Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park Overview
The Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park Free Zone (SPARK), previously known as SRTIP or SRTI Park, functions under the SRTIP Free Zone Authority, an emirate-level organisation in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Royal decree established SRTIP in June 2016. Its mandate is to develop and manage an innovation ecosystem that promotes Research and Development (R&D) through the triple helix model of collaboration among industry, government, and academia.
Its backbone is Sharjah’s University City, positioning it within reach of more than 150 leading academic institutions, companies, and startups. Unlike general-purpose UAE free zones, SRTIP is purpose-built for knowledge-intensive industries, with dedicated R&D laboratories, innovation centers, and dual-licensing facilities.
Who Should Choose SRTIP?
- Technology startups in AI, robotics, IoT, and quantum computing
- Cleantech and renewable energy companies
- Water technology and environmental tech firms
- Transport and logistics innovators
- Life sciences organizations
- Research partnerships and joint ventures
- Non-profits and NGOs requiring UAE legal entity
- Solo founders seeking government-backed legitimacy
Note: Businesses requiring a Dubai-branded address should evaluate Dubai-based zones. SRTIP suits operators where R&D infrastructure and innovation ecosystem outweigh location branding.
Why Choose SRTIP (Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park) Free Zone?
Innovation-driven business setup with dedicated research infrastructure and academic partnerships
100% Foreign Ownership
All companies registered in SRTIP are fully foreign-owned with no UAE national sponsor required across all license categories.
Dedicated R&D Laboratories
Technology, health, and substance labs available for research and testing — facilities not available in commercial free zones.
Dual Licensing Facility
Extend free zone operations into UAE mainland for B2B activities without separate office space or local sponsor.
30-Minute License Issuance
Among the fastest in the UAE — license and all incorporation documents issued within 30 minutes of payment.
Academic Talent Pipeline
University City location provides direct access to graduate recruitment from 150+ academic institutions.
Tax Advantages
0% corporate tax on qualifying income under UAE Designated Free Zone status; 0% personal income tax.
Business Activities Allowed in SRTIP Free Zone
SRTIP licenses activity across six research-focused sectors plus commercial, service, and non-profit categories
Water Technology
Purification, desalination, recycling, and conservation technologies.
- Water purification & desalination
- Waste water treatment
- Water monitoring systems
- Aquaculture operations
Renewable Energy
Solar thermal, waste-to-energy, and smart grid solutions.
- Solar thermal technologies
- Waste-to-energy systems
- Smart grids & storage
- Biofuel production
Environmental Tech
Waste containment, remediation, and green building solutions.
- Waste containment tech
- Environmental remediation
- Green building construction
- Monitoring equipment
Transport & Logistics
Autonomous vehicles, advanced materials, and freight technologies.
- Autonomous vehicles
- Advanced materials
- Sensor technologies
- Urban planning systems
Digitalization
Big Data, IoT, AI, and smart city applications. Largest sector with 52 of 105 registered companies.
- Big Data & Analytics
- IoT & Smart Cities
- Quantum computing
- AI & Cybersecurity
Most Popular
Smart Manufacturing
Robotics, digital fabrication, and advanced construction materials.
- Robotics & AI
- Rapid prototyping
- Digital fabrication
- Advanced materials
SRTIP License Types
Choose the right license type based on your research focus and business activities
Sector Research License
R&D and innovation operations in one of the six focus areas.
- Water Tech & Renewable Energy
- Environmental & Digitalization
- Transport & Smart Manufacturing
- Life Sciences included
Trading License
Import, export, distribution, and warehousing activities.
- Import & export operations
- Distribution & stocking
- Warehousing facilities
- Specified goods trading
Service License
Professional services, consulting, and support businesses.
- Management consulting
- Marketing services
- Logistics & freight
- F&B and catering
Non-Profit License
For associations, NGOs, and non-commercial entities.
- Research associations
- International NGOs
- Non-commercial entities
- Formal UAE legal structure
SRTIP Free Zone Setup Cost & Fees in 2026
All packages include license, incorporation documents, and workspace options.
| Package | Visas | Setup Fee (AED) | Renewal Fee (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-Visa Package | 0 | 6,510 | 9,760 | License & incorporation only |
| 1-Visa Package | 1 | 13,990 | 8,710 | Includes investor visa |
Additional Fees
| Flexi-desk workspace | From AED 5,000/yr |
| Extra investor visa | Contact SRTIP |
| Extra employee visa | Contact SRTIP |
| Laboratory access | Priced separately |
| Innovation Center | Available |
Setup Timeline
License Issuance
30 minutes after payment
Establishment Card
2-3 working days
Investor Visa
2-4 weeks total
Foreign Branch
+1-3 weeks attestation
Visa Quotas
| Standard packages | 1-4 visas |
| Flexi-desk | Limited quota |
| Serviced offices | Higher quotas |
| Leased land | Proportional to space |
| Dependent visas | Available |
Quota depends on office or workspace size
Types of Companies You Can Form in SRTIP
Choose the right company structure for your business needs
| Structure | Who it suits | Shareholders | Required documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZE | Solo founders or single investors | 1 (any nationality) | Application form, passport copy, business plan, SRTIP checklist |
| FZC | Partnerships and joint ventures | 2+ (any nationality) | Passports of all shareholders, UBO declarations, business plan |
| Branch – UAE Co. | UAE businesses expanding into SRTIP | None (parent entity) | Parent trade license, MOA, board resolution authorizing branch |
| Branch – Foreign Co. | Overseas companies entering UAE | None (parent entity) | Certificate of Incorporation, MOA, board resolution — all attested & legalized |
FZE and FZC are the most common structures. Branch applications require legalized and attested parent-company documents, which can extend setup timelines by 1-3 weeks.
Documents Required for SRTIP Company Formation
Prepare these documents for a smooth and fast registration process
Individual Shareholders / Founders
- Completed SRTIP company application form
- Valid passport copy — full identification of all authorized signatories, managers, and directors
- Business plan describing research focus and target market
- SRTIP checklist (available at srtip.ae/what-we-do)
Corporate Shareholders
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum of Association
- Board resolution authorizing the SRTIP establishment
- Passport copies of all directors and authorized signatories
- Business plan
Foreign Company Branches
- Parent company Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Board resolution authorising branch formation
- Branch manager passport copy
- Three-stage UAE attestation for all foreign documents
Attestation Process: Foreign ministry of originating country → UAE embassy in that country → UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This process adds 1–3 weeks to the setup timeline.
Document Quality Requirements
- All documents must be clearly scanned with no shadows or blurred areas
- Colored copies where specified
- Uploaded following SRTIP digital procedures
- Submitted promptly to avoid processing delays
- Valid for minimum 6 months from submission date
Documents Issued by SRTIP on Completion
Once payment is confirmed, SRTIP’s Licensing and Registration department issues all of the following within 30 minutes:
- Commercial License
- Memorandum of Association
- Investment Service Agreement
- Tenancy Agreement
- Share Certificate
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Specimen Signature
- Address Declaration
- Manager/PRO Authorized Signatory
SRTIP Sharjah Business Setup Process
Complete your SRTIP business setup in 9 simple steps
Select Sector & License
Choose from six research sectors or commercial/service categories. Review 1,500+ activity codes at srtip.ae.
Complete Application
Fill out SRTIP application form with full identification of all authorized signatories, managers, and directors.
Prepare Business Plan
Describe company activities, research focus, target market, and fit within SRTIP’s innovation ecosystem.
Submit Checklist
Ensure all required documentation is complete before payment to avoid delays.
Complete Payment
Bank transfer, credit card, or cash payment triggers immediate license issuance process.
Receive License
All nine incorporation documents issued within 30 minutes by Licensing and Registration department.
Workspace Setup
Activate flexi-desk, serviced office, or sign lease for shell and core / rental land as applicable.
Establishment Card
Register with Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) — prerequisite for visa applications.
Process Visas
Entry Permit → Medical exam → ICP fingerprinting → Emirates ID. Typically 2-4 weeks total.
SRTIP Visa Options
Comprehensive visa solutions for you, your employees, and your family
Investor Visa
For shareholders and owners of FZE, FZC, or Branch entities.
- Valid 2-3 years
- Can sponsor dependents
- Renewable from within UAE
- Medical test required
Employee Visas
Quota depends on workspace size and type.
- Aligned with UAE labor standards
- Medical insurance required
- Flexible allocation based on space
- Additional visas available
Dependent Visas
Sponsor your family members in the UAE.
- Sponsor spouse and children
- After own residency confirmed
- Minimum salary requirements
- Medical insurance required
Processing Timeline
Step-by-step visa processing stages.
- Entry Permit: 1-2 days
- Medical exam: Same day
- ICP biometrics: Same day
- Emirates ID: 3-5 days
SRTIP Offices, Labs and Workspace Facilities
Choose from a range of workspace solutions tailored to your research and innovation needs
VIRTUAL
Flexi-Desk / Virtual Office
Co-working access via lease; suited to service, e-commerce, and lean operations.
- Business address included
- Shared workspace access
- Lower physical space requirements
- Cost-effective for startups
- From AED 5,000/year
PHYSICAL
Serviced Executive Offices
Private dedicated workspace with full office services and higher visa quotas.
- Dedicated office space
- Higher visa quotas
- Professional environment
- Meeting room access
- Full services included
INDUSTRIAL
R&D Laboratories & Land
Dedicated labs for technology, health, and substance research plus rental land.
- Technology & health labs
- Substance testing facilities
- Custom facility construction
- Rental land available
- Priced separately
Bank Account Opening for SRTIP Companies
SRTIP’s government backing and Sharjah authority status helps businesses obtain banking support
Common UAE Banks
Emirates NBD
Mashreq
ADCB
FAB
WIO
Sharjah Islamic Bank
Required Documents
- Trade license and Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum of Association
- Shareholder passport copies & Emirates IDs
- Proof of address for shareholders
- Business plan and company profile
- Bank reference letters (if requested)
Common Rejection Reasons
- Insufficiently explained R&D business model
- High-risk activity classifications
- Incomplete corporate document attestation
- Nationality-related enhanced due diligence
Pro Tips
- Prepare detailed 2-3 page compliance profile
- Try Sharjah Islamic Bank first
- Start with Wio Bank digitally
- Reference dual license in applications
SRTIP Free Zone vs Other UAE Free Zones
Compare cost, facilities, and innovation advantages across UAE free zones
| Factor | SRTIP | Dubai Silicon Oasis | RAKEZ | UAQFTZ | DMCC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Sharjah — University City | Dubai — Al Ain Road | Ras Al Khaimah | Umm Al Quwain | Dubai — JLT |
| Setup cost | From AED 6,510 | Higher (Dubai pricing) | From AED 6,000 | From AED 5,500 | AED 25,000–50,000+ |
| R&D labs | Yes — Dedicated | Limited | No | No | No |
| Innovation ecosystem | Triple helix model | Tech park focus | Industrial focus | Industrial/trading | Finance/trading |
| Dual licensing | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| University access | 150+ institutions | Partial | No | No | No |
| License issuance | 30 minutes | Standard timeline | 2-4 days | 24h–2-4 days | Days to weeks |
| Registered companies | 105 (50/year) | 3,000+ | 14,000+ | — | 21,000+ |
Why Choose Juriszone for SRTIP Free Zone?
Expert guidance through every step of your business setup journey
200+
SRTIP Formations
92%
Banking Approval Rate
4.2
Days Average Setup
What We Provide
- Complete activity classification and license selection guidance
- End-to-end documentation preparation and submission
- Banking facilitation through Emirates NBD, Mashreq, ADCB, FAB, WIO, Sharjah Islamic Bank
- Workspace selection assistance (virtual, office, or flexi desk)
- Visa processing for investors, employees, and dependents
- Corporate tax TRN registration and FTA compliance support
- Annual license and visa renewal management
“JurisZone made our SRTIP Free Zone setup seamless. From selecting the right license to opening our Wio Bank IBAN in 4 days, their team handled everything professionally. Highly recommended for Dubai-focused entrepreneurs.”
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