Hamriyah Free Zone (HFZA): Powering Global Trade, Industry, and Business Setup in Sharjah
The Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) in Sharjah is one of the most vibrant and welcoming destinations for investors in business set-up in the UAE. Established in 1995, HFZA has expanded to become the second-largest industrial free zone in the United Arab Emirates, covering an area of more than 30 million square meters with more than 6,500 companies from 163 countries.
HFZA is strategically located between the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman offering unparalleled access to global trade routes with three ports and Sharjah International Airport close by. HFZA is a world-class centre for global trade, logistics, industrial manufacturing, warehousing and distribution, as well as a free zone, all optimized to reduce costs, increase speed of operation, and provide unparalleled flexibility for entrepreneurs and investors.
HFZA has become a preferred location to set-up businesses for start-ups, SMEs and multinational companies, as it is tax-free, provides instantly usable basic facilities, and offers licenses across trading, industrial and service activities.
Why Choose HFZA for Company Formation?
- 100% foreign ownership and profit repatriation
Investors can fully own the company without the need for a local sponsor, and they can freely repatriate profit and capital, putting entrepreneurs firmly in control financially and in peace of mind.
- Zero corporate and personal income tax
HFZA is fully tax-free in business ecosystem with no corporate tax or personal tax, thus maximizing profit and cost-effectiveness for both individuals and companies.
- VAT-designated free zone
In the VAT-designated zone, HFZA permits tax exemptions on a variety of particular commercial transactions, especially transferring goods and services between free zones – ultimately enhancing trading opportunities.
- No customs duty on imports, exports and re-export
Corporate companies in HFZA can import raw materials, export finished goods, and re-export to anywhere in the world without paying customs duty, making HFZA a highly attractive hub for international trade.
- Business setup in less than an hour
Thanks to its streamlined approach to procedures, fast-track approvals, and government services provided on-site, HFZA allows entrepreneurs to set up a business in an hour or less, improving time efficiency and operational efficiency.
- World class warehouses, factories, and industrial plots
Facilities are available, including pre-built warehouse options, pre-built factories and industrial land with a minimum size of 2,500 sqm, all equipped with modern infrastructures and utilities for immediate use.
- On-site services including customs, banks, accommodation, and logistics support
HFZA is a fully fledged ecosystem of on-site customs, on-site bank services, on-site accommodation, on-site healthcare, on-site supermarkets, and on-site logistics supports, enabling businesses to operate with complete reliance on the on-site ecosystem for operations.
HFZA is widely recognized as a leading hub for oil & gas companies, petrochemical trading, steel fabrication, maritime industries, and international logistics providers.
Types of Licenses Available in HFZA
Commercial License
This license enables companies to engage in the importing, exporting, selling, distribution, and storage of a range of goods. It is perfectly suited for trading businesses that export raw materials, sell finished goods, distribute consumer goods to retail, or deal in specialized equipment; in fact, it provides access to local and international markets.
General Trading License
Should the investor have a general trading license, then the investor will be able to trade any number of categories of products altogether. This maximizes flexibility for businesses involved in a variety of activities, including retail, wholesaling, importing, or re-exporting, across very many industry sectors.
E-Commerce License
This is a perfect option in the digital age; the e-commerce license allows companies to operate an online trading platform, e-commerce store, and/or fulfilment services. An e-commerce license covers online retail, dropshipping, digital marketplaces, and e-services. Hence, an e-commerce license is the best option for entrepreneurs looking to take advantage of the e-commerce industry exploding in the UAE.
Industrial License
This is designed for companies who wish to manufacture, process, assemble and package goods for local and international markets. The supporting industries include steel, plastics, chemicals, textiles, electronics, and food processing. This license also provides companies access to HFZA’s readily available factories, warehouses, and industrial plots.
Service License
This license is designed for professionals. This license permits companies to provide consultancy or professional and specialized services. The service license is suitable for businesses in IT consultancy, management advisory, marketing services, education, training, logistics, and engineering companies.
Company Structures
HFZA offers flexible structures for every investor. These structures include a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) for single shareholders, a Free Zone Company (FZC) for multiple partners or joint ventures and a Branch/Subsidiary for existing local or international companies who want to expand their business into the UAE.
HFZA Key Sectors and Activities
1.Oil & Gas
HFZA is already a renowned base for oil & gas trade with operations ranging from exploration, refining, drilling services, import/export of petrochemicals, oilfield engineering consultancy, repair and maintenance of offshore rigs, storage solutions, and logistics support across the globe. Ideal for the energy-focused investor looking to expand within the Middle East.
2.Food Park
The HFZA Food Park is known as one of the fastest-growing food clusters in Sharjah, and it encompasses food manufacturing, cold storage, warehousing, processing and preserving, repackaging services, food safety testing, certification services, and trading and distribution logistics. Great for F&B investors looking for a regional and international footprint.
3.Industrial Manufacturing Park
HFZA’s Industrial Park is home to steel, timber, building materials, heavy machinery and equipment, glass, furniture, plastics, perfumes, textiles, paper products, and advanced engineering works. The Industrial Park accommodates ready-to-use commercial and physical infrastructure for industrial companies and large-scale manufacturing.
4.Maritime Industry
HFZA provides a strong base for shipbuilding, offshore fabrication, oil rig manufacturer, marine engineering services, marine equipment trading, ship repair and ship management consultancy. As a free zone, HFZA is strategically positioned for global investors in the maritime and offshore industry.
5.Accelerator Hub
HFZA’s Accelerator Hub concentrates on innovation and startups, with a solid focus on e-commerce companies, IT companies, software & web development, consultancy services, fintech solutions, telemarketing companies, R&D laboratories and representation offices. HFZA’s Accelerator Hub is the one stopping ecosystem for tech entrepreneurs and digital ventures.
6.Global Logistics Park
Direct access to seaports and airports make HFZA’s Global Logistics Park the perfect space to operate in storage, distribution, freight forwarding, supply chain, third-party logistics (3PL), packaging services and/or e-commerce fulfillment centers. The ideal place for logistics providers and international trading companies.
World-Class Infrastructure & Facilities
HFZA offers everything a business needs to scale: HFZA delivers a complete suite of facilities to support every business type. Investors can utilize office space and executive suites that function well for startups and firms that provide professional services, while pre-built warehouses of 200 to 600 sqm provide adaptable options for trading, logistics and industrial businesses. HFZA can also accommodate large projects, providing industrial parcels of land starting at 2,500 sqm, with 25 years of renewable leases, and which allow manufacturers the space and stability to grow. The free zone goes to great lengths to provide even more comfort and convenience with onsite labour accommodation and recreational spaces, in addition to having 24/7 security, utilities and telecommunication systems advanced enough to ensure that your operation continues to run smoothly at all times.
HFZA: A Complete Business Ecosystem
Unlike many freezones, HFZA goes beyond licensing. It offers an integrated ecosystem with customs offices, banking services, medical centers, supermarkets, and transport links all inside the zone. This ensures businesses operate with maximum efficiency, speed, and convenience.
Your Business Growth Starts Here
From oil & gas multinationals to e-commerce startups, from food manufacturers to logistics providers, thousands of companies have chosen HFZA for their business setup in Sharjah.
At DubaiSetupNow, we simplify HFZA company formation. From selecting the right license type and activity list to approvals, visas, and corporate banking, our experts handle the entire process so you can focus on growing your business.
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