SRTIP Free Zone License Cost | Budget Analysis

If you are considering starting a business in the SRTIP Free Zone, understanding the licence cost is key to planning your budget. This guide explains the SRTIP Free Zone licence cost in 2026, what is typically included in different packages, and visa options you can apply for. You will also learn about additional fees, how the licence process works, and practical tips for choosing the right package.

Whether you are a freelancer, entrepreneur, or small business owner, this article gives you the cost clarity you need.If you’re an entrepreneur looking for a launchpad that does more than offer tax savings, SRTIP Free Zone should be on your radar.

What Is The SRTIP Free Zone?

SRTIP Free Zone (Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park) is a dedicated zone in Sharjah focused on supporting tech, innovation, and research-led businesses. It offers a business ecosystem designed to attract founders, startups, and companies engaged in technology and R&D.

Key Benefits of SRTIP Setup

Let’s break it down. Here’s what makes SRTIP stand out:

• Access to a real innovation ecosystem, not just office space.
• Eligibility for government grants and R&D initiatives.
• Women-focused “Hi-Tech” office packages with unique networking perks.
• Zero income or withholding tax, and full profit repatriation.
• No paid-up capital requirements for most packages.
• Lightning-fast licensing most within five to seven working days.
• Seamless pathways for scaling: from co-working desks to full innovation plots.
• Dual licenses let you operate in both freezone and mainland, expanding scope.

License Types & Business Activities

No matter your field, there’s probably a fit:

• Trading/Commercial licenses: Import, export, distribution, or e-commerce.
• Service Licenses: IT, consultancy, engineering, health, creative and more.
• Industrial Licenses: Manufacturing, smart tech, environmental solutions.
• R&D-Focused licenses: For tech, health, renewables, and next-gen industries.

Permitted activities span 1,500+ options: think tech, life sciences, media, smart manufacturing, and green energy. Want a multi-sector? One SRTIP license can usually cover up to five activities.

Eligibility & Required Documents

Getting your SRTIP license starts with meeting some basic requirements. Expect to provide passport copies for all shareholders and directors, recent photos, a UAE visa or Emirates ID if you’re already resident, a solid business plan, possible trade name options, and a Memorandum of Association. If your business activity needs it, external approvals from authorities may also be on the checklist. Corporate investors need to add company registration documents and resolutions. Here’s the trick: double (or triple) check all translations. One typo can stall your timeline and bump up your srtip free zone license cost with unnecessary admin fixes.

Steps to Start a Business in SRTIP Free Zone

Starting a business in SRTIP Free Zone means joining Sharjah’s innovation hub with fast licensing, 100% ownership, and strong IP protection. Follow these simple steps to set up smoothly and keep your srtip free zone license cost clear from the start.

Step 1:

Decide on your business activity
Pick from 1,500+ official activities whether you’re in R&D, health, tech, or media. This first choice will guide your entire application and sets your srtip free zone license cost from the start.

Step 2: 

Choose your business structure
Select your formation style (like FZ-LLC, sole establishment, or branch). This impacts legal liability, licensing process, and your future visa options.

Step 3: 

Register your trade name
Get creative but keep it compliant: register a business name that isn’t already taken and follows UAE rules.

Step 4: 

Gather and prepare your documents
You’ll need passports (for all shareholders/directors), photos, visa or Emirates ID (if you already live in the UAE), MOA draft, and your business plan. Extra paperwork for company shareholders may apply.

Step 5: 

Apply for your business license and pay the fees
This is the where you pay the main srtip free zone license cost. Submit all documents and, if you’ve planned well, your license should be issued in about a week.

Step 6: 

Apply for visas and Emirates ID
Begin the visa process for yourself and any employees or partners includes medical tests and registration.

Step 7: 

Open your UAE business bank account
With your license and Emirates ID, you’re ready to open an account essential for transactions and credibility.

Step 8: 

Lease an office or secure your workspace
Go virtual with an address, or lease a flexi-desk, private office, or even land if you want to scale. The type of space you pick also affects your visa quota and ongoing srtip free zone license cost.

Here’s the thing: If your documents are tight and you stick to the process, setting up in SRTIP Free Zone is efficient, above-board, and sets you up for serious business not just a stamp on paper.

Office Space & Visa Quota Options

SRTIP offers various workspace tiers linked to visa quotas:

• Co-working/HOT Desk: Ideal for solo founders, supports up to 3 visas.
• SME Offices: For small teams, sized 16–27 sqm, with 4–8 visas.
• Ecosystem Offices: For growing companies, with 10+ visas allowed.
• Innovation Plots: Land or custom HQs, with visas negotiable.
• Women’s Hi-Tech Offices: Specialized spaces with enhanced event access and networking, with increased visa quotas.

Choose office space thoughtfully to optimize your srtip free zone license cost based on immediate visa needs.

Cost Breakdown

Understanding what makes up your srtip free zone license cost helps you budget wisely. Several factors contribute:

• License fees vary by activity type, whether trading, services, industrial, or R&D.
• Adding visas increases the upfront price but is often bundled for savings.
• SME packages that include office space and multiple visas can balance cost and capability.
• Associated service fees cover document processing, name registration, and official approvals.

Below is a detailed Cost Table that outlines common setups and associated fees for clarity.

Cost Table: SRTIP Free Zone License Costs

Package Type	Setup Cost (AED)	Renewal Cost (AED)	Visa Eligibility	What’s Included	Medical Insurance
SRTIP License (0 Visa)	6,510	Not mentioned	0 Visa	License MOA, Certificate of Formation, Share Certificate, Bank Account Assistance	Not included
SRTIP License (0 Visa) – Detailed Package	17,795	9,760	2 Free Visas	All visa-related costs incl. Emirates ID, Status Change, Establishment, E-channel	Not included
SRTIP License (1 Free Visa) – 1 Year Package	13,990	8,710	1 Free Visa	Same as above	Not included
SRTIP License (1 Free Visa) – 2 Years Package	20,575	20,575	1 Free Visa	Same as above	Not included
SRTIP License (2 Free Visas) – 1 Year Package	17,795	9,760	2 Free Visas	Same as above	Not included
SRTIP License (2 Free Visas) – 2 Years Package	25,115	25,115	2 Free Visas	Same as above

Visa & Immigration Charges

Each visa comes with additional fees important to include in your budget:

• Government processing charge for a 2-year employment or investor visa.
• Medical testing and Emirates ID issuance fees.
• Security deposit refundable upon visa cancellation.
• Possible charges for the e-channel immigration platform.

These costs are typically added on top of your srtip free zone license cost, so plan accordingly if hiring or sponsoring family members.

Comparison: SRTIP vs Other UAE Free Zones

When comparing SRTIP to major UAE hubs like DMCC, IFZA, or Sharjah Media City:

• SRTIP usually offers more affordable starting packages, especially for license plus visas.
• It focuses heavily on innovation, R&D, and industry collaboration rather than only trade.
• Setup and licensing timelines are often quicker due to streamlined local authority processes.
• They provide more personalized mentoring and support for first-time founders.
• The community and infrastructure cater well to tech startups and research firms.

Choosing SRTIP means getting excellent value at a competitive srtip free zone license cost, with growth-oriented support.

Operational & Recurring Costs

Keep in mind the running costs beyond initial setup:

• Annual license renewals mirror initial license fees.
• Lease renewals for offices or desks, utilities, and maintenance.
• PRO services, translation, document attestation as needed.
• Bank account services and potential insurance expenses.
• Audit or financial reporting fees if required by your business activity.

Budgeting for these recurring fees keeps surprises off your radar.

Target Businesses & Ideal Use Cases

Who is SRTIP for? It’s a sweet spot for startups especially those building digital products, SaaS, or niche tech/policy solutions. SMEs with R&D goals and women-led companies (especially using the Hi-Tech office package) get special support. Environmental solutions, media agencies, health tech, green manufacturing, consultants, and labs all find an easier home here. If your business is innovation- or research-driven, the srtip free zone license cost delivers top value.

Common Pitfalls & Setup Considerations

Don’t get blindsided. Watch for sneaky consultant fees that inflate your srtip free zone license cost, especially if you use third-party agents. Visa quotas depend on office size, so don’t pay for more than you need. Chasing approvals for certain regulated activities (like medical or education) can take time factor potential delays into your launch plan. And for banking, pick a provider that’s familiar with SRTIP licensing so you don’t run into freezing or slow onboarding.

Tips to Optimize Setup Cost & Timeline

Smart founders keep their srtip free zone license cost down by starting with the smallest workspace, then leveling up only when visas require it. Bundling license and visa packages can save thousands. If you’re on a time crunch, get all your documentation translated and notarized ready before you start. Negotiate deposit and refund terms early, and whenever possible, process payments and applications via the SRTIP’s official portal for clear, unambiguous pricing. Don’t depend on word-of-mouth or pitch decks double-check fee tables yourself.

Conclusion 

Setting up in SRTIP isn’t daunting if you’re prepared. Outline your business activity, align on the license type, pull together the exact documents (and backups), and reserve your trade name. Pay your SRTIP free zone license cost and workspace fee, process your visa(s), and you’ll be licensed often within a week. Stick to official SRTIP channels for the latest package and process updates.

A little planning, attention to detail, and understanding your SRTIP free zone license cost will get you from a business idea to launching a company without stress. Don’t just chase low fees, chase a free zone that gets what business owners actually need. Talk to our experts at Arnifi to get a free consultation!