Time: 2026-03-05
Author: Zhuoxin Enterprise
Source: Zhuo Xin
Views: 2If you are looking for a cost-effective and strategically located free zone in the UAE, Hamriyah Free Zone in Sharjah is an excellent choice. The hamriyah company setup process is straightforward, offering businesses 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and access to a deep-water port. Many industrial and trading businesses prefer hamriyah company setup due to its competitive rates and proximity to international markets. Whether you are a startup or an established enterprise, this free zone provides a solid foundation for growth.
Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZ) is one of the oldest and most established free zones in the UAE. It is located just 15 minutes from Sharjah International Airport and 30 minutes from Dubai airports. The zone offers a unique combination of industrial and commercial capabilities. The hamriyah company setup here allows you to benefit from a fully integrated ecosystem.
100% foreign ownership – no local sponsor required.
0% corporate and personal income tax for 50 years (renewable).
Full repatriation of capital and profits.
Access to a deep-water port with direct shipping lines.
Affordable setup and operational costs compared to other free zones.
HFZ supports over 150 business activities, including general trading, industrial manufacturing, logistics, and consultancy. Choose a name that complies with HFZ naming guidelines (no religious or political terms). The name reservation is quick and can be done online.
Prepare clear passport copies of all shareholders, proof of address, and a brief business plan. Submit these to the HFZ authority. You will receive an in-principle approval within 2–3 working days.
HFZ offers flexible space options: flexi-desks, executive offices, warehouses, and plots for construction. The space you choose determines your visa quota. Flexi-desks start from as low as AED 8,000 per year.
For single-shareholder companies, an FZE (Free Zone Establishment) is formed; for multiple shareholders, an FZCO (Free Zone Company). The MOA must be notarized. This legal document outlines ownership and responsibilities.
After signing, pay the registration, license, and visa fees. The license is issued within a few days. The entire hamriyah company setup typically takes 1–2 weeks if all documents are in order.
With your license, you can apply for investor visas (usually 3 years) and employee visas. Open a corporate bank account with one of the local banks. Once completed, you can start operations.
Hamriyah is known for its competitive pricing. Below is an approximate cost range for a standard hamriyah company setup:
License fee: AED 10,000 – AED 20,000 per year (depending on activity).
Registration fee: Around AED 3,000 – AED 5,000 (one-time).
Office/warehouse space: Flexi-desk from AED 8,000/year; warehouses from AED 20,000/year.
Visa costs: Approximately AED 3,000 – AED 4,000 per visa (including medical and ID).
Additional fees: Notary, courier, typing (~AED 1,000).
A basic package with one visa and a flexi-desk can start from AED 18,000–25,000. Always request a detailed quote from your setup agent.
To proceed with hamriyah company setup, you need the following documents:
Clear passport copies of all shareholders and directors.
Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, less than 3 months old).
Brief business plan describing activities and projected revenue.
If shareholder is a corporate entity: certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association, and list of directors (attested if required).
For industrial activities: additional approvals may be needed from environmental authorities.
All documents must be in English or translated by a legal translator. HFZ has a dedicated customer service team to assist with documentation.
Hamriyah is particularly strong in industrial and trading activities. Popular categories include:
General trading (import/export, distribution).
Industrial manufacturing (steel, plastics, chemicals, food processing).
Logistics and warehousing.
Consultancy and professional services (IT, marketing, engineering).
Oil and gas services.
If your activity is not listed, HFZ often creates custom packages. During your hamriyah company setup consultation, an agent can verify activity availability and any special requirements.
The number of visas you can apply for depends on your office or warehouse space. Flexi-desks typically allow 1–2 visas, while a full office or warehouse permits more. Investor visas are valid for 3 years and can be renewed. Family sponsorship is allowed if you meet the salary criteria (approx. AED 4,000 after accommodation).
HFZ offers a variety of spaces:
Flexi-desk: Shared workspace in a business center, ideal for startups.
Private office: Furnished, lockable offices for small teams.
Warehouse: Ready-to-use or bare-shell warehouses for industrial operations.
Land lease: For companies wanting to build their own facility.
Your choice impacts both your budget and visa quota, so plan accordingly during your hamriyah company setup.
After your company is registered, you must comply with annual renewal requirements. HFZ mandates that all licensees submit audited financial statements if they exceed a certain turnover (though many small companies are exempt – check with HFZ). You also need to renew your license and visas annually. Additionally, if your turnover exceeds the VAT threshold (AED 375,000), you must register for VAT with the Federal Tax Authority.
HFZ provides online portals for easy renewal and document submission. Staying compliant ensures a smooth operation and avoids penalties.
Hamriyah Free Zone offers a compelling mix of affordability, strategic location, and industrial capability. The hamriyah company setup process is streamlined, and the cost structure is among the most competitive in the UAE. Whether you are in trading, manufacturing, or services, Hamriyah provides the infrastructure and support you need. With proper planning and professional assistance, you can establish your business quickly and efficiently. As the zone continues to expand, now is an excellent time to consider Hamriyah for your regional base.
A1: Typically, the process takes between 1 to 2 weeks, provided all documents are complete and payments are made promptly. Name approval and initial review take about 2–3 days, while final registration and visa processing add another 5–7 days.
A2: The minimum cost for a basic package with a flexi-desk and one investor visa is approximately AED 18,000–25,000. This includes the license fee, registration, office space, and visa processing. Prices may vary based on the chosen activity and any additional services.
A3: Yes. The HFZ license allows you to apply for an investor visa (usually valid for 3 years). You must pass a medical test and obtain an Emirates ID. You can also sponsor your spouse and children if you meet the minimum salary requirement (around AED 4,000 after accommodation).
A4: HFZ requires physical space. You can choose a flexi-desk (shared workspace) starting at AED 8,000 per year, a private office, or a warehouse. The space determines your visa quota – flexi-desks usually allow 1–2 visas, while larger offices or warehouses permit more. Virtual offices are not permitted.
A5: HFZ requires all licensees to submit annual financial statements. However, for small companies, a simple review may suffice. It is best to confirm with HFZ or your setup agent. Larger companies and those with significant turnover must provide audited statements by a registered auditor.
A6: Yes, you can set up a new company in Hamriyah and transfer your operations. However, you cannot simply transfer an existing license; you must go through a fresh hamriyah company setup process. HFZ allows multiple business structures, so you can maintain entities in different free zones if needed.
A7: HFZ has partnerships with several local banks, including Sharjah Islamic Bank, Ajman Bank, RAKBank, and others. Once your license is issued, you can open a corporate account. Some banks require a minimum balance and may take 2–4 weeks for approval. HFZ offers banking facilitation services to assist with the process.
A8: The main published fees cover license, registration, and office. Additional costs may include notary fees for MOA (approx. AED 1,000), courier charges, and potential government approval fees for regulated activities. Always ask your agent for a complete breakdown to avoid surprises.
Note: The information provided is for general guidance. Rules and fees are subject to change. Always verify with official sources or consult a registered business setup advisor.
Zhuoxin Consulting relies on its Chinese service network and Dubai executive team to provide professional one-stop business services without communication barriers for Chinese companies to enter the Middle East market. Its business covers company establishment and maintenance, accounting and taxation, bank account opening, PRO services and business services.
Zhuoxin Consulting has high-quality business resources and maintains close cooperation with many free zones, bankers and tax departments in the UAE to escort your expansion in the Middle East market.
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