Sharjah Book Authority Sharjah Publishing City A Publishing and Printing Free Zone The Centre of the Publishing Industry
Sharjah The Emirate of Sharjah is the third largest emirate of the United Arab Emirates, and the cultural capital of the Arab World as declared by the UNESCO in 1998. It is located between Dubai and Ajman. Sharjah is 10 kilometers away from Dubai and 176 kilometers away from Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Sharjah is known for its strength as the industrial backbone of the UAE, 40% of the total number of industries in the UAE are based in Sharjah. The majority of these industries are petrochemicals, textiles, leather, food and basic non-metal industries. Sharjah contains the main administrative and commercial centers along with cultural and traditional projects. Links with the outside world are provided by Sharjah International Airport, Port Khalid, Port Khorfakkan and Hamriyah Free Zone Port. Living in Sharjah means experiencing a different and a unique lifestyle. All the outstanding facilities of accommodations, multinational education, medical services, shopping malls, museums, clubs and a large variety of sports and social activities to enjoy; make Sharjah the perfect place to set up your business and reside. Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) was established in 2013, meeting the need for this city of culture to have an independent organization for literature, reading and publishing. SBA encourages continuous learning, investment in intellectual industries, translation and sharing knowledge. SBA is now responsible for managing significant cultural projects, such as the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), Sharjah Children s Reading Festival (SCRF), Sharjah Public Libraries and Sharjah Publishing City, a free zone set to become the centre for the publishing industry.
Global Access Sharjah has a unique geographic location, with access to strategic waterways and modern air, land and sea transportation infrastructure, providing an unparalleled logistical advantage to your business. Country Australia Brazil Air Freight Time (Hrs) From Sharjah - UAE 12 14 Canada 13 China 7:45 Egypt 4 France 8 India 3 Iraq 2:15 Kenya 4:30 Pakistan 3 Singapore 7 South Africa 9 Spain 8 Syria 3 UK 7 USA 13 Country Australia Brazil Sea Freight Time (Days) From Sharjah - UAE 44-33 24 Canada 23 China 20-18 Egypt 9 France 13 India 14-8 Iraq 2 Kenya / Tanzania 13-7 Pakistan 13-6 Singapore 22-11 South Africa 14 Spain 13 Syria 10-7 UK 18 USA 49-32
Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Join us in creating a new world of infinite publishing opportunities Base your company at the centre of the publishing industry, and benefit from the strategic location, modern facilities, relaxed regulations and supportive authorities with decades of experience in promoting culture and literacy. SPC is a subsidiary of Sharjah Book Authority In this brochure, you will find all the information you need regarding the selection of easy, affordable and ready options we have created to suit your requirements. Become a part of SPC by following these three simple steps: Submit your complete documents Receive your license, lease agreement and keys to your office/ warehouse Receive visas and ID cards Benefit from Investor Service Unit Financial Incentives Modern Infrastructure Advantages 100% Foreign ownership. Fund repatriation. No currency restrictions. Exemption of corporate and personal income tax. Exemption of import and export tax. Low-Cost Manpower Energy Living Printing Logistics
Other Benefits Strategic location International and Regional connectivity with excellent sea, land and air transport links Global air links across the world via Sharjah International Airport 8-6 hours of sea-air transfer A choice of furnished or unfurnished offices with long-term and short-term storage facilities License issued in 24 hours Sponsorship and visas for all staff No restriction on hiring %100 expatriate workers and economical wages structure
Office Options The fees below are applicable in addition to an annual AED 2,500 service fee and an incorporation fee of *AED 9,000 (Applicable for FZE/FZC Incorporations only-not applicable for branch offices)* Offices are available at a minimum space of 25 square meters Offices Type Cost Per Sqm Per Annum AED USD Executive Offices Unfurnished furnished 1,350 1,550 370 422 Rent Includes: Office Space Car Parking Utility Bills Cleaning of Common Areas Warehouse options Common Facilities * Visa allowance: 5 visas will be allowed per office facility (Rates mentioned above do not include visa fees) Prebuilt warehouses will be implemented as part of phase 2 scheduled for 2017. They will be available for an affordable annual rent, featuring office and storage space in three options. The fees below are applicable in addition to an annual AED 5,000 service fee and a one-time refundable deposit of AED 5,000 and an incorporation fee of *AED 9,000 (Applicable for FZE/FZC Incorporations only-not applicable for branch offices)* Size Office Space Allocation Storage Cost Per Annum AED USD 125 square meters 22 sqm 103 sqm 60,000 16,355 250 square meters 60 sqm 190 sqm 110,000 29,975 400 square meters 60 sqm 340 sqm 160,000 43,600 * Visa allowance: 10 visas will be allowed per office facility (Rates mentioned above do not include visa fees) Storage options Storage facilities will be available within the office building. AC Security State of the Art Fire Fighting System
Trade License Options Trade License Commercial License Activities Import, Export, Distribution, consolidation, storage or warehousing Cost Per Annum AED USD 7,500 2,045 Service License Allows the holder to carry out services specified in the license only. 7,500 2,045 Steps to set up a new company License Application Form: For the investor to fill and submit with their project details. Project Approval: A provisional approval is required for the legal documents to be prepared. Legal Documentation: For a branch of a parent company or a new FZE/ FZC incorporation* Signed Agreement: The investor then needs to make payments. Lease and License Issuance. Certificate of incorporation** Visa and administration fees Investors and their employees will be sponsored under Sharjah Publishing City Authority. For each Employee Visa, a Visa Deposit equivalent to 1 month salary plus return ticket to their country of origin is required. Services Employment visa inclusive of entry permit, employee ID, medical and residency permits Amount AED USD 3,527 964 Non-exit 300 85 Renewal of employment visa, inclusive of employee ID, medical and residency permits Transfer into SPC inclusive of employee ID, medical and residency permits (inter free zone) Family visa inclusive of residency and dependent ID (service available on demand ) Urgent services 3,327 909 2,200 611 - - 200 55 General service letters Normal Urgent Immigration Card ( Mandatory) 1400 1600 150 45 Normal Urgent 382 437 * For an FZE/FZC a minimum capital for office/ warehouse is deposited in a UAE local bank for a temporary 1-2 days only. ** For new incorporations only Visa and administration fees are subject to change
There should be at least 2 Directors and a Secretary for FZE / FZCs At least one of the directors and the secretary must be residents The offices of director and secretary may be held jointly by a single person Legal Documents for FZE / FZC Individual shareholder Personal details of the owner/s (passport copy) Bank's reference (Original) Letter of appointment of the manager defining his powers (notarized & attested) together with his passport copy If appointed: Letter of appointment for the Consultant defining his powers and his specimen signature (notarized & attested) and a copy of his passport Company shareholder/s Certificate of incorporation/registration & certificate of good standing of the company. (notarized & attested copy). Memorandum & Articles of Association of the company (notarized & attested copy). Board resolution for incorporation of FZE/FZC in Sharjah Publishing City (notarized & attested copy). Bank s reference letter regarding credit worthiness of the company (original) Project summary or business plan Letter of appointment of the manager defining his powers (notarized & attested) together with his passport copy If appointed: Letter of appointment for the Consultant defining his powers & his specimen signature (notarized & attested) and a copy of his passport Note: Exchange rate used is US$ 1 = AED 3.65
For more information please contact: Mohamed Noor Hersi Consultant - Free Zone T +971 6 512 3195 F +971 6 123 3337 mnoor@sibf.com Khalifa Al Hammadi Senior Officer Investment Services T +971 6 5123185* F +971 6 5123337 khalifa@sibf.com Christina Scurville Sr. Leasing and Licensing Officer T +971 6 5123178* F +971 6 5123337 christina@sibf.com Farheen Naaz Marketing Officer T +971 6 5123307* F +971 6 5123337 farheen@sibf.com PO Box 73111 Sharjah United Arab Emirates sharjahba.ae *Working hours are 08:00-14:00 Sunday to Thursday excluding UAE public holidays UAE uses Gulf Standard Time GST all year (GMT +4)