full Directory & Benefits

Hamriyah Free Zone

Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone)

Sharjah Communication Technologies Free Zone (COMTECH)

Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC)

Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP)

U.S.A. Regional Trade Center (USARTC) Free Zone

Sharjah Free Zones – Cost & Features Comparison

Key Benefits of Doing Business in Sharjah Free Zones

Low-Cost Setup

Strategic Location

Creative & Knowledge Hubs

Industrial Advantage

Visa & Staff Support

SME-Friendly

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