Set Up Your Company in SRTIP Free Zone.
From AED 5,500.

SRTIP stands for Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, also known as SRTI Park or SPark. Established in 2016 under the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park Authority, it is a government-backed free zone purpose-built for technology, research and development, and innovation-driven businesses. It operates on a “Triple Helix” model connecting industry, academia, and government, and is located next to the University City of Sharjah, giving resident companies practical access to an ecosystem of 22 university partners and over 10,000 startups.

SRTIP company formation starts from around AED 5,500 per year for a zero-visa innovator package. A startup package with one to two visas typically starts from around AED 12,000, and the dual licence package (combining a free zone and Sharjah mainland licence) starts from approximately AED 18,000. Final cost depends on the activity, number of visas, and office space required. KDHA PRIVE provides a fixed written quote with all costs itemised before any payment is made.

SRTIP’s core differentiator is its academic and research ecosystem. Rather than functioning as a general commercial trade licence provider, SRTIP gives resident companies practical access to 22 university partners, over 2,000 PhD-level researchers, SoiLab prototyping facilities, and real-world testing zones for technologies such as autonomous vehicles and solar. It also offers a direct connection to the Sharjah Business Angels Network and hosts the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival, making it particularly suited to technology, R&D, and sustainability-focused founders.

SRTIP’s setup process is largely digital, with straightforward applications typically completing within 5 to 10 working days from complete document submission. No NOC from a current employer or paid-up share capital is required for standard licences, which helps keep the documentation requirements relatively light compared to some other jurisdictions.

SRTIP offers a dual licence option that allows a company to operate across both the SRTIP free zone and the Sharjah mainland. This is particularly useful for technology and R&D businesses that need to service UAE mainland clients directly, alongside their free zone operations and access to SRTIP’s research ecosystem. KDHA PRIVE advises on whether the dual licence structure fits your specific commercial model before you commit.

Yes. SRTIP permits 100% foreign ownership with no local Emirati partner required. Companies are structured as Free Zone Companies (FZCOs), with a minimum requirement of just one shareholder and one manager, making it straightforward for solo founders to set up. There is also no corporate tax on qualifying free zone income, and no requirement for paid-up share capital to launch.

SRTIP supports more than 222 approved business activities, organised around its core focus areas of research and development, technology and software, smart manufacturing, sustainability and clean technology, and consulting and advisory services. Activities such as business consulting, IT services, software development, and market research consulting are among the categories available. KDHA PRIVE confirms which specific activity codes apply to your business before you begin.

SRTIP offers between 1 and 10 visas depending on the licence type and office space selected. Businesses planning to hire a larger team should select a package and office solution with sufficient visa quota from the outset, since visa allocation is tied to your specific package rather than being unlimited by default.

SRTIP companies benefit from 0% corporate tax on qualifying free zone income, in line with UAE Corporate Tax Law provisions for Qualifying Free Zone Persons. However, SRTIP is generally treated as a non-designated free zone for VAT purposes, meaning standard UAE VAT rules apply rather than the designated-zone exemptions available in some other free zones. The standard 9% corporate tax rate applies to non-qualifying taxable profits above AED 375,000. KDHA PRIVE manages corporate tax registration, VAT registration, and ongoing compliance for SRTIP clients.

No. While SRTIP’s ecosystem includes academic and research infrastructure, the free zone is open to a wide range of technology, R&D, consulting, and advanced-industry businesses — not only formal research institutions. Startups, software companies, sustainability businesses, and consultants regularly set up in SRTIP to benefit from the lower entry cost and ecosystem access, without needing an academic research mandate themselves.

SoiLab is SRTIP’s specialist prototyping and testing facility, giving resident companies practical access to equipment and space for product development that would otherwise be costly to set up independently. Access is generally available to SRTIP-licensed companies operating in relevant technology, hardware, or R&D activities. KDHA PRIVE can confirm SoiLab access as part of your specific licence and activity selection.

SRTIP and SHAMS have similar entry-level pricing, with SRTIP starting from AED 5,500 and SHAMS from AED 5,750. SRTIP’s advantages are its dedicated research and academic ecosystem, dual mainland licence option, and focus on technology and innovation activities. SHAMS’s advantages are its higher activity limit per licence (up to 5), unlimited visa quota without additional office requirements, and broader general-purpose brand recognition. For tech, R&D, or sustainability founders wanting ecosystem access, SRTIP is the stronger fit; for general multi-activity businesses wanting maximum visa flexibility, SHAMS may suit better.

For a standard SRTIP FZCO registration, the required documents typically include a valid passport copy for each shareholder and director, a recent passport-sized photograph, and a completed SRTIP application form. UAE residents should provide a copy of their UAE residence visa and Emirates ID. For corporate shareholders, additional documents are required, including a Certificate of Incorporation and a board resolution authorising the SRTIP setup. No NOC from a current employer is required. KDHA PRIVE confirms the exact checklist for your specific structure before you begin.

Yes, migrating an existing business to SRTIP from another UAE free zone or mainland jurisdiction is generally possible, though it typically involves incorporating a new SRTIP entity and winding down the existing company rather than a direct licence transfer between authorities. Businesses migrating to SRTIP for its research ecosystem, dual licence option, or lower cost should factor in the timeline and cost of closing the existing entity and transferring assets or contracts. KDHA PRIVE advises on the most efficient migration approach and manages the full transition.