Hamriyah Free Zone

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) in Sharjah is a highly sought-after destination for entrepreneurs seeking to establish businesses in the United Arab Emirates. Founded in 1995, HFZA boasts over 6,500 businesses from around the world, benefitting from its strategic location at the crossroads of three continents and access to the Arabian Gulf’s west coast. This free zone has become a cornerstone of the UAE’s industrial expansion.

Investing in the Hamriyah Free Zone Authority presents numerous advantages, aligning with Sharjah’s thriving economy and the government’s investor-friendly policies. Some key benefits of setting up a business in HFZA include full ownership, tax exemptions, the ease of transferring profits and capital internationally, strategic market access, cost-effective living, excellent infrastructure, long lease options, a skilled and affordable workforce, online visa services, and versatile office and warehouse spaces.

For business operations, HFZA offers a variety of customizable office spaces, ranging from 15 to 40 square meters, equipped with advanced communication systems. Additionally, warehouses in sizes from 250 to 614 square meters are available, complete with utilities and parking facilities.

HFZA provides different types of business licenses tailored to specific activities:

• Commercial License : Suitable for businesses engaged in importing, exporting, selling, distributing, and storing goods. This license covers specific and general trading as well as e-commerce. If selling products in the local UAE market, a local distributor or agency is required.
• Service License : Designed for service-oriented businesses to conduct the services specified in the license within HFZA.
• Industrial License : Issued to manufacturing companies, allowing the import of raw materials for manufacturing, processing, and assembling goods. Finished products can be exported to foreign markets, but local market sales require involvement of a local distributor.

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority is an ideal hub for business growth in the UAE, offering a range of benefits, cost-effective solutions, and an array of license options tailored to diverse business activities.

Setting up a company in Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) involves a systematic process to ensure a smooth and compliant business establishment. Here is an overview of the HFZA company setup process:

1. Determine Business Activity:

Decide on the type of business activity your company will engage in and choose the appropriate license.

Choose Your Legal Structure :

Select the legal structure that suits your business needs. Options include Free Zone Company (FZC), Free Zone Establishment (FZE), branch of a foreign company, or branch of a local company.

Business Name Reservation :

Propose three names for your company in order of preference, and HFZA will check their availability. The selected name should align with UAE naming conventions and regulations.

Submit Documentation :

• Prepare the required documents, which typically include:
• Passport copies of shareholders and managers.
• Completed application form.
• Business plan for some license types.
• Board resolution for branches.
• Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association for branches.
• Share capital deposit (if applicable). (List of documents are mentioned further)

Lease a Facility :

Choose office or warehouse space within HFZA based on your business needs and preferences.

License Application :

Complete the license application form provided by HFZA. This includes selecting the license type, share capital, and other relevant details.

Submit Application :

Submit your application, along with all required documents, to the HFZA authorities.

Application Review :

HFZA will review your application and conduct due diligence. This process may take a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the application.

License Issuance :

Once your application is approved, HFZA will issue your business license and commercial registration, enabling you to commence your operations.

Facility Inspection :

Prior to the final approval, HFZA authorities may inspect your leased facility to ensure compliance with regulations.

Visa Processing :

If required, you can apply for visas for company owners, employees, and dependents. HFZA offers online visa application and renewal services.

Bank Account Opening :

After obtaining your license, you can proceed to open a corporate bank account with a bank of your choice.

Commence Operations :

With your license, facility, and other necessary approvals in place, you can start your business operations within HFZA.

It’s important to note that specific requirements and procedures may vary based on the type of business, share capital, and other factors. Working with a registered business setup consultant or liaison officer from HFZA can help ensure a smooth and efficient company formation process. HFZA offers a streamlined setup process, but professional guidance can expedite the process and help you navigate any complexities that may arise during the setup of your business in the free zone.

When setting up a company in Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA), you will need to prepare and submit several documents to complete the company formation process. The specific documents required may vary depending on the type of business, the legal structure, and other factors. Here are some of the common documents needed for HFZA company setup:

• Application Form : You will need to complete and submit the official application form provided by HFZA. This form includes important details about your business and the type of license you are applying for.
• Passport Copies : Provide passport copies of all shareholders and managers involved in the company. This includes the owner(s) and any appointed managers or directors.
• Business Plan : Some license types may require the submission of a detailed business plan outlining your business activities, goals, and strategies.
• Board Resolution (for Branches) : If you are establishing a branch of a foreign or local company, you may need to submit a board resolution detailing the formation of the branch and the appointment of a representative.
• Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association (for Branches) : These legal documents are required for branch setups and should outline the structure and governance of the branch within HFZA.
• Share Capital Deposit : If your business structure requires share capital, you will need to deposit the required amount in a bank account specified by HFZA. This serves as proof of financial capability.
• Lease Agreement : If you have chosen an office or warehouse space within HFZA, you will need to provide a copy of the lease agreement for the facility.
• Name Reservation : Propose three names for your company in order of preference. HFZA will check the availability of these names and select the most suitable one.
• Attestation of Documents : Some documents, such as educational certificates and certain legal documents, may need to be attested by relevant authorities, including the UAE consulate in your home country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE.

It’s important to note that the exact document requirements can vary based on the type of business activity you plan to undertake and the legal structure you choose for your company (FZE, FZC, branch, etc.). HFZA may provide specific guidelines for document submission based on your individual case.

Working with a registered business setup consultant like us at Corpin Consultants or liaison officer from HFZA is highly recommended to ensure that you have all the required documents in order and to expedite the company formation process. This professional guidance can help you navigate any complexities that may arise during the setup of your business in HFZA.