I
United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates

Company Formation in SAIF Zone

Sharjah Airport International Free Zone

Formation Time
2–4 business days
Min. Capital
AED 150,000
Corporate Tax
0% qualifying income / 9% standard
Foreign Ownership
100%

Overview

Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone), established in 1995, is one of the oldest, most established, and cost-effective industrial and trading free zones in the UAE. Situated adjacent to Sharjah International Airport and just 20 minutes from Dubai, SAIF Zone hosts over 8,000 companies from 160 countries. It is renowned for its rapid 24-to-48-hour license issuance, economical warehousing, air cargo connectivity, and extensive packaging, assembly, and trading facilities.

Adjacent to Sharjah Airport
24-48h license issuance
VAT Designated Zone
Cost-effective warehouses
0% QFZP tax potential

Why Choose SAIF Zone

1

Adjacent to Sharjah International Airport with direct air cargo connections worldwide

2

20 minutes from Dubai International Airport and central Dubai commercial districts

3

Fast 24-to-48 hour licensing and incorporation procedures

4

Economical pre-built warehouses (125 to 600 sq m) with built-in offices and high-power connections

5

0% corporate tax on Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) income

6

Over 8,000 active companies from 160 countries creating deep trading networks

Business Entity Types

EntityOwnershipDirectorsCapitalTaxBest For
FZCO (Free Zone Company)100%1AED 150,0000% QFZP qualifying income / 9% standard CIT above AED 375,000Trading, air cargo logistics, FMCG distribution, light manufacturing, packaging
Branch of Foreign / UAE Company100%1 managerNoneSubject to UAE Corporate Tax Law and PE rulesInternational freight forwarders, aviation logistics firms, trading houses

Step-by-Step Formation Process

1

Name Reservation & Document Filing

1 day

Submit application and select licensed commercial activities.

2

Facility Lease Selection

1 day

Select SAIF Suite flexi-desk, executive office, or airport warehouse.

3

License Issuance

1 day

Pay government fees and receive the SAIF Zone trade license (often same-day).

4

Establishment Card & Residence Visas

7–10 days

Process immigration establishment card and investor/employee visas.

5

Corporate Bank Account Opening

2–3 weeks

Open corporate multi-currency bank account with UAE partner bank.

Costs & Fees

Government / License FeeAED 11,500+
Our Service FeeUSD 2,400 – 3,800
Annual RenewalAED 9,500+

Fees are indicative and may vary based on business activity, entity type, and additional approvals required. Contact us for a precise custom quote.

Get Custom Quote

Banking

SAIF Zone's 30-year track record gives it solid recognition with UAE commercial banks. Companies with leased warehouses and active international trade achieve straightforward banking onboarding.

Account Opening Time
2–3 weeks
Multi-Currency
Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

Emirates NBDMashreq BankCommercial Bank of Dubai (CBD)Bank of SharjahWio Business

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax
0% on Qualifying Income; 9% on Non-Qualifying Income above AED 375,000
Personal Income Tax
0%
VAT / Sales Tax
Designated Zone status for goods storage and transfers (VAT 0% between designated zones)
Capital Gains Tax
0%
Withholding Tax
0%
Double Tax Treaties
137 countries

Qualifying trading and logistics income derived from foreign markets or other free zone entities qualifies for 0% corporate tax under UAE Corporate Tax Law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is SAIF Zone located relative to Dubai?
SAIF Zone is located directly adjacent to Sharjah International Airport and is approximately a 20-minute drive from Dubai International Airport and central Dubai, offering an ideal geographical hub for cargo and logistics between Sharjah, Dubai, and the Northern Emirates.
Is SAIF Zone considered a Designated Zone for UAE VAT?
Yes. The fenced customs areas and bonded warehouses of SAIF Zone are officially recognized as a Designated Zone by the Federal Tax Authority. Goods stored within the zone are treated as outside the UAE for VAT purposes, allowing VAT-free international transit.
What is the minimum capital requirement for SAIF Zone?
The nominal minimum share capital for a new FZCO in SAIF Zone is AED 150,000. Branch offices of foreign or existing UAE companies require no minimum share capital.
Can a SAIF Zone company rent a warehouse?
Yes. SAIF Zone is famous for its ready-built warehouses ranging from 125, 250, 400, to 600 square meters, equipped with insulated roofs, high electrical load capacity, integrated offices, and loading bays.
How long does company formation take in SAIF Zone?
SAIF Zone offers one of the fastest formation turnarounds in the UAE. Once shareholder documents are verified, the commercial trade license is typically issued within 24 to 48 hours.
Does a SAIF Zone company pay 9% corporate tax?
Under UAE Corporate Tax Law, SAIF Zone companies are eligible for Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status. If the company maintains adequate substance, prepares audited financials, and derives income from qualifying activities (such as distribution of goods outside the UAE or to other free zones), it enjoys a 0% tax rate on qualifying profits.