BUSINESS SETUP IN SHARJAH

Business Setup in Sharjah

Sharjah is a growing business hub of the Middle East with a significant share of GDP coming from trade and commerce activities. Business Setup in Sharjah is initiated in two main business jurisdictions i.e. the Mainland and the Free Trade Zones. There is an immense demand for company setup in Sharjah due to the favorable business environment, lower rental charges, location of the ports, availability of a wide range of warehouse options, etc.

There are multiple business activities available to set up a company in Sharjah. The main category of business licenses in Sharjah is Trading License, General Trading License, Industrial/manufacturing License, and Services License. Under each of these trade license categories, there are various business activities for the investors to choose for their company.

Benefits of Company Setup in Sharjah

Business Setup in Sharjah comes with numerous benefits for the investors. They can facilitate trade operations and offer services by setting up a company in Sharjah at an affordable rate and gain many advantages such as the following:

Be part of the growing Sharjah Retail Business and facilitate trade operations in the local UAE market.

The Strategic location of Sharjah and the Sea Port and Airport Infrastructure is ideal for all types of companies

The Logistics and Ports facility helps in facilitating import-export goods and items to and from other countries

The cheaper rental charges, business license fee, availability of customized warehouses, cheap labor, industrial areas, transport, and delivery support

The Free Zones of Sharjah are ideal for all types of companies to easily set up and operate their company in UAE

World Class office infrastructure and other facilities, low power cost for industries, etc., make Company Setup in Sharjah beneficial for the investors in multiple ways

Mainland Business Setup in Sharjah

Mainland Company Setup in Sharjah is one of the most popular options among investors to obtain a trade license for their selected business activity. In Sharjah, the mainland company license is issued by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD). The most in-demand business license categories for Sharjah Mainland Company Setup are Trading, General Trading, and industrial license.

A Limited Liability Company can be set up for the investors depending on the shareholders. The Service License or Professional License is another popular category for individual investors for setting up a consultancy services business.

Mainland Companies in Sharjah offer more flexibility to investors for trading their goods in the local UAE Market. There is a wide range of office facilities available starting from a virtual office to fully-furnished spaces in Sharjah for investors to easily start their business.

Steps in Setting up a Company in the Mainland of Sharjah

To set up a Business in the mainland of Sharjah, the investors must register their company in SEDD. The Sharjah Economic Development Department will issue the trade license for the company after reviewing the application submitted by the investor.

Following are the steps to follow for obtaining the Trade license and opening a new company in the Mainland of Sharjah.

Finalize the business activity and location of the business

Select the right trade name (3 options) and get the trade name approval from SEDD

Depending on the shareholders, decide the shareholding pattern and prepare the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and notarize it

Pay the rent and take the office space. Also, prepare the tenancy agreement

Obtain the initial Approval from SEDD

Depending on certain business activities there are additional requirements from the municipality, ministries, and departments. Get approval from the authorities accordingly.

Get approval from the Ministry of Labor for recruiting the employees

Submit all the documents, including passport copies, photographs, approvals from ministries, memorandum of association, lease agreement, etc., to the SEDD

Pay the required trade license fee and obtain the trade license for your company

Documents Required for Setting up a Sharjah Mainland Company

There are a few documents required for setting up a company in Sharjah. All the documents must be submitted to the Sharjah Economic Development Department for review to obtain the trade license.

Passport copy and Photograph of all shareholders (NOC letter of sponsor in case the shareholder has a UAE resident visa)

Trade Name Approval Certificate

Tenancy Contract Attested from Municipality

Special Approvals from Ministry or Municipality depending on the business activity

Memorandum of Association attested by the Court

Proof of Residence for Shareholders

Compliance Requirements in setting up a Mainland ompany in Sharjah

For companies that are operating in UAE as a whole, there are certain compliance requirements to follow. Hence, companies operating in Sharjah must also be in line with the UAE’s compliance laws.

The companies must be well aware of the regulatory requirements of keeping the company financials, shareholder information, and other financial data clean to comply with the Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO), Economic Substance Regulations (ESR), Anti-Money Laundering, etc.

Free Zone Company Setup in Sharjah

Free Zone Company Setup is another popular option when it comes to starting a business in Sharjah. There are about 5 Free Trade Zones in the Emirate of Sharjah. Among these Free Zones Sharjah Airport Free Zone being one of the best Free Trade Zone for Trading goods.

Following is the list of Free Trade Zones in Sharjah

The Free Trade Zones in Sharjah offer multiple business license categories and numerous business activities under each of the trade license categories. Similarly, the Free Zones offer a wide range of company setup packages for investors.

Free Zone company setup in Sharjah is a straightforward when compared to mainland. It is easy to register and start operating the business in the Sharjah Free Zone. Free Zones Sharjah has minimal documentation, almost instant license issuance, and ready to occupy office & warehouse spaces.

How Aurion Will Assist in Business Setup in Sharjah?

Aurion is one of the best Business setup service provider in Sharjah. AURION offers complete assistance for business setup in Sharjah. It is headquartered in the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone and is the Registered Agent of 17 plus Free Zones in UAE.

The Expert Business Consultants at AURION will walk you through the process of company setup in Sharjah Mainland and Free Zone without any hassle. Depending on your specific business requirement, budget, hiring plan, and business growth plan, the right choice for company setup in Sharjah will be advised by our Business Consultants.

Connect with us right away to know more about the process of obtaining a Trade license and setting up a company in the Emirate of Sharjah in the most cost-effective way.

FAQs – Business Setup in Sharjah

How much does it cost to start a business in Sharjah?

The cost depends on the business activity, license type, office requirement, and visa quota.
Mainland and free zone options have different fee structures, so a tailored quotation based on your exact activity provides the most accurate estimate and prevents unexpected expenses.

Can foreigners fully own a company in Sharjah?

Yes. Many activities in Sharjah now allow 100% foreign ownership, especially in free zones and selected mainland sectors. Ownership rules vary by activity, so professional review ensures your structure follows current UAE regulations.

How long does business setup in Sharjah take?

Most companies can be registered within 3 to 10 working days, depending on approvals, documentation, and office requirements.
Working with experienced consultants often speeds up the approval timeline and reduces administrative delays.

What are the main types of business licenses in Sharjah?

Sharjah typically issues commercial, professional, and industrial licenses.
Each license type determines the activities you can perform, visa eligibility, and compliance obligations.

Is Sharjah better than Dubai for starting a business?

Sharjah is often chosen for its lower setup and operational costs, strategic location near major ports, and access to both UAE and regional markets.
Dubai may offer broader global exposure, while Sharjah provides strong value for startups and SMEs.

Do I need a physical office to start a company in Sharjah?

Mainland companies usually require a registered office or workspace, while many free zones provide flexi-desk or shared office solutions that reduce initial expenses.
Selecting the right setup helps balance compliance with cost efficiency.

What taxes apply to businesses in Sharjah?

Costs may include visa processing, office rent, document attestation, bank compliance fees, and annual renewal charges, so a full quotation is important before starting.

Can a Sharjah company sponsor visas?

Yes. Companies can apply for investor, partner, employee, and family visas, depending on the license type and office size.
Visa eligibility should be planned during the setup stage to avoid future limitations.

Which free zones in Sharjah are most popular for company formation?

Well-known options include Sharjah Media City (SHAMS), Sharjah Publishing City, and Hamriyah Free Zone.
Each free zone offers different activity lists, pricing, and visa packages, so choosing the right one is critical for long-term success.

Why should I use a professional business setup consultant in Sharjah?

Experienced consultants provide regulatory guidance, document preparation, government coordination, and banking support.
This reduces errors, saves time, and ensures your company is formed correctly under current UAE laws—an important factor for sustainable operations.

Start Your Business in Sharjah Today

Launching a company in Sharjah offers cost efficiency, strategic location advantages, and access to a growing regional economy. With proper planning and expert guidance, your business can be established quickly and in full compliance with UAE regulations.

Our specialists manage the entire process, from activity selection and licensing to visas, office solutions, and ongoing compliance support, so you can focus on building your business with confidence.

Request your free consultation today and take the first step toward a successful business setup in Sharjah.

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BUSINESS SETUP IN SHARJAH