Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF-Zone)

SAIF Zone was established in 1995 by Emiri Decree No.2. It was built to promote and enhance business in an atmosphere free of regulations and red tape. Perfectly positioned, accessible to both the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean and the unbeatable logistical advantage of the ‘Sharjah Link’ (3 sea ports and Sharjah International airport) make the SAIF-Zone the ideal business hub.

The inception of Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF-Zone) more than a decade ago triggered Sharjah’s evolution into the epicenter of economic activity that it is today. With an hundred fold increase in member companies since its initiation, the SAIF-Zone has completed thirteen successful years and has surpassed several milestones of growth and expansion.

Speed, reliability and cost-effectiveness have been the cornerstone of Sharjah’s industrial policy. A stable government, proactive policies, solid industrial base and an attractive incentives package have drawn a very high proportion of foreign investments into Sharjah in recent years.

The Free Zone’s “One Window” concept provides all administrative services under one roof.   Equipped with the state-of-the-art facilities, the SAIF-Zone offers unbeatable trade incentives and unparalleled benefits to its investors making it the “free zone of choice”.

Today the SAIF-Zone is a host to 7500 companies from 160 countries engaged in varied activities like, manufacturing, trading and the service industry.

• “Designated Zone” under VAT regulations
• 100% foreign ownership
• 100% repatriation of capital and profits
• 100% exemption from corporate and personal income tax
• No import/export duties
• Sponsorship and visas for all staff
• 24×7 operational freedom
• Facility rental protection

A SAIF Zone company can have a minimum of one shareholder and a maximum of five shareholders. If approved by the SAIF Zone management the maximum number of shareholders can go up to seven shareholders. The Company may have minimum of one Director, corporate directors are not permissible. A manager should be appointed (shareholder can be a manager) who should be a resident of UAE. Appointment of company secretary is not mandatory.

The minimum share capital for a SAIF Zone company is AED 150,000/- or its equivalent in US Dollars. The share capital needs to be deposited in the company’s local bank account before a share certificate can be issued.

The following types of companies can be set up in Sharjah Airport International Free Zone:

• New Company
• Branch of foreign and local companies
• Subsidiary

• Trading Licence: covers the import, export, distribution, consolidation, storage or warehousing of items with a maximum limit of 3 similar product lines.
• Service Licence: to carry out service activities specified in the Licence
• Industrial Licence: This includes import of raw materials, manufacturing, processing, assembling, packaging and exporting the finished product.

A SAIF Zone company is required to appoint an auditor and also submit its audited financial statements each year before the license can be renewed.

SAIF Zone provide option of leasing either a flexi desk or SAIF Offices. It also offers:

• Warehouses
• Plot of Land
• Jewelry Park
• Container parking
• Labour accommodation

 

Beta Consultants provides professional assistance to clients for assessing their business plan and incorporate entities in Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone).

For more information, please email us at info@betaconsultants.ae