Steps to establish a company in the Sharjah Free Zone. Investors enjoy a distinctive investment environment that combines commercial freedom and government facilities. Sharjah Free Zone is considered one of the most important business destinations in the United Arab Emirates, providing vast opportunities for growth and expansion at the local and global levels.
The process of establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone begins with making the appropriate decision regarding the type of company, whether it is a limited liability company, an individual company, or a joint stock company. Next, the business activity to be practiced is determined, and the company name is carefully chosen to comply with local laws.
Then, the required documents, such as legal contracts and government permits, are prepared, and the application is submitted to the competent authorities in the free zone. It is necessary to pay the prescribed fees and fulfill the financial and legal requirements, and after approval, the official permit to practice the business activity is issued.
The steps do not end here, as you must open a local bank account and adhere to the required tax reports and financial procedures. Establishing a company in Sharjah Free Zone requires close cooperation with professional financial and legal advisors to ensure the integrity of the process and full compliance with local laws and legislation.
Advantages of establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone
Establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone is a golden opportunity and provides many advantages to investors such as:
- Full tax exemption on the company and on income.
- Providing planning and implementation services.
- Possibility of recovering the company\\\’s capital and profits.
- There is no need for the participation of a person holding Emirati citizenship.
- Ease of necessary procedures with low costs.
- Providing basic facilities for establishing the company.
- Local and international shipping services.
- Medical facilities and services.
- Rapidly growing and developing infrastructure.
Establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone
The process of establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone includes several basic steps aimed at establishing the company in a legal and orderly manner. These steps include:
- Choosing the company type:
The appropriate company type for the business activity is determined, such as a limited liability company, a sole proprietorship company, or a public joint stock company. - Determine the commercial activity:
The type of commercial activity that the company will undertake is determined, and it must be ensured that it complies with the laws and regulations in the free zone. - Choosing a company name:
A company name is chosen and confirmed to ensure that it does not conflict with companies previously registered in the free zone. - Preparing the necessary documents:
Legal documents such as contracts and agreements are prepared, as well as the documents required to register the company in the free zone. - Submitting the application:
The company registration application is submitted to the relevant authorities in the free zone, and the required fees must be paid in this step. - Approval and registration:
After fulfilling the conditions and requirements and paying the fees, the relevant authorities issue an official permit to establish and register the company. - Opening a bank account:
A local bank account is opened for the company in one of the approved banks in the free zone, in order to properly manage financial operations. - Commitment to tax reports:
The company must commit to submitting the required tax reports and paying local taxes and fees in accordance with local legislation. - Obtaining additional licenses:
The company may need to obtain additional licenses depending on its business activity, such as building, food, or transportation licenses, and this requires following special procedures. - Compliance with local laws:
The company must comply with all local laws and regulations in the free zone, and follow the required legal procedures in all business operations.
Documents and papers to establish a company in the free zone
- License form.
- Electronic form.
- passport copy.
- A statement of the investor’s licenses if he has previous work in the Emirates.
- Approval of the relevant official authorities.
- A certified letter of objection from official authorities for non-investors.
Establishing a company in the free zone
Types of licenses in the free zone
The Sharjah Free Zone allows many services provided that companies practice activities registered with their own licenses only . To establish a company in the free zone, you need to obtain a Sharjah Free Zone license. There are many types of free zone licenses in Sharjah, and these are the most important types of licenses:
- Free zone establishment.
- Branch of a foreign company.
- Free zone company.
- Branch of a company.
If you are planning to establish a company in the Sharjah Free Zone, you can seek help from our team of business consultants and experts to facilitate all procedures and understand the rules, laws and regulations for establishing the company.
Commercial activities permitted in the Sharjah Free Zone
| commercial activities | a description |
|---|---|
| import and export | These activities include importing goods from outside the country and exporting local products to global markets. |
| Manufacturing and production | It is allowed to establish factories and facilities for manufacturing and production in various fields such as the food, engineering and chemical industries. |
| Financial and banking services | Financial and banking services include establishing banks, financial companies, insurance, real estate investments, and money management. |
| Consulting and engineering services | Includes consulting and engineering services such as legal, engineering, technical, marketing, and project management consulting. |
| Real estate and general trade | Companies operating in this sector can invest in real estate, wholesale and retail trade, commercial brokerage and distribution. |
| Health, medicine and medical services | Health, medicine and medical services include establishing hospitals, clinics and laboratories and providing medical and health care services. |
| Technology and communications | Technical and communications services include establishing technical companies, developing software, and providing digital solutions and communications services. |
| Tourism and hospitality | It is permitted to establish tourist facilities such as hotels, restaurants, and resorts and provide tourism and hospitality services to tourists and visitors. |
| Educational and training services | Educational and training services include establishing schools, educational centers, and training institutions and providing educational and training programs. |
| Arts, culture and entertainment | Arts, culture and entertainment include establishing art galleries, cultural centers and theaters and presenting cultural, artistic and entertainment events. |
This is a table showing the commercial activities permitted in the Sharjah Free Zone with a brief description of each activity. Remember, these activities depend on required licenses and permits and compliance with local laws and regulations.
Expected fees for establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone
The process of establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone requires paying many various fees and costs that vary according to the type, size and activity of the company, in addition to the financial and legal services that you may need. Among these fees:
- Company registration fees: Includes company registration fees in the free zone and is estimated based on the type of company and the size of registered capital.
- Legal consultation fees: If you need legal advice to establish the company and prepare legal documents.
- Financial services fees: such as opening a local bank account and other financial transaction costs.
- Permits and licenses fees: These include fees for obtaining the necessary licenses depending on the company’s activity, such as environmental or health licenses.
- Advertising and marketing fees: If you need advertising and marketing campaigns for the new company.
- Administrative fees: such as fees for submitting applications and other administrative transactions.
- Tax Fees: You may need to pay local taxes and fees depending on company activity and applicable tax laws.
- Additional services fees: such as additional consulting services or technical support necessary for the company establishment process.
These fees depend greatly on many details, and it is always preferable to inquire with the competent authorities or financial and legal consultants, which is what Itqan Company provides for you to obtain an accurate estimate of the expected fees for establishing your company in the Sharjah Free Zone.
Frequently asked questions about establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone
What is the Sharjah Free Zone?
The Sharjah Free Zone is considered a distinguished location for business and investment in the emirate, as it provides an encouraging environment and integrated services for small and large companies.
What benefits do investors get in the Sharjah Free Zone?
Provide low or exempt taxes. Possibility of 100% foreign ownership of the company. A developed business environment and excellent financial and logistical services. The presence of modern facilities and a strategic location.
What are the basic steps to establish a company in the Sharjah Free Zone?
Submit a registration application and fill out the required form. Submit the required documents such as passport, personal photos, and contracts. Pay the prescribed fees and receive the official license.
Do I need to have a local partner to establish a company in the Sharjah Free Zone?
In the Sharjah Free Zone, foreigners can establish companies without the need for a local partner, as they can retain 100% ownership of the company.
