Why Choose Sharjah for Your Business Setup?
Sharjah is budget friendly, offering prime location and has strong government support that’s why Sharjah is ideal place to start a business because. Key reasons to consider Sharjah include:
For deeper insights on investment advantages, you can read our full article on Why Invest in Sharjah.
Mainland vs Free Zone: Which is Right for You?
Choosing between a mainland company and a free zone company is the first crucial step in your Sharjah business setup.
Mainland Company (Sharjah DED)
- Regulated and licensed issued by the Sharjah Economic Department (Sharjah DED).
- It's allow to run anywhere in the UAE and internationally.
- May require a local sponsor or service agent for certain activities (though many activities now allow 100% foreign ownership).
- Access to government contracts and tenders.
- Requires a physical office space in Sharjah.
Free Zone Company
- Offers 100% foreign ownership with no need for a local sponsor.
- Exempt from import and export duties within the free zone.
- Faster and easy setup (usually 1 to 4 business days).
- Lower minimum capital requirements.
- No physical office requirement they ask
- Flexi-desk or shared office package available
Popular Free Zones in Sharjah:
SAIF Zone
Hamriyah Free Zone
Sharjah Publishing City
For a detailed comparison, see our article: Mainland vs Free Zone Company Setup in UAE.
Step-by-Step Guide about Sharjah Business Licensing
Easy process to create a company in Sharjah, whether mainland or free zone, follows all important steps:
Choose Your Business Activity
Use the Sharjah Economic Department license inquiry tool to check if your desired business activity is permitted.
Select Business Structure
Options include LLC UAE, sole proprietorship, partnership, or branch office. LLC is the most common for mainland companies.
Reserve Trade Name
Reserve your business name through the Sharjah DED or the free zone license portal
Obtain Initial Approval
Submit your valid passport copies, visas, and Emirates ID. Approval costs between AED 100–500.
Secure and reliable Office Space
Mainland companies require a physical office lease with a valid Ejari contract. Free zones offer flexi desk or office packages.
Draft the Memorandum of Association (MOA)
This is required for LLC companies and costs approximately AED 1,000–2,500.
Submit Your Final Required Documents
Include tenancy contract, MOA, passport copies, and trade name approval to Sharjah DED or free zone authorities.
Pay Business License Fees
Mainland license fees range between AED 8,000–15,000. Free zone license fees range between AED 6,500–12,000.
Immigration & Visa Processing
Costs for immigration cards and investor visas vary between AED 700–5,000 depending on the visa type.
Open a Corporate Bank Account
Choose a bank with startup-friendly services.
For a detailed LLC setup, read our article: How to Set Up an LLC in UAE.
Cost Breakdown for Sharjah Business Setup in 2025
Here's a comprehensive breakdown of all costs involved in setting up your business in Sharjah:
| Cost Item | Mainland (AED) | Free Zone (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Trade Name Reservation | 350 – 750 | Included |
| Initial Approval | 100 – 500 | Included |
| License Fee | 8,000 – 15,000 | 6,500 – 12,000 |
| Office/Flexi Desk | 10,000 – 25,000 | 4,500 – 12,000 |
| Immigration Card | 700 – 1,000 | Included |
| Visa (per person) | 3,500 – 5,000 | 3,500 – 5,000 |
Costs can vary depending on the business activity, office location, and number of visas.
Sharjah Business License Renewal Process
You can renew your Sharjah trade license through:
Renewal Methods:
- The Sharjah Portal online platform
- In-person at DED service centers
Required Documents:
- Previous trade license copy
- Valid tenancy contract (Ejari)
- Payment of renewal fees (AED 6,500–15,000 depending on license type)
For step-by-step renewal details, see our full guide on Trade License Renewal Sharjah.
How to Check Your Sharjah Trade License Online
Several government tools help you verify your trade license status:
These portals provide information on license validity, activity type, and expiry date.
Popular Sharjah Free Zones in 2025
Sharjah offers several free zones catering to different industries:
SAIF Zone
Starting from AED 12,000. Located near Sharjah International Airport, ideal for trading and logistics companies.
Hamriyah Free Zone
From AED 11,500, provides port access and is suited for manufacturing and industrial businesses.
Sharjah Publishing City
From AED 8,500, designed for media, publishing, and creative industries.
Benefits of Free Zones:
- 100% foreign ownership
- Corporate and personal tax exemptions
- Fast setup and flexible office options
Learn more about the best free zones in the UAE here: Best Free Zones in UAE.
Other Costs to Consider
Starting a business involves additional costs beyond licensing fees:
You can explore our PRO services to streamline your setup.
Best Tips to Save Money on Business Setup
Starting a business in Sharjah doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some cost-saving tips:
FAQs About Business Setup in Sharjah
How much does it cost to start a business in Sharjah in 2025?
The cost to start a business in Sharjah in 2025 ranges from AED 6,500 to AED 15,000 for a free zone company and AED 8,000 to AED 25,000+ for a mainland company. Total costs depend on your business activity, office space, and number of visas.
What is the cheapest business license in Sharjah?
The cheapest business license option in Sharjah is in Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, starting from AED 8,500.
What is the difference between a Sharjah mainland and free zone company?
Mainland: Licensed by Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), allows you to operate anywhere in UAE, may require a local sponsor, and needs a physical office. Free Zone: Offers 100% foreign ownership, lower setup costs, no local sponsor needed, and flexi-desk options.
How long does it take to get a Sharjah business license?
It takes 1 to 4 business days to get a free zone license and 5 to 10 days for a mainland license, depending on approvals.
How do I renew my Sharjah trade license?
You can renew online through the Sharjah Economic Department portal or in person at service centers. You'll need your old license, a valid tenancy contract, and renewal fees of AED 6,500–15,000.
How can I check my Sharjah trade license online?
You can check your license status via the Sharjah Trade License Check portal, Sharjah DED License Inquiry tool, or Sharjah Economic Department official website.
Which are the most popular free zones in Sharjah?
The most popular free zones in Sharjah include SAIF Zone (from AED 12,000, ideal for trading/logistics), Hamriyah Free Zone (from AED 11,500, manufacturing/industrial), Sharjah Publishing City (from AED 8,500, media/publishing).
How can I reduce business setup costs in Sharjah?
Choose a free zone with a flexi-desk, Bundle license and visa services, Avoid activities requiring extra approvals, Negotiate first-year office rent.