UAQ FTZ vs Sharjah Healthcare City (SHCC) — UAE Free Zone Comparison 2026
Deciding between UAQ FTZ and Sharjah Healthcare City (SHCC) for your UAE company? This side-by-side comparison breaks down costs, visa quotas, setup time, and banking ease so you can make an informed decision.
Quick Verdict
- Cheapest year 1: UAQ FTZ (AED 13,000)
- Fastest setup: UAQ FTZ (10 business days)
- Easiest banking: Sharjah Healthcare City (SHCC)
- Best 3-year value: UAQ FTZ (saves AED 59,800)
UAQ FTZ vs Sharjah Healthcare City (SHCC) — Full Comparison Table
| Factor | UAQ FTZ | Sharjah Healthcare City (SHCC) |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 Licence Cost | AED 13,000 | AED 34,000 |
| Annual Renewal Cost | AED 11,000 | AED 30,000 |
| Visa Cost (per visa) | AED 3,200 | AED 4,000 |
| Visa Quota (base) | 1 | 1 |
| Setup Time | 10 days | 21 days |
| Banking Ease | Challenging | Moderate |
| 3-Year Total (1 visa) | AED 38,200 | AED 98,000 |
When to Choose UAQ FTZ
UAQ FTZ is the stronger choice if you prioritise lower upfront costs — AED 21,000 cheaper in year 1. It is best suited to entrepreneurs and solo founders looking for an affordable entry point into the UAE.
When to Choose Sharjah Healthcare City (SHCC)
Sharjah Healthcare City (SHCC) wins if easier bank account opening is your priority. It suits businesses whose primary clients are international and who can work around the longer bank account opening process.
3-Year Cost Deep Dive
Year 1 costs include the licence fee and first visa. Years 2 and 3 use the renewal rate. Over 3 years with 1 visa:
- UAQ FTZ: AED 38,200 (Year 1: 13,000 + Year 2: 11,000 + Year 3: 11,000 + Visa: 3,200)
- Sharjah Healthcare City (SHCC): AED 98,000 (Year 1: 34,000 + Year 2: 30,000 + Year 3: 30,000 + Visa: 4,000)
UAQ FTZ saves AED 59,800 over 3 years. For multiple visas, multiply the visa cost by the number of people you need to sponsor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I operate from both UAQ FTZ and Sharjah Healthcare City (SHCC) simultaneously?
You can set up separate companies in both zones simultaneously, which some business groups do for different activities or for liability separation. However, each company has its own licence fees and visa costs. Most solo founders and small teams are better served by choosing one zone.
Which zone is better if I need to open a UAE bank account quickly?
Sharjah Healthcare City (SHCC) has a lower banking difficulty score, meaning it is generally easier to open a UAE business bank account as a licensee of this zone. For the fastest bank account opening, also consider using Wio Business or Mashreq Neo Biz, which have lower barriers for new free zone companies.
Is the setup process significantly different between the two zones?
Yes — UAQ FTZ is notably faster at 10 business days vs 21 days. If speed is a priority (e.g., you need to start invoicing clients quickly), factor this into your decision.
Compare more options: See all 50+ UAE free zones → | Take the Zone Finder Quiz →