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Sharjah free zone · Research, technology & innovation

SRTIP Sharjah Company Setup in the UAE: Cost, Benefits & Visa (2026)

SRTIP is Sharjah’s research, technology and innovation park, designed for start-ups, research firms and technology businesses. It combines low entry costs with an innovation-focused community.

From about AED 5,500 (zero-visa; published by market guides) Indicative — not a quote
Get a written quote → Official SRTIP website ↗ 💬 WhatsApp
LocationUniversity City area, Sharjah
OwnershipUp to 100% foreign
Setup timeA few working days
Visa quotaLinked to package
Banking easeGood
RenewalAnnual licence and desk renewals

SRTIP company setup cost (2026)

Headline: From about AED 5,500 (zero-visa; published by market guides) — indicative, not a quote.

Year-one budget: AED 14,000–25,000 with one to two visas (indicative).

This is an indicative market band compiled from published guides, not the zone’s price list. Treat it as a planning range and confirm before you pay.

Not included: professional-service fees, residence visas beyond the package, office upgrades, bank minimum balances, and external approvals for regulated activities.

Benefits of the SRTIP licence

  • Low entry cost for a technology-focused zone
  • Innovation and start-up community
  • Links to Sharjah’s university and research ecosystem
  • Flexi-desk and lab-style options
  • 100% foreign ownership and full profit repatriation

Who is SRTIP best for?

  • Technology start-ups
  • Research and innovation businesses
  • Solo tech founders

Typical permitted activities

  • Technology and software
  • Research and development
  • Consulting
  • Digital services

Always check your exact activity against the zone’s permitted list. Regulated activities need separate approvals.

What to watch out for

  • Sharjah location — outside Dubai’s business districts
  • Confirm the permitted activity list for your business

How to set up a company in SRTIP

  1. Choose the zone and activityMatch your business activity to the zone’s permitted list and your budget. Check whether you need physical space or a specific licence type.
  2. Reserve the trade nameSubmit two or three name options; zones typically approve within one to three working days.
  3. Submit documents and applicationPassport copies, photos, proof of address and shareholder details. Corporate shareholders provide attested documents.
  4. Pay fees and sign the incorporation documentsFees are paid to the free zone authority; sign the Memorandum/Articles digitally or in person.
  5. Receive your licence and certificatesYou receive the trade licence, certificate of incorporation and a desk or lease agreement.
  6. Establishment card, visas and Emirates IDGet the immigration card, then entry permit, medical test, biometrics and Emirates ID for each visa holder.
  7. Open the bank account and register for taxApply for a corporate bank account, and register for corporate tax and, if required, VAT.

SRTIP compared with similar UAE free zones

SRTIPSHAMSSPCDSO
EmirateSharjahSharjahSharjahDubai
Best forResearch, technology & innovationMedia, consulting & digital servicesPublishing, media & multi-sectorTechnology & innovation park
Licence costFrom about AED 5,500 (zero-visa; published by market guides)From about AED 5,750–6,900 (zero-visa) · about AED 14,300 with one visaFrom about AED 6,875 (zero-visa) · about AED 14,325 with one visaIndicative from about AED 11,900 (unconfirmed — quote required)
Setup timeA few working daysA few working daysA few working days1–2 weeks
Banking easeGoodGoodGoodGood
Fee dataIndicative bandPublishedPublishedIndicative band

FAQs: SRTIP Sharjah company formation

Is SRTIP only for research companies?

It targets research and technology, but licences also cover related commercial and consulting activities. Confirm yours with the zone.

How much does it cost to set up a company in SRTIP Sharjah?

Indicative cost: From about AED 5,500 (zero-visa; published by market guides). This is a market price band, not a quote; Year-one totals: AED 14,000–25,000 with one to two visas (indicative). Residence visas, office upgrades, professional-service fees, bank minimums and renewals are extra.

How long does SRTIP company setup take?

Typically A few working days once documents are complete. Residence visa stamping (medical test, Emirates ID) adds further working days and requires you to be in the UAE.

Can foreigners own 100% of a company in SRTIP?

Yes. UAE free zones allow up to 100% foreign ownership and full repatriation of profits and capital. You do not need a UAE national partner or local sponsor.

Can companies licensed in SRTIP trade in the UAE mainland?

Not freely. A free zone company generally cannot sell directly to mainland customers without a distributor, a dual-licence arrangement where the zone offers one, or a separate mainland licence or branch. If most of your customers are in the UAE, compare with a mainland licence.

Do I need a physical office in SRTIP?

Many packages include a flexi-desk or smart desk. Larger visa quotas, industrial activity, warehousing, or regulated activities usually need a dedicated office or unit — confirm for your activity and visa count.

Are SRTIP companies eligible for 0% corporate tax?

The UAE applies 9% corporate tax above AED 375,000 of taxable income. A Qualifying Free Zone Person can access 0% on qualifying income, but only if strict conditions are met, and it is not automatic. Only some zones are also VAT Designated Zones. Get tax advice for your structure.

Can I open a corporate bank account for my company in SRTIP?

UAE banks assess each application on the shareholders, business model and documents — not only on the zone. Our banking-ease view for SRTIP is “Good”. No zone or consultant can guarantee an account.

What documents are required to set up in SRTIP?

Typically: colour passport copies of shareholders and directors, passport photos, proof of address, a completed application, and a business plan for some activities and zones. Corporate shareholders need attested incorporation documents. Regulated activities need approvals from the relevant authority.

Who is SRTIP best for?

Technology start-ups; Research and innovation businesses; Solo tech founders.

Get a written quote for SRTIP Sharjah

Tell us your activity and how many visas you need. We reply on WhatsApp or email, with government fees shown separately from our fee.

  • Free, no obligation
  • Honest advice — including when a cheaper zone fits better
  • Remote setup available for most zones

By submitting you agree to be contacted about your enquiry.

Figures are indicative and were last reviewed in July 2026 (published fees) / September 2026 (page content). They are set by the relevant authorities and change; they exclude professional-service fees, office rent beyond a bundled desk, and external approvals. This page is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice — confirm the live position with the free zone authority before paying.

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