SAIF Zone: company setup
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone
Updated on 29 October 2026 · Published under the responsibility of Jason Pivron, director · Who we are
Why this zone
Adjacent to Sharjah International Airport, useful for air freight and regional distribution at a lower cost than Dubai.
What to watch for
A zone geared to physical activity. Without goods or a warehouse, it adds nothing over a cheaper digital zone.
Fee breakdown
All-inclusive package, official fees included: registration, first-year licence, establishment card and the minimum office the zone requires; visas are not included. Annual renewal on quotation.
Suited activities
- Trading and distribution
- Airport logistics
- Light industry
- Warehousing
Banking
Adequate, especially for established trading activities.
Setting up in SAIF Zone: the steps
- Scoping and choice of zone
- Name reservation and initial approval
- Licence issue
- Visa and identity
- Tax and bank account
Steps from our catalogue for the United Arab Emirates, recorded on 21 September 2026. Details and documents to provide →
SAIF Zone: what is specific to it
- SAIF Zone takes its name from Sharjah International Airport, which it adjoins. Source: saif-zone.com (to be checked)
Where these figures come from
- Emirate (Sharjah): saif-zone.com
- Office, visas and setup time: our catalogue, recorded on 21 September 2026; to be checked with the zone.
- Banking: our assessment, not an authority's data.
SAIF Zone: frequently asked questions
How much does a SAIF Zone licence cost?
From €5,290. All-inclusive package, official fees included: registration, first-year licence, establishment card and the minimum office the zone requires; visas are not included. Annual renewal on quotation.
How long does company setup in SAIF Zone take?
2 to 3 weeks (our catalogue, to be checked with the zone).
Which emirate is SAIF Zone in?
Sharjah — Sharjah Airport International Free Zone.
What office does a SAIF Zone company need?
Office or warehouse depending on the activity (our catalogue, to be checked with the zone).
How many visas with a SAIF Zone company?
By floor area leased (our catalogue, to be checked with the zone).
Can a SAIF Zone company open a bank account?
Adequate, especially for established trading activities. No account can be guaranteed.
Which activities are allowed in SAIF Zone?
Trading and distribution · Airport logistics · Light industry · Warehousing.
What should I watch out for in SAIF Zone?
A zone geared to physical activity. Without goods or a warehouse, it adds nothing over a cheaper digital zone.