Register Company in Sharjah and join a market where over 61,000 new licenses were issued in 2023 alone, according to Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD). But what’s really driving this growth—and how can you be part of it? This guide breaks down the 11 clear steps, 10 key sectors, and real costs you need to know to start your journey today.
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Why Register Company in Sharjah?
Sharjah is one of the best places to start a business in the UAE. Whether you’re launching a startup or expanding an existing company, it offers fast setup, low costs, and access to local and global markets. Here’s why many investors choose to register company in Sharjah.
Business Setup Advantages
- Free zones allow 100% foreign ownership with no local partner
- Mainland licenses let you trade across all seven Emirates
- No personal or corporate income tax in most free zones
- You can repatriate full profits and capital anytime
- Many activities don’t require minimum capital or yearly audits
- Setup is quick—some free zones finish registration in one working day
- Office choices include shared desks, physical offices, or virtual space
- Most licensing steps can be completed online
- Free zones offer flexible visa packages based on office size
- No limits on business visas for many mainland setups
Location & Infrastructure
- Sharjah connects easily to Dubai and the Northern Emirates
- It’s close to major UAE ports, airports, and highways
- Strong logistics and transport support for local and international trade
- Free zones often offer customs duty exemptions for re-exports
Growing Business Sectors
- Active sectors include logistics, media, tech, manufacturing, and trade
- SHAMS supports creatives and digital firms
- SAIF and Hamriyah zones suit industrial and export-focused businesses
Support & Services
- Government bodies like SEDD and SAEED help you step by step
- Remote setup is possible for non-residents
- Lower office rent and labor costs compared to Dubai
- Banks and services are available even if you’re based abroad
Check the latest rules with the free zone or SEDD before applying. Requirements may change based on your activity.
What Are the 10 Most Promising Sectors of Business in Sharjah Today?
If you’re thinking about starting a business in the UAE, Sharjah Mainland should be on your radar. It’s not just about low costs or quick paperwork—this emirate has quietly become a launchpad for businesses that want to grow roots in stable, high-demand sectors. Let’s cut through the noise and talk about where the real opportunities lie.
Proven Sectors That Keep Delivering
These industries have shown consistent growth, thanks to Sharjah’s strategic location and practical policies:
- Retail & Trading: Shops, wholesalers, and e-commerce thrive here. Why? Simple: Sharjah sits at the crossroads of the UAE’s busiest transport routes, making it easy to stock shelves and reach customers.
- Construction & Real Estate: New housing projects, offices, and malls keep popping up to match the emirate’s growing population. If you’re in building materials or property services, this is your playground.
- Logistics & Transport: With ports like Khor Fakkan and Sharjah Airport nearby, moving goods is faster and cheaper here than in many neighboring emirates. Warehousing? Last-mile delivery? This sector is hungry for both.
- Healthcare & Wellness: Clinics, pharmacies, and wellness centers are in high demand. Sharjah’s focus on affordable healthcare makes it easier to get approvals and serve families, expats, and tourists.
- Food & Hospitality: From cloud kitchens to gourmet cafes, food businesses flourish here. Licensing is straightforward, and the mix of locals and tourists means steady foot traffic.
New Frontiers Worth Exploring
Sharjah isn’t just sticking to the basics. These emerging sectors are gaining traction fast:
- Green Energy & Sustainability: The emirate’s pushing hard toward zero-waste goals. Solar projects, recycling plants, and eco-friendly construction are getting VIP treatment from regulators.
- Agri-Food Innovation: With the UAE’s focus on food security, hydroponic farms and food processing units are finding support—and funding.
- Tech & Smart Manufacturing: Small factories are upgrading to automation and 3D printing. Meanwhile, app developers and IT services are tapping into Sharjah’s growing digital needs.
- Cultural Tourism: Forget generic resorts. Sharjah’s betting on heritage tours, eco-lodges, and art hubs to draw visitors. If you’ve got a niche tourism idea, this is your spot.
Why Sharjah Mainland Works for Business Owners
- No Partner Headaches: Most sectors let you own 100% of your business. No local sponsor is required.
- Affordable Everything: Rent, licenses, and labor costs undercut Dubai by 20-30%.
- Quick Setup: The SAEED Center cuts through red tape—many licenses get approved in days, not months.
- Location, Location, Location: You’re 30 minutes from Dubai, with ports that connect you to Africa, Asia, and beyond.
Talk to the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) before finalizing your business activity. Rules for sectors like healthcare and tourism update often, and you’ll want the latest details to avoid hiccups.
Sharjah Mainland isn’t the flashiest emirate, but it’s built for businesses that want to last. Whether you’re opening a neighborhood clinic or a high-tech factory, the infrastructure and demand are here. The question isn’t “Why Sharjah?”—it’s “Why not Sharjah?”
9 Types of Business Licenses in Sharjah You Can Apply For in 2025?
If you’re ready to register company in Sharjah, the first step is choosing the right license. Your license depends on your business activity. Picking the right one saves time and avoids issues. Here’s what you need to know.
Who Issues Business Licenses in Sharjah?
Two main government bodies manage licenses:
- SEDD: Sharjah Economic Development Department
- SCTDA: Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority
Each covers different sectors. So, applying through the correct one matters.
Licenses from SEDD (Sharjah Economic Development Department)
SEDD covers most license types. They work with locals and foreign investors. The process is simple and available online.
- Commercial License: For trading, retail, e-commerce, or import/export businesses. This is one of the most common license types, also widely used in Dubai.
- Industrial License: For manufacturing, packing, or processing goods.
- Professional License: For service-based work like IT, consulting, healthcare, or design. Many professionals starting out in Dubai use this category too.
- LLC License: A common setup for small and medium businesses. Offers limited liability.
- Craftsman or Civil License: For trades such as carpentry or repair work (confirm with SEDD).
- Agricultural License: For farming or livestock activities (may be federal; confirm with Ministry of Economy).
Licenses from SCTDA (Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority)
SCTDA focuses on tourism-related businesses. Their portal offers forms, checklists, and updates.
- Hotels and Tour Operators License: For travel agencies, hotel operations, or tour packages.
- Desert Tour Vehicle Permit: Needed if you run desert safari or off-road trips.
- Tour Guide License: Required if you work as a guide for tourists.
If you’re also exploring options for business setup in Dubai, many of the same license categories apply there too, but requirements may differ slightly.
Why This Step Matters?
Every license comes with its own rules. If you apply for the wrong one, you might face delays. Once your license is approved, your company receives a UAE company registration number. You’ll need this for banking, contracts, and tax paperwork.
Choose based on what your business does. If unsure, visit the official sites:
- SEDD: www.sedd.ae
- SCTDA: www.sharjahtourism.ae
- Ministry of Economy: www.moec.gov.ae
Keep it simple. Match your activity to the correct license. That way, you avoid trouble later and start strong.
What Are the 8 Types of Companies in Sharjah Mainland?
Planning to register company in Sharjah? Start by knowing your company options. Sharjah Mainland offers flexible legal forms for small startups, midsize firms, and large enterprises. Each type fits a different goal—so choose based on activity, ownership, and size.
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): Most common. Needs 2 to 50 shareholders. Each one is liable only up to their capital share. Full foreign ownership is allowed in many sectors.
- Sole Establishment: Owned by one person. Easy to start. Best for freelancers and individual professionals. However, the owner holds full financial responsibility.
- Civil Company: Ideal for licensed professionals like doctors, engineers, or consultants. It allows full foreign ownership but needs a UAE service agent.
- Partnership Company: Formed by two or more UAE nationals. Each partner shares profits and losses. Not available to foreign investors.
- Private Joint Stock Company: Needs at least three shareholders and AED 2 million in capital. Ideal for large projects. Subject to audit and strict legal checks.
- Public Joint Stock Company: Designed for big firms. Requires 10 founding members and AED 10 million in capital. Shares can be publicly traded.
- Branch of a UAE Company: You can open a branch of an existing firm. But it must follow the same license activity.
- Branch of a Foreign Company: Let foreign firms expand into Sharjah. A local service agent is required but holds no ownership.
Choosing the right setup depends on your goals. Talk to a business consultant like Business Link for clear, local advice. They will guide you through the entire process.
Sharjah Company Setup: Mainland or Free Zone? What’s Right for You?
Planning to register a company in Sharjah? You must choose between the mainland or the free zone. Each option has different rules, costs, and benefits. This guide will help you decide based on your business goals.
Sharjah Mainland: What You Get
- Sell anywhere in the UAE
- Get access to government contracts
- Own 100% of your business in most sectors
- Get more visa slots (based on office size)
- Pick any office location in Sharjah
- Works best for trade, retail, healthcare, services
- Needs a physical office
- License issued by SEDD (Sharjah Economic Development Department)
Mainland is good if you want to target the full UAE market and need flexibility with visas.
Sharjah Free Zone: Key Benefits
- 100% foreign ownership with no local partner
- Tax-free for up to 25 years
- No customs duties inside the zone
- Fast setup (some zones register in 1 hour)
- Use shared or virtual offices to cut costs
- Ideal for freelancers, startups, media, tech, and export-focused firms
- License issued by the specific free zone authority
The free zone is great if you want low setup cost, a quick process, or plan to work globally.
Cost Breakdown
Mainland
- Trade license: AED 12,000 to AED 30,000
- Office space required
- Some sectors need a local service agent
- VAT and audit costs apply
Free Zone
- License packages: AED 5,750 to AED 11,000
- Shared or virtual office allowed
- No sponsor fees
- Lower running costs
Ownership & Licensing
| Category | Mainland | Free Zone |
| Ownership | 100% in most sectors | 100% in all cases |
| License Authority | SEDD | Free Zone Authority |
| Office Requirement | Physical office needed | Shared/virtual office allowed |
| Visa Quotas | More, based on office size | Limited, depends on office |
| Local Trading | Direct access | Needs distributor |
Final Tips Before You Register
Choose mainland if you:
- Want full UAE market access
- Need more visas
- Plan to bid for government work
Choose a free zone if You:
- Want to save money
- Want a fast company setup
- Don’t need to trade directly in the UAE
Once approved, you’ll receive your official UAE company registration number to start banking, invoicing, and running your business.
Visit:
- sedd.ae for mainland licensing
- Sharjah free zone portals (SAIF, SHAMS, SRTIP) for zone setup
How Long Does It Take to Register Company in Sharjah?
The time it takes to register company in Sharjah depends on your business location—mainland or free zone.
- Mainland setup: usually takes 5 to 7 working days You must reserve your trade name, get initial approval, submit documents, and apply for a business license from SEDD. However, delays may occur if extra approvals or missing documents are involved.
- Free zone setup: is often faster—2 to 5 working days Many zones like SHAMS or SAIF Zone offer same-day registration if your documents are complete. Most free zones allow you to handle the process fully online, which saves time.
To Speed Up the Process Prepare your paperwork in advance. Make sure your business activity matches the right license type. Also, working with a licensed agent can reduce mistakes and avoid delays.
What Documents Do You Need to Register Company in Sharjah?
Getting your documents ready early makes the setup faster. While rules can change slightly, most free zone and mainland setups follow the same checklist. Before you register company in Sharjah, make sure to gather the following:
- Valid passport copy of each shareholder
- Visa or entry stamp copy for each foreign shareholder
- Emirates ID and residence visa copy (if available)
- Trade name approval from the licensing authority
- Initial approval certificate from SEDD or free zone
- Passport-size photos with white background
- Proof of address, such as an energy bill or a lease
- No Objection Letter from current sponsor (if on UAE visa)
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) signed and notarized
- Lease agreement or tenancy contract for office space
- Business plan (only needed in some free zones)
- Board resolution (for corporate shareholders, if any)
To avoid delay
- Always check with your licensing authority for updates
- Double-check the activity list to match your license
- If unsure, licensed consultants can guide you step by step
- Having documents ready saves 2 to 3 days on setup time
Although rules may differ slightly by location, it’s always better to check with the specific authority. For example, free zones may skip a few steps or accept scanned documents online. Meanwhile, mainland setups may ask for more notarized papers or office details.
To save time, prepare everything in advance. That way, you can get your license faster and avoid extra visits. Once approved, you’ll get your UAE company registration number and can begin business activities legally.
How to Register a Company in Sharjah?
Want to start a business in Sharjah? The process is simple if you follow these steps. Each stage matters, so take your time and follow them carefully. Here’s a complete, easy-to-read guide that helps you register your company in Sharjah without confusion.
- Choose your business activity. Sharjah authorities must approve it.
- Select your legal structure. LLCs and sole establishments are the most common types. Learn more about LLC registration in the UAE.
- Reserve your trade name. It must follow naming rules and be unique.
- Apply for initial approval. This step confirms that your activity is allowed.
- Lease an office. It can be a flexi desk, shared space, or virtual office in some zones.
- Gather your documents. Include passport copies, a lease, and application forms.
- Submit the documents. Double-check everything before you apply.
- Pay the license fee. The amount depends on the activity and office size.
- Receive your trade license. Most licenses are issued within a few business days.
- Apply for visas. You can sponsor your own visa and hire employees.
- Open a business bank account. This is the last required step.
Some people choose the Dubai instant license for faster setup. However, it only works for Dubai-based businesses.
How Much Does It Cost to Register Company in Sharjah?
Planning to register company in Sharjah? Then it’s smart to know your budget. Costs can vary depending on your business activity, setup location, and extra services needed. Below is a clear breakdown to guide you. All prices are estimates and may change, so always check with the authority or a trusted consultant.
- Trade Name Reservation: AED 600 to AED 620 depending on your chosen name.
- Initial Approval: Around AED 100 to AED 150.
- License Issuance: AED 6,000 to AED 15,000 depending on your activity.
- Office Rent: Starts from AED 5,000 to AED 20,000 or more yearly. Virtual offices are cheaper.
- Activity Fees: AED 1,000 to AED 3,000 depending on your license type.
- MOA Drafting & Notarization: AED 500 to AED 2,000.
- Lease Attestation (Ejari): Starts at AED 1,000.
- Service Agent or Sponsor Fees: AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 per year.
- Visa Processing & Emirates ID: AED 3,500 to AED 5,000 per person.
- Other Approvals: May cost AED 500 to AED 3,000.
- Immigration and Establishment Card: Around AED 700.
- Foreign Name Approval (if needed): AED 2,000.
- Bank Account Setup Fees: AED 1,000 to AED 10,000 depending on the bank.
- Renewals: Expect to pay 15% to 20% yearly on your total licensing cost.
Free Zone vs. Mainland Costs in Sharjah
If you’re setting up in a Sharjah-free zone, the cost may be lower, especially with bundled packages starting at AED 5,750. Meanwhile, the Sharjah mainland setup could start from AED 12,000 and go higher based on your license.
The structure of your business also affects your costs. A commercial license is usually priced differently than a professional one. Similarly, tourism-related businesses under SCTDA often pay higher fees.
Lastly, once your setup is complete, you will receive your UAE company registration number, which you will use for banking, tax registration, and all legal documentation.
Planning early and understanding all charges helps avoid hidden surprises. If needed, you can split the set up cost through payment plans offered by some agents. Always check the latest details with the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) or your free zone authority.
Summary
Ready to start your business? Register Company in Sharjah with low costs, fast setup, and strong demand across 10 key sectors. This guide gave you the 11 steps to begin. Still unsure? Business Link makes every part clear—from licenses to setup. Their team helps you avoid delays and move with confidence. Don’t wait. Let your idea grow where it matters. Start your business in Sharjah today—with real support by your side.
FAQ’s
Can I register company in Sharjah if I’m not a UAE resident?
Yes, you can register company in Sharjah without being a UAE resident. Many foreign investors handle the process remotely. You’ll need a valid passport and UAE entry stamp or visa. Free zones are often the easiest option, as they allow 100% foreign ownership. Mainland setups may require a local service agent, depending on your activity. While running your business from abroad is possible, a visit may be needed for bank setup or visa processing.
Can I open a bank account after I register company in Sharjah?
Yes, you can open a business bank account once your company is registered. Most UAE banks require your trade license, MOA, passport copies, company stamp, and office address. Some may also ask for a tenancy contract or utility bill. While online setup is available in some banks, many still need a personal visit. To avoid delays, check the specific bank’s process in advance and prepare all documents ahead of time.
Do I need a local partner to register company in Sharjah?
Not always. Free zones allow full foreign ownership with no local partner. In the mainland, many business types now also support full ownership. However, some still require a local service agent, who handles paperwork but owns no shares. Always confirm requirements with Sharjah Economic Development or the free zone authority based on your activity.
Can I move my business after I register company in Sharjah?
Yes, you can relocate or expand. You may open a branch in another emirate, apply for a Dubai Instant License, or shift to a new free zone. Just make sure to cancel or update your current license first. Always check with both current and new authorities to follow the right steps.
