United Arab Emirates

Company Formation in Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park

Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park)

Formation Time

3–5 business days

Min. Capital

AED 50,000

Corporate Tax

0% qualifying income / 9% standard

Foreign Ownership

100%

Overview

Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park), established by royal decree under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi and managed through the American University of Sharjah (AUS) Enterprises, is the UAE's premier deep-tech innovation free zone. Strategically positioned directly adjacent to University City in Sharjah—one of the largest academic complexes in the MENA region—SRTI Park bridges the gap between academic scientific research, venture incubation, and commercial deep-tech industry. The park specializes in six core technological verticals: water technology, renewable energy, environmental technology, transport and logistics innovation, information technology (AI, smart mobility, and IoT), and industrial design and 3D printing (additive manufacturing). Boasting the Middle East's largest MakerSpace (the Sharjah Open Innovation Lab - SOILAB) and cutting-edge testing laboratories, SRTI Park provides innovative tech startups, researchers, and global corporations with an unmatched R&D and commercialization launchpad.

UAE's premier university-linked tech park

SOILAB Middle East's largest 3D printing lab

Next to American University of Sharjah

10-Year Tech Golden Visa pathway

0% QFZP corporate tax

Why Choose Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park

The UAE's premier university-linked deep-tech and advanced engineering free zone

Direct collaboration with the American University of Sharjah (AUS) and University City

Access to SOILAB — the Middle East's largest open maker space and 3D printing lab

Dedicated R&D clusters in AI, clean tech, autonomous mobility, and water technology

Incubation, government grants, and regional venture capital accelerator networks

100% foreign company ownership and 100% capital and profit repatriation

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

Cost-effective commercial packages compared to Dubai tech hubs

Business Entity Types

Entity	Ownership	Directors	Capital	Tax	Best For
Free Zone Limited Liability Company (FZ-LLC)	100%	1 individual	AED 50,000	0% QFZP qualifying income / 9% standard CIT	Deep-tech startups, AI firms, robotics creators, clean-tech ventures
Branch of Foreign or UAE Company	100%	1 appointed manager	None	0% QFZP qualifying income / 9% standard CIT	Global tech multinationals establishing regional R&D testing labs
Innovation License (Incubation)	100%	1 individual	None required	0% corporate tax	Early-stage university spinoffs, student entrepreneurs, seed-stage software startups

Step-by-Step Formation Process

Technology Pitch & Activity Review

2–3 days

Submit technical business model to SRTI Park innovation committee.

Initial Approval & Name Clearance

1–2 days

Receive initial regulatory approval and name reservation certificate.

Innovation Workspace Lease

1 day

Sign lease for innovation co-working desk, tech suite, or dedicated lab space.

License Issuance

1–2 days

Pay authority fees and receive SRTI Park Commercial or Innovation License.

Visa Sponsorship & Corporate Banking

1–2 weeks

Sponsor tech team residence visas and activate corporate multi-currency accounts.

Costs & Fees

Government / License Fee	AED 12,000+
Our Service Fee	USD 3,000 – 5,500
Annual Renewal	AED 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

SRTI Park's prestigious academic and royal governance ensures smooth corporate bank onboarding. Leading UAE banks (Emirates NBD, Mashreq, FAB, Bank of Sharjah) and digital banks (Wio Bank) actively support SRTI Park tech companies.

Account Opening Time

1–2 weeks (3 days via Wio Bank)

Multi-Currency

Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

Wio BusinessEmirates NBDMashreq BankFirst Abu Dhabi BankBank of Sharjah

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax

0% on Qualifying Income for QFZPs; 9% on non-qualifying income exceeding AED 375,000

Personal Income Tax

VAT / Sales Tax

5% standard VAT rate (exports of software, AI algorithms, and R&D services zero-rated)

Capital Gains Tax

Withholding Tax

Double Tax Treaties

137 countries

Qualifying Free Zone Persons (QFZPs) conducting international software development, IP licensing, and R&D consultancy enjoy 0% corporate tax.

Visa & Residency

Investor / Partner Visa

2 years (renewable)

For technology startup founders and venture partners

Innovator / Tech Talent Golden Visa

10 years

Available for exceptional tech innovators, AI specialists, and patent holders

Employment Visa

2 years (renewable)

For software engineers, researchers, and technical staff

Family visa: AvailableProcessing: 5–10 business days

Frequently Asked Questions

What technological sectors are prioritized in SRTI Park?

SRTI Park focuses on six priority technology pillars: Artificial Intelligence & IoT, Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing), Autonomous Transport & Smart Mobility, Clean Energy & Renewable Power, Water Technology & Agritech, and Environmental Technology.

What is the Sharjah Open Innovation Lab (SOILAB)?

SOILAB is the Middle East's first and largest open innovation maker space, located inside SRTI Park. It is equipped with industrial metal and plastic 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, electronics labs, and testing equipment, enabling startups to rapidly prototype physical hardware.

Where is SRTI Park located?

SRTI Park is located in Sharjah immediately adjacent to University City and the American University of Sharjah, directly connected to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), just 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport.

Can deep-tech founders qualify for the UAE 10-Year Golden Visa through SRTI Park?

Yes. Founders, software engineers, and researchers developing patented intellectual property, specialized AI models, or advanced engineering solutions in SRTI Park can apply for the 10-Year UAE Golden Visa under the innovators and tech specialists categories.

How does SRTI Park compare to Dubai Silicon Oasis or DIFC?

SRTI Park offers a similar high-tech R&D ecosystem and world-class laboratory facilities, but with substantially lower facility leasing and license renewal costs, while providing direct university research collaboration and talent recruitment from 47,000+ university students next door.

Does an SRTI Park company pay UAE corporate tax?

An SRTI Park company qualifying as a Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) pays 0% corporate tax on qualifying income from foreign software licensing, overseas R&D contracts, and transactions with other UAE free zone entities.