Sharjah Free Zone License Cost in 2025

Starting a business in a Sharjah Free Zone requires an FZ license to operate legally within the zone. Understanding the total cost is important, as it goes beyond just the license fee. Additional expenses may include office space, employee visas, company registration, and other administrative or service charges. These include office space, visas, company registration, and hidden fees.

In this guide, you will learn about different types of licenses, the complete cost breakdown for 2025, possible hidden fees, and tips to choose the right option. Whether you are a startup, freelancer, or an established business, this guide will help you plan your budget and make the right decision.

Sharjah is strategically located between Dubai and the northern Emirates, offering easy access to regional and international markets. It is known for its cost-effective business setup, well-planned industrial and commercial zones, and strong support for SMEs and startups. This makes it an attractive hub for entrepreneurs aspiring to establish a business in the UAE.

A Sharjah Free Zone license is a legal permit that allows a business to operate within one of Sharjah’s designated free zones. These zones offer several advantages, such as 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified regulatory procedures. Free zones are designed to attract businesses across different sectors, providing specialized infrastructure and support.

Sharjah has multiple prominent free zones, each catering to specific industries:

• SHAMS (Sharjah Media City): Focused on media, IT, creative industries, and digital startups. It is popular among freelancers, e-commerce businesses, and small enterprises looking for cost-effective solutions.
• SPC (Sharjah Publishing City): Tailored for publishing, printing, content creation, and intellectual property-driven businesses. A business setup in the SPC Free Zone supports companies in content production, books, and media publications.
• SAIF Zone (Sharjah Airport International Free Zone): Company formation in the SAIF Free Zone is ideal for trading, industrial, and service businesses. It provides warehouses, office spaces, and easy logistics solutions due to its proximity to Sharjah International Airport.
• Hamriyah Free Zone: Suited for industrial, manufacturing, and logistics companies. It offers large-scale facilities and is strategically located near ports for import-export businesses.
• SRTIP (Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park): Geared towards tech startups, R&D companies, and innovation-driven enterprises. It offers incubation, innovation support, and networking opportunities.

Each free zone has different rules, permitted activities, and infrastructure, which directly affect the cost of obtaining a license. For example, industrial zones may have higher setup fees than media-focused zones due to office, warehouse, or factory requirements. Choosing the right free zone is essential to match your business activity, budget, and growth plans.

Understanding the total cost of a Sharjah Free Zone license is key to proper budgeting. The table below provides an estimated range of costs for 2025.

Note: Costs are approximate and vary based on chosen free zone, business activity, and office type.

Additional Required Charges  to Consider 

While the basic license fee is the most visible cost, several hidden expenses can significantly impact your budget. Being aware of these helps avoid surprises during setup or renewal.

• Renewal Charges: Annual license renewal may include updated fees for office rent, visas, and administrative services.
• Trade Name Reservation Renewals: Some zones require periodic renewal or modification fees for the trade name.
• Document Legalization & Attestation: Notarization or attestation of contracts, passports, and MOA documents is often an extra charge.
• Bank Account Minimums: Corporate bank accounts may require a minimum deposit or maintenance fees.
• Insurance Premiums: Employee health insurance is mandatory and can vary depending on the number of employees.
• Utilities & Facility Fees: Electricity, water, internet, and office facility maintenance may not always be included in the package.
• Optional Packages: Services like virtual offices, call handling, or marketing support offered by free zones may come with additional costs.

Being aware of these hidden costs ensures accurate budgeting and prevents unexpected financial surprises during company setup in the UAE free zones. 

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The cost of a Sharjah Free Zone license depends on several key factors, as mentioned below:

• Business Activity

Different activities have different fees. For example, trading, industrial, and service businesses may have varied license costs. Creative or tech activities may fall under special zones with lower fees.

• Company Structure

The type of company affects cost. Options include Free Zone Company (FZC), Free Zone Establishment (FZE), or a branch of a foreign company. Each has a different setup and licensing charges.

Read our blog on the “Difference Between an FZE and FZC” for more information.

• Free Zone Selection

Each free zone has its own pricing. Industrial zones may charge more due to warehouse or factory requirements. Media or tech zones may be more affordable for small startups.

For a detailed comparison of the best free zones in the UAE, you can refer to the blog titled “Best Free Zones in the UAE”.

• Office Space Requirement

Office type influences the fee. Flexi-desk, virtual office, or physical office spaces have different costs. Larger offices and warehouses cost more.

• Visa Quotas

The number of employee visas included affects the total cost. More visas increase expenses for processing, medical tests, and Emirates ID fees.

• Additional Services

Optional services such as PRO Service support, document attestation, or virtual office add to the total cost.

By following these strategies, businesses can minimize upfront costs while staying compliant and making their business setup in the UAE more cost-efficient.

Let us analyze your business needs and guide you to the most cost-effective Free Zone setup. Get in touch!

License costs in Sharjah Free Zones can vary widely, even for similar business activities. To help entrepreneurs plan their budget, the table below provides a clear comparison of major free zones and their estimated costs.

By comparing license fees, office options, and visa quotas, entrepreneurs can select the best free zone for their budget and business goals. Check out our blog- “How Many Free Zones Exist in the UAE” to understand different types of free zones and their specializations.

Want help choosing the best free zone for your budget and activity? SafeLedger provides expert comparisons and setup support.

Setting up a business in a Sharjah Free Zone can be expensive if you don’t plan carefully. Here are some practical tips to save on costs:

• Choose the Right Free Zone: Select a zone that matches your business activity. Creative or tech startups may save by choosing SHAMS or SPC instead of industrial zones.
• Start with a Flexi-Desk or Virtual Office: Instead of renting a full office or warehouse initially, opt for a flexi-desk or virtual office to reduce setup costs.
• Limit Visa Allocation: Apply only for the number of visas you need initially. Additional visas can be added later as your business grows.
• Use Bundled Packages: Many free zones offer packages that combine license, office, and visa services at discounted rates. Some free zones include several visas in the license package, while others don’t. The cost per visa (including medical and ID) is often around AED 3,200–4,500, depending on the zone and visa type.
• Handle Some Processes Yourself: If possible, manage trade name reservation or document submission without relying entirely on PRO services.
• Plan for Renewals in Advance: Budgeting for annual renewal fees in advance can prevent unexpected expenses.
• Negotiate Optional Add-Ons: Evaluate optional services like virtual offices, marketing support, or call handling carefully to avoid unnecessary charges.

By following these strategies, businesses can minimize upfront costs while staying compliant and ready to grow.

For more information, read our blog on “How to Start a Business With a Sharjah Free Zone License”.

Obtaining a Sharjah Free Zone license involves more than just paying the basic fee. Careful selection of the right free zone, office type, and license package can help minimize expenses. With proper planning and informed decisions, setting up a business in a Sharjah Free Zone can be smooth, cost-effective, and ready for growth.

Need help setting up your Free Zone license? Contact us today for expert guidance and hassle-free approval.