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SRTIP Free ZoneCompany Formation
Set up in the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP), the free zone for technology, research and advanced industry next to Sharjah’s University City.
- 100% Ownership
- Tech & R&D
- University Links
- Start-up Friendly
- Bank Account Support
Published Updated
SRTIP: Sharjah’s free zone for technology and research
SRTIP is a free zone and innovation park beside University City Sharjah, home to the American University of Sharjah and the University of Sharjah. It licenses technology, research and advanced industry companies, from start-ups to established firms.
Companies choose SRTIP for its links to universities and research talent, its focus areas such as sustainability, advanced manufacturing, mobility and water, and space that ranges from desks to labs and industrial units.
Best known for: technology, R&D & innovation
Why SRTIP
SRTIP puts technology and research businesses next to the universities that supply their talent and ideas.
University partnerships
Next to University City Sharjah, with access to researchers, graduates and joint projects.
Technology focus
Software, AI, IoT, sustainability and advanced manufacturing are at the centre of the park.
Start-up support
Programmes and space for early-stage companies, alongside established tech firms.
Labs & industrial space
Offices, labs and units for companies that build and test, not just write code.
100% foreign ownership
Full ownership with no local partner, and profits and capital can be repatriated freely.
Sharjah location
Close to Sharjah International Airport and the highways into Dubai.
Ideal for
- Tech start-ups
- R&D & engineering companies
- Sustainability & clean-tech
- Advanced manufacturing
- University spin-outs
SRTIP Licence Types
SRTIP licenses technology, research and related service and industrial activities.
Technology Licence
For software, digital and technology businesses.
- Software development
- AI & data analytics
- IoT solutions
- Cybersecurity
- IT consultancy
Research & Development
For companies doing R&D, testing and product development.
- Applied research
- Product development
- Testing & certification
- Engineering design
- Clean-tech R&D
Industrial & Advanced Manufacturing
For companies that build, assemble or prototype.
- Advanced manufacturing
- 3D printing
- Electronics assembly
- Mobility solutions
- Water & energy technology
Legal Structures in SRTIP
SRTIP offers the usual free zone forms, for both start-ups and established companies.
01
Single-Shareholder Free Zone Company
One individual or corporate owner, with liability limited to share capital. The usual start for solo founders.
02
Multi-Shareholder Free Zone Company
Two or more shareholders, individual or corporate, with shares and voting set in the Articles.
03
Branch of a Foreign Company
An overseas company operating in the zone under its own name, with the parent liable for the branch.
04
Branch of a UAE Company
A mainland or other free zone company adds a presence in the zone without forming a new entity.
How a SRTIP Company Is Formed
Free zone setup is mostly online. We prepare and file each step with SRTIP for you.
- 01
Choose Activities & Package
We match your business to SRTIP’s activity list and pick the licence package and visa allocation that fits.
- 02
Reserve the Company Name
We check your name options against the zone’s naming rules and reserve the best one.
- 03
Submit the Application
Application forms, shareholder documents and any business profile filed with the zone, with compliance (KYC) checks.
- 04
Sign the Constitutional Documents
Articles of Association and resolutions signed, in person or by e-signature where the zone allows it.
- 05
Office or Flexi-Desk
Desk, office, lab or industrial unit, depending on your activity and the visas you need.
- 06
Licence Issued
SRTIP issues the licence and certificate of incorporation, usually as digital documents.
- 07
Establishment Card, Visas & Bank
We open the immigration file, run investor and staff visas, and prepare the bank application in parallel.
Documents Required for SRTIP Setup
What we need depends on whether each shareholder is a person or a company. Documents issued abroad must be notarised and attested for use in the UAE; we arrange this for you.
Individual Shareholders
- Passport copy of each shareholder and manager
- UAE visa or entry stamp, if any
- Emirates ID, if resident in the UAE
- Passport-size photo
- Three trade name options
- Proof of home address
- Business plan or company profile
Corporate Shareholders
- Certificate of incorporation or trade licence
- Memorandum & Articles of Association
- Board resolution approving the SRTIP company
- Certificate of good standing
- Passport copy of the appointed manager
- Ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) declaration
Why Choose an SRTIP Company
SRTIP suits technology and research businesses that value talent and space over a Dubai address.
100% foreign ownership
Possible 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income
Next to University City Sharjah
Labs and industrial space available
Start-up programmes and support
Focus on tech, sustainability and R&D
Close to Sharjah airport and Dubai
Tax & Compliance Position: SRTIP
Companies in SRTIP can pay 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income, but only if they meet the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions every year. We check this before you choose the zone, not after.
UAE Corporate Tax
0% on qualifying income · 9% on the rest
To be a Qualifying Free Zone Person, the company needs real substance in the zone, qualifying income, audited financial statements and arm’s-length dealings with related parties. Taxable income that doesn’t qualify is taxed at 9% above AED 375,000.
Selling to mainland customers?Most mainland revenue isn’t qualifying income. If non-qualifying revenue passes 5% of total revenue or AED 5 million, whichever is lower, QFZP status is lost for that year and the next four. We model this with you upfront.
UAE VAT
5% standard rate · same rules for services
Registration is mandatory once taxable supplies pass AED 375,000 in 12 months and optional from AED 187,500. Free zone services are taxed exactly as they are on the mainland.
Designated zone statusSome free zones are VAT designated zones, where certain supplies of goods inside or between them fall outside UAE VAT. It never covers services. We confirm how SRTIP’s status applies to your trade.
Ongoing Compliance Obligations
- Corporate Tax return within 9 months of year end
- Audited financial statements (needed for QFZP status)
- VAT returns once registered
- Annual licence renewal with SRTIP
- Office or flexi-desk lease renewed with the licence
- UBO register kept up to date
Sources & official references: Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 (Corporate Tax) · Cabinet Decision No. 100 of 2023 & Ministerial Decision No. 265 of 2023 (Qualifying Free Zone Persons) · Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017 (VAT) · Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP)
Where SRTIP Companies Operate
SRTIP concentrates on technology and the industries it is changing.
Software & AI
Research & Development
Advanced Manufacturing
Sustainability & Clean-tech
Mobility
Cybersecurity
EdTech
Tech Consultancy
The TMFS Advantage
We handle SRTIP setups end to end, from activity selection and SRTIP licensing to a banked, visa-ready company registered for Corporate Tax and VAT.
Activity & Licence Advice
Matching your business to the right SRTIP activities and licence category.
Package & Office Choice
Flexi-desk, office or warehouse sized to the visas you need, so you don’t pay for space you won’t use.
Application & Constitutional Documents
Application forms, resolutions and Articles prepared and filed with the zone for you.
Corporate Bank Account
Your application prepared alongside the licence and matched across our 18 partner banks.
Investor & Staff Visas
Investor, partner and employee visas with medicals and Emirates ID.
QFZP & VAT Compliance
Corporate Tax and VAT registrations, audited accounts and the yearly checks that keep 0% status intact.
Why Founders Choose TMFS in SRTIP
Three things clients mention most.
Free zones compared, not sold
We work across several free zones and recommend the one that fits your activity, visas and tax, not the one with the biggest commission.
One team, end to end
Licence, documents, premises, bank account, visas and tax with one consultant, from first call to renewal.
Written costs upfront
A written breakdown of government fees and our fee before you commit, with no surprises at renewal.
Compare Other UAE Free Zones
SRTIP suits technology and R&D. Other zones fit trading, media or a Dubai address.
UAE Free Zones Overview
How the UAE’s free zones compare on cost, activities, visas and tax. Start here to choose.
Read more
IFZA
Fast, cost-efficient consultancy and services licences. The usual first company for solo founders.
Read more
Meydan Free Zone
E-commerce and digital licences with a Dubai address and quick issuance.
Read moreRAKEZ
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone. Low-cost industrial, trading and service licences.
Read moreSHAMS
Sharjah Media City. Media, creative and consultancy licences, plus freelance permits.
Read moreSPC Free Zone
Sharjah Publishing City. Low-cost setup for publishing, media and services.
Read more
Ajman Free Zone
Cost-efficient trading, industrial and services licences with warehouse options.
Read moreDMCC
Commodities and trading hub with strong bank acceptance. We advise on DMCC structures.
Read moreDIFC
Common-law jurisdiction for finance, funds and holding structures. We advise on DIFC setups.
Read moreWhat Clients Say
Feedback from founders who set up with TMFS.
SRTIP: Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about setting up an SRTIP company.
Is SRTIP only for technology companies?
Its focus is technology, research and advanced industry. Activities outside those areas may be better suited to SHAMS, SPC or another zone.
Where is SRTIP?
Next to University City Sharjah, close to Sharjah International Airport and the highways into Dubai.
Can start-ups set up in SRTIP?
Yes. SRTIP runs programmes for early-stage companies as well as hosting established firms.
Do I need to live in Sharjah?
No. An SRTIP visa lets you live anywhere in the UAE.
Will my SRTIP company pay 0% Corporate Tax?
Only on qualifying income, and only if it meets the Qualifying Free Zone Person conditions every year. Qualifying R&D and manufacturing can count; other income is taxed at 9% above AED 375,000.
Can you open the company bank account?
Yes. We prepare the bank application alongside the licence and match it to the partner bank most likely to approve your profile.
Verification & independence
Checked against publicly available SRTIP and UAE federal sources in October 2026. Time Machine Financial Services is independent of SRTIP and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Sharjah or any UAE authority.
Activity lists, package prices, approvals and tax rules change. Confirm the current position for your activity with SRTIP and the Federal Tax Authority, or ask us, before acting on this page.
Get expert advice
Speak to a UAE setup specialist
Tell us what you need and a consultant will reply within one working day, with no obligation.
- The consultant you speak to stays on your file
- A straight answer on structure, cost and timeline
- A reply within one working day
- A free 20-minute consultation
Ready to Set Up in SRTIP?
Talk to a TMFS consultant about an SRTIP company for your technology or research business, with banking and tax set up alongside.
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