Sharjah Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZ) is one of the largest and most prominent free zones in the UAE, located in the Emirate of Sharjah. It offers a business-friendly environment, particularly for companies involved in manufacturing, trading, logistics, and service-oriented sectors. HFZ’s strategic location, competitive business setup costs, and world-class infrastructure make it an ideal choice for both startups and established enterprises looking to establish a presence in the UAE and the broader Gulf region
Industry Focus
- Sharjah Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZ) supports a wide variety of industries, including:
- Manufacturing
- Logistics and Distribution
- Trading
- Construction
- Consultancy
- Oil and Gas
- Textiles and Garments
Ownership
- 100% Foreign Ownership : Full control of the business can be held by foreign investors, with no need for a local sponsor.
Business Licenses
- Types of Licenses offered by HFZ:
- Commercial License: For trading and import/export activities.
- Industrial License: For manufacturing activities.
- Service License: For professional services and consultancy.
- E-commerce License: For businesses focused on online retail and digital sales.
Taxation
- Corporate Tax: The 9% corporate tax is exempted based on the criteria set by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA)
- VAT:The UAE standard VAT rate of 5% applies to most goods and services.
Office Space Solutions
- HFZ offers a variety of office space options to accommodate different business needs:
- Flexi-desks: Ideal for small businesses or startups.
- Serviced Offices: Fully furnished offices with shared facilities.
- Warehouse Units: For businesses in logistics or manufacturing requiring larger spaces.
Visa & Immigration
- Visa Eligibility: Companies in HFZ can apply for residency visas for employees, investors, and their families. The number of visas depends on the office size and specific business needs.
- Family Sponsorship: Investors can sponsor family members for residence visas under certain conditions.
Regulatory Framework
- The Sharjah Hamriyah Free Zone Authority oversees the business activities in the free zone, ensuring compliance with both local and international standards. Businesses are required to follow all UAE federal laws and regulations set by the HFZ authority.
Compliance & Reporting
- Businesses must comply with UAE federal laws and the HFZ specific regulations.
Cost of Formation
- Cost of Registration starts from approximately AED 15,000 depending on the type of license, number of visas, and office space required.
Banking & Financial Services
- HFZ allows companies to open corporate bank accounts with access to a range of financial services from both local and international banks.