Sharjah
Sharjah is a well-known global industrial hub that is known for producing 48% of the industrial output of the United Arab Emirates. Sharjah has been consistently ranking among the top 10 cities for conducting progressive business in the Gulf region. Thus, a prospective businessman would definitely find Sharjah beneficial to set up his business in Sharjah. Its strategic geographical location, that is close to both Africa and Europe, makes it one of the most suitable places for setting up trading companies. Matched with the state-of-the-art infrastructure of the U.A.E Sharjah is the perfect location for doling out various businesses including product distribution services.
Being a constituting emirate of the U.A.E., companies in Sharjah are exempted from corporate income tax, withholding tax, value added tax, import/export tax or capital gains tax. Moreover, a person staying in Sharjah isn’t required to pay any personal income tax. In short, Sharjah is the best place for the progression of businesses and free trade.
Free Zones in Sharjah
Sharjah Airport International Free Zone
Hamriyah Free Zone
Sharjah Publishing City
Sharjah Media City (Shams)
USA Regional Trade Center (USARTC)
Advantages of company formation in Sharjah
Complete exemption from taxes and foreign duties
100% tax exemption on operations in Ajman free zone
Strategic and central location in regards to businesses
Easy availability of raw material and primary products
Subsidies on utility consumptions. Only 30% of the total electricity and water consumption is required to be paid.
Benefits from the double tax treaties signed by the UAE which includes decrease withholding taxes on payments made in India, China, Japan and Singapore.
Permitted Legal Entities in Ajman free zone
Free Zone Establishment (FZE)
FZE is an entity that is formed and registered in Ajman Free Zone. It is regulated by the Free Zone Authority in accordance with the Amiri Decree No. 3 of 1988 (amended by the Amiri Decree No. 3 of 1996). These establishments enjoy provisions as separate legal entities and they can be 100% owned by either a person or a corporate body. Such entities must have a capital approximately equivalent to US $50,000. The liability of the business owner is limited to the amount of his share capital.
Required Documents
Proposal of 5 names
A copy of the passport, valid for at least 6 months.
Copy of Entry visa stamp (or) entry visa copy (or) residence visa copy (or) cancelled visa documentation (whichever is applicable).
10 colour passport size photographs of the applicant with white in the background
No Objection Letter provided by the sponsor
A 2-page synopsis of the business plan for professional or e-commerce license or 1 paragraph describing the nature of the business it is involved in commercial trading or general trading.
Application Form
Types of Licenses:
Commercial License: This type of license authorizes the import, export, distribution and storing activities, as specified in the license.
Industrial License: It is issued to foreign/UAE companies/Free Zone Entities that wish to carry out production of goods in the Free Zone.
Professional Service License: It is issued to foreign/UAE companies/Free Zone Entities who seek permission to carry out the business of providing professional services in the Free Zone.