Hamriyah Freezone Business Setup

The Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) is a dynamic free zone in the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE. It is known for its competitive incentives and strategic geographical location, providing access to global markets. HFZA is ideal for a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, trade, and services. Its benefits include significant tax advantages, no foreign ownership restrictions, and excellent connectivity to sea and air transport routes. Choosing HFZA allows companies to leverage these unique opportunities for expansion and efficiency.

Filings.ae offers essential support for companies looking to start or expand in the vibrant Hamriyah Free Zone. Our expert services simplify the business setup process, from licensing to compliance, ensuring a smooth and efficient launch. With Filings.ae, you can quickly unlock HFZA's potential and set your business on a path to success from day one.

Start your success story in HFZA today! Contact Filings.ae for expert guidance and a streamlined business setup process.

Hamriyah Free Zone

Established on November 12, 1995, by an Emiri decree, the Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) is strategically located in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. This positioning offers a unique geographic and time zone advantage that is perfect for businesses aiming to bridge markets across continents. The zone's secure and fully convertible currency, coupled with multi-access to neighbouring and global countries via land, sea, and air, makes HFZA an ideal hub for industrial development in the UAE.

Dubbed the Next Generation Free Zone, HFZA is committed to being flexible, dynamic, and investor-oriented. The Hamriyah Free Zone Authority is quickly becoming a cornerstone of the UAE’s industrial strategy, providing a conducive environment for business growth and innovation.

Why Set Up a Business in the Hamriyah Free Zone?

Setting up a business in the Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZ) offers numerous advantages, making it a highly attractive location for entrepreneurs and enterprises worldwide:

Strategic Location and Global Connectivity 

Located in Sharjah, the only emirate with ports on both the Arabian Sea and the Arabian Gulf, the Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZA) offers unique strategic advantages. The Hamriyah Port, a central hub for international exports, provides unrivalled access to global shipping networks. Enhanced by Sharjah's comprehensive road network, HFZA facilitates easy connections to Oman, Bahrain, and beyond, making it a pivotal point in the global supply chain.

Sector Opportunities 

HFZA is not only a gateway for oil and gas industries but also hosts the HFZA Maritime City, which specializes in shipbuilding, repair, offshore fabrication, and more. This sector diversity opens numerous opportunities for businesses looking to tap into specialized markets.

Key Business Advantages of HFZA

• Full Foreign Ownership: Businesses can enjoy 100% foreign ownership without the need for a local partner.
• No Export or Custom Duties: Enhances profitability with no duties on re-export and export.
• Flexible Lease Options: HFZA offers renewable short and long-term lease options tailored to business needs.
• Market Access: Direct access to the GCC and UAE markets.
• Efficient Administrative Services: Streamlined online services for visas, license renewals, and other critical business operations.
• Quick Business Setup: Businesses can be operational within an hour of completing all formalities.
• Port Facilities: Access to a 4-meter deep inner harbor and a 14-meter deep port, accommodating large shipping vessels.
• VAT Benefits: Special benefits under the UAE VAT regime.
• Security and Stability: 24-hour security ensures a safe business environment.
• Fixed Land Lease Rates: Stability with fixed land lease rates for the first ten years.
• Development Flexibility: Investors can develop up to 60% of their plots, offering significant customization opportunities.
• Infrastructure: Robust telecommunications, electricity, and water infrastructure support business operations.
• Customs and Labor Facilities: Onsite customs and labour accommodations streamline operations and logistics.

Business Activities in Hamriyah Free Zone

Hamriyah Free Zone provides a versatile and dynamic platform for investors aiming to establish and grow their businesses within specialized sectors. With six distinct sectors designed to cater to diverse industry needs, HFZA ensures that every business finds the ideal environment to thrive. Each sector has tailored facilities like office spaces, warehouses, and industrial plots, all complemented by attractive packages and streamlined procedures.

• Oil & Gas: Dedicated to energy companies, this sector offers state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities optimized for exploration, extraction, and distribution activities. Includes specialized plots for refineries, storage, and logistical support for petrochemical operations.
• Food Park: This sector caters to businesses in the food processing, packaging, and distribution segments, providing hygienic and regulated environments necessary for food industry operations. Custom-built units and storage facilities designed to meet international food safety standards.
• Industrial Manufacturing Park: Ideal for heavy industries and manufacturing units, this park offers robust infrastructural support for large-scale manufacturing operations. Large plots with options for heavy-duty equipment and machinery installation, alongside access to essential utilities.
• Maritime Industry: Tailored for businesses in shipbuilding, repair, and maritime engineering, this sector provides direct access to waterfronts and docking facilities. Includes shipyards, dry docks, and comprehensive maritime service centers.
• Global Logistics Park: Designed to support logistics and supply chain operations, this sector offers strategic access to air, land, and sea transportation routes. Warehousing solutions with advanced inventory management systems and logistics support services.

Hamriyah Free Zone License Types

Hamriyah Free Zone offers three main types of licenses:

Commercial License

• Trading License: This license enables businesses to import, export, sell, distribute, and store items specified on the license. It's ideal for companies involved in the trading of specific products.
• General Trading License: This license offers the flexibility to trade an unlimited range of products, including both import and export activities, making it perfect for businesses with diverse trading needs.
• E-Commerce License: Designed for businesses trading goods and services online, this license allows you to operate over an electronic network, facilitating seamless digital commerce.

Service License

This license allows businesses to provide a wide range of services or consultancy offerings as outlined in the license agreement. It’s ideal for professional service providers looking to establish their presence in the Hamriyah Free Zone.

Industrial License

Tailored for manufacturing and industrial activities, this license allows the import of raw materials for manufacturing, processing, and assembly. It also includes packaging and exporting finished products, catering to businesses in the industrial sector.

At Filings.ae, we assist you in obtaining the right license for your business in the Hamriyah Free Zone, ensuring compliance and smooth operations.

Business structure in Hamriyah Free Zone 

Choose the right business structure that best suits your operational needs and ownership preferences within the Hamriyah Free Zone. The Free Zone offers the following three types:

FZE – Free Zone Establishment

• A Limited Liability Establishment owned by a single individual or legal entity.
• It operates as an independent legal entity with its own financial liability.

FZC – Free Zone Company

• A Limited Liability Company owned by two or more shareholders.
• Like the FZE, it functions as a distinct legal entity with its own financial liability.

Branch or Subsidiary Company

• A branch of an existing company, either local or foreign.
• It operates as an extension of the parent company, maintaining its legal and financial connections to the parent entity.

HFZA Facilities: Offices, Warehouses, and Industrial Land

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) provides a variety of executive offices, pre-built warehouses, and industrial land that can be tailored to meet your specific business needs.

Offices

Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) offers a variety of cost-effective and flexible office spaces designed to support entrepreneurs and businesses at every stage of their growth. Whether you are a startup or an expanding business, HFZA provides a range of office solutions to meet your needs.

Warehouses

HFZA provides prefabricated warehouses that meet international standards, catering to a variety of industrial and storage needs. These light industrial units are well-equipped to support your business operations.

Industrial Land

HFZA offers over 30 million square meters of prime industrial and commercial land, providing ample space to build and expand your business.

HFZA’s strategic location and comprehensive facilities make it an ideal choice for businesses looking to establish or expand their operations in the UAE and beyond.

Documents Required for HFZA Business Setup

For Free Zone Establishment or Free Zone Company:

•  A copy of the shareholder’s and manager’s passports.
• A copy of the shareholder’s and manager’s visit/tourist visa or an attested “no objection letter” from your current sponsor if you hold a UAE employment visa.

For Establishing a Branch or Subsidiary Company:

• A copy of the parent company’s license.
• The parent company’s certificate of incorporation.
• The parent company’s memorandum and articles of association.
• A board resolution for opening the branch or subsidiary in Hamriyah Free Zone Authority, specifying the appointed director, manager, and authorized signatory, along with copies of the directors’ and manager’s passports and visas.

Procedure for Setting Up a Business in Hamriyah Free Zone

Setting up a business in the Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZ) requires careful planning and understanding of the legal and regulatory environment. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

Step 1: Choose Your Type of License.

Begin by selecting the appropriate license based on your business activities:

• Industrial License: Required for businesses engaged in manufacturing, processing, assembling, or packaging products. This license permits companies to operate within industrial sectors under the regulations of the Hamriyah Free Zone Authority.
• Commercial License: Ideal for companies involved in trading activities, such as import, export, distribution, and sales of goods and commodities. This license facilitates broad trading operations and wholesale dealings.
• Service License: Necessary for businesses that provide services rather than goods. This includes sectors such as consulting, IT solutions, and other professional services. A service license allows companies to offer expertise and specialized skills.

Step 2: Choose Your Type of Legal Status

Decide on the legal structure of your business entity:

• Free Zone Establishment (FZE): Suitable for a single shareholder, either an individual or a corporate entity.
• Free Zone Company (FZC): Allows for two or more shareholders, including individuals or corporate entities.
• Branch Office: A legally dependent extension of a parent company, either local or international.

Step 3: Choose Your Type of Facility

Select the facility that best suits your business needs:

• Office Spaces: Options range from flexi-desks to executive suites, depending on your budget and size requirements.
• Warehouses: Ideal for businesses needing storage or light manufacturing space.
• Land: Available for purchase or lease, suitable for developing custom facilities.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Prepare your application by filling out the required forms and attaching the necessary documents such as passport copies and business plans. Documents vary depending on your chosen legal status and license type.

Step 5: Approval and Registration

Submit your application for initial approval. Once approved, draft and sign the necessary legal documents like the Memorandum of Association. Finalize the registration by paying the required fees and receive your business license.

Step 6: Set Up Your Office/Warehouse

Submit fit-out plans for approval if necessary and arrange for utilities and other essential services.

Step 7: Visa Processing

Apply for visas for yourself, your employees, and your dependents. Complete medical tests and apply for Emirates IDs as required.

Step 8: Open a Corporate Bank Account

Choose a bank offering corporate services and open an account by providing the necessary company documents.

Step 9: Start Your Operations

Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations and register with customs if involved in trade.

Step 10: Ongoing Compliance

Maintain your business by annually renewing your license, lease, and visas, and comply with any required audit and regulatory requirements.

Streamline Hamriyah Free Zone Company Setup with Filings.ae!

Filings.ae offers a seamless and comprehensive service for setting up a company in the Hamriyah Free Zone, streamlining the entire process from start to finish. Our experts provide tailored advice on selecting the correct license based on your business activities and help determine the most suitable legal structure, whether it’s a Free Zone Establishment, Free Zone Company, or a branch office. Filings.ae manages all paperwork, application submissions, and legal documentation, ensuring compliance with local regulations. We handle the complexities of business setup, allowing you to focus on your core business goals while ensuring a swift and effective Hamriyah Free Zone business setup.

Ready to establish your business in the Hamriyah Free Zone? Contact Filings.ae today to get started with expert guidance and hassle-free setup!