Need personalized guidance? Start with a free consultation to understand the complete process tailored to your specific requirements.

Sharjah, the third-largest emirate in the UAE, is a great place to start a business. With access to global markets through its ports and airport, Sharjah offers benefits like full foreign ownership, tax breaks, and affordable costs in its free zones.

Sharjah is a top choice for starting a business, with strong support for industries like media, logistics, and manufacturing. It’s the perfect place for new ventures to find both opportunity and growth.

sharjah-dubai

Business Structures in Sharjah

Mainland Company

LLC

Ownership: Up to 100% foreign ownership, though some sectors need a local sponsor.

Tax: Corporate tax may apply; personal income is tax-free.

Liability: Limited to shareholder funds, lowering personal risk.

Expansion: Flexible for UAE and international trade.

Free Zone Company

Sole Proprietorship

Ownership: Full ownership for individuals; non-GCC nationals need a local agent.

Tax: No personal income tax; corporate tax may apply.

Liability: Owner bears full liability, risking personal assets.

Expansion: Limited compared to LLCs or Free Zones.

Offshore Company

Free Zone

Ownership: 100% foreign ownership without a local sponsor.

Tax: Exempt from corporate and import/export taxes.

Liability: Limited to the business investment.

Expansion: Ideal for international trade; direct trade in the UAE requires a distributor.

Offshore Company

Foreign Branch

Ownership: Owned by the parent company; needs a local agent for mainland.

Tax: Taxed by parent company’s country, with few Free Zone perks.

Liability: Parent company handles liabilities.

Expansion: Suitable for setting up in UAE without a new legal entity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Business Setup in Sharjah

one-rizmona

Choose Business Activity

Start by picking a business activity that aligns with Sharjah’s allowed activities. Options include trading, manufacturing, and professional services. Some activities, like medical services, need additional approvals.

2 - rizmona

Select Legal Structure

Choose the right company type for your needs, considering liability and ownership:

  • LLC: Requires at least two shareholders, offering limited liability.
  • Sole Proprietorship: Ideal for solo entrepreneurs seeking full control.
  • FZE: Allows 100% foreign ownership within free zones.
  • Branch of a Foreign Company: Allows foreign companies to open a branch in Sharjah.
3 - rizmona

Company Registration

After choosing your business activity and structure, register your company. This includes:

  • Registering a trade name with DED or Free Zone Authority
  • Submitting passport copies of shareholders, directors, and managers
  • Providing a business plan if required
  • Getting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) if needed
  • Signing a lease for office space (if applicable)
  • Completing all necessary application forms
4 - rizmona

Obtain Initial Approval

Get initial approval from DED or the Free Zone Authority to confirm no objections to your business. Extra approvals might be needed for specific activities like medical services.

null

Draft and Notarize Memorandum of Association (MoA)

The MoA outlines business structure, roles, capital distribution, and profit sharing. If a local sponsor is needed, their role is included. The MoA must be notarized in Sharjah.

6 - rizmona

Secure Office Space

Sharjah mainland businesses need a physical office. Free zones offer options like flexi-desks or virtual offices based on business size and type. A lease or tenancy agreement is required for licensing.

7 - rizmona

Apply for Business License

Once documents are ready, apply for a business license based on your activity (Commercial, Industrial, or Professional). Submit MoA, lease, and ID proof to DED (for mainland) or Free Zone Authority.

8 - rizmona

Open a Corporate Bank Account

With the business license, open a corporate bank account. UAE banks need the trade license, MoA, and shareholder ID for setup. Corporate accounts help manage business finances.

9

Complete Visa and Immigration Procedures

After getting the license, apply for visas for owners, partners, and staff. The number depends on office size and business type. The process includes medical tests, Emirates ID, and visa stamping.

Start Your Business Journey with Our Professional Support!

Get a Free Consultation

Benefits of Business Setup in Sharjah

Cost-Effective Setup

Investor-Friendly Policies

Free Zone Advantages

Access to Global Markets

Skilled Workforce Availability

Strong Legal Support

Documents Required for Business Setup in Sharjah

  • Trade License: Permits your business to operate legally in Sharjah
  • Memorandum of Association (MoA): Defines shareholder roles and needs notarization
  • Passport Copies: Required for all business shareholders, directors, and managers
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC): Needed if you’re already working in the UAE
  • Trade Name Registration: Confirms your business name is reserved
  • Business Plan: Especially needed in Free Zones to show business goals
  • Establishment Card: Issued by immigration, essential for hiring staff
  • Local Sponsor Agreement: Mandatory for mainland setups needing a local sponsor
  • Initial Approval: Given by the DED or Free Zone Authority after application review
  • Lease Agreement/Tenancy Contract: Shows that your business has an office space
  • Application Forms: Required forms for setting up the business
  • Articles of Association (AoA): Outlines business structure and rules
  • Municipality Approval: Required for office or shop space from the local authority
  • Visa Stamp: Needed for business owners and employees to stay in the UAE
  • Identification Documents: Includes ID cards and other necessary IDs for shareholders

Free Zones in Sharjah for Business Setup

Sharjah has six main free zones, each supporting different industries with benefits like full foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and modern facilities:

Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone)

Ideal for import/export businesses near Sharjah Airport.

Hamriyah Free Zone

Offers seaport access, perfect for industrial and maritime businesses.

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone)

Dedicated to the publishing and media sector.

Sharjah Media City (Shams)

Focuses on media, advertising, and creative fields.

Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP)

Supports R&D and innovation businesses.

U.S.A. Regional Trade Center (USARTC)

Promotes trade between the UAE and the USA.

Types of Business Licenses in Sharjah

Freelance Permit

For freelancers in fields like content creation, design, IT, and consulting. Provides full ownership and is relatively affordable.

Commercial License

For businesses in trading, import/export, and retail. Costs range from AED 10,000 to AED 15,000 based on business size and employee count.

Industrial License

For companies in manufacturing, processing, and packaging. Costs range from AED 7,000 to AED 25,000, depending on industry and business size.

Professional License

For service businesses like consulting, legal, or medical. Allows full foreign ownership, with costs from AED 10,000 to AED 50,000 based on services.

Business Setup in Sharjah Mainland vs Free Zone: Which to Choose?

Sharjah Mainland

  • Ownership Rules: 100% foreign ownership allowed in most sectors; some need a local sponsor with 51% ownership.
  • Business Activity Flexibility: Business can operate across the UAE and globally, with fewer limits on activities.
  • Tax Benefits: Corporate tax applies, but some sectors and SMEs get tax perks.
  • Licensing Process: Requires registration with DED and a physical office; may need a local sponsor.
  • Office Space Requirements: Physical office needed, size based on visa needs.

Free Zone

  • Ownership Rules: Full foreign ownership across all activities, no local sponsor needed.
  • Business Activity Flexibility: Limited to specific zones or exports; UAE trading needs a local agent.
  • Tax Benefits: Tax-free on corporate and income, with full profit repatriation.
  • Licensing Process: Faster, with less paperwork, managed by Free Zone authorities.
  • Office Space Requirements: Flexible options like shared or virtual offices; full offices based on staff size in some zones.
Rizmona Consultancy 15 Years Experience

Sharjah Mainland Business Setup Consultants in Dubai

How Riz & Mona Consultancy Can Help?

Riz & Mona Consultancy is renowned as one of the top business setup consultants in Dubai, with over 15 years of experience facilitating a wide range of businesses throughout the UAE. Our deep connections with government officials and key authorities, combined with our extensive expertise in consultancy, streamline the process of establishing your business in Dubai. Additionally, we offer comprehensive financial, legal, and corporate services to support our clients throughout their business endeavors.

We are here to provide comprehensive support for your Business Setup in Sharjah Mainland, from preparing your documents to completing the process. Connect with us now to begin your journey with a FREE consultation!

10000 Happy Clients Rizmona

FAQS

Which is the cheapest trade license in the UAE?

The cheapest trade licenses are available in Sharjah Media City Free Zone (Shams) starting at AED 5,750, and Ajman Free Zone starting at AED 6,000. Costs vary based on business activity, number of visas, and office requirements.

How much does it cost to open a small shop in Dubai?

Opening a small shop in Dubai typically costs between AED 30,000 and AED 50,000, covering trade licenses, rental fees, and visa costs. Premium locations like malls may increase the overall cost.

What is the process for obtaining a trade license for a mainland business in Sharjah?

The process involves:

  • Choose business activity
  • Select legal structure (LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.)
  • Register trade name with SEDD
  • Submit documents (passport, MoA, lease, etc.)
  • Obtain initial approval
  • Pay fees and receive the license

What is the Sharjah Trade License Fee?

Mainland license fees start around AED 12,000, while Shams Free Zone licenses start at AED 5,750. Costs increase based on business activity and complexity.

What is the capital requirement for business setup in Sharjah?

For an LLC, the minimum capital requirement typically starts from AED 150,000, but small businesses, such as consultancies, may not have specific capital requirements.