Sharjah is the place where you can see the cultural and historical side of the UAE, and it’s an ideal place for US entrepreneurs and small to medium sized businesses to grow and compete in the region. Among the many options available in the UAE, Sharjah Free Zone is the preferred choice for American businesses due to its location and policies.
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 – perfect for US businesses looking to expand in the UAE.
Information Technology and Innovation.
Health Care & Education
Media & Creative Sector
Trading & Logistics Sector
Manufacturing & Industrial Sector
Hamriyah Free Zone Sharjah : Hamriyah Free Zone is the most affordable option for business setup in Sharjah. This zone offers competitive incentives, prime location near 3 seaports and 100% foreign ownership. Tax free environment, cost effective living and no currency restrictions or customs duties makes it perfect for US businesses. Industries thriving here are oil & gas, shipping, automotive, pharmaceuticals and food processing.
Warehouse options range from 276 sq.m to 614 sq.m, built to environmental and safety standards. Ample parking, IT ready infrastructure and various power capacities available.
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF) : Located next to Sharjah International Airport, SAIF Zone provides access to over 2 billion consumers in Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Tax free benefits, 100% ownership and strategic logistics connectivity for US businesses.
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, it’s one of the youngest and fastest growing zones in Sharjah. While primarily focused on media businesses, SHAMS offers licenses for trading, professional services and holding companies. Ideal for US startups and freelancers, SHAMS requires only one shareholder.
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone A hub for paper, printing, distribution and publishing, this zone offers tax free privileges and full commercial licenses. USA entrepreneurs in publishing and related industries can easily set up here.
The Sharjah Research Technology And Innovation Park Free Zone : SRTIP connects academia, government and industry in one location to foster innovation and R&D. Ideal for USA businesses focused on technology, research and innovative solutions, this zone supports business growth with state of the art facilities and partnerships.
Sharjah Free Zones though not limited to media businesses are famous for nurturing creative talent. These zones are perfect for USA 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 US startups and SMEs prefer low cost entry into the UAE market.
Complete ownership: USA 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 USA entrepreneurs.
Scalable: Add up to 20 employee visas under a single trade license, perfect for growing US businesses.
Flexible: US 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 US enterprises.
Strategic Location: Sharjah has easy access to international markets in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, making it an ideal hub for USA 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. USA entrepreneurs can leverage these sector specific zones to benefit from customized infrastructure and networking opportunities..
Dubai International City has various business licenses to attract US 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 USA 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 USA 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. USA professionals looking to set up in Dubai International City can use this license to access the service sector of 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 USA 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 USA 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 USA business owners to ensure the company is registered properly as it meets both UAE and USA regulatory requirements for a compliant and operational business.
Flyingcolour® helps with company registration in UAE. We provide services for Mainland, Free Zone or Offshore in all Emirates of UAE. We also help with opening bank accounts with all local banks. Our team works with UAE Government Departments and banks to make the business setup process easy for American.
