How to establish a company in the Sharjah Free Zone

When considering establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone , it becomes necessary to cooperate with a reliable and experienced consultancy such as Itqan Company. Itqan has extensive experience in the field of establishing companies and providing legal and administrative consultations, which helps investors overcome bureaucratic complexities and achieve their goals quickly and efficiently. By providing full support at all stages of establishment, from choosing the appropriate company type, through preparing legal documents, to obtaining the necessary licenses, Etqan ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience for investors. In this article, we will learn about how to establish a company in the Sharjah Free Zone and the basic steps for establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone.

Itqan also provides customized advice that suits the needs of each client, allowing investors to focus on developing their business instead of being preoccupied with administrative procedures. Thanks to its partnership with local authorities and deep knowledge of laws and regulations, Itqan contributes to accelerating the incorporation process and ensuring full compliance with all legal requirements.

The Sharjah Free Zone is distinguished by its strategic location, linking the East and the West, making it an important center for international trade. In addition, the region offers advanced infrastructure, high-quality logistics services, and flexible regulatory procedures that make it easy for foreign and local companies to start their operations effortlessly.

Establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone

Sharjah Free Zone

Sharjah Free Zone is one of the most prominent economic destinations in the United Arab Emirates, providing an integrated and distinguished business environment for investors and entrepreneurs from around the world. The free zone was established with the aim of promoting trade and investment in the Emirate of Sharjah, and providing comprehensive facilities and services to companies of all sizes and activities.

The Sharjah Free Zone is characterized by a strategic location that facilitates access to local, regional and international markets, making it an important attraction for companies seeking expansion and growth. The region has a modern and advanced infrastructure that includes ready offices, warehouses, industrial units, and integrated logistical facilities, meeting the needs of various industrial and commercial sectors.

The Sharjah Free Zone provides a package of benefits and incentives that make it an ideal environment for business, including full tax exemptions on profits and income, 100% ownership of companies by foreigners, in addition to not imposing restrictions on transferring funds and profits abroad. The region also offers flexible and fast procedures for registering companies and issuing licenses, making it easier for investors to start their businesses quickly and efficiently.

In addition, the Sharjah Free Zone provides various support services including legal consultancy, logistics, technical support, and marketing services, which helps companies focus on growing their business and achieving their goals. The region also organizes many events and exhibitions that provide opportunities for communication and building business relationships between companies.

How to establish a company in the Sharjah Free Zone

Establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone is an excellent option for businessmen and investors due to the facilities and advantages offered by these areas. Here are the steps for establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone:

1. Choosing the type of business activity: Determining the type of business activity you want to practice is the first step. There is a wide range of activities you can choose from, including commerce, industry, and services.
2. Choosing a company name: An appropriate name for the company must be chosen that complies with the standards and laws of the free zone. The name must not be in use by another company and be consistent with the business.
3. Submitting an application for a commercial license: An application for a commercial license is submitted through the free zone administration. This requires submitting a set of documents including passports, business plans, and the required completed forms.
4. Determine the legal form of the company: You can choose the appropriate legal form for your company, such as a limited liability company (LLC), a branch of a foreign company, or a sole proprietorship.
5. Registration and payment of fees: After your application is approved, you must register the company and pay the required fees. Fees include the cost of the business license, registration fees, and any additional costs related to the required services.
6. Office or warehouse rental: The company must obtain an office or warehouse within the free zone. Sharjah free zones provide a range of options with different sizes to meet different business needs.
7. Obtaining employee visas: After registering the company, you can apply for work visas for employees. The free zone administration provides facilities for obtaining visas for workers needed to operate the business.
8. Starting business operations: After completing all the steps and obtaining all necessary approvals and licenses, you can start business operations in Sharjah.

Establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone provides you with many advantages such as full foreign ownership of the company, tax exemptions, and export and import facilities, making it an ideal environment for business success.

The cost of establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone

Establishing a company in the free zone Sharjah Free Zone is an attractive option for many entrepreneurs and investors who are looking for a flexible business environment and multiple advantages. Sharjah Free Zone provides business incentives and encouraging laws that make it a preferred destination for establishing companies. When talking about set-up costs, several key factors that affect the final cost need to be taken into consideration.

First, commercial license fees are considered an essential part of the cost, as they vary according to the type of business activity and the expected size of the company. Licenses include multiple types, such as commercial, industrial, and service licenses, each of which has its own requirements and fees.

Secondly, the costs of offices and administrative space, which vary based on the location within the free zone and the size of the space required. Sharjah Free Zone offers multiple options of prefabricated offices, warehouses and industrial units, allowing companies to choose what suits their needs and budgets.

Third, the costs of registration and legal procedures, which include company registration fees, issuing visas to workers, and renewing licenses on a regular basis. These fees vary depending on the size of the company and the number of employees required.

Fourth, additional services such as legal consulting services, logistics services, and marketing services, which startup companies may need to ensure smooth and successful business operations. These services are provided by authorized service providers within the free zone and can add to the overall cost.

Finally, there are day-to-day operating costs that businesses must take into consideration, such as electricity and water costs, internet services, and general maintenance costs.

In short, setting up a company in the Sharjah Free Zone requires considering a range of costs that include licensing fees, office costs, registration fees, and additional services. However, the Sharjah Free Zone provides a business-friendly environment and multiple advantages that make these costs a worthwhile investment in the future.

Permits required to establish a company in the Sharjah Free Zone

To establish a company in Sharjah Free Zone, you need to follow certain legal procedures and obtain the necessary permits. These permits may vary based on the type of company and its activity, and usually include the following basic permits:

1. Commercial License: Every commercial company in the free zone is required to obtain a commercial license. The type of commercial activity to be practiced must be determined, whether it is general commercial, industrial, or service.
2. Investment permit: An investment permit must be obtained from the competent authorities in the Sharjah Free Zone. This includes determining the type of investment and the amount invested.
3. Construction and Operating Permit: If your company needs to build or rehabilitate office space or production facilities, you will need to obtain a construction and operating permit from local authorities.
4. Occupation and Work Permits: Employment of employees and employees of the company requires obtaining professional and work permits to ensure compliance with the labor and immigration laws of the UAE.
5. Other permits: There may be additional permits depending on the type of activity of your company, such as environment, health and safety permits, and permits for special activities such as aviation and communications if necessary.

Benefits of establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone

Establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone provides many benefits and advantages that make it a preferred choice for investors and entrepreneurs. These benefits include:

• Tax exemptions: Providing full tax exemptions on income and profits, which enhances the net profits of companies.
  Not imposing taxes on import and export, which reduces operational costs.
• Full ownership: Allowing foreign investors to own 100% of the company without the need for a local partner.
• Flexibility in transferring profits: There are no restrictions on transferring profits and capital abroad, which facilitates the management of the financial affairs of international companies.
• Ease of procedures: Fast and flexible procedures for establishing companies and issuing licenses, which reduces the time and effort spent on starting a business.
  Providing comprehensive support through a single window that facilitates the establishment process and legal procedures.
• Advanced Infrastructure: It provides modern infrastructure that includes ready-made offices, warehouses, industrial units, and integrated logistical facilities.
  Easy access to ports and airports, facilitating shipping and transportation operations.
• Support and Services: Providing a wide range of supporting services such as legal advice, logistics, and marketing services.
  Providing customized solutions to meet the needs of various companies and sectors.
• Strategic location: A strategic location that facilitates access to local, regional and international markets, which enhances opportunities for growth and expansion.
  Its proximity to the main shipping ports in the UAE, which facilitates international trade operations.
• Diversity of business activities: The possibility of establishing companies in various fields such as trade, industry, services, and technology, which provides broad investment opportunities.
  Flexibility in choosing the type of business activity that suits investors.
• Events and Exhibitions: Organizing periodic trade events and exhibitions that provide opportunities for communication and building business relationships between companies.

In conclusion, establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone in cooperation with Itqan Company is a smart and fruitful step for aspiring investors and entrepreneurs. The Sharjah Free Zone is characterized by a supportive and integrated business environment that provides many unique benefits such as tax exemptions, customs facilities, and full ownership by foreigners. In addition, the Sharjah Free Zone provides access to modern infrastructure and a strong logistics network linking local and global markets, which enhances the chances of success and sustainable growth for companies.

The most important frequently asked questions about establishing a company in the Sharjah Free Zone