28 Jan Establishing a company in the Sharjah International Airport Free Zone
Learn about setting up a company in Sharjah International Airport Free Zone because this zone provides Sharjah International Airport with some of the most attractive business incentives in the region, including speed of service and simplicity of operations. The extremely lengthy and bureaucratic procedures in the Middle East can pose a serious barrier to potential investors, but Sharjah Airport International Free Zone has a 24-hour licensing service, which enables companies to operate in a shorter time than ever before. The customer base is among the largest in the world congregated in a unified hub, with the potential to reach over 2 billion people within a four-hour flight and one of the most dynamic regions in the UAE.
The free zone at Sharjah International Airport was established in 1995 to include distinguished commercial businesses in airports in various regions of the world and added a new concept in the world of trade and business, as the free zone at Sharjah Airport provides tax exemptions for travelers and business owners, and also provides distinguished services that will support businesses and investors. Providing many opportunities for communication and cooperation with others.
The Sharjah International Airport Free Zone Authority seeks to become a prosperous business center based on the economic growth of the United Arab Emirates, by providing a safe commercial environment for companies and stimulating the establishment and conduct of business in Sharjah. One of the tasks of the Sharjah International Airport Free Zone is to facilitate the mechanism of dealing and clarify Information and procedures for companies interested in working in the free zone at Sharjah International Airport and building a strong communication network in order to unify information related to the companies’ business.
Establishing a company in the Sharjah International Airport Free Zone
Advantages of establishing a company in the free zone
The free zone at Sharjah Airport provides many features that encourage investment and also encourage doing business there, because it provides many of the following features:
- The ability to transfer money to the country of origin without imposing any restrictions
- Allowing free foreign ownership
- Complete exemption from corporate and individual taxes
- Complete exemption from import and export duty tax
- Facilitating the mechanism of establishing businesses in a rapidly growing infrastructure
- A distinctive and strategic location for business to facilitate access to various places and regions
- Lands of different sizes
- Exchange companies and international banks nearby
- Service and medical facilities such as restaurants and supermarkets, including the duty free market at Sharjah Airport
- Possibility of accommodation and customs services
- Accommodation for foreign workers
- International and local shipping services
Establishing companies in the Sharjah International Airport Free Zone
The advantages of the free zone are compatible with the interests of all companies operating in the trade and industry sector, in addition to the service provision sector, as these advantages are compatible with many distinct services provided by foreign companies, and among these advantages is the possibility of employing any person, taking into account immigration procedures. The following are the procedures for establishing companies in the Sharjah International Airport Free Zone:
- Market Study and Business Plan: Conduct a market study to identify business opportunities and prepare a comprehensive business plan.
- Choose the company type: Choose the appropriate type of company, such as a limited company, sole proprietorship, or limited liability company.
- Selecting the economic activity: Select the economic activity you wish to practice in the free zone.
- Submit an application for a license: Submit an application to obtain a license for your company to the competent authority in the free zone.
- Establishing the company: Prepare the necessary documents to establish the company and submit them to the relevant authorities.
- Obtaining a work permit: After establishing the company, obtain a work permit for yourself and the employees you intend to employ.
- Establishing a bank account: Open a bank account for your company to facilitate financial operations.
- Registration with tax authorities: Register your company with local tax authorities and comply with tax legislation.
- Establishment of the main office: Establish a main office in the free zone and secure all necessary devices and equipment.
- Compliance with local laws and regulations: Ensure compliance with all local laws and regulations in the free zone.
It should be noted that the steps may differ slightly depending on the type of company and economic activity, so it is recommended to always check the official guidelines of the free zone and communicate with Itqan’s local consultants in this regard.
Advantages of a company in Sharjah International Airport Free Zone
Registration of a company in the Sharjah International Airport Free Zone
In order to register a company in a free zone at Sharjah International Airport, there are several steps that must be followed:
- Choosing a company type: Determine the appropriate company type for your business, such as a limited liability company or a sole proprietorship.
- Choosing a company name: The company name must be unique and comply with the UAE company naming guidelines.
Determine the commercial activity: Determine the commercial activities that you wish to practice and that the company can carry out in the free zone. - Determine the company structure and shareholders: Define the company structure and the responsibilities of shareholders and directors.
- Preparing documents: Preparing the documents required to register the company, such as a copy of the shareholders’ passport and their approval to establish the company.
- Submitting the application: Submitting an application to obtain a license to establish the company in the free zone.
- Obtaining the necessary approvals: Obtaining approvals from the relevant authorities, such as the Department of Economic Development and other government agencies.
- Signing contracts: Signing the contracts necessary to establish the company and specifying the terms and conditions.
- Payment of fees: Pay the fees required to register and obtain the necessary licenses.
- Receiving the license: After completing the previous procedures and paying the fees, you will be granted a license to practice commercial activity in the Sharjah International Airport Free Zone.
Company licenses in Sharjah International Airport Free Zone
Licenses for companies in a free zone at Sharjah International Airport vary depending on the type of business activity and the type of company. However, here is a list of common licenses you may need:
- Commercial activity license: Requires all commercial companies to conduct their activities in the free zone.
- Office License: Required by all companies to have a business space within the free zone.
- Work Permit: Required to employ local and foreign workers.
- Residency License: Required for UAE residents who work for the company.
- Shipping License and Customs Clearance: If your company deals with import and export.
- Transport license: If your company works in the field of transport.
- Logistics Services License: If your company provides logistics services.
- Construction and Civil Engineering License: If your company works in the construction field.
- Restaurant and café license: If your company runs a restaurant or café.
- Medical Services License: If your company provides medical services.
Sharjah International Airport Free Zone
The Sharjah International Airport Free Zone is one of the largest free zones in the United Arab Emirates, providing an ideal environment for establishing companies and growing businesses. The free zone is located near Sharjah International Airport, making it easily accessible and facilitating import and export operations. The Sharjah International Airport Free Zone has many competitive advantages, including:
- Simple and fast procedures: The region offers simple and fast company incorporation procedures, which facilitates the process of starting a business.
- Advanced Infrastructure: The region has advanced infrastructure that supports businesses, including communications, transportation, and energy.
- Tax exemptions: The free zone provides attractive income and corporate tax exemptions for specific periods of time.
- Easy access to regional and global markets: Companies in the free zone can easily access regional and global markets through Sharjah International Airport.
- Flexible legislation: Flexible legislation in the free zone provides companies with various opportunities for business development and business expansion.
- Diverse professional licenses: The free zone offers a variety of professional licenses that suit different types of companies and businesses.
If you are planning to establish a company in Sharjah International Airport Free Zone, you can take advantage of these advantages to achieve sustainable success in your business.
Our company’s role in establishing a company in the Sharjah International Airport Free Zone
At the conclusion of this article, it can be said that establishing a company in a free zone such as the Sharjah International Airport area is a strategic and smart step for businessmen and companies wishing to expand their business in the United Arab Emirates and the region in general. This free zone provides an ideal business environment that offers many advantages such as tax exemptions, advanced infrastructure, and easy access to regional and global markets.
However, investors and companies wishing to establish a company in this free zone must be fully aware of the local laws and regulations, and must adhere to the procedures and conditions required to establish and operate the company legally and successfully. Certainly, companies can greatly benefit from the competitive advantages offered by Sharjah International Airport Free Zone to achieve success and sustainable growth in their business.
The most important frequently asked questions about establishing a company in the free zone
What is a free zone?
A free zone is a special business zone within a country that provides a favorable business environment for companies with tax exemptions and facilitating trade laws.
What types of companies can be established in the free zone?
A variety of companies can be established in the free zone, such as limited companies, limited liability companies and sole proprietorships.
What are the basic procedures for establishing a company in the free zone?
Determine the type of company, choose the name and register it, prepare the social contract, submit the application for a license, and open a bank account.
What tax exemptions are available in the free zone?
Tax exemptions vary depending on the free zone and company type, and include exemption from income tax, value-added tax, and customs duties.
Can I employ employees of different nationalities in my company in the free zone?
Yes, employees of different nationalities can be employed in your company in the free zone, but they must adhere to local labor laws and provide the necessary visas.