Comprehensive Guide to Setting Up a Business in Sharjah Free Zones: List of Top Companies

Founders usually find the process of starting a business exciting. With many individuals who want to start a new venture in the UAE, free zone companies in Sharjah offer the best option. So, it is best for people looking for an exciting ride. Some merits associated with free zones include tax exemption and full ownership.
The following guide explains how to set up a business in Sharjah free zones. Also, it outlines some of the top Sharjah free zone companies.

What are Sharjah free zones?

Sharjah has several free zones. Free zones are special areas where companies are not subject to some of the regulations. Sharjah free zone companies are tax-exempt and have full ownership. Moreover, they have an easy process. For example, you own the company fully, that is, without a local partner. This is one thing many entrepreneurs would want to go for.
The Sharjah Free Zone companies are also strategically located near Dubai. It means the connectivity of this with Dubai free zone companies is easy. And when you are planning to start a business setup in Dubai then you can also search for options in Sharjah.

Why Sharjah Free Zones?

There are multiple reasons why you should select sharjah free zone companies for your business setup.

Low Costs

Having an enterprise in Sharjah is also cheaper than that in Dubai. Lower registration fees and the cost of operation make it very attractive to entrepreneurs and start-ups. This is because they can expend more capital on growth and development.

Strategic Location

The proximity of Sharjah to bigger cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi provides business firms with substantial advantages. Such strategic locations ease access to a greater population for businesses. Also, they increase efficiency in logistics and transportation. Thus, a good location supports companies to achieve their target markets efficiently.

Flexible Rules

In general, the free zone rules of Sharjah are very flexible as compared to other free zones. Flexibility implies the least number of restrictions towards businesses, which implies making decisions and procedures more prompt which can be quite crucial in the case of start-up and emerging businesses.

Forms of Businesses in Sharjah Free Zones

Companies involved in the Sharjah free zone include various sectors. These include some of the popular categories:

• E-commerce Businesses: With the increasing popularity of online shopping, many e-commerce businesses thrive here.
• Manufacturers: Sharjah is an excellent place for manufacturing companies.
• Logistics Companies: The strategic location makes it ideal for logistics and transportation businesses.
• Technology Firms: The tech sector is booming in Sharjah’s free zones.
• Retailers: Many retailers open shops in Sharjah to cash in on the burgeoning market.

How to Establish a Business in Sharjah Free Zones

The most overwhelming task one would be facing is the initial setting up of a business. With these steps, the process will be made much easier.

Step 1: Determine Your Business Type

First, you have to decide what type of business you will set up. Will it be a trading company, consultancy, or e-commerce platform? The decision is quite crucial. This is because it helps in guiding your decisions and strategy for success.

Step 2: Free Zone Selection

Knowing your business type will lead you to a selection of an appropriate free zone. There are several free zones. Each has different advantages to attract various business types. So, go through the Sharjah Free Zone companies list to identify a suitable fit for your requirements.

Step 3: Acquisition of Relevant Documentation

There is a general list of documents that one needs before registering a firm. Normally, there are three significant copies among others;

• Your passport
• A detailed business plan
• Completely filled-up application form

It is always very important that all the paperwork is accurate.

Step 4: Get Business License

Submit documents to the Sharjah government to obtain the business license. In most of the free zones of Sharjah, the process goes pretty smoothly. Licensing depends upon your free zone selection. However, it’s a must procedure as one has to compulsorily follow legitimate trade in the UAE.

Step 5: Opening a Bank Account

Once you have your license, you should open a business bank account. By opening a separate account, managing the books and accounts and dealing with transactions is easier. Also, through this separate account, records will come out clearly to you. You may go for any bank which offers services for business in the free zone.

Step 6: PRO Service Dubai

Consider engaging PRO services in Dubai or Sharjah. They help you with the paperwork, visas, and legal as would be the case for any other business. So, you can concentrate on the core operations of your business, especially if it is a new business.

Step 7: Office Setup

Finally, set up your office or workspace. Many free zones offer flexible office solutions. These include co-working spaces and dedicated offices, which can adapt to your business needs. This helps you create a professional environment from the very beginning. Hence, it will foster productivity and collaboration.

Best Sharjah Free Zone Companies

Knowing which companies thrive in Sharjah’s free zones can inspire you. Here’s a sharjah free zone companies list to help you:

Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone)

One of the best-known, trading, and logistics companies’ addresses in Sharjah. It’s an upmarket facility. It is present within the heart of the country to accommodate businesses. So, it creates room for expansion with swift import and export processes.

Hamriyah Free Zone

Hamriyah Free Zone is highly attractive to the manufacturing and industrial sectors. It has an easy route to shipping and logistics. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses since it will have an infrastructure for the transport of products. So, it is convenient for manufacturers.

Sharjah Media City (Shams)

Sharjah Media City is, as Shams, targeted to media, marketing, and technology companies. It is a free zone encouraging the innovative side where business can come in. Also, it has a collaborative environment for flourishing growth and meeting all the project requirements.

Free Zone of Digital Media

It aims at e-commerce and e-commerce businesses through the free zone for digital media. This zone also provides a new home base for creating startups. Moreover, this free zone works on creating digital-based firms through key supports in infrastructural support.

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority Shurooq

Shurooq encourages investment in any given sector such as real estate and tourism. The investment is encouraged to create economic growth within the region of Sharjah by encouraging businesses. They may face hardship in certain matters that they would otherwise experience to innovate in a business setting.

Port Khalid Free Zone

Port Khalid Free Zone is famous for dealing in trading and logistics businesses. This is because of its proximity to all major shipping routes. It ensures efficient transportation facilities and imported and exported facilities within the zone.

Sharjah Publishing City

Sharjah Publishing City particularly focuses on publishing. It provides specialized facilities that benefit publishers and writers alike. Moreover, this zone encourages collaboration, creativity, and the fostering of resources.

Muwailih Commercial Area

The Muwailih Commercial Area is the best choice for retailers since it has a high traffic rate. The area has many people going through it. Hence, it is the best marketplace for retailers who wish to find their presence in a place.

Sharjah Healthcare City

Sharjah Healthcare City would cater to providers and related businesses. That hub is a comprehensive ecosystem. It also supports innovation and services in healthcare. So, it is an attractive destination for companies that want to contribute.

Al Saja’a Industrial Oasis

Al Saja’a Industrial Oasis is an ideal area for manufacturing and heavy industries. This area provides businesses with the infrastructure, utilities, and services that might be needed to drive and further enhance production as well as operational efficiency mostly for industrial businesses.
One of which is those few companies that form part of what Sharjah free zone companies offer. There is a long list across varieties.

Benefits of setting up a business in Sharjah

There are many advantages of Sharjah Free Zone companies in your business setup.

• Tax Advantages: The company doesn’t pay any corporate tax or personal income tax.
• 100% Ownership: You don’t need to have a local partner. It was discussed earlier.
• Ease of Repatriation of Profits: You can send back profits to your mother country.
• Support Services: Free zones offer you top-notch support services to grow your business.

Comparison with Dubai Free Zones

There are more benefits in Sharjah; however, Dubai too has many. Dubai free zone companies are well-established and may also provide excellent networking opportunities. If one chooses a company Dubai free zone, then that person should also understand the market here is more competitive.
But with Sharjah, there might be a good point if you have a small-scale business or start-up business as it can help to create your company within a cost-effective budget as well as to be close to Dubai’s happening market.

PRO Services in Dubai

During the business setup, consider using PRO services in Dubaior Sharjah. They would take care of the paperwork, vis, and other legal issues. This would save you loads of time and stress. Also, by hiring professionals, you can focus on what matters to your business.

Conclusion

Sharjah Free Zone Companies is an intelligent step for starting a business. This is because it has low costs, full ownership rights, and strategic locations which bring this opportunity at par with other setups. With the right planning and support from PRO services in Dubai, you can easily go through the process of business setup. So, start your journey in Sharjah free zones today.