Q & A On Business Setup in Sharjah

The License issued from SAIF-Zone is valid for operating your business only inside the free zone territory. You cannot use this license to set up a business in any of the other Emirates. Goods however may be sold to the other Emirates after payment of the relevant and applicable customs duties.

If you are establishing a FZE or an FZC, the minimum capital requirement is AED 150,000/- or US$ 40,000/-, but there is no minimum capital required if you are setting up a branch of a foreign / local company.

No, there are no restrictions on the Foreigner's exclusive proprietorship.

Yes, SAIF-Zone does not levy any restrictions on the number of business the investor can be involved in.

No, you may employ whoever you wish provided you adhere to the immigration procedures.

We do provide general all round security, however, personal security service can be provided at request by the free zone authorities.

This will depend on the nature/proposal/size of your business

Yes, SAIF-Zone provides labourers, office boys, technician, etc. whenever required on a casual hire basis.

Yes, SAIF-Zone has labour camps located inside the Zone separately for male and female workers only up to supervisory level.

Yes, SAIF-Zone provides professional secretarial services.

International and local Telephone lines services, Fax, Email and Internet services are all available through telephone lines at competitive prices.

Yes, SAIF-Zone has a shuttle bus service provided at nominal charges from the Zone to the city centre 5 times a day.

The residence visa issued from SAIF-Zone is valid for 3 years, from the date of issue

No, provided you follow the immigration procedures.

Yes, they can apply for work if they are on residence visas, then they have to follow the UAE Rules and Regulations.

SAIF-Zone's Client & Investor Services Department provides the service of issuing transit and tourist visa's. You can process your request with SAIF-Zone.

Yes, the UAE recognizes driving licenses from certain countries. A local UAE Driving license can be issued against this upon completing certain formalities.

At present, neither the Government nor the SAIF-Zone authority provides monetary support for investment in the Free Zone. However, there are over 49 International and Local Banks in the UAE for this purpose.

There is neither any income tax nor any corporate tax applicable or payable.

Yes, you could stay in any of the emirates of the UAE provided you have a valid residence visa.

Yes, provide you have a valid visa.

SAIF-Zone maintains and will provide on request a list of registered consultants and contractors for the same.

Yes, our Purchasing Department will assist in purchasing furniture at very competitive rates.

No, there are no restrictions to importing and exporting of goods as long as it is in accordance with your license. No duties are imposed on goods imported and/or exported from within the Free Zone (other than when goods are sold locally in the UAE market then the applicable custom duty will be payable).

Yes, subject to payment of relevant customs duties.

Other than advertisements, there are many international exhibitions held in Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates throughout the year.

Yes, as well as other major international currencies.

Yes, the authorities impose no restrictions on the movement of capital or profits.

H.T. 33kv or 11 kv, L.V. 415 V – 3 Phase, 230 V – 1 Phase. Frequency 50 Hz (cycle per second).

Please refer customs section in this Guide or visit Sharjah customs website: www.sharjahcustoms.gov.ae

Please visit the following websites:
Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry – www.airport.gov.ae
Sharjah Airport – www.shj.airport.gov.ae
Sharjah Tourism Authority – www.sharjahtourism.ae
Sharjah Ports Authority – e-mail: sharjah@emirates.net.ae

Definition of proposed activity, measures to be taken for on-site and off-site locations to order to mitigate harmful effects on the environment. (we process your data immediately and approve it if it meets our environmental standards).

All types of industrial activities are allowed with the exception of leather and tanning industries, manufacturing and packing of all types of pesticides and battery factories, manufacturing and packing of all types of materials leads to Ozone Layer depletion.

Yes, according to the Environment & Health standards.

SAIF-Zone has already implemented the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) standards, in addition to safety measures against environment pollutants such as air, noise, etc.

Natural and synthetic dyes can be imported. However, we do not allow importing chemical compounds and dyes that contain Radioactive substances.

1. Disposal and elimination of all waste must be done safely and stored in special places.
2. Before disposing, waste should be classified (e.g., iron, wood, cartons, etc.)
3. The Basil Convention, for the control of transfer of waste outside UAE should be followed.

Environment & Health Dept. must be notified immediately along with Material Safety Data Sheet. SAIF-Zone has an incinerator available for the disposal of such chemicals.

1. Analysis of the final product's sample for any consignment sent to lab (under control of Environment & Health Dept.).
2. Issuance of health certificate
3. Issuance of Clearance Perishable goods
4. Packing labels must include: Ingredients of the products, Net & gross weight, Production and Expiry dates, Brand Name and Origin of the product (i.e. SAIF-Zone).

Yes, however, they are not allowed to import waste materials for recycling.

We have trash bins (skips) and small drums located at various points of our premises in which domestic and non-hazardous waste are collected.

Liquid waste can be disposed of through septic tanks and soak away wells. However, pre-treatment unit may be required for special industries. Our tanker is capable of sucking liquid waste up-to a capacity of 5000 gallons.

Parameter Nitrogen Dioxide Sulphur Dioxide Hydrogen Sulphide Ammonia Total suspended particulate

Maximum Allowed Concentration 1 ppm (parts per million) 2 ppm 5 ppm 5 ppm 260 ug/m3

A chimney should be at a height of 2.5 to 3 metres above the roof of the neighbouring buildings. (for heavy industry).

We have trained personnel in insect control and spraying techniques. We also have Gloria Pumps and Insecticides. Termite is controlled during pre-construction or post construction of buildings.

Yes, they are attired with head cover, overalls, gloves, boots, masks, etc.