Sharjah Free Zone Business Setup
Sharjah is a place where you can experience the cultural and historical heritage of the UAE, making it an ideal location for French entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized businesses to grow and compete in the region. Among the many options available in the UAE, the Sharjah Free Zone is a preferred choice for French businesses due to its strategic location and investor-friendly policies, offering an attractive environment for business expansion and success in the Middle East.
Sharjah free zones are specialized economic zones within the emirate, designed to create a business-friendly environment for trade, investment, and entrepreneurship. These zones offer advanced infrastructure, cost-effective setup options, and industry-specific facilities – making them perfect for French businesses looking to expand in the UAE.
- Information Technology and Innovation
- Healthcare and Education
- Media and Creative Sector
- Trading and Logistics Sector
- Manufacturing & Industrial Sector
Types of Free Zones in Sharjah
Hamriyah Free Zone is the most affordable option for business setup in Sharjah. It offers competitive incentives, a prime location near three major seaports, and 100% foreign ownership. With its tax-free environment, cost-effective living, and no currency restrictions or customs duties, Hamriyah Free Zone is ideal for French businesses looking to establish or expand their presence in the UAE.
Warehouse sizes range from 276 sq.m to 614 sq.m, all built to meet high environmental and safety standards. Facilities include ample parking, IT-ready infrastructure, and various power capacities, providing French businesses with flexible and reliable solutions for their storage and operational needs in the UAE.
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) is located next to Sharjah International Airport, offering direct access to over 2 billion consumers across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. With its tax-free benefits, 100% foreign ownership, and strategic logistics connectivity, SAIF Zone is an excellent choice for French businesses looking to expand efficiently into the UAE and MENA markets.
Warehouse sizes similar to Hamriyah, modern amenities and IT ready setups, suitable for SMEs and larger enterprises.
Sharjah Media City, also known as SHAMS Free Zone, is one of the youngest and fastest-growing zones in Sharjah. While it is primarily focused on media businesses, SHAMS also offers licenses for trading, professional services, and holding companies. With a requirement of only one shareholder, SHAMS is ideal for French startups, freelancers, and entrepreneurs looking for a cost-effective and flexible business setup in the UAE.
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone is a dedicated hub for paper, printing, distribution, and publishing industries. This zone offers tax-free privileges and full commercial licenses, making it an excellent choice for French entrepreneurs in publishing and related sectors to set up and grow their businesses easily in the UAE.
The Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park Free Zone (SRTIP) brings together academia, government, and industry in one location to foster innovation and R&D. This zone is ideal for French businesses focused on technology, research, and innovative solutions, as it supports business growth with state-of-the-art facilities and strategic partnerships.
Benefits of Business Registration in Sharjah Free Zone
Sharjah Free Zones though not limited to media businesses are famous for nurturing creative talent. These zones are perfect for French entrepreneurs in the media sector, an environment conducive to innovation and skill development.
Cost-effective: Sharjah Free Zones offer one of the cheapest business setup in UAE. This is the reason why French startups and SMEs prefer low cost entry into the UAE market.
Complete ownership: French investors can have 100% ownership of their company without the need of local sponsor. You will also have full repatriation of capital and profits which is a big advantage for French entrepreneurs.
Scalable: Add up to 20 employee visas under a single trade license, perfect for growing French businesses.
Flexible: French investors don’t need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their current sponsor to become shareholders in a new company, simplifying the registration process.
Multiple Activities under One License: You can do 5 different business activities under a single license, providing flexibility and growth opportunities for diversified French enterprises.
Strategic Location: Sharjah has easy access to international markets in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, making it an ideal hub for French exporters and global businesses. It has well developed ports, airports and highways for smooth logistics and trade.
Sector-specific zones: Sharjah Free Zones cater to various industries, Sharjah Publishing City is the world’s first publishing dedicated free zone. French entrepreneurs can leverage these sector specific zones to benefit from customized infrastructure and networking opportunities..
Types of Business License in International City
Dubai International City has various business licenses to attract French entrepreneurs and investors to tap into the UAE market. Here are the main license types:
This license is for businesses involved in industrial and manufacturing activities. You need to have a physical office in Dubai International City to get a trading license. It covers activities like food products manufacturing, furniture production, and packaging solutions which are of interest to French manufacturers looking to expand in the UAE.
The commercial license allows businesses to buy and sell goods and services in Dubai International City. Activities under this license include import and export operations, retail stores, logistics and wholesale trading which offers huge opportunities for French traders and import-export businesses looking for global reach from the UAE.
This license is for businesses offering specialized services. It covers management consultancy, law firms, accounting and auditing, educational institutions, healthcare providers and other professional services. French professionals looking to set up in Dubai International City can use this license to access the service sector of UAE.
Steps for Sharjah Free Zone Company Formation in UAE
Start by understanding your business model and requirements. Which Sharjah Free Zone—Hamriyah Free Zone, SAIF Zone, SHAMS or SRTIP—fits your operational needs and sector. This is more important for French investors and entrepreneurs looking for the best fit for their expansion plans.
Create a business plan outlining your objectives, market strategy and financial projections. This will not only guide your business setup process but also help you to get approvals from Sharjah Free Zone Authority.
A business name that matches your brand identity is a must. The name should reflect your business activity, not already registered or in use and should not have prohibited or inappropriate words. This is more important for French business owners to establish a good presence in the UAE market.
You will need to complete the business setup formalities for Sharjah Free Zone by getting the shareholders to sign the documents and submit the required papers to the relevant authorities. This is more important for French business owners to ensure the company is registered properly as it meets both UAE and French regulatory requirements for a compliant and operational business.
Flyingcolour® assists with company registration across the UAE, offering services for Mainland, Free Zone, and Offshore setups in all Emirates. We also help French entrepreneurs open bank accounts with leading local banks. Our experienced team works closely with UAE Government Departments and banks, making the business setup process smooth, efficient, and hassle-free for French businesses expanding to the UAE.