Author: Afreen Razak

Every year we move a step closer to realizing our vision to become the world’s leading free zone that promotes entrepreneurship, helps companies grow and become economically contributing entities.

The hard working and resilient team at SPC Free Zone are dedicated to providing the highest level of service to our valued entrepreneurs. Our goal is to always be the smarter, easier, simpler, and faster choice for anyone looking to set up their business in the UAE. This drives us to constantly ideate and act on initiatives to ensure our customers and clients have the easiest and most efficient experience when working with us.

As we close off 2021, we look back on a year filled with wonderful businesses being launched via our platform and several partnerships formed to help make this vision a reality. This article is an ode to the best moments from a successful year at SPC Free Zone:

Partnership with Saeed

We signed an MoU with Sharjah Investors Services Centre (Saeed), operating under the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) to strengthen our supportive ecosystem and expand our outreach to national and international stakeholders.

SPC: The Fastest Free Zone

We successfully ramped up our operations to process business licenses in the shorted possible time. Our efforts came to fruition as we could proudly call ourselves the ‘fastest free zone’ where businesses can be officially set up within 2 hours.

ISO Certification

We were awarded the Quality Management System Certificate (ISO 9001:2015) in recognition of our excellence and success in creating a nurturing and supportive environment for investors and businesses in multiple sectors.

Supporting Entrepreneurs

We strive to provide extensive and targeted support to our entrepreneurs. This year we introduced a very special and affordable package for all entrepreneurs starting from just AED 6,500. We also participated at an Entrepreneurship Bootcamp workshop to introduce young, budding minds to entrepreneurship.

Sharjah International Book Fair

Being a subsidiary of Sharjah Book Authority, we hosted a live and in-person booth at SIBF 2021 to introduce publishers to a one-stop platform to produce and sell locally. It was an excellent experience to meet and speak to all the attendees and entrepreneurs.

Mashreq Bank Partnership

As we strived to make the journey to entrepreneurship easier this year, we were very pleased to sign an MoU with Mashreq Bank that offers priority access to banking services to entrepreneurs, business owners and investors to further drive growth for all parties.

50th National Day

Celebrating the year of the 50th, a momentous occasion for the country and all of us, saw a glorious celebration at the SPC Free Zone, filled with live poetry and a scrumptious lunch.

It has been an absolute pleasure to bring these great moments to life in 2021. We look forward to bringing many more successful collaborations and partnerships in 2022 with the goal to enrich everyone that chooses SPC as their free zone and partner.

The entire team at SPC Free Zone looks back at 2021 as a year of learning and great success. We couldn’t have done this without the hard work of every employee, our trusted partners, and our valued customers. Thank you and here’s to an even more successful 2022.

Visit our customer reviews page to know what our customers say about us.

Happy New Year!

Starting a business in the UAE is a lucrative opportunity that many would not want to miss out on. The business-friendly climate and policies governing the entrepreneurial ventures within the country have shown positive signs of growth and development, indicating to many that the country is an ideal place to start a business.

One of the proactive decisions made by the UAE government is the creation of free zones. Free zones in the UAE are specified regions within the country that specialize in business related activities, sometimes for certain fields of business and commerce. The primary purpose of these free zones is to provide economic benefits to key industries, stimulating business and economic activity that will ultimately benefit the region.

SPC Free Zone is one of the many business setup free zones present in the UAE, and it lends its support to various stakeholders across a multitude of industries. In this article, we explore the perks of setting up a business in a free zone and how it will stand to gain in the long run if set up in a free zone.

1. 100% foreign ownership

One of the major advantages of starting a business in a free zone is the foreign ownership exemption. Most businesses in the UAE require a partnership between the entrepreneur and a local from the country. This split, however, is not applicable in the case of a free zone setup. Businesses here are allowed to have complete foreign ownership, which is great for entrepreneurs who wish to retain most of the decision-making control when it comes to running operations smoothly. There is no need for a local stakeholder or partner.

2. Import and Export Duty Exemptions and Tax Benefits

In order to promote international trade within the country and boost the company’s financial strength, import and export related duties are exempt for businesses set up in a free zone. Moreover, there are massive tax benefits allocated to businesses in free zones. These include tax exclusions that can ease the financial burden of the company significantly.

3. Availability of staff and immigration

Free zone companies can conduct hiring-related tasks with ease through free zone aid. The easy-to-set-up process and cost-effective manner through which recruitment is done can aid companies in cutting down on unnecessary expenses. Moreover, they also allow for entrepreneurs to hire foreign nationals with ease. When it comes to immigration, the process is streamlined as free zones have a direct connection with immigration facilities, thus saving time and resources.

4. Licensing

Licensing is by far one of the most important aspects of starting a business. Without it, it would be virtually impossible to legally conduct operations within the country. Free zones provide a multitude of services and perks for licensing in order to facilitate smooth applications.

SPC Free Zone provides a 10-year license option along with a vast catalogue of over 1,500 business activities to choose from. Moreover, they also provide the ability to combine activities from different sectors along with the ability to have a dual (mainland and free zone) license.

5. Other services and perks

Various other services and perks like the absence of international currency regulations, aid in corporate bank account setup, readily available workspaces, and financial aid like zero paid-up capital are available for those who choose to start their dream business in a free zone.

Free zones provide a multitude of golden opportunities for businesses that wish to set up their business there. Utilizing these opportunities can be done with the help of our consultants here at SPC Free Zone. Contact us at 800 SPCFZ(Sharjah Free Zone) today to capitalize on the opportunities a free zone set-up will bring to your business.

When it comes to lucrative opportunities, the textile industry is every entrepreneur’s dream. Positioned as one of the largest players in the local market, this industry is thriving and shows no signs of slowing down. In this article, we break down what you’ll need to do if you wish to start a textile business in the UAE.

1. Select a trade name

Since you’ve already decided on your economic activity, the next step is to select an appropriate trade name for your a textile business in the UAE. Trade names should be chosen carefully as it stands as the company’s identity. Moreover, the trade name chosen must be in compliance with the UAE’s laws regarding business names. Some of the rules to keep in mind include:
A. The name should not violate public morals or the public order of the country.
B. The name should not use the names of any governing authority, the names of the emirates, the UAE, or names of any religion.

2. Choose a location for your set-up

There is a multitude of options you can choose from with regard to the location of a textile business in the UAE. However, there are two main categories your options will fall under, which are as follows:
A. Free zone locations: This option allows for you to start your business in a free zone, which comes with huge perks. From tax and corporate benefits, to aid in setting up your business, free zones have you covered. Moreover, the financial costs of setting up your textile business in the UAE free zones are significantly reduced as compared to setting up the same on the mainland.
B. Mainland locations: These locations are located on the mainland, that is, not in a free zone and within the borders of the country. These locations can give you closer access to local markets, though, you will have to go through the process of setting up a textile business in the UAE without any aid and forego the other benefits that come with a free zone.

3. Select the appropriate business structure

The business structure you choose for your textile business in the UAE will be mostly dependent on the location of your business. Mainland businesses usually have an LLC structure with single or multiple shareholders. Free zones however give entrepreneurs the option to register the company as a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) or a Free Zone Company (FZC).

The primary difference between these two forms of business is that an FZE requires only one shareholder, whereas a FZC requires two or more shareholders to be present. These free zone establishments are governed by the laws of the free zone they reside in, unlike mainland businesses who fall under the provisions of the UAE Commercial Companies Law (CCL).

4. Licensing

One of the most important aspects of starting a textile business in the UAE is acquiring the appropriate license. A trade license is a permit that essentially legally proves that your business is allowed to operate within the UAE. For a textile business in the UAE, a general trade license is required, and depending on the nature and extent of your business, an import or export license may also be required to conduct business in and out of the country freely.

Applying for a business license can be confusing if applied through regular means, especially if you are new to the field of business. SPC Free Zone has made the process streamlined and simple for those who wish to receive a trade license. Moreover, the free zone also allows for cross-activity licenses, allowing businesses to hold one license for up to 5 business activities.

5. Legalities and Paperwork

One of the final yet important steps of starting a textile business in the UAE is filling out the required paperwork and finishing up the legal procedures. Once this is done, your new textile business will be up and running for operations!

Starting a textile business in the UAE doesn’t have to be daunting. Our experts here at SPC Free Zone (Sharjah Free Zone) can help you set up the business of your dreams with no hassle! Contact us at 800 SPCFZ to bring your entrepreneurial dreams to life in just a day.

Expo 2020 is set to become the world’s greatest show, attracting over 25 million visitors to the UAE. The six-month-long event began in October 2021, and is set to run until March 2022. Expo 2020 has already brought in a host of opportunities for aspiring and established entrepreneurs, enabling them to develop business plans for initial setups and expansions to horizons across the region and beyond.

Under the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, the 4.38 km site is set to boost businesses in the country by providing a platform for ventures to network and build relationships with investors and other parties throughout the event. This article explores the various business opportunities lined up for your business at Expo 2020.

1. Opportunities to boost revenue

With the event set to bring in over 25 million visitors throughout its six-month run, revenues for certain lines of businesses will increase proportionately. Ventures set up in industries like tourism, food and beverage, and construction, are set to see major boosts in revenue that is in direct correlation with the event and the visitors it will bring. This increase is great for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), who lack the global reach needed to take their venture to the next level.

2. Expanding clientele network

The six-month-long event will bring in investors from all across the globe, making Expo 2020 a unique event and a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs interested in connecting and interacting with foreign investors. The platform that the event provides can enable investors and business owners to create mutually beneficial long-lasting relationships that can aid the venture in long term financial and operational success.

3. Enhancing brand value

Expo 2020 is an event that encourages the connection between innovation and business. By showcasing innovative solutions through business and product models, companies participating in the event can give themselves a leg up compared to the rest, effectively creating a competitive edge. Additionally, this stage can also serve as a method by which businesses can demonstrate their strategies, solutions, and marketability, effectively building brand value as well.

4. Increased talent pool

The increase in inflow of visitors is an indicator that the pool of applicants for jobs will increase, both in quantity and quality. Finding the perfect fit for a job within your organization will become a lot smoother with a wider selection available amongst potential candidates. Additionally, the more people get employed, the higher the standard of living will be, due to the increased purchasing power of the consumer. This ultimately means that revenue across industries will increase in response to the increased spending capacity of individuals within the country.

5. Improved infrastructure

The government of the UAE has invested a significant amount in the infrastructure involved with the event. Once the event is over, the site will be reused and effectively become known as District2020, an area that features offices, residential spaces, as well as other amenities. Entrepreneurs can choose to set up their establishment in this area, enabling them to gain access to both local and international markets effectively. The District2020 program is one that provides SMEs within the region the benefits and location required to successfully begin a business in the UAE. Some of the perks offered by the program include subsidized urban living, up to 2 years of free working space as well as other business-related services.

Expo 2020 is a lucrative once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for companies and organizations to grow. Utilizing these opportunities can be done with the help of our consultants at SPC Free Zone.  Contact us at 800 SPC FZ today to capitalize on the opportunities Expo 2020 will bring to your business.

The food and beverage industry is one that seems to have no downturns. The constant boom in sales regardless of circumstance makes this industry a lucrative opportunity for those planning to start a food business in the UAE. The UAE in particular is highly favorable towards this industry, with its market size soaring to AED 145 billion in 2021. In this article, we explain how you can start a food business in the UAE.

1. Licensing requirements

The first step any aspiring entrepreneur must take in their journey to building their own food business in the UAE is acquiring a business license. For the food and beverage industry in particular, there are two main licenses that you will need to obtain; a trade license and a food license. A trade license is a must-have for any business, and the food industry is no exception to this rule.

A free zone trade license is valid in this line of business and hosts a broad range of benefits. SPC Free Zone provides 100% ownership rights to non-GCC nationals, along with a smoother process overall and other licensing perks like an extended license duration of up to 10 years. After acquiring your trade license, you will need to begin your application for a valid food license. A food license is one that states that your establishment is in compliance with the country’s laws regarding food and health standards and protocols. You will need to apply for this license through the Food and Safety Department.

2. Deciding the mode of business

The food and beverage industry has evolved over the years. There has been a drastic shift in the way consumers order and eat their food. Long gone are the days when a restaurant’s revenue came primarily from physical dine-in orders. Over 60% of consumers in the UAE now prefer ordering their food through apps like Zomato or Talabat. Many restaurants have now shifted towards an online-only mode, effectively turning into cloud kitchens, where in-house dining has been completely replaced by a kitchen-only layout where they only provide takeout services. This mode of business has become increasingly popular, becoming the new norm in the food industry space. The cloud kitchen model provides entrepreneurs with significant cost reductions without affecting sales.

Moreover, in this mode of business, delivery services are provided by third-party apps like Careem or Zomato, increasing the venture’s reach to a larger market across the UAE. Other modes of business also include starting a food truck business, which is a mode that requires a mainland license.

3. Staffing and equipment requirements

Once you’ve decided on the mode of business activities, the process of allocating individuals to positions of responsibility across your business will begin. In-dining restaurants require a higher number of staff to run operations smoothly. In the case of cloud kitchens, however, the staff requirement is significantly reduced due to the fact that not many individuals are required to run a kitchen-only business. Visas for staff under food business in the UAE will be provided through the sponsorship of the entrepreneur. The main investment involved in the line of food business in the UAE is kitchen-related equipment and machinery. This includes appliances like refrigerators, ovens, utensils, and more, depending on the cuisine your venture will specialize in. Machinery related to order synchronization and payment-related systems is also a must-have in this industry.

Starting a food business in the UAE can seem daunting, with the licensing requirements and health standards amongst other decisions that may seem hard to make. Here at SPC Free Zone (Sharjah Free Zone), our expert consultants break down the process involved in starting your own establishment and making your dream food business in the UAE a reality. Contact us at 800 SPC FZ to start your venture today.

The e-commerce space is a relatively new business model that has soared in popularity amongst users and entrepreneurs alike. The online platform provides its users with a unique shopping experience that enables them to buy a variety of items, all from the comfort of their home. This market is equally enticing to entrepreneurs, since it allows them to cut down on physical store costs as well as broaden their consumer base by just going online.

Due to the pandemic, individuals have shifted towards online modes of communication, shopping, and payments. Nearly 73% of UAE consumers reported that they have been shopping more since the pandemic begun. This industry is one that is still at its peak, with no signs of slowing down.

However, as a new or aspiring entrepreneur, there may exist a few misconceptions regarding setting up an e-commerce store that are completely different from reality. In this article, we will break down the 5 biggest myths surrounding e-commerce stores.

Myth 1: Setting up an online store is inexpensive

The biggest myth surrounding the e-commerce space is that starting one is inexpensive. This, however, is far from the true scenario. E-commerce businesses may be cheaper than your average brick-and-mortar store, but they are by no means ‘cheap’. Underestimating how much you will need to start your online business is the first pitfall that can ruin everything before it can even begin. Assess the costs that your business will need to incur, from one-time investments to minor everyday items. A budget can give you an idea of how much it will cost on average to start and maintain your online business.

Myth 2: Starting an online business is easy

Though you may not have to go down the more traditional means of starting a business, the effort to start and maintain a successful e-commerce store should not be downplayed. Lack of insight and expertise in the field can make your business blend in with the hundreds of stores that exist online. Continuously creating strategies to garner user attention and lead conversions is part and parcel of the online business process and can enable your business to stand out amongst the rest.

Myth 3: A great website is the key to business success

An intuitive website with sleek design should not be the end goal of an online business, but rather a starting point to convince the user that the business provides great offerings. Focusing solely on web design can backfire on your business, since users will leave as soon as they realize that there is no actual substantial content on the website. Creating a website that is interactive and aesthetic while prioritizing the content, products, and services the business offers is a great balance that can boost your business’ reputation and revenue.

Myth 4: Low prices can boost sales

The trend with most e-commerce giants like Amazon show that online sales and low prices are what makes e-commerce a successful mode of business. This low-cost model is not viable for most businesses. Underselling your products for long periods of time can mean decreased profits and can position your business as a store that always provides low-cost items in the minds of the consumers, making it difficult to maintain proper pricing strategies. Setting effective pricing strategies with the occasional sale held a couple of times a year can create a realistic and long-term model that your business can follow and thrive off of.

Myth 5: Modes of payment aren’t important

Many new online entrepreneurs neglect payment modes and how online payments function on their e-store. Overlooking this aspect can mean losing customers over something that is completely avoidable. Creating effective modes of payment, whether that be through debit/credit cards, Apple/Samsung pay, or cash on delivery, can boost your business’ reach effectively. Moreover, for those who prefer online payment, creating a safe and secure payment gateway is crucial in making sure that your customer has a great shopping experience from beginning to end.

Starting an e-commerce business can seem confusing due to the various myths surrounding it. Our experts here at SPC Free Zone can help address these myths and effectively show you the realities and processes involved in starting an online business of your own. Contact us at 800 SPC FZ to get started today.

Starting a business in the UAE is a fairly simple process, thanks to the business-first policies of the country. There has never been a more suitable time to start a business in the country. Thanks to Expo 2020, millions of visitors are also set to enter the country and boost its economic growth. This alone stands as an opportunity lucrative enough to encourage many to start the business of their dreams. This article entails all the basics needed to successfully start your business in the UAE.

1. Select your economic activity

The very first step to starting a business of your own is to select the line of business your company will operate in. This choice can be based on a multitude of factors, including personal choice, professional qualifications, market size and more.

2. Select a name for your business

Naming your business is essentially creating its identity in the minds of consumers. The name you choose should reflect your business’ offerings and overall vision effectively. Additionally, it should be in accordance with the laws set by the UAE government. Once your business’ trade name has been decided, reserve the name and send it to the relevant authority for approval. The authority in charge may differ depending on whether you choose to set up your business on the mainland or in a free zone.

3. Select your business’ structure

Company formation procedures start with selecting the right structure for your business. The UAE provides businesses with a range of options to choose from, including limited liability companies (LLC), and free zone companies (FZE). Each structure has its own ownership structure and benefits. In the case of FZE businesses, entrepreneurs enjoy 100% ownership rights regardless of non-GCC status.

4. Licensing and Paperwork

Once you have the main details of your business down, it’s time to begin with the legal requirements to begin a business. One of the most important documents needed to start operations in the country is a trade license. A trade license serves as a permit that allows its holder to lawfully conduct business within the country. There are a wide range of licenses across a multitude of industries that allow for business activities within the scope of the license acquired. Applying for a trade license is simple and all you need to do is submit the paperwork to either the Economic Development authority of the emirate in which you will conduct business in or the free zone authority of the free zone your business will reside in.

SPC Free Zone provides over 1,500 business license activities with the ability to combine activities across different sectors. Moreover, they also provide entrepreneurs with dual licensing, which can allow businesses to have set-ups both on the mainland and free zone.

5. Location

This is one of the most important aspects of starting a business in the country. The location of your business has a direct impact on the resources you have access to and your venture’s reach in the market. There are two broad choices for location, which are mainland locations and free zone locations. You will need to select your location based on the type of business activities your company will engage in and the legal structure of your business, amongst other factors.

These are the five main aspects to consider when starting a business. Apart from these basics however, lies a multitude of formalities and decisions that can be intimidating for entrepreneurs who don’t know exactly where to start. Our experts here at SPC Free Zone can help you get on your feet and guide you along your journey to business success effectively. Contact us at 800 SPC FZ to get started today.

As the third-largest Emirate in the UAE, Sharjah is a land full of business opportunities for ventures across a multitude of sectors. With the Emirate hosting a population of over 1.70 million individuals, businesses that are set up here are well positioned to potentially reach great heights. In this article, we explore reasons as to why Sharjah is an ideal place for you to start your dream business.

1. Access to markets

Sharjah is known for its residential sector primarily because so many choose to settle and live in the Emirate due to its affordable property prices. This means that businesses within Sharjah can tap into a large market that primarily consists of expatriate residents who are more than willing to utilize their disposable income on your business’ offerings. The Emirate also offers the required infrastructure needed to access these markets with their accessible free zones and cost-effective leases.

2. No capital requirements

Sharjah promotes business-friendly policies that allow for new business setups to function without a mandatory capital requirement. This policy is especially important for SMEs who may not have the required funds due to their small-scale operations. This has made the Emirate an extremely lucrative place to start a business in, attracting new and established entrepreneurs and investors from across the world.

3. Free Zones

The government of Sharjah has developed a variety of free zones, that enable businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive within the market with additional benefits without breaking the bank. SPC Free Zone is one of the free zones located in Sharjah that provides entrepreneurs with a platform to conduct their economic activity of choice across a large variety of sectors in addition to consulting services that make the business establishment process an easy one. Some of the benefits free zones in Sharjah offer include the following:
– 100% ownership for non-GCC residents
– Large variety of licensing options
– Tax benefits

4. Sustainable Emirate

The Emirate of Sharjah has actively taken steps to become self-sufficient and sustainable. Multiple initiatives have been introduced that aid businesses to switch to more sustainable options that affect energy and environmental impacts. This has affected businesses in the Emirate in a positive way, as switching to renewable sources of energy means lower bills for businesses to pay, increasing profitability in the long run while reducing a venture’s carbon footprint, bringing us one step closer to a cleaner and greener world.

5. No limitations on business activities and visas

Certain regions of the UAE bar a list of business activities, subject to the legal regulations and laws of the area. However, in Sharjah that limitation is not present. Entrepreneurs are free to engage in virtually any form of business activity as compared to the other regions in the UAE. Moreover, the Emirate also allows for unlimited issuance of visas that enable businesses to hire as much talent as they need, from around the world.

6. Ease of currency regulations

Other Emirates tend to have laws that restrict the usage of certain currencies. This limitation may pose as an inhibitor to business prosperity and ease of transactions. Sharjah, however, does not have such impositions and businesses are allowed to conduct financial transactions with ease.

7. No mandatory audits

Businesses set-up in the Emirate of Sharjah do not have any legal requirement to be audited, making the process voluntary and up to the discretion of the business concerned. This means that ventures within the Emirate can allocate valuable time and resources to the business itself, rather than preparing for audits.

Understanding the know how’s and benefits of starting a business in Sharjah can be overwhelming at first. Here at SPC Free Zone, our expert consultants break down the dos and don’ts of a new company formation, making your dream business setup in the UAE a reality in the easiest way possible. Contact us at 800 SPC FZ today to start your business venture today.