Your Essential Guide to Sharjah Business License Costs & Requirements

Ayushi Doegar

May 5, 2025
business license cost in sharjah

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.

Breaking Down The Business License In Sharjah Cost

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.

Key factors influencing the business license in Sharjah cost include:

  • 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.

Unlock Your UAE Dream: Essential Guide to Dubai Business Licenses

The three trade license types in Sharjah are commercial, industrial, and professional. Each license allows the holder to carry out business activities with an umbrella of related industries.

As you might expect, the professional license covers professional services, the commercial license covers trading and other commercial activity, and the industrial license covers manufacturing and other industrial activities. The general trading license cost in Sharjah can differ from specialised licenses.

Five Easy Steps To Get A Business License in UAE

Get Business License in Sharjah

Here’s the straightforward process for how you can obtain a business license in the UAE.

Step 1: Submit Documents

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. 

This typically includes:

  • Passport copies of the business owner(s) and any partners.
  • Copies of visas (if applicable).
  • Emirates ID copies (if applicable).
  • A detailed business plan outlining your proposed activities, referencing the Sharjah trade license activities list.
  • Your preferred trade name(s) for registration.
  • A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current sponsor if you are already a UAE resident (in some cases).

Step 2: Receive instant license

Get your instant business license and your corporate banking account in just 3 working days, minimising the initial waiting period after understanding the business license in Sharjah cost.

Step 3: Register for e-channel

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.

Step 4: Get your visa

This typically involves applying for an entry permit, which allows you to legally reside in the UAE. 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.

Step 5: Apply for Emirates ID

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.

Want to Start An Online Business? How To Get An E-Commerce License

For entrepreneurs looking to tap into the burgeoning digital marketplace, obtaining an e-commerce license in Sharjah is essential.

Understanding E-Commerce License

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.

Simple Steps For Obtaining An E-commerce License

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:

  1. Define your online business activities clearly.
  2. Choose a trade name that reflects your online brand.
  3. Submit the required documents, including details of your online platform.
  4. Select the appropriate jurisdiction based on your business needs and target market, considering the Sharjah free zone vs mainland business implications.
  5. Pay the applicable license fees, understanding the overall business license in UAE cost.
  6. Obtain any necessary approvals from relevant authorities.

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.

The Sharjah Advantage: How To Fuel Business Success

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.

Benefits of starting your business in Sharjah

  • 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.

Your Gateway to Success: Launching Your Business With SPC Free Zone

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, beyond just the business license in Sharjah cost.

  • Instant License: Benefit from an exceptionally fast license issuance process, with the potential to receive your trade license instantly.
  • Online Cost Calculator: Use our business cost calculator tool to check your business setup costs in UAE.
  • Unlimited Visas: For employees, investors, and partners.
  • Residence Visa: Issued in just 5 business days.
  • Corporate Banking Account: Get access to your corporate banking account in 3 working days.
  • Wide Range of Business Activities: Choose from over 1,500 diverse business activities.
  • Generous Visa Allocation: Apply for up to 20 visas under a single trade license, streamlining your workforce requirements.
  • 100% Foreign Ownership: Enjoy complete control over your business with 100% foreign ownership across all sectors.
  • Strategic Location: Benefit from SPC Free Zone’s prime location in the heart of Sharjah, providing easy access to key business and transportation hubs.

Want to know more? Get in touch on 800 SPCFZ (77239) or 00971 800 SPCFZ (77239).

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply for a new business license? How do I get a free consultation?

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.

Can a foreigner start a business in UAE?

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.

What types of business licenses are available at SPC Free Zone?

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.

What are the benefits of a free zone in UAE?

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.

What are the costs and steps involved in obtaining an e-commerce license in Dubai?

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.

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2 Replies to “Your Essential Guide to Sharjah Business License Costs & Requirements”

    1. Dear Maya,
      Thank you for your interest in SPC Free Zone.
      Kindly share with us your contact details on our website or through a DM and our team will contact you soon.

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