SAIF Zone (Sharjah Airport International Free Zone)
An established, trade-oriented zone beside Sharjah International Airport.
Overview
Established in 1996, SAIF Zone is one of the UAE's oldest and most established free zones, beside Sharjah International Airport with fast access to sea, air and road links. It's trade- and logistics-oriented, offering furnished offices, pre-built warehouses and land, and is valued for stability, reputation and cost advantages over Dubai.
Key benefits
- 100% foreign ownership; 0% personal and qualifying-income corporate tax
- Full repatriation; exemption from import/export duties
- Adjacent to Sharjah International Airport — strong air-cargo access
- No restriction on a 100% expatriate workforce
- Ready facilities: furnished offices, warehouses and land
- License often issued the same day
Business activities & licenses
SAIF Zone supports a range of license types and activities, including:
- Trading / commercial & general trading
- Service / professional
- Industrial & light manufacturing
- Logistics & warehousing
Ownership & visas
100% foreign ownership — no local sponsor required.
A common Trading/Service entry package with a flexi-desk is eligible for around 3 residence visas; larger quotas via bigger offices/warehouses.
Cost & timeline
Indicative from ~AED 10,800 for a Trading/Services license bundled with a flexi-desk and eligibility for up to ~3 visas.
License often issued the day of application; visas add days to weeks.
Prices are indicative starting points, not quotes. Government and free-zone fees change frequently — we confirm current, all-in figures before you commit.
Is SAIF Zone right for you?
Trading, logistics, warehousing and light-industrial companies wanting an established, reputable Sharjah base with airport proximity and a generous entry-level visa allowance.
What makes SAIF Zone different
- One of the UAE's longest-established free zones (since 1996).
- Entry-level trading package includes eligibility for ~3 visas.
Compare alternatives
How SAIF Zone compares
| Free zone | Emirate | License from* | Typical timeline | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAIF Zone This page | Sharjah | AED 10,800/yr | License often issued the day of application; visas add days to weeks | Trading · Logistics |
| SHAMS → | Sharjah | AED 5,750/yr | Registration in as little as 24 hours; add visa processing time | Cheapest · Freelancers |
| SPC → | Sharjah | AED 5,000/yr | Often same-day to a few working days for the license | Cheapest · Dual license |
| DAFZA → | Dubai | AED 15,000/yr | ~2–4 weeks | Import/export · Logistics |
* Indicative license-only starting points for budgeting — not quotes. Compare all 17 zones
SAIF Zone — frequently asked questions
01How much does it cost to set up in SAIF Zone?＋
Indicative from ~AED 10,800 for a Trading/Services license bundled with a flexi-desk and eligibility for up to ~3 visas. These are indicative figures for budgeting — Incorporate Dubai will confirm current, all-in pricing for your activity and visa needs.
02Can I own 100% of my SAIF Zone company?＋
100% foreign ownership — no local sponsor required.
03How many visas can I get with SAIF Zone?＋
A common Trading/Service entry package with a flexi-desk is eligible for around 3 residence visas; larger quotas via bigger offices/warehouses.
04How long does SAIF Zone setup take?＋
License often issued the day of application; visas add days to weeks. Timelines depend on document readiness, visa processing and bank onboarding.
05Who is SAIF Zone best for?＋
Trading, logistics, warehousing and light-industrial companies wanting an established, reputable Sharjah base with airport proximity and a generous entry-level visa allowance.