The UAE's Exclusive Gateway for U.S. Enterprise.
USARTC is the first and only bilateral free zone dedicated to helping U.S. Small and Medium Enterprises launch, trade, and scale across the Middle East from a strategic, tax-free base in Sharjah.
Corporate & Income Tax
0%
Foreign Ownership
100%
Bilateral Focus
Exclusively for U.S. SMEs
Primary Activities
Trade, Services & Export
Location Advantage
Sharjah, UAE
Your Strategic Trade Hub for Middle East Expansion
The USA Regional Trade Center (USARTC) is a purpose-built free zone in Sharjah, engineered to de-risk and accelerate market entry for American Small and Medium Enterprises. We provide a specialized commercial ecosystem that combines the UAE's powerful financial incentives with dedicated support tailored to the unique needs of U.S. businesses.
Jurisdiction Key Facts
- Jurisdiction Name
- USA Regional Trade Center (USARTC)
- Primary Focus
- U.S. Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
- Core Industries
- Trade, Services, Export
- Location
- Emirate of Sharjah, UAE
- VAT Designated Zone
- No (standard VAT rules apply)
- Corporate Bank Account
- Opening Assistance Provided
The American Advantage in the Emirates
Gain an unparalleled competitive edge with a framework designed for your success.
Complete Corporate Control
Maintain 100% foreign ownership of your enterprise without the requirement for a local Emirati partner or sponsor, giving you full command over your business.
Zero Tax Liability
Benefit from a 0% corporate tax rate as a Qualifying Free Zone Person and 0% personal income tax, maximizing your profitability and financial efficiency.
Unrestricted Financial Flow
Enjoy the freedom to repatriate 100% of your capital and profits back to the United States or anywhere globally, with no currency restrictions.
U.S.-Centric Ecosystem
Operate within the UAE's only bilateral trade-focused free zone, a supportive environment designed to unlock growth opportunities specifically for American companies.
Strategic Market Access
Leverage Sharjah's prime logistical location as a hub for air and sea cargo, providing efficient and cost-effective access to markets across the GCC, Asia, and Africa.
Residency & Operations
Secure UAE residency visas for investors and employees, enabling you to build a dedicated team on the ground and manage your regional operations directly.
Bespoke Packages for U.S. Enterprises
We provide a consultative approach, creating a tailored company setup solution that perfectly matches your business requirements. Contact our team for a personalized proposal.
Custom U.S. Enterprise Package
Billed annually
- 0 Resident Visa(s)
- Trade Name Reservation & Initial Approval
- Commercial, Professional, or Industrial License
- Immigration File (Establishment Card)
- Corporate Bank Account Opening Assistance
AED Pricing
Bespoke Packages for U.S. Enterprises
We provide a consultative approach, creating a tailored company setup solution that perfectly matches your business requirements. Contact our team for a personalized proposal.
Total Estimated Cost (Year 1)
Licenses Tailored for American Enterprise
Secure the right legal framework for your U.S. business activities in the Middle East.
Commercial License
Professional Services License
Industrial License
Popular Business Activities for U.S. Companies
While our focus is broad across trade and services, we cater to several key sectors.
Filter by Category
| Activity Name | Category |
|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals & Medical Equipment Import/Export | Healthcare & Pharmaceutical |
| Pharmaceuticals Trading | Healthcare & Pharmaceutical |
| Healthcare Consultancy | Healthcare & Pharmaceutical |
| Holding Company Structures | Financial & Investment |
| Financial Investment Activities | Financial & Investment |
| Investment & Financial Consulting | Financial & Investment |
| Business Consultancy | Professional Services |
| Management Advisory | Professional Services |
| Contact us to confirm your specific service activity | Professional Services |
Exclusively Designed for American Ambition
The U.S. Exporter & Manufacturer
An ideal hub to import, store, and distribute U.S. products across the Middle East, leveraging Sharjah's logistics and available warehouse facilities.
Primary Benefit
A dedicated trade environment designed to simplify regional market entry.
The American Professional Services Firm
Provides a legitimate, tax-efficient corporate structure for U.S. consultancies to establish a regional office and serve a growing client base in the GCC.
Primary Benefit
A cost-effective base of operations that caters to American business practices.
The Cautious First-Time U.S. Investor
Offers a guided, supportive 'soft landing' in the Middle East, reducing the perceived risks and uncertainty of entering a new international market.
Primary Benefit
An exclusive ecosystem providing a simplified process and supportive community.
USARTC vs. General Purpose Free Zones
Understand how our specialized focus delivers a unique advantage for U.S. companies.
| Feature Highlight | USA Regional Trade Center (USARTC) | Sharjah Airport Int'l Free Zone (SAIF) | Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Exclusively U.S. SMEs | Broad International Mix | Global Multinationals & SMEs |
| Core Proposition | Bilateral U.S. Trade Focus | Logistics & Industrial Hub | Premium Aviation & Tech Hub |
| Onboarding Process | Consultative & Bespoke | Standardized Packages | Structured & Formal |
| Cost Structure | Custom-Quoted (Sharjah-based) | Competitive & Publicly Listed | Premium (Dubai-based) |
| Best For | U.S. SMEs needing support | Logistics firms needing speed | Brands needing a premium address |
This is a general comparison based on publicly available information. Strengths are relative to the target market of U.S. SMEs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Launch Your U.S. Business in the Middle East?
Connect with our specialists today for a confidential consultation and receive a personalized proposal tailored to your enterprise.
- No-obligation consultation
- Confidential discussion of your business needs
- Direct access to U.S. market specialists