# Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park Free Zone (SRTIP)

> SRTIP publishes 17 current packages, the lowest without stated conditions at AED 3,999 for year 1, offers up to 2 visas in a published package and states incorporation in 7 days (checked 2026-10-24).

Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park Free Zone (SRTIP) is a technology and general business free zone in Sharjah, licensed by Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) Free Zone Authority, established in 2016.

- Emirate: Sharjah
- Licensing authority: Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) Free Zone Authority
- Official website: https://srtip.ae
- Also known as: SRTIP (Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park)
- Last checked: 2026-10-24
- Page: https://freezoneguide.com/uae/sharjah/srtip

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Solo, no visa (year 1): one founder, no residence visa, no office beyond a desk or virtual address, one activity | AED 3,999 (SPARK Starter – 0 visas (limited-time pricing)) |
| Founder + 1 visa (year 1): one founder with one residence visa, flexi-desk or virtual office | AED 10,990 (SPARK Starter – 1 visa (limited-time pricing)) |
| Team, 3 visas (year 1): three residence visas, flexi-desk or small office | Not published |
| Lowest package of any size, without stated conditions (year 1) | AED 3,999 (SPARK Starter – 0 visas (limited-time pricing)) |
| Lowest licence fee | AED 3,999 |
| Largest visa quota in a package | 2 |
| Minimum office | Not published |
| Licence types | Trading, General trading, Services / consultancy, Industrial |
| Minimum share capital | Not published |
| Incorporation time (stated) | 7 days |
| On the FTA VAT Designated Zone list | No |

## Packages

| Package | Year 1 | Renewal | Visa quota | Office | Includes | Excludes |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| SPARK Starter – 0 visas (limited-time pricing) | AED 3,999 | — | 0 | — | Licence & lease agreement; Co-working space access; Tax consultation; Corporate bank account opening assistance; SPARK events and webinar access; SPARK Loyalty Program; Up to 1 shareholder; Mix & match: GT + Standard activities | Corporate tax registration; Accounting & bookkeeping |
| SPARK Growth – 0 visas (limited-time pricing) | AED 6,499 | — | 0 | — | Licence & lease agreement; Co-working space access; Tax consultation; Corporate bank account opening assistance; SPARK events and webinar access; SPARK Loyalty Program; Corporate tax registration; Up to 5 shareholders; Mix & match: GT + Standard activities | Accounting & bookkeeping; Security approval, immigration card, e-channel, entry permit & EID; Status change & medical test fee (not listed for Starter) |
| SPARK Elite – 0 visas (limited-time pricing) | AED 8,499 | — | 0 | — | Licence & lease agreement; Co-working space access; Tax consultation; Corporate bank account opening assistance; SPARK events and webinar access; SPARK Loyalty Program; Corporate tax registration; Accounting & bookkeeping (up to 25 transactions/year); Up to 5 shareholders; Mix & match: GT + Standard activities | Security approval, immigration card, e-channel, entry permit & EID; Status change & medical test fee (not listed for Starter) |
| SPARK Starter – 1 visa (limited-time pricing) | AED 10,990 | — | 1 | — | Licence & lease agreement; Co-working space access; Tax consultation; Corporate bank account opening assistance; SPARK events and webinar access; SPARK Loyalty Program; Security approval, immigration card, e-channel, entry permit & Emirates ID; Up to 1 shareholder; Mix & match: GT + Standard activities | Corporate tax registration; Accounting & bookkeeping; Status change & medical test fee (not listed for Starter) |
| SPARK Growth – 1 visa (limited-time pricing) | AED 14,010 | — | 1 | — | Licence & lease agreement; Co-working space access; Tax consultation; Corporate bank account opening assistance; SPARK events and webinar access; SPARK Loyalty Program; Corporate tax registration; Security approval, immigration card, e-channel, entry permit & Emirates ID; Status change & medical test fee; Up to 5 shareholders; Mix & match: GT + Standard activities | Accounting & bookkeeping |
| SPARK Elite – 1 visa (limited-time pricing) | AED 16,010 | — | 1 | — | Licence & lease agreement; Co-working space access; Tax consultation; Corporate bank account opening assistance; SPARK events and webinar access; SPARK Loyalty Program; Corporate tax registration; Accounting & bookkeeping (up to 25 transactions/year); Security approval, immigration card, e-channel, entry permit & Emirates ID; Status change & medical test fee; Up to 5 shareholders; Mix & match: GT + Standard activities |  |
| SPARK Starter – 2 visas (limited-time pricing) | AED 14,695 | — | 2 | — | Licence & lease agreement; Co-working space access; Tax consultation; Corporate bank account opening assistance; SPARK events and webinar access; SPARK Loyalty Program; Security approval, immigration card, e-channel, entry permit & Emirates ID; Up to 1 shareholder; Mix & match: GT + Standard activities | Corporate tax registration; Accounting & bookkeeping; Status change & medical test fee (not listed for Starter) |
| SPARK Growth – 2 visas (limited-time pricing) | AED 17,400 | — | 2 | — | Licence & lease agreement; Co-working space access; Tax consultation; Corporate bank account opening assistance; SPARK events and webinar access; SPARK Loyalty Program; Corporate tax registration; Security approval, immigration card, e-channel, entry permit & Emirates ID; Status change & medical test fee; Up to 5 shareholders; Mix & match: GT + Standard activities | Accounting & bookkeeping |
| SPARK Elite – 2 visas (limited-time pricing) | AED 19,400 | — | 2 | — | Licence & lease agreement; Co-working space access; Tax consultation; Corporate bank account opening assistance; SPARK events and webinar access; SPARK Loyalty Program; Corporate tax registration; Accounting & bookkeeping (up to 25 transactions/year); Security approval, immigration card, e-channel, entry permit & Emirates ID; Status change & medical test fee; Up to 5 shareholders; Mix & match: GT + Standard activities |  |
| Zero Visa Package (Aug 2025) | AED 5,500 | — | 0 | — | Up to 5 activities (trading, consultancy, services); Registered business address |  |
| One Visa Package (Aug 2025) | AED 13,990 | — | 1 | — | 5 activities; Emirates ID; E-channel registration |  |
| Two Visa Package (Aug 2025) | AED 17,795 | — | 2 | — | 5 activities; Emirates ID; E-channel registration; Capacity for two residency visas |  |
| SPARK AI Hub Standard Innovators – 0 visa (AI launch offer, first year) | AED 2,225 | AED 5,500 | 0 | — | Up to 5 AI-related activities; Innovation Lounge / SPARK AI Hub access (page: up to 8 hours/day for one company representative); Business setup support | 5% VAT; AED 10 Sharjah Scientific & Knowledge Fee; Additional activities at standard SPARK fees |
| SPARK AI Hub Standard Innovators – 1 visa (AI launch offer, first year) | AED 3,500 | AED 7,000 | 1 | — | Up to 5 AI-related activities; Innovation Lounge / SPARK AI Hub access (page: up to 8 hours/day for one company representative); Business setup support | 5% VAT; AED 10 Sharjah Scientific & Knowledge Fee; Additional activities at standard SPARK fees |
| SPARK AI Hub Standard Innovators – 2 visa (AI launch offer, first year) | AED 4,000 | AED 8,000 | 2 | — | Up to 5 AI-related activities; Innovation Lounge / SPARK AI Hub access (page: up to 8 hours/day for one company representative); Business setup support | 5% VAT; AED 10 Sharjah Scientific & Knowledge Fee; Additional activities at standard SPARK fees |
| SPARK AI Hub Standard Innovators – 3 visa (AI launch offer, first year) | AED 4,500 | AED 9,000 | 3 | — | Up to 5 AI-related activities; Innovation Lounge / SPARK AI Hub access (page: up to 8 hours/day for one company representative); Business setup support | 5% VAT; AED 10 Sharjah Scientific & Knowledge Fee; Additional activities at standard SPARK fees |
| SPARK AI Hub Standard Innovators – 4 visa (AI launch offer, first year) | AED 6,250 | AED 12,500 | 4 | — | Up to 5 AI-related activities; Innovation Lounge / SPARK AI Hub access (page: up to 8 hours/day for one company representative); Business setup support | 5% VAT; AED 10 Sharjah Scientific & Knowledge Fee; Additional activities at standard SPARK fees |

## Identity and legal basis

- Official name (Arabic): مجمع الشارقة للبحوث والتكنولوجيا والابتكار
- Former, merged or alternative names: SRTIP (Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park)
- Licensing / regulating authority: Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) Free Zone Authority
- Zone type: Technology, General business
- Year established: 2016
- Official website: https://srtip.ae
- Listed on the Ministry of Economy and Tourism register of free-zone company registrars: Yes

Physical locations / campuses: SRTI Park campus next to University City, Sharjah. [1] Distance to nearest international airport: 4 km. [2] Public contact email: info@srtip.ae. [3] Public contact phone: +971 6 502 2000. [3] Number of registered companies: 10,000. [4]

Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://srtip.ae/) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://srtip.ae/go-global-from-sharjahs-innovation-hub/) · [3] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://srtip.ae/contact/) · [4] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://srtip.ae/why-spark/)

## Business activities

- Licence types offered: Trading, General trading, Services / consultancy, Industrial
- General trading licence available: Yes

Total number of approved activities: 1,500. [1] Activity categories offered: Commercial; Service; Industrial; Consultancy; R&D and innovation-focused permits. [2] Activities included in base licence: 5. [3] Trading and services on one licence: yes. [4] Activities needing another authority's approval: Aviation activities (Sharjah Civil Aviation approval required at renewal); Regulated activities requiring third-party approvals (not itemised). [3]

Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://srtip.ae/go-global-from-sharjahs-innovation-hub/) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://srtip.ae/freezone-business-setup/) · [3] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://srtip.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Renewal-Application-form.pdf) · [4] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://lp.srtip.ae/start-your-business/)

## Cost - year one

- Lowest licence fee (zero-visa): AED 3,999

Visa fees: Per visa: government & admin fees AED 4,675 (security deposit, immigration card, e-channel); processing costs AED 3,790 (excludes medical insurance and status change fees, which vary). [1] Extras included: Co-working space access; Tax consultation; Corporate bank account opening assistance; SPARK events and webinars access; SPARK Loyalty Program; Corporate tax registration (Growth and Elite); Accounting & bookkeeping up to 25 transactions/year (Elite). [2]

Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://srtip.ae/ai-company-uae-free-zone-setup-guide/) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://lp.srtip.ae/start-your-business/)

## Cost - ongoing

Renewal costs more than the first-year price: yes. [1] Fee for shareholder change: AED 5,000. [2] Fee for name change: AED 5,000. [3] Current promotions and expiry: SPARK Starter/Growth/Elite packages from AED 3,999, marked 'limited time', no end date shown (lp.srtip.ae); SPARK AI Hub: discounted first-year Standard Innovators packages for new AI companies (0 visa AED 2,225 vs standard 5,500); SRTIP blog says applications before 30 April 2026, ai.srtip.ae still shows the offer with no date. [4]

Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://ai.srtip.ae/) · [2] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://srtip.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Application-for-Share-Transfer.pdf) · [3] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://srtip.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Application-for-Change-of-Company-NameShare-capital-increase.pdf) · [4] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://lp.srtip.ae/start-your-business/)

## Visas and residency

Visa quota rule: Quota follows the package/facility: SPARK packages 0-2 visas; SME Office (20-27 sqm, furnished) up to 8 visas; Ecosystem Office (50-80 sqm) 10+ visas. [1] Investor / partner visa available: yes. [2] Employee visa available: yes. [2] Golden Visa support: Setup page partner services include immigration support with guidance on residency options including Golden Visas. [3] Time in the UAE to keep a visa valid: Sponsor may cancel the residence visa of an employee who stays outside the UAE more than 6 months (180 days). [2] Visa process can start before the founder arrives: no. [2]

Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://srtip.ae/go-global-from-sharjahs-innovation-hub/) · [2] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://srtip.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SRTIP-Visa-Request.pdf) · [3] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://srtip.ae/freezone-business-setup/)

## Office and facilities

- Office / facility types: Flexi-desk, Private office, Land plot

Flexi-desk access terms: AI Hub package: Innovation Lounge access up to 8 hours/day for one company representative (ai.srtip.ae); the AI blog says 4 hours/week. [1] Land plots for build-to-suit: yes. [2] Meeting rooms, co-working, amenities: Meeting rooms; Event venues (The Colosseum, 39 Clouds, Park Oasis, Innovation Lounge); R&D labs; SoiLab prototyping centre (wood, metal, laser, 3D, electronics); Co-working space. [3]

Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://ai.srtip.ae/) · [2] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://srtip.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Renewal-Application-form.pdf) · [3] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://srtip.ae/freezone-business-setup/)

## Legal structure and ownership

- Entity types available: FZE (single shareholder), FZCO (several shareholders), Branch of a UAE company, Branch of a foreign company

Minimum shareholders: 1. [1] Maximum shareholders: 5. [2] Corporate shareholders allowed: yes. [1] Share capital must be paid in: no. [1]

Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://srtip.ae/rules-regulations/establishing-companies-institutions/) · [2] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://srtip.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Application-for-Share-Transfer.pdf)

## Tax status

- VAT Designated Zone (per the FTA list): No

Which areas of zone are designated: None – SRTIP is not on the FTA list of designated zones. [1] Help with corporate tax registration: yes. [2] Corporate-tax statements above come from the zone or from general FTA guidance. The schedule of Free Zones under Cabinet Resolution 54/2023 was not available to this research, and the FTA advises taxpayers to confirm their Free Zone or Designated Zone status with the Free Zone authority. The 0% rate applies only to the Qualifying Income of a Qualifying Free Zone Person that meets all conditions; other income is taxed at the standard rate.

Sources: [1] [Government source (opened 2026-10-24)](https://tax.gov.ae/-/media/Files/EN/PDF/Guides/Designated-Zones---21-09-2021-sep21.pdf) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://lp.srtip.ae/start-your-business/)

## Compliance and reporting

- Annual audited financial statements required by the zone: Yes
- Beneficial-owner register filing required: Yes

Substance requirements enforced by zone: SRTIP's ESR page says licensees carrying on a Relevant Activity must file ESR notification and report under Cabinet Resolution 57/2020; no zone-specific substance rules found. [1] Activities needing anti-money-laundering registration: DNFBPs: auditors, dealers in precious metals and stones, real estate, trust and company service providers (goAML registration). [2] Annual return and renewal documents: Lease & licence renewal application form; Renewal payment proof; Attested certificate of good standing / registration proof (branches) or approved undertaking; Sharjah Civil Aviation approval (aviation activities); Building completion certificate or permit, safety fitness certificate, power & water connection (plot/shell & core lessees); Passport copies with visa page of all shareholders; Passport/ID of authorised representative; Audit report from an SRTIP-accredited audit firm. [3]

Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://srtip.ae/rules-regulations/economic-substance-regulation-esr/) · [2] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://srtip.ae/rules-regulations/aml-compliance/) · [3] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://srtip.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Renewal-Application-form.pdf)

## Banking

- Zone offers bank-account facilitation: Yes

## Setup process and speed

- Typical incorporation time stated by the zone: 7 days
- Direct application without an agent: Yes

## Operations, ecosystem and flexibility

Moving to larger premises: Companies can add activities, upgrade facilities or change legal structure; amendment types include office type change and FZE/FZC conversion. [1] Adding shareholders: Share transfer by application with board resolution; AED 5,000 fee (AED 10,000 + 3% asset transfer for plot lessees); amended documents released 15 days after publication notice. [2]

Sources: [1] [Zone website (opened 2026-10-24)](https://srtip.ae/freezone-business-setup/) · [2] [Zone document (opened 2026-10-24)](https://srtip.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Application-for-Share-Transfer.pdf)

## Notes and history

- **Legal basis (2016):** SRTI Park was established in 2016 by decree of the Ruler of Sharjah; the park's own forms state that it was established under Emiri Decree No. 38 of 2016. The campus is next to University City, Sharjah. [source](https://srtip.ae/about-srti-park/) [source](https://srtip.ae/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SRTIP-Visa-Request.pdf) [source](https://universitycity.gov.ae/en/sharjah-research-technology-and-innovation-park)
- **History (2023-03-02):** In March 2023 the Ruler of Sharjah issued an Emiri decree on the management of the SRTIP Free Zone Authority, placing it under a board of directors and naming Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi as chairperson of the Authority and its board. [source](https://sgmb.ae/en/news/حاكم-الشارقة-يصدر-مرسوما-أميريا-بشأن-تنظيم-إدارة-مجمع-الشارقة-للبحوث-والتكنولوجيا-والابتكار-هيئة-منطقة-حرة-02-03-2023)
- **History (2023-10-10):** A new board of directors, appointed by Emiri Decree No. 48 of 2023, held its first meeting in October 2023 under the chairmanship of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi. [source](https://srtip.ae/bodour-al-qasimi-chairs-the-first-meeting-of-the-sharjah-research-technology-and-innovation-park-srtip-board-of-directors/)
- **Good to know (2024-01-15):** Since 15 January 2024, SRTI Park accepts audit reports for licence renewal only from the audit firms it has authorised, which are listed on its AML compliance page. [source](https://srtip.ae/rules-regulations/aml-compliance/)
- **Names:** The park uses the brand names 'SRTI Park' and 'SPark' on its website, and its business setup packages are branded SPARK. [source](https://srtip.ae/) [source](https://lp.srtip.ae/start-your-business/)

## FAQ

### How much does a SRTIP licence cost?

The lowest package SRTIP advertises is AED 3,999 for the first year (SPARK Starter – 0 visas (limited-time pricing)). Packages differ in what they include, so check visas, office and fees before comparing.

### How many visas come with a SRTIP package?

The largest visa quota in a package SRTIP publishes is 2. Larger quotas usually need more office space; ask the zone for the rule that applies to you.

### How long does SRTIP company setup take?

SRTIP states about 7 days for incorporation. Visas take extra time after the licence is issued.

### Can I get a general trading licence in SRTIP?

Yes, SRTIP offers a general trading licence.

### Is SRTIP a VAT Designated Zone?

SRTIP does not appear on the Federal Tax Authority's list of VAT Designated Zones.

## Compare with

- [SRTIP vs SHAMS](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/compare/custom?z=shams&z=srtip)
- [SRTIP vs SPC Free Zone](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/compare/custom?z=spc&z=srtip)
- [SRTIP vs ADAFZ](https://freezoneguide.com/uae/compare/custom?z=adafz&z=srtip)

Rules that apply to every zone: [corporate tax](https://freezoneguide.com/guides/qualifying-free-zone-person-corporate-tax.md), [VAT Designated Zones](https://freezoneguide.com/guides/vat-designated-zones.md), [mainland access](https://freezoneguide.com/guides/free-zone-vs-mainland.md)

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Information collected from free-zone authorities and UAE government sources on the dates shown. Fees and rules change; the zone's current schedule prevails. Not legal, tax or financial advice.
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Source: FreezoneGuide (https://freezoneguide.com/). AED, as published by each zone on its official channels. Information collected from free-zone authorities and UAE government sources on the dates shown. Fees and rules change; the zone's current schedule prevails. Not legal, tax or financial advice.