Sharjah Airport International Free Zone

Get Our Brochure

Got Questions? Talk to Our Experts Now!

We are available to help you with accounting, auditing, VAT, and business setup in Dubai. Get in touch today and get the right answers fast.

Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) — Business Setup UAE

If your business involves trading, manufacturing, logistics, or any activity that benefits from being close to an airport, seaport, and major highway connections, SAIF Zone is one of the most practical and well-established free zones in the UAE.

Sharjah Airport International Free Zone, commonly known as SAIF Zone, stands as one of the UAE’s most established and strategically located free zones, offering 100% foreign ownership, proximity to Sharjah International Airport, competitive costs, and fast company formation within hours.

Silver Oak is an authorized business consultant for SAIF Zone helping over 600 companies set up, manage their compliance, and handle all PRO services within the free zone.

What Is SAIF Zone?

Established in 1995 by the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone Authority, SAIF Zone has facilitated thousands of business registrations across diverse industries. Today there are more than 6,000 registered companies from 140 countries in SAIF Zone, with activities ranging from light and heavy industries to trading and services.

SAIF Zone sits directly next to Sharjah International Airport and is just 20 minutes from Dubai International Airport. It also has easy access to Sharjah’s seaports Port Khalid on the Gulf side and Khor Fakkan Port on the Indian Ocean side. This makes it one of the best-connected free zones in the UAE for businesses that move goods by air, sea, or road.

Key Benefits of Setting Up in SAIF Zone

100% Foreign Ownership You own your company completely no local UAE national partner or sponsor required.

Strategic Location SAIF Zone supports trading and logistics companies that depend on fast cargo movement, located next to Sharjah International Airport with proximity to UAE’s significant seaports. This makes it ideal for import, export, manufacturing, and logistics businesses.

Fast License Issuance The license is issued instantly on the day of application. You can have your company registered and your license in hand within hours.

Tax Benefits

  • 0% corporate tax on qualifying income
  • 0% personal income tax
  • No customs duties on imports and exports
  • No restrictions on repatriation of capital and profits

World Class Infrastructure SAIF Zone provides fully equipped offices, pre-built warehouses, industrial land plots, on-site accommodation for workers, customs facilities, banking, and a complete range of support services all within the free zone.

Affordable Setup Costs SAIF Zone business setup packages with three visa quota start from AED 10,800. This makes it one of the more cost-effective options for trading and logistics businesses in the UAE.

Mandatory Annual Audit It is mandatory to appoint auditors and submit an annual audit report at the end of the company’s financial year. Silver Oak provides complete audit services for SAIF Zone companies.

Types of Licenses Available in SAIF Zone

Commercial License

For businesses involved in importing, exporting, distributing, consolidating, storing, and warehousing goods specified in the license. This is the most popular license type in SAIF Zone for trading companies.

General Trading License

A General Trading License allows investors to sell multiple goods under a single trade license, making SAIF Zone ideal for establishing a trading company in the UAE. This is a good option for businesses that deal in a wide range of products rather than a specific category.

Manufacturing License

For businesses involved in producing, assembling, or packaging goods. SAIF Zone has dedicated manufacturing and industrial facilities including warehouses, land plots, and heavy equipment hire making it well suited for light and heavy manufacturing businesses.

Services License

For businesses providing IT, consulting, hospitality, and other professional services. Service or trading licenses are available from AED 13,500.

E-Commerce and General Trading License

E-commerce, general trading, multiple activities, and aviation licenses are available from AED 21,000, eligible for a small office and four resident visas as part of the package.

SAIF Zone Packages and Setup Costs 2026

Sharjah Airport Free Zone business setup packages start from AED 10,800 with three visa quota.

Here is a breakdown of the main packages:

SAIF Desk Package The most affordable option ideal for small businesses and startups that need a desk space rather than a dedicated office. Starting from USD 2,960 (approximately AED 10,800).

SAIF Executive Office Package For businesses that need a dedicated private office space. Suitable for growing companies that need their own workspace within the free zone.

SAIF Suite Package For businesses that need a larger office or a combination of office and warehouse space. Includes dedicated fully furnished office, license fee waiver, up to 10 visa quota, utility charges, and signboard.

SAIF Warehouse Package For businesses that need storage and logistics facilities. SAIF Zone warehouses are custom-built with built-in office spaces and are designed to handle commercial and industrial requirements.

Special Shared Package Includes:

  • Shared desk
  • Utility charges
  • Up to 5 visa quota
  • Signboard

Total SAIF Zone setup costs typically range from AED 12,000 to AED 25,000 depending on license type, office space, and number of visas. Contact Silver Oak for a clear and accurate cost breakdown based on your specific requirements.

Visa Costs in SAIF Zone

Here is a clear breakdown of visa costs in SAIF Zone:

E-Channel Registration and Refundable Deposit

  • Total: AED 3,245 (includes refundable deposit of AED 1,050)

Company Immigration Card Fee and Security Approval

  • AED 1,760

Investor Visa — Visa Fee and Emirates ID

  • Normal processing: AED 3,937
  • Urgent processing: AED 4,337

Employee Visa — Visa Fee and Emirates ID

  • Normal processing: AED 3,782
  • Urgent processing: AED 4,182

Medical Fee

  • AED 200 per person

Visa Stamping

  • AED 510

Processing Times:

  • Investor visa — normal: 6 to 8 working days, urgent: 3 to 4 working days
  • Medical test — normal: 2 working days, urgent: 1 working day
  • Visa stamping — normal: 6 to 8 working days, urgent: 3 to 4 working days

Note: Medical insurance is mandatory and not included in the above fees. An employee visa also requires a refundable deposit of one month’s salary and a one-way air ticket.

Warehouse Facilities in SAIF Zone

SAIF Zone is one of the best free zones in the UAE for businesses that need proper warehousing and logistics facilities.

The free zone provides:

  • Custom-built warehouses with built-in office spaces
  • Warehouses designed for both commercial and industrial requirements
  • Heavy equipment hire including forklifts and carriers
  • Dedicated lay-by areas and transport routes within the free zone
  • An in-house customs checkpoint for fast clearance of goods entering and leaving the zone

This infrastructure makes SAIF Zone particularly strong for import-export businesses, logistics companies, and manufacturers who need reliable storage and movement of goods.

PRO Services in SAIF Zone

Silver Oak provides complete PRO services for SAIF Zone companies — handling all government-related documentation and procedures on your behalf.

Our PRO services for SAIF Zone include:

  • New visa applications and renewals
  • Emirates ID applications
  • Investor, employee, and family visa processing
  • Company license renewal
  • Import and export code registration
  • Chamber of Commerce registration
  • Tax residency certificate applications
  • ESR filing
  • VAT registration and filing
  • Customs registration
  • Special government approvals
  • Company closing and liquidation support

Our team manages all administrative tasks related to the free zone on your behalf so you can focus on running your business.

SAIF Zone License Renewal

Renewing your SAIF Zone license is a straightforward process. Here is what you need:

  • Original trade license
  • Audit report mandatory every year
  • P.O. Box renewal receipt
  • License renewal fee
  • Authorization letter to collect the renewed license

License renewal takes just one day and does not require the company owner’s personal visit. It must be paid and the lease agreement signed to process the renewal.

Silver Oak manages the full renewal process for your SAIF Zone company tracking your renewal date, preparing all required documents including the audit report, and submitting everything on time so your license never lapses.

Company Liquidation in SAIF Zone

If you need to close your SAIF Zone company, the process involves the following steps:

  • Prepare a board resolution to liquidate the company signed by all directors
  • Return all original company documents trade license, incorporation certificate, Memorandum of Association, tenancy certificate, and investor agreements
  • Obtain NOC from Port and Customs and Etisalat
  • Submit an auditor certificate for liquidation
  • Pay SAIF Zone liquidation fees including late fees, publication notice fees, and visa and immigration card cancellation fees
  • Obtain clearance letters from SAIF Zone facilities management, visa department, and customs
  • Hand over office keys to the SAIF Zone authority
  • Clear all outstanding payments

The full liquidation process typically takes 15 to 20 working days. Our team manages the entire process for you making sure all steps are completed correctly and on time.

Accounting and Compliance for SAIF Zone Companies

SAIF Zone requires all registered companies to submit an annual audited financial report as part of the license renewal process. Silver Oak provides complete accounting and compliance support for SAIF Zone companies:

Annual Audit We prepare and submit your mandatory annual audit report — reviewing your financial statements, verifying records, and issuing a clear audit report that meets SAIF Zone authority requirements.

Accounting and Bookkeeping We maintain accurate financial records throughout the year — keeping your books organized and ready for the annual audit and license renewal.

VAT Compliance We handle VAT registration, return filing, and compliance — making sure your SAIF Zone company meets all Federal Tax Authority requirements.

Corporate Tax We assess your qualifying free zone person status, register your company for UAE corporate tax, and file your annual corporate tax return on time.

Why Choose Silver Oak for SAIF Zone Business Setup?

Authorized SAIF Zone Consultant Silver Oak is an authorized business consultant for SAIF Zone with direct working relationships with the free zone authority ensuring faster processing and fewer complications for our clients.

Over 600 SAIF Zone Companies Supported We have helped over 600 companies set up and operate in SAIF Zone giving us deep practical knowledge of exactly how the zone works and what it requires.

Complete End to End Service We handle everything company registration, license issuance, visa processing, bank account opening, annual audit, license renewal, and ongoing PRO services under one roof.

Transparent Pricing We give you a clear and complete cost breakdown before you commit to anything no hidden fees or unexpected charges.

Set Up Your Business in SAIF Zone Today

SAIF Zone is one of the UAE’s most established and practical free zones for trading, manufacturing, logistics, and service businesses with excellent infrastructure, fast setup, competitive costs, and a strategic location that gives your business real access to regional and global markets.

As an authorized SAIF Zone consultant, Silver Oak handles everything from company registration and license issuance to ongoing accounting, audit, PRO services, and license renewal.

Contact us today for a free consultation and a clear cost breakdown for your SAIF Zone business setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

SAIF Zone is a free trade zone located adjacent to Sharjah International Airport, offering businesses 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and strategic access to global markets via air, sea, and land routes. It is one of the UAE's most established free zones with over 6,000 companies from 140 countries.

SAIF Zone supports all types of businesses trading, manufacturing, logistics, services, e-commerce, and professional services. It is particularly well suited for businesses that need warehouse facilities or benefit from being close to an airport and seaports.

SAIF Zone offers commercial, general trading, manufacturing, and services licenses. E-commerce and aviation licenses are also available. Our team advises on the right license for your specific business activity.

SAIF Zone packages start from AED 10,800 with a three visa quota. Total setup costs typically range from AED 12,000 to AED 25,000 depending on your license type, office choice, and visa requirements.

SAIF Zone offers 0% personal income tax, 0% corporate tax on qualifying income, no customs duties on imports and exports, and no restrictions on repatriation of capital and profits.

Yes. SAIF Zone companies can apply for employee visas for foreign workers. Visa costs range from AED 3,782 to AED 4,182 per employee depending on processing speed. Our PRO team handles all employee visa applications.

The minimum share capital requirement is AED 150,000, which must be deposited into the company's bank account. Our team advises on the exact requirements for your specific business structure.

SAIF Zone companies can sell to the UAE mainland market but must do so through a local mainland distributor or partner. Direct retail sales on the mainland are not permitted for free zone companies without a mainland arrangement.

UAE residence visas issued through SAIF Zone are typically valid for two or three years. Our team handles all visa renewals before expiry to make sure you and your employees always have valid visas.

License renewal takes just one day and does not require the company owner's personal visit. Our team manages the full renewal process including the mandatory audit report.