Sharjah Free Zone License Cost in 2026

7 min read

Oct 11, 2025Jan 21, 2026

Introduction

Starting a business in a Sharjah Free Zone requires an FZ license to operate legally within the zone. Understanding the Sharjah free zone License cost is essential, as the total expense goes beyond just the license fee. Additional costs may include office space, employee visas, company registration, and other administrative or service charges.

What is the Sharjah Free Zone License Cost in 2026?

When planning your business, consider all factors that affect Sharjah Free Zone company setup costs, including the license fee, office space, employee visas, registration charges, and optional services.

The table below summarizes Sharjah Free Zone license fees and trade license fees across different license types, office setups, and employee visa requirements.

Cost Component	Estimated Cost (AED)	Details
Basic License Fee	5,500-6,875	Trade, service, industrial, or freelance licenses; varies by free zone and activity
Office Space	5,000-10,000 annually	Flexi-desk, virtual office, or physical office; it depends on location and size
Employee Visa	3,200-5,000 per visa	Includes medical, Emirates ID, and labor card fees; depends on visa quota
Registration and Processing Fee	1,000-2,000	Covers document processing and company registration
Trade Name Reservation	500-1,000	Required for brand name approval
Legalization / Attestation Fees	500-1,500	Notarization and attestation of company documents
Bank Account Setup Fee	1,000-3,000	Corporate bank account opening charges and minimum deposit requirements
Insurance Costs	1,500-3,000 per employee	Mandatory health insurance for employees
PRO / Administrative Services	2,000-4,000 annually	Professional handling of government approvals, renewals, and paperwork
Customs / Import-Export Approvals	1,000-2,500	Applicable for trading or logistics companies
Utility and Facility Charges	1,000-2,500 annually	Electricity, water, internet, and facility maintenance for physical offices
Sharjah Free Zone License Renewal Cost	5,000-8,000 annually	Annual renewal charges, including license, office, and visa updates
Flexi-Package Add-ons	1,000-3,000	Optional services like virtual office, call handling, or marketing support

Note: Costs can vary depending on your 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 fees for license, office rent, visas, and admin services.
Trade Name Renewal: Periodic fees for renewing or modifying the trade name.
Document Attestation: Extra charges for notarization or attestation of contracts, passports, and MOA.
Bank Account Minimums: Required deposits or maintenance fees.
Insurance Premiums: Mandatory employee health insurance, varying by staff count.
Utilities & Facilities: Electricity, water, internet, and office maintenance may not be included.
Optional Packages: Additional services like virtual offices or call handling may incur extra costs.

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

Make your Sharjah free zone business setup smooth and affordable, let Safe Ledger’s experts guide you every step of the way. Contact Safe Ledger today!

Sharjah Free Zone Trade License Fees: A Quick Overview

Many entrepreneurs specifically want to set up trading companies in Sharjah Free Zones. The trade license cost differs from service, industrial, or freelance licenses due to additional approvals, office space requirements, and visa allocations.

Typical Costs (AED):

Free Zone	Trade License Fee	Office / Flexi-desk	Visa Fees (per visa)	Other Fees
SHAMS	6,500 – 8,000 AED	1,600 – 15,000 AED	1,600 – 4,500 AED	Registration & PRO fees
SAIF Zone	11,000 – 15,000 AED	7,500 – 15,000 AED	2,500 – 4,500 AED	Warehouse/office fees
Hamriyah Free Zone	8,500 – 15,000 AED	10,000 – 25,000 AED	3,000 – 5,000 AED	Industrial setup charges

Key Notes:

Trade licenses may require warehouse or industrial space depending on the business activity.
Visa quotas and costs can be higher than service licenses.
Renewal fees for trade licenses typically reflect office/warehouse and visa updates.

Tips to Reduce Trade License Costs:

Start with a flexi-desk or shared office if allowed.
Limit the number of initial visas.
Check for bundled packages offered by the free zone authority.

Comparison of Sharjah Free Zone License Costs

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.

Free Zone	License Fee Range (AED)	Office Options	Visa Quotes	Details
SHAMS (Sharjah Media City)	5,500-6,500	Flexi-desk, virtual office, private office	1-5 visas	Cost-effective for small businesses and freelancers
SAIF Zone	7,000-12,000	Warehouse, flexi-desk, office	1-10 visas	An industrial setup may include higher warehouse fees
Hamriyah Free Zone	8,000-15,000	Large warehouse, office	2-10 visas	Popular for manufacturing units; port access adds value
SPC (Sharjah Publishing City)	6,000-8,000	Flexi-desk, office	1-5 visas	Focused on media and intellectual property businesses
SRTIP (Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park)	6,500-9,000	Flexi-desk, office	1-5 visas	Supports innovation and research with incubation facilities

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? Safe Ledger provides expert comparisons and setup support.

Factors Affecting Sharjah Free Zone License Cost

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!

Tips to Reduce Sharjah Free Zone License Costs

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: Pick a zone suited to your business activity to save costs.
Start with Flexi-Desk or Virtual Office: Reduce setup costs by avoiding a full office initially.
Limit Visa Allocation: Apply only for needed visas and add more as the business grows.
Use Bundled Packages: Opt for packages that combine license, office, and visas at discounted rates.
Handle Some Processes Yourself: Manage trade name reservations or document submissions to save on PRO fees.
Plan for Renewals: Budget for annual renewal fees to avoid surprises.
Negotiate Optional Add-Ons: Evaluate extra services carefully to prevent unnecessary costs.

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”.

Conclusion

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a Sharjah Free Zone license?

A Sharjah Free Zone license is a legal permit that allows a business to operate within one of the designated free zones. It offers benefits like 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified regulatory procedures. Different zones cater to specific industries, including media, industrial, publishing, and tech startups.

Q. Who needs a Sharjah Free Zone license?

Any individual or company planning to conduct business activities within a Sharjah free zone requires a license. This includes startups, freelancers, SMEs, and foreign investors. The type of license needed depends on the business activity, company structure, and the free zone chosen.

Q. How much is the Sharjah Airport Free Zone license cost?

The Sharjah Airport Free Zone license cost typically ranges from AED 7,000 to 12,000 annually, depending on office type, business activity, and visa allocation. Additional fees may include PRO services, registration, visas, and facility charges. Businesses can reduce costs by starting with flexi-desks or virtual offices.

Q. How much is the Sharjah Media City Free Zone license cost?

The Sharjah Media City Free Zone license cost usually ranges between AED 5,500 and 6,500. Costs vary based on office options, visa quota, and additional services. This zone is ideal for creative industries, IT startups, and freelancers due to its cost-effectiveness and flexible packages.

6. How much is the Sharjah Hamriyah Free Zone license cost?

The Sharjah Hamriyah Free Zone license cost typically ranges from AED 8,000 to 15,000, depending on warehouse or office requirements, employee visas, and industrial setup. This zone is suitable for manufacturing, logistics, and export-import businesses due to its port proximity.

7. What are the office requirements for a Sharjah Free Zone license?

Most free zones offer flexi-desk, virtual office, or physical office options. The type of office affects license costs and visa allocation. Small startups can start with flexi-desks or virtual offices, while industrial or logistics businesses may need warehouses or larger office spaces, which increase fees.

8. How many visas are included with a free zone license?

Visa quotas depend on the office type and free zone. Small flexi-desk offices usually allow 1-5 visas, while larger offices or warehouses may allow 10 or more. Additional visas can be applied for later, but they increase costs for medical tests, Emirates IDs, and processing fees.

9. What are the hidden costs of a Sharjah Free Zone License?

Beyond the basic license fee, hidden costs can include:

Document legalization
PRO services
Bank account minimums
Employee insurance
Utility charges
Trade name renewal
Optional service packages like virtual offices or call handling

Awareness of these costs helps with accurate budgeting and smooth business operations.

Q. What are the Sharjah free zone trade license fees?

Sharjah free zone trade license fees depend on the free zone, the type of license, office requirements, and visa quota. Fees typically start from AED 5,500 for media-focused zones and can go up to AED 15,000 for industrial or logistics setups. Optional services and renewals add to the total cost.

Q. How long is a Sharjah Free Zone license valid?

Most Sharjah free zone licenses are valid for one year. Renewal is required annually and may include updated office rent, visa fees, and administrative charges. Planning for renewal in advance helps avoid delays and ensures uninterrupted business operations.

12. Can I change my business activity in a Sharjah Free Zone?

Yes, most free zones allow amendments to your business activity. This requires submitting an updated application and paying additional fees, depending on the zone. Certain high-risk or industrial activities may require special approvals from relevant authorities.

13. Are there tax benefits for companies in Sharjah Free Zones?

Yes, businesses operating in Sharjah Free Zones benefit from 100% corporate tax exemptions, no import or export duties, and repatriation of profits. These incentives make free zones attractive for foreign investors and SMEs looking for cost-efficient operations in the UAE.

14. Can freelancers apply for a Sharjah Free Zone License?

Yes, freelancers can obtain a specialized freelance license in zones like SHAMS or SPC. This license allows independent professionals to operate legally, invoice clients, and apply for visas. Costs are usually lower than commercial or industrial licenses, making it ideal for small-scale operations.

15. Can I get a business setup in the UAE using a free zone license?

Yes, a free zone license allows a full business setup in the UAE with 100% foreign ownership. While you can operate within the zone, trading outside the UAE mainland requires additional approvals or partnerships with local distributors, depending on the business activity.