Sharjah free zone, HFZA
Set up your company in Hamriyah Free Zone
Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) in Sharjah, established by Emiri Decree in November 1995, is one of the most popular free zones in the UAE, home to more than 6,500 businesses from countries across the globe. With its strategic position between three continents, and as the only emirate with ports along the west coast of the Arabian Gulf, HFZA is quickly becoming one of the most important components of the Emirates' industrial growth.
- 100% foreign ownership
- Deep-water port access
- 25-year leaseholds
- 6,500+ businesses
Why Hamriyah
Sharjah's industrial centre.
HFZA pairs full ownership and a tax-free base with rare industrial advantages: a deep-water port, large warehouses, long leaseholds and a skilled, cost-effective workforce.
100% ownership
Own your company outright, with no local sponsor or partner.
Tax exemptions
100% exemption from import and export taxes.
Free transfers
Move profits and capital abroad with full currency flexibility.
Deep-water port
A 14-metre deep-water port and a 7-metre inner harbour.
Land and warehouses
Spacious warehouses and 25-year renewable leaseholds.
Skilled workforce
Access to a skilled and cost-effective labour pool.
What HFZA issues
Three licenses for every operation.
HFZA issues licenses across commerce, services and industry. We match the right one to your activity.
Commercial license
Import, export, sell, distribute and store goods, including Trading and E-commerce.
Service license
Carry out specified services within the free zone.
Industrial license
Import raw materials, manufacture, process and export finished goods.
To sell finished products in the local UAE market, an industrial or commercial license holder works through a local distributor. We confirm your route before you apply.
Choose your structure
Three ways to form in HFZA.
HFZA company types are based on the number of shareholders.
FZE
A Free Zone Establishment for a single shareholder.
FZC
A Free Zone Company for two to five shareholders.
Branch
A branch of an existing local or international company.
Built for your industry
An industrial hub across many sectors.
As a leading Middle East industrial base, HFZA hosts a wide range of sectors. These are some of the largest.
Oil, gas & petrochemical
Energy, petrochemicals and related industry.
Steel & manufacturing
Steel, fabrication and heavy industry.
Timber & packaging
Timber, packaging and materials.
Recycling
Recycling and waste-to-value businesses.
Marine & logistics
Marine services, transport and logistics.
Textile, food & SMEs
Textiles, food production and small enterprises.
What it costs
Hamriyah Free Zone setup cost.
HFZA cost depends on your license, facility and visas. These are the parts that make up the figure, and a quote based on your exact needs is more accurate than a single advertised price.
License and registration
The registration fee and your HFZA license type.
Facility
An office (15 to 40 sqm), warehouse (250 to 614 sqm) or land plot.
Visas and immigration
Establishment card and each residence visa for your team.
Activity approvals
Some industrial activities need additional approvals.
How we help
From application to open for business.
- 01
Plan and apply
We confirm your activity and submit the application and documents.
- 02
Pay and approve
We process the registration fee and obtain approvals.
- 03
Facility and license
We arrange your office, warehouse or land and issue the license.
- 04
Visas and bank
We assist with residence visas and corporate banking introductions once your company is established.
Why FZM
Dedicated Senior advisory.
You will work directly with a Dedicated Senior advisor from day one. Your advisor will assess your requirements, identify the most suitable jurisdictions, manage the entire application process, and remain your long-term point of contact for ongoing guidance and support.
- Since 1995
- HFZA established
- 6,500+
- HFZA businesses
- 1,500+
- Companies formed
- 14m port
- Deep-water access
Keep exploring
More on setting up in Sharjah.
Good to know
Hamriyah questions, answered.
- What is Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZA) best for?
- Established in 1995, HFZA is one of the UAE's leading industrial free zones, home to more than 6,500 businesses. It is best for manufacturing, trade, logistics and heavy industry, thanks to its deep-water port, large warehouses and land plots, and 25-year renewable leaseholds. Sectors include oil and gas, petrochemicals, steel, timber, recycling, marine and food.
- How much does it cost to set up in HFZA?
- HFZA cost depends on your license, facility and visas. The main components are the license and registration, your facility (offices from 15 to 40 square metres, warehouses from 250 to 614 square metres, or land), and visas and immigration. We confirm a fixed, all-in quote before you commit.
- How long does HFZA company setup take?
- Business setup in HFZA is straightforward and often takes one to two working days. Some steps, such as warehouse registration, can take longer because they depend on third-party approvals. We handle the application, fees and license so the process is smooth.
- What company structures does HFZA offer?
- HFZA offers three structures: a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) for a single shareholder, a Free Zone Company (FZC) for two to five shareholders, and a branch of a local or international company. We confirm the right structure for your ownership.
- Does HFZA have a port?
- Yes. HFZA has its own 14-metre deep-water port and a 7-metre inner harbour, which is a major advantage for industrial, marine and trading businesses that move goods by sea. It is the only Sharjah free zone with ports on the west coast of the Arabian Gulf.
Maha BadrHighly recommended. A professional team, prompt on every detailed query and seamless on every requirement, trade license, corporate tax, bank account, residence ID, medical.
Largo HomeSimply impeccable. They didn't just meet deadlines, they anticipated them, with quick and effective solutions even in complex situations.
Maciej KolodziejczykVery efficient. Company formation, employment contract, residency visa, and all the prerequisites handled. Friendly and professional throughout.
Ready to incorporate
One advisor.From company formation to corporate banking.
A 30-minute consultation is all it takes to receive a tailored proposal, a transparent quotation, and a written roadmap delivered the same day. You will deal directly with an experienced advisor throughout the process.
- Response instantly
- Five languages spoken
- Independent. Not a license reseller.