Author: Ayushi Doegar | Published: May 5, 2025 | Updated on: Nov 27, 2025
Sharjah, the cultural heart of the UAE, presents a compelling alternative to the bustling metropolis of Dubai for entrepreneurs looking to establish a thriving business. Boasting a strategic location, robust infrastructure, and a business-friendly environment, Sharjah offers numerous advantages for startups and established companies alike.
Understanding the business license in Sharjah cost and requirements is the crucial first step. This guide will walk you through the essential aspects of Sharjah company formation and obtaining your business license in Sharjah.
The business license in Sharjah cost can vary based on several key factors. With SPC Free Zone, you can obtain an instant business license starting from AED 6,875. In general, starting a business in Sharjah typically costs between AED 5,000 and AED 30,000+, depending on your license type, facilities, and visa and staffing requirements.
Type of Legal Structure
The choice between a mainland company, a free zone entity, or an offshore company will significantly impact the overall cost. Free zone licenses in Sharjah, like those offered by SPC Free Zone, often present more competitive initial costs compared to mainland setups.
Business Activity
The specific Sharjah trade license activities you intend to undertake will determine the type of license required (commercial, industrial, professional). Some activities might require additional approvals or have higher registration costs. You can often find a Sharjah trade license activities list pdf for detailed information.
Number of Visas Required
If you plan to hire employees, the cost of each visa application will add to the overall expense. Free zones often offer packages that include a certain number of visas.
Free Zone vs. Mainland
Understanding the difference between Sharjah free zone vs mainland business is crucial as it affects costs.
Office Space and Facilities
Depending on the nature of your business and the chosen jurisdiction, you might need to factor in the cost of office space or other facilities. Many free zones in Sharjah offer flexible options, including virtual offices.
To get a transparent view of all your business setup costs in UAE, use an online business cost calculator tool. Remember to factor in the Sharjah trade license renewal fee for future budgeting.
The three trade license types in Sharjah are:
Covers trading and other commercial activity.
Covers manufacturing and other industrial activities.
Covers professional services.
Each license allows the holder to carry out business activities with an umbrella of related industries. The general trading license cost in Sharjah can differ from specialised licenses.
Here's the straightforward process for how you can obtain a business license in the UAE.
The initial step involves preparing and submitting the necessary documents to the relevant licensing authority, such as the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD). At SPC Free Zone, this step is handled for you by our business setup experts.
Required Documents:
Get your trade license in as little as 45 minutes, and your corporate banking account in just 3 working days, minimising the initial waiting period after understanding the business license in Sharjah cost.
To facilitate visa applications for yourself and your employees, you will need to register for the e-channel services. This online portal streamlines the immigration procedures and allows you to apply for your immigration card.
This typically involves applying for an entry permit, which allows you to legally reside in the UAE. This entry permit usually lets you stay in the UAE for up to 60 days while you complete your medical tests and Emirates ID formalities. Medical examinations, including biometric scanning, chest x-rays, and blood tests, are a standard part of the visa processing.
Get unlimited visas for partners, investors, and employees and your UAE residency visa in just 5 working days after your business license in Sharjah is secured.
The final step in the process is applying for your Emirates ID. This national identity card is essential for accessing various services in the UAE.
For entrepreneurs looking to tap into the burgeoning digital marketplace, obtaining an e-commerce license in Sharjah is essential.
An e-commerce license permits businesses to operate online stores, sell through websites and mobile applications, and engage in other forms of digital commerce. The e-commerce license Sharjah cost at SPC Free Zone starts from just AED 5,750.
The process of obtaining an e-commerce license in Sharjah largely mirrors the general business license application but with a specific focus on online activities. You will need to:
You can get an instant e-commerce business license through SPC Free Zone, along with specific guidance on further business setup process and the associated e-commerce license Sharjah cost.
Sharjah offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern business infrastructure, providing numerous advantages for entrepreneurs, beyond just the business license in Sharjah cost.
Strategic Location
Situated in close proximity to Dubai, Sharjah provides easy access to major transportation hubs. This facilitates efficient trade and connectivity with global markets.
Cost-Effectiveness
Compared to Dubai, the business license in Sharjah cost and the overall cost of living and operations can be more competitive.
Robust Infrastructure
Sharjah boasts a well-developed infrastructure, including modern roads, telecommunications networks, and industrial zones.
Growing Economy
Sharjah has a rapidly expanding economy with a diverse range of sectors, offering ample opportunities for growth and investment.
Business-Friendly Environment
The government of Sharjah actively encourages investment and entrepreneurship, offering streamlined business setup processes.
Low VAT
The UAE's flat VAT rate of 5% remains competitive globally.
Efficient Company Formation
The process of company formation and obtaining visas in Sharjah is generally efficient and well-established.
SPC Free Zone in Sharjah is a leading free zone that simplifies the process of business setup in the UAE. Choosing SPC Free Zone for your business license in Sharjah offers several key advantages.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Instant License | Exceptionally fast license issuance process, with the potential to receive your trade license instantly |
| Starting Cost | Business license starting from AED 6,875 |
| E-commerce License | Starting from AED 5,750 |
| Online Cost Calculator | Business cost calculator tool to check your business setup costs in UAE |
| Visas | Unlimited visas for employees, investors, and partners |
| Residence Visa Processing | Issued in just 5 business days |
| Corporate Banking Account | Access in 3 working days |
| Business Activities | Choose from over 1,500 diverse business activities (over 2,000 activities supported) |
| Visa Allocation | Apply for up to 20 visas under a single trade license |
| Foreign Ownership | 100% foreign ownership across all sectors |
| Location | Prime location in the heart of Sharjah, providing easy access to key business and transportation hubs |
We provide instant business licenses. You can call us at 800 SPCFZ (77239) or apply through our website. Our business setup process is fully online for your convenience. Alternatively, you can visit our office – we're here to assist you 24/7 with understanding the business license in Sharjah cost.
Yes. The UAE welcomes foreign entrepreneurs, especially in free zones like SPC Free Zone. These zones offer 100% foreign ownership and profit repatriation. The UAE provides a favorable business environment with numerous incentives, making it a profitable destination for foreign investors. Use a business cost calculator to estimate setup expenses beyond the initial business license in Sharjah cost.
SPC Free Zone provides a variety of business licenses tailored to different operational needs, primarily focusing on Trading, Service, and E-commerce activities. We support over 2,000 diverse business activities, offering entrepreneurs significant flexibility. You can often combine multiple related activities under a single license, simplifying your setup and potentially reducing costs. Contact us to explore the best fit for you.
The key benefits that free zones offer are reduced bureaucratic procedures – free zones often have simplified registration procedures. They also offer 100% foreign ownership, without the need for a local partner or sponsor. Free zones often offer state-of-the-art infrastructure, including advanced telecommunications, transportation, and logistics facilities, often making the overall trade license in UAE cost more attractive in the long run.
The e-commerce license Sharjah cost in UAE free zones starts at AED 5,750, with potential additional costs for visas and office spaces. SPC Free Zone simplifies this process, offering business advisors to guide you through each step, ensuring you understand the business license in Sharjah cost for online ventures.