SAIF Zone - Sharjah Airport International Free Zone
Complete guide to setting up in SAIF Zone. Strategic location near Sharjah Airport for logistics, trading, and light manufacturing businesses.
About SAIF Zone
SAIF Zone (Sharjah Airport International Free Zone) was established in 1995 and has grown to host over 8,500 companies from 160+ countries. Located adjacent to Sharjah International Airport and just 10 minutes from Dubai, SAIF Zone offers a strategic hub for companies engaged in trading, logistics, light manufacturing, and services.
License Types Available
Trading License
Import, export, re-export, storage, and distribution of goods. General and specialized trading activities.
Industrial License
Light manufacturing, assembly, packaging, and processing operations.
Service License
Consultancy, IT services, logistics support, freight forwarding, and professional services.
National Industrial License
For UAE nationals with additional benefits including reduced fees and priority services.
Facility Options
Executive Office
Furnished offices with shared reception, meeting rooms, and business support services.
Flexi-Desk
Virtual office solution with registered address and minimal physical presence.
Warehouse
Storage facilities ranging from small units to large warehouses for logistics operations.
Land Lease
Industrial land plots available for custom-built facilities and manufacturing units.
Registration Requirements
- Passport Copies: Color copies for all shareholders and managers
- Passport Photos: White background photographs for visa processing
- Business Plan: Brief description of intended business activities
- Parent Company Docs (for branches): Certificate of incorporation and board resolution
- NOC (for UAE residents): No Objection Certificate from current employer
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Select License & Facility
Choose license type, business activities, and facility requirements (office, warehouse, land)
Timeline: Same day
Trade Name Reservation
Reserve company name through SAIF Zone office or online portal
Timeline: 1-2 days
Application & Documents
Submit completed application form with all required documents
Timeline: 1-2 days
Lease Agreement
Sign facility lease agreement (office, flexi-desk, or warehouse)
Timeline: 1-2 days
Payment & License Issuance
Complete fee payment and receive trade license
Timeline: 2-3 business days
Visa & Bank Account
Process employee visas and open corporate bank account
Timeline: 2-3 weeks
SAIF Zone Fee Structure
| Description | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Trading License (Annual) | 12,500 - 20,000 |
| Service License (Annual) | 12,500 - 18,000 |
| Industrial License (Annual) | 15,000 - 25,000 |
| Executive Office (Annual) | 25,000 - 50,000 |
| Flexi-Desk (Annual) | 8,000 - 12,000 |
| Visa Package (per visa) | 3,500 - 5,000 |
* Fees are subject to change. Contact us for current pricing.
Annual Compliance Requirements
License Renewal
Annual renewal of trade license before expiry date. Late renewal attracts penalties.
Facility Lease Renewal
Maintain valid lease agreement for office or warehouse space.
Corporate Tax Filing
Register for UAE Corporate Tax. File annual returns. May qualify for QFZP 0% rate.
VAT Compliance
Register if taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000. File periodic VAT returns to FTA.
Economic Substance Reporting
Annual ESR notification and report for relevant activities.
Customs Compliance
Maintain proper import/export documentation and customs records.
Tax Implications
QFZP Status Benefits
SAIF Zone companies may qualify as QFZP and enjoy:
- 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income
- No customs duties on imports/re-exports
- 100% foreign ownership and profit repatriation
Related Free Zones
Ready to Set Up Your SAIF Zone Company?
TaxSey provides end-to-end SAIF Zone registration and ongoing tax compliance support
Get Started Today