SAIF Zone — Sharjah, UAE
Trade, store and fly out — next to Sharjah Airport
One of the UAE's oldest and most established free zones, built around air cargo, trading and logistics.
Home to more than 8,000 companies from over 160 countries. TFZ helps you pick the right licence and facility and manages the entire SAIF Zone registration.
Get Quote8,000+
Companies registered in the zone
160+
Countries represented
0%
Corporate tax on qualifying income
24 hrs
Licence issuance once documents are complete
Why Choose SAIF Zone?
Types of SAIF Zone Licences
| Licence Type | Activities Covered | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial / Trading Licence | Import, export, distribution and storage of specified goods | Up to 3 related product groups; general trading option available |
| General Trading Licence | Trading in a wide range of goods | Higher fee, broadest scope |
| Service Licence | Consultancy, IT, logistics services, marketing, management | Services can be provided within the zone and internationally |
| Industrial Licence | Manufacturing, assembly, processing, packaging | Requires warehouse or land plot; environmental approvals may apply |
| E-Commerce Licence | Online trading | Popular with start-ups |
| Aviation Licence | Aircraft services, MRO, aviation consultancy | Benefit of airport location |
Legal Structures Available
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
Best for: single shareholder
One shareholder (individual or corporate), limited liability.
Free Zone Company (FZC)
Best for: two or more shareholders
2 to 5 shareholders, limited liability.
Branch of a Foreign Company
Best for: international companies
Same activities as parent, no separate capital.
Branch of a UAE Company
Best for: mainland or other free zone companies
Extends existing business to SAIF Zone.
Step-by-Step SAIF Zone Registration
Documents Required
Timeline for Formation
| Stage | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| Application and initial approval | 1 – 3 working days |
| Lease signing and fee payment | 1 – 2 working days |
| Licence issuance | 1 – 2 working days |
| Establishment card and immigration file | 3 – 5 working days |
| Investor visa and Emirates ID | 2 – 3 weeks |
| Bank account opening | 2 – 4 weeks |
| Total (typical) | 1 wk licence; 4–6 wks operational |
Cost of SAIF Zone Company Formation
Indicative costs in UAE Dirhams (AED). Packages vary by facility type and number of visas.
| Cost Item | Indicative Amount (AED) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Registration fee | 5,000 – 8,000 | One-time |
| Commercial or service licence | 7,500 – 12,000 | Annual |
| General trading licence | 15,000 – 20,000 | Annual |
| Industrial licence | 10,000 – 15,000 | Annual |
| Executive desk / shared office package | 12,000 – 20,000 | Annual |
| Executive office (small) | 25,000 – 45,000 | Annual |
| Warehouse (125 sqm) | 40,000 – 60,000 | Annual |
| Land lease | Per sqm, quoted on request | Annual |
| Establishment card | 1,000 – 2,000 | Annual |
| Investor visa, medical, Emirates ID | 4,000 – 6,000 | Every 2 years |
| Employee visa (per person) | 4,500 – 6,500 | Every 2 years |
| TFZ professional fees | Quoted on request | One-time |
| Typical starter package (licence + desk + 1 visa) | 20,000 – 30,000 (first year) | |
How TFZ Helps
SAIF Zone rewards businesses that move goods by air and want a low-cost, well-connected base close to Dubai. TFZ sets it up quickly and keeps it compliant.
Compliance Requirements for SAIF Zone Companies
Licence and lease renewal
Renew licence, lease and establishment card together
AnnualCorporate tax
Register with the FTA and file a return; maintain Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions (adequate substance, qualifying income, audited accounts) to keep 0%
Annual, within 9 months of year endAudited financial statements
Required for licence renewal and for Qualifying Free Zone Person status
AnnualVAT
5%; register once taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000; SAIF Zone is not a Designated Zone for VAT
Quarterly returnsEconomic Substance Regulations
Notification and report for relevant activities (e.g. distribution and service centres)
AnnualUBO register
File beneficial ownership details with SAIF Zone
On registration and on changeCustoms compliance
Customs registration and declarations for goods entering and leaving the zone
OngoingWage Protection System
Salaries paid through WPS
MonthlyLabour and health insurance
Free zone employment contracts and mandatory medical insurance
OngoingCivil Defence and environmental approvals
For warehouses and industrial units
AnnualVisa renewals
Investor and employee visas
Every 2 yearsEverything You Need to Know About SAIF Zone
From costs to visas and mainland sales, here are answers to the questions investors ask most.
Talk to TFZ Today
Get a free consultation and written quotation for SAIF Zone company formation.