Author: Rashid Mohammed
Published: February 9, 2024
Updated on: Nov 27, 2025
Categories: Business in Sharjah, Sharjah Free Zone, Sharjah Free Zone License
Setting up a business in the Sharjah Free Zone offers many advantages for entrepreneurs and investors looking to establish a company in the UAE. This comprehensive guide provides an overview of the process involved in obtaining a license within the Sharjah Free Zone, highlighting the benefits and opportunities it presents for businesses.
Sharjah Free Zones are designated economic zones located in the emirate of Sharjah, and they offer a favorable environment for trade, investment, and entrepreneurship. The significance of the Sharjah Free Zone lies in its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and diverse range of sectors thriving within its boundaries.
The following sectors are flourishing within the free zone:
Sharjah Free Zones offer different types of licenses to accommodate various business activities and legal structures. Each license category has specific requirements and restrictions.
A trading license allows businesses to import, export, distribute, and store goods within the Sharjah Free Zone. It is suitable for companies engaged in trading activities.
Requirements:
Restrictions:
A service license is designed for businesses that offer professional or consulting services. It covers various activities, such as legal, accounting, marketing, consulting, and IT services.
Requirements:
Restrictions:
An industrial license is suitable for companies involved in manufacturing, processing, and production activities within the Sharjah Free Zone. It allows businesses to set up manufacturing plants, assembly lines, and related industrial facilities.
Requirements:
For companies operating in the media and creative industries, Sharjah Free Zones offer a media license suitable for businesses involved in publishing, broadcasting, advertising, production, and other media-related activities.
Restrictions:
The process of obtaining a license in Sharjah Free Zones can be broken down into seven steps:
Identify the most suitable license type for your business activity, such as a trading license, service license, industrial license, or media license.
Reserve a unique name for your company through the online portal or by submitting a name reservation application. The name should comply with the free zone's naming conventions and should not breach any existing trademarks or copyrights.
Complete and submit the initial application form provided by the free zone that includes accurate information about your business.
Lease an office space within the free zone. Ensure that the chosen office space meets the free zone's specifications and requirements.
Gather the necessary documentation for the license application. The specific documents may vary based on the license type, but commonly required documents include:
Submit the completed application form and required documentation to the Sharjah Free Zone authority.
Pay the required fees within the specified timeframe. Once the payment is confirmed, you will receive the license, along with other relevant documents and certificates.
Important: Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements is crucial when obtaining a license in Sharjah Free Zones to ensure the legitimacy and credibility of your business operations and protects you from potential legal issues.
Business setup in Sharjah free zone offers many benefits and advantages to companies:
Entrepreneurs and businesses can have complete control over their companies without requiring a local partner or sponsor.
Sharjah is strategically positioned in the heart of the UAE, offering easy access to major international markets in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. The well-connected transportation infrastructure, including ports, airports, and highways, facilitates efficient logistics and global trade.
Sharjah Free Zone provides world-class infrastructure, including:
These facilities are designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses across various industries.
Sharjah free zones, like Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone), offer a range of business support services to help entrepreneurs establish and grow their companies. These services include:
The Sharjah Free Zone caters to various industries through sector-specific zones, such as Sharjah Publishing City, the first publishing free zone in the world. This specialization fosters a favorable business environment and enables companies to benefit from industry-specific infrastructure and networking opportunities.
The cost of a Sharjah free zone license starts at AED 6,875, but there are additional costs and fees to consider. For instance, if you require office or warehouse space, multi-year visas, or enhanced visa quotas, this will cost you more.
The initial setup costs for obtaining a Sharjah Free Zone license typically include:
License Fee:
Office Space Rent:
To maintain the validity of your Sharjah Free Zone license, it is essential to renew it annually. The renewal process involves:
Renewal Application:
Renewal Fees:
Important: To maintain the validity and legality of your business operations in the Sharjah Free Zone, it is essential to prioritize the timely renewal of your license. This helps you stay compliant and avoid any unnecessary disruptions or penalties.
When it comes to setting up a business in the UAE, SPC Free Zone offers a wide range of services to suit your business needs, from the start of your journey and beyond. Whether you're looking to ensure you have your documents in order or need help setting up a bank account, SPC Free Zone can help.
Business Activities:
Incentives:
Processing Time:
Know someone who wants to grow their business? Refer them to SPC Free Zone and earn up to AED 1,500! Simply fill our referral form and we'll handle the rest.
Sharjah Free Zones are designated economic zones located in the emirate of Sharjah, and they offer a favorable environment for trade, investment, and entrepreneurship. The significance of the Sharjah Free Zone lies in its strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and diverse range of sectors thriving within its boundaries.
Business setup in Sharjah free zone offers many benefits and advantages to companies. Some of the key benefits of setting up a company in Sharjah free zones are:
Yes, you can own 100% of your business without the need for a local sponsor.
The requirement and restrictions of the Sharjah free zone license may vary based on the zone within the Sharjah Free Zone and the nature of the business activity. It is advisable to consult with the free zone authority or a business setup consultant to determine the most suitable license category for your business.
Obtaining a Sharjah free zone license is relatively easy and fast. With SPC Free Zone you can get your business license in 45 minutes only.
Related Topics: #SPCFreeZone #SharjahBusinessSetup #CompanyFormationUAE