SAIF Zone Setup
Set up your company in SAIF Zone (Sharjah Airport International Free Zone) — established airport free zone for trading, logistics, light manufacturing, and re-export. 100% foreign ownership, bonded warehousing, VAT designated zone.
Description
SAIF Zone (Sharjah Airport International Free Zone), established in 1995, is one of the UAE's most established free zones, located adjacent to Sharjah International Airport. It is the strategic choice for trading, logistics, freight forwarding, light manufacturing, and re-export businesses that benefit from rapid air-cargo access and strong warehousing infrastructure. SAIF Zone is a designated zone for VAT purposes, offering advantages for qualifying re-export and international trade operations.
SAIF Zone offers 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, full profit repatriation, fast approvals, and a wide range of facilities — flexi-desk, offices, warehouses, and industrial land with bonded warehousing options. It provides access to the MENA region's markets through Sharjah airport and the emirate's seaports. SAIF Zone is particularly attractive for import-export businesses, logistics operators, and light manufacturers seeking lower costs than Dubai's airport free zones with comparable connectivity.
Octavon Global Advisory handles complete SAIF Zone setup — license type selection, facility selection (flexi-desk to warehouse), trade name reservation, KYC submission, MOA drafting, license issuance, Establishment Card, visa processing, Customs Code registration, and corporate bank account introduction. Standard SAIF Zone setup completes in 7 to 12 working days from KYC submission.
What's Included
- SAIF Zone Trade License (Trading / Service / Industrial)
- 100% Foreign Ownership
- Adjacent to Sharjah International Airport
- VAT Designated Zone Status
- Bonded Warehousing Options
- Flexi-Desk / Office / Warehouse / Industrial Land Options
- Multiple Activities Under Single License
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Share Certificate
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Establishment Card and Immigration Card
- Investor Visa (1-2 included)
- Medical Fitness Test and Emirates ID
- Customs Code Registration
- Corporate Bank Account Introduction
Requirements / Prerequisites
- Minimum 1 shareholder (individual or corporate)
- Trade name following SAIF Zone naming rules
- Activity from SAIF Zone approved list
- Facility selection based on activity
- Industrial activities require MoIAT additional approval
- NOC from current sponsor if applicant is on UAE residence visa
- Annual license renewal
Required Documents
- Passport Copy (6+ months validity, all shareholders)
- Passport-sized Photographs
- UAE Visa Copy and Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
- Proof of Address (utility bill, last 3 months)
- CV or Business Profile
- 3 Proposed Trade Name Choices
- List of Proposed Activities
- NOC from Current Sponsor (if applicable)
- For corporate shareholder: attested parent documents
Our Process
- Consultation on SAIF Zone license and facility
- Trade name reservation
- Submit KYC application
- SAIF Zone review and initial approval
- Facility lease agreement
- Pay SAIF Zone license and facility fees
- MOA drafting and notarisation
- Receive SAIF Zone Trade License
- Establishment Card and Immigration Card
- Investor visa processing
- Medical fitness and Emirates ID
- Customs Code registration
- Corporate bank account opening
Pricing
- Basic Fee: AED 13,000
- Service Fee: AED 3,500
- VAT (5%): AED 825
- Total: AED 17,325
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose SAIF Zone for my business?
SAIF Zone is ideal for trading, logistics, freight forwarding, light manufacturing, and re-export businesses. Its location next to Sharjah International Airport, bonded warehousing, VAT designated zone status, and lower costs than Dubai airport free zones make it strong for import-export operations.
How much does SAIF Zone setup cost?
SAIF Zone packages typically range from AED 12,000-25,000 in government fees depending on the facility and visa package. Flexi-desk packages are at the lower end; warehouse and industrial land packages are higher. Service fees and Customs Code are additional.
What does VAT designated zone status mean for SAIF Zone?
SAIF Zone is a designated zone for VAT, meaning certain transactions involving goods within the zone and for re-export can have favourable VAT treatment. This is an advantage for trading and re-export businesses. We advise on the specific VAT implications for your activity.
How long does SAIF Zone setup take?
Standard SAIF Zone setup completes in 7 to 12 working days from KYC submission. SAIF Zone is known for relatively fast approvals among Sharjah free zones.
Does SAIF Zone offer warehousing?
Yes. SAIF Zone offers warehouses, bonded warehousing, and industrial land alongside offices and flexi-desks — making it well-suited for businesses that store and move physical inventory. This is a key advantage over office-only free zones.
Can SAIF Zone companies sell to UAE mainland?
Like other free zones, SAIF Zone companies cannot sell directly to the UAE mainland market without a local distributor or agent. The license is ideal for international trade, re-export, and B2B operations. For mainland sales, a distribution arrangement or mainland branch is required.
How many visas can I get with SAIF Zone?
Flexi-desk and office packages support a fixed number of visas (typically 1-6 depending on package), while warehouses and industrial land support more based on facility size. SAIF Zone visa quotas are package-based rather than purely space-based.