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Sharjah Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZ) is a premier industrial and commercial free zone in the UAE, established in 1995 and spread over 30 square kilometers. It is strategically located with access to a 14-meter deepwater port, a 7-meter inner harbor, and close proximity to Sharjah International Airport. Hosting over 6,500 companies from more than 160 countries, HFZ offers a business-friendly environment tailored to industrial, trading, and service enterprises. The zone’s competitive advantages come from its industrial infrastructure, port facilities, and flexible leasing options, making it ideal for manufacturing, logistics, trading, and professional services.
Key Benefits
Gain operational efficiency and competitive advantages through HFZ’s strategic location, industrial infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies.
✅ Strategic access to sea ports, airport, and road transport
✅ 100% foreign ownership with full repatriation of capital and profits
✅ 0% personal and corporate income tax on qualifying income
✅ Wide range of leasing options including offices, warehouses, and industrial land
✅ Fast-track company setup process — registration can complete in 1 working day
✅ On-site customs clearance and business support services
✅ No restrictions on hiring foreign employees
✅ Access to a specialized Food Park with testing labs and certification services
Ideal For
Industrial and manufacturing companies
Import/export and re-export businesses
Trading and commercial service SMEs
Logistics providers and freight forwarders
E-commerce and distribution hubs
Professional service companies
We handle it all – so you don’t have to.
Business Setup Process in Hamriyah Free Zone
1. Initial Consultation and Business Activity Selection
Select your business activity from approved categories such as industrial manufacturing, trading, or services. This determines the license type and company structure required.
2. Choosing Company Type and License
Select a legal structure:
- Free Zone Establishment (FZE) for a single shareholder
- Free Zone Company (FZC) for 2 to 5 shareholders
- Branch of an existing local or foreign company
Choose the appropriate license type based on your activity: Commercial, Industrial, or Service license.
3. Company Name Registration and Documentation
Register your company name following Hamriyah Free Zone’s guidelines. Prepare and submit documents such as passport copies, business plan (if applicable), visa pages, and No Objection Certificate (if on UAE visa).
4. Application and License Issuance
Submit your license application along with the necessary fees. SAIF Zone offers a fast licensing process, typically completed in 2 to 4 weeks depending on the complexity. Some types of licenses can be issued within a few days if all documents are correct and approvals are swiftly obtained.
5. Office, Warehouse, or Land Leasing
Select suitable facilities among office spaces, warehouses, or industrial land on flexible lease terms, often up to 25 years. Lease space size influences visa quota.
6. Visa Processing
Apply for UAE residence visas for shareholders and employees through HFZ’s streamlined immigration services once licensing and facility leasing are done.
7. Opening a Corporate Bank Account
Open a corporate bank account with UAE banks supporting free zone companies, necessary for operational and financial transactions.
Finalizing Setup and Commencing Operations
Complete all registrations, licensing, visa formalities, and banking to begin your operations smoothly. PRO services and ongoing support help ensure compliance.
Licensing Options to Choose From
Commercial License
- Permits import, export, sale, distribution, and storage of specific products
- Suitable for companies trading limited product categories
General Trading License
- Allows trade in multiple product categories including diverse inventories
- Ideal for wholesalers, marketplace sellers, and retailers
- Some regulated products require extra approvals
Service License
- Licenses provision of professional and consultancy services within HFZ
- Suitable for agencies, consultancies, IT firms, logistics brokers, and freelancers
Industrial License
- For import of raw materials, manufacturing, processing, assembly, packaging, and export
- Requires approved industrial facilities and compliance with health/environment regulations
- Ideal for light manufacturing, food processing, packaging, and assembly lines
Ownership and Tax Benefits
- 100% foreign ownership without need for local sponsor or partner
- 0% corporate and personal income tax on qualifying income, with exemptions valid for 15 to 50 years depending on compliance
- 100% repatriation of capital and profits unrestricted by local regulations
- Tax exemptions on imports, exports, and most commercial levies
- No currency or fund transfer restrictions, facilitating international transactions
- Long-term lease contracts up to 25 years for operational stability
Conclusion
Hamriyah Free Zone is a leading industrial and commercial hub offering strategic port access, flexible industrial infrastructure, and a supportive business ecosystem. With its fully foreign-owned company options, zero taxation on qualifying income, and streamlined business setup process, HFZ empowers companies to thrive in manufacturing, trading, logistics, and services.
Its competitive leases, business-friendly policies, and comprehensive licensing choices make it an excellent destination for companies targeting growth in the UAE and global markets. Establish your presence in Hamriyah Free Zone to leverage an ideal combination of strategic location, cost advantages, and operational flexibility for sustainable business success.
Why Choose MenaHerald for Your Company Formation?
Let MenaHerald take the hassle out of your business setup. We offer expert guidance, assist with complete documentation, and streamline your registration, from selecting the right license to arranging office space and processing visas.
Why Choose MenaHerald?
✓ End-to-end company formation for outsourcing businesses
✓ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
✓ Specialized expertise in regulations and requirements
✓ Ongoing support for renewals and compliance
Get Started Today — Speak to a Specialist Now!
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