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  • ✅ Affordable Setup and Operational Costs
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  • ✅ Wide Range of Industries and Licenses Available

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Business Setup in Sharjah

Looking forward to the business setup in Sharjah? If yes, then you are in the right place Sharjah is the place where you can find many business opportunities. If you are someone looking for business expansion and starting a business, then Sharjha is the perfect business choice to start. It offers a strong economy, infrastructure, and rules.

To operate legally, you must be aware of the approvals, licenses, costs, and other things required for business setup in Sharjah. This guide will help you understand Sharjah and all business setup details in Sharjah.

Why Choose Sharjah for Business Setup?

Sharjah is the UAE’s third-largest emirate and plays a vital role in the country’s economy as it offers a number of opportunities. Here are reasons why entrepreneurs prefer company formation in Sharjah:

1
Consultation-and-Planning

Strategic location

Sharjah is close to Dubai and well-connected to the rest of the UAE, GCC, and global markets through ports and airports. This makes logistics and trade much easier.

2
Consultation-and-Planning

Affordable operational costs

Compared to other emirates, Sharjah offers lower office rents, labor costs, and business license fees, making it an ideal destination for startups and SMEs.

3
Consultation-and-Planning

Business-friendly laws

The government provides full ownership in free zones, tax-free incentives, and simple registration procedures to attract investors.

4
Consultation-and-Planning

Diverse economy

Sharjah supports a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, media, technology, education, tourism, and more, creating opportunities for all kinds of entrepreneurs.

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Consultation-and-Planning

Access to skilled workforce

The emirate’s universities and training centers ensure a pool of talented professionals available for new companies.

Jurisdictions for Sharjah Company Formation


When planning your Sharjah company setup, the first step is choosing the proper jurisdiction. Your business can either be registered on the mainland or in one of the free zones.

1. Sharjah Mainland

A mainland business is registered under the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD). Mainland companies are allowed to trade freely within the UAE and take on local or government contracts.

Advantages:

  • Freedom to do business anywhere in the UAE
  • Ability to work directly with local clients
  • Flexibility to open branches in other emirates
  • Wide range of business activities

Requirements:

  • A physical office space in Sharjah
  • Business license issued by SEDD
  • Approvals from government authorities (depending on your activity.

2. Sharjah Free Zones

Free zones are designated areas that allow investors to own 100% of their business without the need for a local sponsor. They also offer simplified registration and tax exemptions.
Freezones for business setup services in Sharjah include:

  • Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone: an ideal location for the media, publishing, and creative industries.
  • Sharjah Media City (SHAMS): Focused on digital and creative companies.
  • Sharjah Airport Free Zone (SAIF): Suitable for trading and logistics businesses.
  • Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) – supports tech, research, and innovation-driven ventures.


Advantages of Free Zones:

  • 100% foreign ownership
  • 0% import and export duty
  • 100% repatriation of profits and capital
  • Quick company registration
  • Affordable license packages
  • No personal income tax

Types of Business Entities in Sharjah

When you begin your company formation in Sharjah, you’ll need to choose a legal structure. This determines ownership, liability, and the type of license you’ll receive.

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Limited Liability Company (LLC)

An LLC is the most common type of company in the UAE mainland. It allows flexibility and limits personal liability of shareholders.

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Sole Establishment

A business owned by a single individual who is fully responsible for all liabilities and profits.

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Civil Company

Used for professional or service-based businesses like consulting, legal, or medical practices.

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Branch of a Foreign Company

Allows international businesses to open a branch office in Sharjah and conduct activities similar to the parent company.

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Free Zone Company (FZC)

These are business entities registered in Sharjah’s free zones with full foreign ownership.

Process for Setting Up Business in Sharjah

Below are the steps of Sharjah company formation:

Select Business Activity

Select business activity as per your requirements. There are many options on the Sharjah mainland, including trading, media, and freight, among others. Your activity determines the type of license you’ll need.

Choose Jurisdiction

You can choose jurisdiction as per your business activity requirements. Mainland and Freezones are the option for business. Your business license, approvals and costs depend on your business setup.

Company Registration and License

After choosing your business activity and structure, the next step is to register your company and apply for the trade license. You’ll need to submit the required documents, get approvals from the concerned authorities, and pay the necessary fees. Once approved, your company will be officially registered, and your trade license will allow you to operate legally in Sharjah.

Get initial approvals

Business activities require prior approvals from government departments or ministries. Both Mainland and Freezones required different approvals from UAE authority.

Prepare legal documents

You’ll need to draft documents like the Memorandum of Association (MOA), Articles of Association (AOA), and partnership agreements. These are usually notarized and attested.

Lease an office or workspace

A registered office address is mandatory for your business license. In the mainland you are required for physical office spaces. In Free zones you dont need workspace you can choose flexible workspaces like co working spaces, meeting rooms and others as per your requirements and budget. often provide flexible workspaces or virtual offices.

Apply for your business license

Submit your documents and pay the required fees to get your trade license issued. You may need additional approvals from municipal or health departments depending on your industry.

Open a corporate bank account

Once your company is registered, open a business bank account in the UAE for all financial transactions.

Cost of Business Setup in Sharjah


The cost of setting up a business in Sharjah depends on:

  • Your business activity, location, and number of visas you need.
  • The total setup cost typically covers trade license fees, office rent, visa charges, and government approvals.
  • Free zones offer affordable packages that include a license, office space, and visa services perfect for startups.
  • Mainland businesses may be slightly more expensive, but they allow you to trade freely across the UAE.
  • For the best estimate, talk to a business setup services provider who can guide you based on your business needs.

Business Licenses in Sharjah

Your business license is the official document that allows your company to operate legally in the UAE. Depending on your activity, you can apply for one of the following:

Commercial License

Commercial License

For trading and retail activities.

Learn More
Industrial License

Industrial License

For manufacturing and production-based businesses.

Learn More
Professional License

Professional License

For service-oriented businesses like consulting, marketing, or design.

Learn More

Compliance and Renewals


Once your Sharjah company setup is complete, make sure to follow all ongoing compliance rules:

  • Renew your trade license annually.
  • Maintain updated accounting and audit records.
  • Renew visas and labor cards before expiry.
  • Comply with UAE tax and corporate laws.
  • Update company details when necessary.

Staying compliant ensures smooth operations and protects your company from fines or license suspension.

Start Business With Dhanguard


Setting up business in Sharjah offers excellent opportunities for growth and success. The emirate provides a business-friendly environment, affordable infrastructure, and multiple options for both mainland and free zone setups. Whether you’re looking for a cost-effective startup base or planning to expand your international business, Sharjah is a smart choice.
By understanding the steps of company formation in Sharjah and making use of professional business setup services, you can establish your company quickly and start operating with confidence.
So, if you’re ready for your new company formation, take the first step today. Sharjah is open for business and waiting for your ideas to grow.

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