Business Setup In Sharjah
Sharjah Mainland
Simplify legal company formation procedures with our Sharjah business setup solutions.
Advantages
- Market presence
- Low duties/taxes
- Quick, easy recruitment
- Less capital requirement
- Developed infrastructure
- Numerous incentives
- Affordable workspaces
Sharjah Free Zone
Gain access to the region’s economy with Sharjah free zone business setup.
Advantages
- Flexible policies
- Tax/duty exemptions
- Confidentiality
- 100% foreign ownership
- Unmatched facilities
- Serviced offices
- Strategic location
Company Formation in Sharjah
With a decade of industry experience and local expertise, the trusted business specialists of Farahat & Co. provide a platform for a seamless Business Setup in Sharjah.
Sharjah is home to a number of companies with local, national, and multi-national operations. The local government of Sharjah offers various incentives to startups and existing businesses planning an expansion. To make the process of setting up new ventures smooth and hassle-free, consult with our in-house business specialists.
Farahat & Co.’s decade of domain experience and familiarity with Sharjah’s laws and regulations help us in the licensing and visa requirements of clients, review and submission of legal documents, and securing of approval from government authorities. We help ensure the task of company formation is completed smoothly and without any unnecessary bureaucratic hassle.
Farahat & Co. helps firms and entrepreneurs setup companies in Sharjah through incorporation, Sharjah company registration, and consulting services. One of the main focus of our business setup solutions is to determine the right kind of license you need to start your business operations. Whether it’s professional, commercial, or industrial, our trusted business specialists will provide assistance in the best way possible.
- Professional Licenses: Professional licenses are given to professionals, service providers, skilled laborers, and management consultants amongst others. To obtain a professional license in Sharjah and manage an organization, you must have all the required qualifications and requirements. Farahat & Co.’s business specialists will act as the representatives of your business for the processing of work permits, visas, and license renewal(s).
- Commercial Licenses: Commercial licenses that are issued by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) are necessary for executing all kinds of buying and/or selling activities, including contracting and general trading, in Sharjah and the rest of the UAE. Take note: certain businesses including pharmacies, restaurants, and jewellery stores require additional licenses, permits, and approvals from related authorities.Our Business Setup team will facilitate the commercial company formation process, from the acquisition of a valid tenancy contract up to the review and submission of legal documents to safeguard your investment.
- Industrial Licenses: An industrial license is compulsory in setting up any type of industrial or manufacturing business in Sharjah. The Emirate has stringent laws that ensure the community’s safety. That being said, business setup in Sharjah involves the securing of approvals from regulatory bodies, including the Sharjah Civil Defense Authority, Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, and the Ministry of Economy amongst others.The business consultants here at Farahat & Co. will guide you throughout the licensing process, including registrations, preparation of requirements, and acquiring of approvals for business projects.
Our comprehensive Business Setup service also covers the setup, registration, or incorporation of the following legal entities in Sharjah:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC) – minimum of two and maximum of fifty members are allowed with this business structure. In mainland LLC formation, the majority of the shares (at least 51%) must be owned by a UAE national. For an enterprise established in any of Sharjah’s free zone areas, it is not required to appoint a UAE national as a Local Service Agent;
- Partnership Company – with the exemption of enterprises established in free zone areas, a partnership company is a business structure that has at least one UAE national as a partner. It can have two or more shareholders;
- Civil Companies – businesses that are established in carrying out professional activities for Sharjah’s mainland. Qualified expat investors can set up civil firms and own majority of the shares provided that one UAE national is appointed as the Local Service Agent;
- Sole Proprietorship – for Sharjah mainland company formation, a UAE national can setup a sole proprietor company wherein he/she owns the complete shares of the business. A foreign investor can be the sole proprietor in Sharjah, but a Local Service Agent must be appointed to represent the company in carrying out official procedures. As for free zone sole proprietorship, foreign nationals can retain 100% foreign business ownership
Our strong relationships with regulatory authorities, combined with our brand value and proven track record, enable us to manage business setup formalities and support company formation so your business can start its operations instantly. Farahat & Co. continues to exceed client expectations as it offers a wide range of tailored solutions for New business setup in Sharjah.
With a growing number of 100% satisfied clients across several different industries and sectors, the reputation of our team of Business Setup specialists grows each day. If you’re after the assistance of a highly qualified team of business specialists, book a consultation by calling us TODAY!
Business Setup in Sharjah: Advantages
Setting up a business in Sharjah with the help of business set up companies in Sharjah is beneficial from these standpoints:
- Businesses have levied no income or corporate tax;
- Goods imported for export purposes have 100% tax exemption (for free zone enterprises);
- 100% capital and profits repatriation (for foreign companies);
- No trade barriers and foreign exchange controls in Sharjah;
- Offers investors lucrative governmental incentives;
- Provides access to various local and foreign banking and financial institutions;
- Has a solid communication infrastructure;
- Offers warehousing facility to investors for the storage of goods – free of charge for up to two months (while promotion lasts)
Business Setup Process in Sharjah
The process of setting up a business in Sharjah is straightforward, and here are the steps that must be followed:
- Select the appropriate business activity based on the operations you will conduct, as this determines the license type and approvals required.
- Reserve and approve the trade name in line with authority guidelines and your chosen activity.
- Obtain initial approval from the relevant authority to proceed with the license application.
- Prepare and submit the required documents to issue the trade license correctly without delays or rejections.
- Process residency visas once the business license is issued, allowing the business to become fully operational.
Cost of Business Setup in Sharjah
Starting a business in Sharjah is known to be more affordable than starting a business in other emirates, due to its favorable start-up conditions. The initial cost to establish a company with a Free Zone (which includes license and registration) is between AED 9,000 to AED 12,000. The initial cost to start a business in the mainland is AED 10,000 to AED 15,000.
Other potential costs include renting a flexi-desk costing AED 3,000 to AED 5,000; getting a visa for each employee costing between AED 2,000 and AED 4,000; or getting permits for certain types of activities, if applicable.
The overall cost to establish a business in Sharjah can vary based on a number of factors such as:
- whether the business will be a mainland or Free Zone company,
- how many activities will be included on the license,
- whether an entrepreneur will need to lease office space or just rent flexi-desk space,
- the number of employees who will need to be sponsored for a visa;
- and whether any additional permits will be required.
Mainland vs Free Zone in Sharjah
If you register your company as a mainland entity with the Sharjah Economic Development Department, you can conduct business freely across the UAE without location restrictions.
The only restriction placed on businesses registered as a mainland entity is that it must operate from a physical office according to the business activities approved by SEDD.
Businesses that typically register as a mainland business would include establishments such as retail businesses, construction businesses, and service businesses, which can operate throughout the UAE.
Sharjah Free Zones such as Sharjah Media City (Shams) and Hamriyah Free Zone Authority also provide start-up packages with much lower set-up costs than the mainland option, 100% foreign ownership, and additional flexible working options/desk usage.
Choose mainland with the Sharjah Economic Development Department for full UAE access, or a free zone like Sharjah Media City (Shams) or Hamriyah Free Zone Authority for a simpler, lower-cost setup without mainland trading.
Types of Licenses in Sharjah
In Sharjah, business licenses fall into three main categories based on your activity:
- Professional License – For consultancy, services, and skilled professions
- Commercial License– For trading, import, export, and general trading activities
- Industrial License – For manufacturing, production, and processing activities
Why Choose Us for Business Setup in Sharjah?
With expertise in the UAE advisory field for over 30 years, Farahat & Co has helped many enterprises throughout the emirates with reliable advisory with proven success of the business.
Get end-to-end support from our experts in licensing, visas, tax, audit, and compliance to set your business up the right way from day one. In addition, we offer trademark registration and liquidation services, if required for your existing companies in Sharjah or across the UAE.
Planning to establish your company in Sharjah or across the UAE? We also assist with business setup in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ajman — wherever you choose to grow, we’re ready to help. Contact us today to get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
To start a business in Sharjah, you need to choose your business activity, decide between mainland or free zone setup, reserve a trade name, obtain approvals, and complete the registration process with the relevant authority.
The cost of business setup in Sharjah depends on the jurisdiction, business activity, visa requirements, and office or flexi-desk option. Sharjah is often considered more cost-effective than Dubai for many startups and SMEs.
Yes, foreign investors can own 100% of a company in many Sharjah free zones, and several mainland business activities also allow full foreign ownership subject to the applicable regulations.
The timeline depends on the type of business and jurisdiction. In some Sharjah free zones, licenses can be issued very quickly, while mainland setups may take longer depending on approvals and documentation.
A mainland company can operate across the UAE market, while a free zone company offers benefits such as simplified setup, 100% foreign ownership, and lower startup costs, depending on the chosen zone.
Not always. Many free zone businesses do not require a local sponsor, and many mainland activities now allow 100% foreign ownership, although some sectors may still have specific requirements.
Common documents include passport copies, visa copies if applicable, Emirates ID copies if applicable, trade name options, and in some cases a business plan or No Objection Certificate depending on the activity and jurisdiction.
It depends on your business goals. Free zones are often preferred for lower setup costs and faster processing, while mainland setup is more suitable if you want broader access to the UAE market.
Helping You Build, Manage & Grow Your Business in the UAE
Supporting businesses across Dubai, Abu Dhabi & the UAE with business setup, tax & compliance solutions.