Compare Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park and UAQ Free Trade Zone for Logistics & Supply Chain setup. Side-by-side comparison of fees, processing times, substance, and bank approval.
Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park vs UAQ Free Trade Zone for Logistics & Supply Chain: Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park starts at AED 5,510 (85% bank approval) and UAQ Free Trade Zone at AED 5,500 (82%). On Year-1 cost, UAQ Free Trade Zone is the lower-priced option.
| Jurisdiction | Baseline Gov Fee | Processing Speed | Banking | Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AED 5,510 | 5-10 days | Moderate | R&D and innovation, technology transfer, university partnerships | |
| AED 5,500 | 1-3 days | Moderate | Low-cost free zone in UAE with minimal setup requirements |
R&D and innovation, technology transfer, university partnerships
Logistics licenses cover freight forwarding, warehousing, and supply chain management. Many free zones with port or airport proximity (JAFZA, DAFZA, AFZ) offer integrated logistics licensing with customs-bonded warehouse access. A separate transport permit from the UAE Ministry of Infrastructure may be needed for fleet operations.
Logistics qualifies as a qualifying free zone activity. International freight and transport services are zero-rated for VAT purposes. Domestic transport and warehousing services within the UAE attract the standard 5% VAT.
Logistics companies benefit from trade finance products including letters of credit and bills of collection. Banks will want to see contracts with shipping lines or airlines and evidence of an established logistics network. High transaction volumes may require dedicated relationship management.
Jun 2026: SPARK promotional packages launched (Starter AED 3,999, Growth AED 6,499)
Aug 2025: Official package prices published (0 visa AED 5,500; 1 visa AED 13,990; 2 visas AED 17,795)
May 2025: Showcased at Make it in the Emirates 2025
Company setup in Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park starts from AED 5,510 per year.
Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park processes company registrations in 5-10 working days.
Bank account approval probability is 85%. Banking difficulty is rated Moderate.
Most UAE free zones including Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park allow remote company incorporation. Bank account opening may require an in-person visit.
Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park does not require paid-up share capital for most standard license types. Share capital is notional.
UAQ Free Trade Zone wins on 3 of 4 dimensions. We recommend UAQ Free Trade Zone for cost-conscious founders and Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park if r&d and innovation, technology transfer, university partnerships.
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