Trading & Distribution
Import, export, wholesale, and distribution of goods.
Trade
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone)
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) offers a strategic gateway for businesses seeking growth in the UAE. With modern facilities, streamlined setup processes, and direct access to air and sea transport, it provides the ideal environment for trading, logistics, and industrial ventures.
Excellent
100% foreign ownership
Zero corporate & personal tax
Quick licensing & registration
Proximity to airport & ports
Offices, warehouses & industrial plots
Excellent
About SAIF Zone
About Sharjah Airport International Free Zone
SAIF Zone is a premier free zone in the UAE, designed to facilitate efficient business operations across trading, logistics, and light manufacturing sectors. Its strategic location near Sharjah International Airport allows companies to manage import, export, and distribution seamlessly.
The free zone provides modern infrastructure, including office spaces, warehouses, industrial plots, and customs facilities. These resources, combined with 24/7 support services, help businesses reduce operational delays and focus on growth.
With flexible company structures and fully repatriable profits, SAIF Zone attracts both startups and established enterprises. Its thriving business community and strong regulatory framework create an ecosystem that encourages expansion into regional and global markets.
Benefits
Benefits of SAIF Zone
SAIF Zone offers a world-class business environment that combines strategic location, modern infrastructure, and attractive incentives. Companies can operate efficiently, expand globally, and take full advantage of the UAE's trade-friendly policies.
Fast Company Setup
Quick company setup and license processing to get you operational sooner.
Airport & Port Access
Direct access to Sharjah airport and ports for smooth import, export, and trade.
Flexible Facilities
Flexible offices and warehouse spaces to match your operational scale.
Fully Repatriable Profits
Repatriate 100% of your profits worldwide with no currency restrictions.
Flexible Structures
Choose from FZE, FZCO, or branch office options to fit your ownership model.
8,000+ Company Network
Join a thriving business community of over 8,000 companies.
Sectors
Key Sectors at SAIF Zone
SAIF Zone supports trading, logistics, manufacturing, and technology businesses.
Logistics & Freight Forwarding
Freight forwarding, cargo handling, and supply chain operations.
Logistics
Light Manufacturing
Light manufacturing, assembly, packaging, and production.
Industry
E-Commerce & IT Services
Online retail, digital services, and IT providers.
Digital
Industrial & Warehousing
Industrial operations and warehousing with customs access.
Warehousing
License Types
Types of Licenses in SAIF Zone
SAIF Zone offers licenses tailored to commercial, trading, service, industrial, and e-commerce activities.
Service License
For businesses offering professional or technical services like IT, marketing, or consultancy.
- IT & marketing
- Consultancy
- Technical services
Service License
For businesses offering professional or technical services like IT, marketing, or consultancy.
- IT & marketing
- Consultancy
- Technical services
Legal Forms
Legal Structures in SAIF Zone
SAIF Zone offers flexible company structures for new ventures and existing groups. Choose the setup that matches your ownership needs.
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
- Designed for single-shareholder companies
- Individual or corporate shareholder
- Limited liability protection
- Full ownership and control
Free Zone Company (FZCO)
- Suitable for multiple shareholders
- Individual or corporate entities
- Separate legal identity
- Ideal for partnerships
Branch Office
- For existing UAE or foreign companies
- Operates under the parent company
- No new share capital required
- Not a separate legal entity
Requirements
Required Documents for SAIF Zone Setup
To set up your business in SAIF Zone, you need documents for company registration and licensing.
Shareholder & Company Documents
- Passport copies of all shareholders
- Passport-size photos
- Memorandum of Association (MoA)
- Articles of Association (AoA)
- Business plan (if applicable)
Office & Approvals Documents
- Tenancy or lease agreement for office/warehouse
- Special permits or approvals (if required)
Full setup
10-14
Days
Timelines are indicative; visa processing follows license issuance.
Good to know SAIF Zone provides pre-built offices, storage units, and industrial spaces so you can start operations quickly.
Timeline
SAIF Zone Business Setup Timeline
SAIF Zone offers a fast and structured setup process. Here is a typical timeline.
- Day 1: Submit application and preliminary documents
- Day 2-3: Review and approval of business activity and trade name
- Day 4-5: Sign lease agreement and submit MoA/AoA for licensing
- Day 6-7: Receive initial approval from SAIF Zone authority
- Day 8-10: Issue of trade license and registration of company
- Day 11-14: Apply for visas, establishment card, and other permits
Setup Process
Steps to Start Your Business in SAIF Zone
Follow these simple steps to set up your business quickly and efficiently in Sharjah Airport Free Zone from activity to visas with our team guiding each stage.
Step 1
Choose Your Business Activity
Decide the type of license and business operations that align with your goals. This ensures compliance with SAIF Zone regulations and sets the foundation for your operations.
Step 2
Reserve Trade Name
Submit your preferred trade name for approval. A unique, compliant name ensures legal recognition and prevents conflicts with existing companies in the UAE.
Step 3
Submit Application & Documents
Provide all required shareholder, company, and office documents. SAIF Zone reviews these to verify eligibility and compliance before proceeding.
Step 4
Sign Lease & Prepare Legal Documents
Finalize your office, warehouse, or industrial lease and prepare your MoA/AoA. These are essential for legal registration and licensing of your business.
Step 5
Receive Initial Approval
SAIF Zone reviews your application and issues preliminary approval, confirming your eligibility and allowing you to proceed with licensing and permits.
Step 6
Obtain Trade License
Your official trade permit is issued, authorizing your business operations in SAIF Zone and allowing you to legally operate, trade, or provide services.
Step 7
Apply for Visas & Establishment Card
Process visas for shareholders and employees, along with the company establishment card. This completes your setup and enables staff to work legally in the UAE.
Pricing
Cost of SAIF Zone Setup
Starting business setup costs begin from AED 15,000, depending on license type and office requirements.
Starter Package
From AED 15,000
An entry package covering the trade permit and a SAIF Zone base, suited to lean trading and service activities.
Office / Warehouse Setup
Space-based
A license with a dedicated office or warehouse and visas, suited to trading and logistics teams.
Industrial Setup
Plot & size based
Industrial plots and larger visa quotas for light manufacturing and warehousing operations.
Major costs include
Trade permit fees
The annual fee for your chosen license type and activities.
Office or industrial space lease
Rent for your office, warehouse, or industrial plot.
Registration & document fees
Registration and document processing charges.
Visa & establishment card
Visa and establishment card fees per person.
Additional approvals
Additional approvals or special permits, if applicable.
Note
All figures are indicative. For a precise cost structure tailored to your business, contact Riz & Mona for expert guidance.
Get Started
Set Up Your Company in SAIF Zone
From license and legal structure selection to leasing, documents, visas, and banking, we handle your Sharjah Airport International Free Zone setup end to end. Book a free 30-minute consultation and get a clear, costed plan.
License & activity selection•Office / warehouse leasing•Trade license & registration•Visas & establishment card
