Business Setup in Sharjah Mainland

Sharjah Mainland is quickly emerging as one of the UAE’s most cost-effective and well-connected business hubs, making it one of the best places to start a business in Sharjah. According to Sharjah's Department of Statistics and Community Development, Sharjah’s GDP grew by 6.5% in 2023, reaching approximately AED 145.2 billion, up from AED 136.4 billion in 2022.

Sharjah brings multiple advantages for entrepreneurs, like full access to the entire UAE market, 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, and a tax-neutral environment for businesses; profits below AED 375,000 incur 0% corporate tax. The emirate also benefits from lower operational costs than Dubai or Abu Dhabi, strong port and road connectivity, and rapid licensing through the Sharjah DED.

Additionally, the Small Business Relief shields businesses with revenues below AED 3 million from being treated as having taxable income. With economic growth expected to reach 7.5% in 2025, Sharjah is positioning itself as a business setup services in UAE hub across sectors like manufacturing, trade, logistics, and services.

Safe Ledger simplifies your journey, handling everything from trade name reservation to licensing, visa assistance, and compliance support, so you can focus on building your business with clarity and confidence.

Sharjah Mainland offers an ideal platform for entrepreneurs and SMEs seeking flexibility, affordability, and growth opportunities. Here’s why forming a company in UAE, especially Sharjah, can be a smart strategic move:

1. Cost-Effective Setup and Operations

Compared to other major Emirates like Dubai or Abu Dhabi, Sharjah offers significantly lower business setup and operational costs. Office rents, license fees, and general overheads are more budget-friendly, making it ideal for startups and SMEs looking to manage expenses without compromising on quality.

2. Full UAE Market Access

Businesses in Sharjah Mainland can trade and offer services anywhere in the UAE without restrictions. Unlike free zones, there are no limitations on dealing with the mainland market or partnering with government and private clients across the country.

Not sure whether a Mainland or Free Zone business setup is right for you? Our comprehensive guide on the difference between Free Zone and Mainland business setup in the UAE breaks down the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Whether you want a Sharjah mainland business setup services or an easy Sharjah free zone business setup online, Safe Ledger can help you pick the best option.

3. Unlimited Visa Quotas

Visa allocation in the mainland depends on office space size, not on a capped limit. This flexibility makes it easier for growing businesses to scale their workforce as needed, especially when operating from a larger physical space.

4. 100% Foreign Ownership in Many Activities

Recent UAE reforms allow full foreign ownership in a wide range of commercial and industrial activities in the mainland. This means expatriate investors can own their businesses entirely without needing a local partner (except for a few regulated sectors).

5. Strategic Location and Trade Access

Sharjah sits between Dubai and the Northern Emirates, offering access to both UAE coasts. It houses major seaports (like Port Khalid and Hamriyah Port), Sharjah International Airport, and excellent road connectivity, making trade and logistics seamless for import-export businesses.

6. Supportive Business Ecosystem

The Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) has simplified business setup procedures, offering faster approvals and less red tape. Industrial zones, business parks, and innovation centers also offer ready infrastructure for diverse sectors, from manufacturing to consultancy to tech.

7. Skilled Talent Availability

Sharjah has a growing population and access to talent from across the UAE. With numerous universities and training centers in the Emirate, businesses can tap into a pool of qualified professionals across various industries.

Sharjah vs Other UAE Mainland

When choosing where to set up your business, it’s helpful to compare Sharjah with other Emirates. Each mainland has its own strengths:

• Start a Business in Dubai Mainland is ideal if you want a global trading hub with a high-profile business environment, premium office locations, and international visibility.

• Abu Dhabi Mainland Business Setup Services suits companies targeting government contracts, large infrastructure projects, or energy and defense sectors.

• Business Setup in Ajman Mainland is perfect for entrepreneurs seeking low setup costs, simplified licensing, and quick registration for SMEs.

Sharjah Mainland, on the other hand, provides a balanced option — lower operating costs like Ajman, but excellent logistics and connectivity similar to Dubai.

Having everything prepared as per the Sharjah region will make the process of business setup in UAE Mainland much quicker:

a. Personal Documents

• Passport Copies: Valid for at least 6 months for all shareholders and managers.
• Emirates ID Copy: If already residing in the UAE.
• Visa Copy (if you have one): If an owner or manager has a current UAE visa, a copy might be needed.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC): If employed in the UAE, some professionals may need employer consent.

Company-Related Documents

• Company Name Approval: This is the official document from SDED proving the legality of the chosen company name and is valid for 6 months.
• Initial Approval Document: This document from Sharjah DED gives you the first "go-ahead" to move forward with registering your business.
• Company Agreement (MOA): Mandatory for LLCs, notarized before a Public Notary in Sharjah.
• Office Rental Contract: Office lease agreement, attested by Sharjah Municipality.
• Passport Photos: Recent photos of all owners and the manager, with a white background.
• Proof of Address: A recent bill (like an electricity bill, from the last 3 months) for the owners/manager.
• Business Plan: Some special types of businesses might need a detailed plan of what they will do before getting approval.
• Bank Letter: Sometimes, a letter from your bank saying you're a good customer might be asked for.

Registering your business in Sharjah involves clear steps. Getting help from experts can make it even simpler.

Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity & Company Type

Decide what kind of business you plan to start, whether it’s trading, services, manufacturing, or something else. This choice will determine the type of business license you need (Commercial, Industrial, or Professional).

• Select the right company structure, like a Sole Establishment, Limited Liability Company (LLC), or Civil Company.
• Each structure affects ownership rights, liability, and visa eligibility. We’ll explain these options in detail later.

Step 2: Reserve Your Company Name

Send 3–5 potential business names to the Sharjah Department of Economic Development (DED). Make sure the names follow UAE naming guidelines (no offensive words, no religious references, etc.). Once a name is approved, you’ll receive a Name Reservation Certificate valid for 6 months.

Step 3: Get Initial Approval from the Sharjah DED

Apply for Initial Approval, which allows you to proceed with the setup.
Submit basic documents like passport copies of owners, business activity description, and legal structure.

Note: If your business falls under regulated sectors (e.g., healthcare, education, legal services), you may also need pre-approvals from relevant authorities like the Ministry of Health or KHDA.

Step 4: Draft and Notarize the Legal Documents

If you are setting up an LLC, you must prepare a Memorandum of Association (MOA). The MOA defines the roles, responsibilities, and shareholding of each partner.

You’ll also need:

• Local Service Agent Agreement (for certain business types with 100% foreign ownership)
• Any Board Resolutions or Power of Attorney (if corporate shareholders are involved)

All documents must be signed in front of a Public Notary in Sharjah.

Step 5: Secure a Business Location

Every business must have a registered office address in Sharjah.
You can choose from:

• A traditional office space
• A flexi-desk/smart desk (for low-cost and flexible options)

Step 6: Submit Final Application and Pay Fees

Once all documents are ready and approvals are obtained, submit your final license application to the Sharjah DED. You will receive a payment voucher for the final setup and licensing fees.

Step 7: Receive Your Business Trade License

After payment and final review, you will be issued the Sharjah Mainland Trade License. You are now legally allowed to start your business operations in the UAE.

Step 8: Open a Company Bank Account

Use your trade license and company documents to open a corporate bank account. This is required to receive payments, manage business funds, and apply for future credit or facilities.

Step 9: Apply for Visas

With your company license, you can apply for:

• Investor Visas (for company owners/partners)
• Employment Visas (for staff)
• Dependent Visas (for family members)

The number of visas you can get depends on your office size and the type of business. Flexi-desk setups usually come with a limit, often just 1 or 2 visas.

Need Help with Mainland Company Setup in Sharjah? Contact us today for a free consultation!

To make sure your business setup in Sharjah Mainland License is fully legal, you must follow certain rules:

• Real Office Space: Every mainland company in Sharjah must have a physical office; virtual offices are not allowed. The space can be a standard office, serviced office, or smart desk, but it must meet minimum size requirements (usually around 200 sq. ft., depending on your license type).
• Company Name Rules: Your chosen company name must be unique, not already used, and must follow UAE rules about what's proper. It should also fit your business activity.
• Local Helper (for some businesses): While 100% foreign ownership is largely allowed for LLCs, if you set up a Sole Proprietorship, you might still need a UAE citizen as a Local Service Agent. This person helps with government papers but doesn't own any part of your business.
• Corporate Tax: Companies in the UAE pay 9% Corporate Tax on profits that are more than AED 375,000. If your profit is less than that, you pay 0% tax. You need to register for this tax and send in tax reports.
• VAT (Value Added Tax): If your yearly business income from sales and services is more than AED 375,000, you must register for 5% VAT. You'll add this tax to your prices and send it to the government regularly.
• ESR (Economic Substance Regulations): If your company is involved in certain activities (like banking, insurance, lease-financing, headquarters services, or holding intellectual property), you must meet ESR rules. This means proving that your business has a real presence in the UAE, including having staff, office space, and management here. Failing to comply can result in heavy fines or even suspension of your trade license.
• UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Ownership): You must declare who truly owns or controls your company, not just on paper, but the actual individuals behind it. These details need to be submitted within 60 days of setting up your business. If there’s any change in ownership later, you’re required to update the records right away. This is part of the UAE’s efforts to promote transparency and prevent financial crimes.
• Worker Laws: If you hire people, you must follow all UAE labor laws. These cover things like work contracts, pay, working hours, and final payments when someone leaves. You also need to follow visa rules.

Note: Free zone companies with mainland income may still be taxed. Some exemptions or tax grouping options are available if conditions are met.

Not sure whether a Mainland or Free Zone business setup is right for you? While Sharjah Mainland offers full market access and 100% foreign ownership, some entrepreneurs may prefer the benefits of a Sharjah free zone license, which provides streamlined setup, flexible office options, and simpler visa procedures

Setting up a Company in Sharjah Mainland means officially registering your business with the government. It’s the legal process that gives your business proper recognition and allows it to operate as a licensed company.

Step 1: Picking the Right Company Type

The legal type you choose for your Sharjah Mainland Company Formation affects how your company is owned, managed, and how much you might be responsible for if things go wrong.

• Sole Proprietorship: This type of business is owned by one person, who takes full responsibility for any debts or issues. It’s often used for professional services. Commercial sole proprietorships are only allowed for UAE or GCC nationals. Foreigners can set up professional sole proprietorships, but they’ll need to appoint a Local Service Agent (LSA) to handle government-related matters.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC): This is the most common choice for LLC company formation in Sharjah Mainland. It can have one to 50 owners. The good thing is that the owners are only responsible for the money they put into the business, protecting their savings. As mentioned, foreigners can now own 100% of an LLC in most cases.
• Civil Company: This is a partnership between professionals (like doctors or engineers). Owners might have full responsibility for debts, depending on the setup.
• Branch of a Local or Foreign Company: If you already have a company (in another UAE emirate or another country), you can open a branch in Sharjah. This branch acts as an extension of your main company.
• Public and Private Shareholding Companies: These are usually for very big businesses. Shares are sold to the public (Public Shareholding) or to a small group of people (Private Shareholding). Owners have limited responsibility.

Step 2: Choosing What Your Business Will Do

Picking your business activity is a key part of setting up a Company in Sharjah Mainland. The Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) has an official list of approved activities, which are grouped under three main license types: Commercial, Industrial, and Professional.

You’ll need to select the exact activities that match what your business will do. In many cases, you can include a few related activities under one license. However, some specific sectors, like real estate, healthcare, or education, may require special approvals (NOCs) from other government departments before your license can be issued.

Step 3: Government Approvals and Offices Involved

Several government offices are part of your business setup in Sharjah Mainland:

• Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD): This is the main office for your trade license, first approvals, and approving your company name. They are central to Sharjah Mainland Company Formation.
• Sharjah Municipality: They also handle approvals for your office space, health and building permits, as well as signboard clearance, tenancy contract validation, and confirming the commercial use of your property.
• Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE): This group handles everything about workers, including work contracts, limits on hiring certain nationalities, and worker issues.
• Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP): They handle all visas for you, your partners, and your employees, as well as Emirates ID cards.
• Federal Tax Authority (FTA): They are in charge of registering for Corporate Tax and VAT  Registration in UAE, and collecting these taxes.
• Public Notary: Lawyers here officially witness signatures on legal papers like your company's main agreement.
• Other Specific Offices: Depending on your business (like health or education), other government groups will need to give their approval before your main license is given.

Working with experienced consultants can help you deal with all these approvals easily.

Getting your license is a big win, but your duties don't stop there. After your Sharjah Mainland Company Formation, you'll have ongoing things to do:

• Bank Account Ready: Make sure your company bank account is active and use it for all your business money. Banks might have a minimum money you need to keep in the account.
• Visa Process: To start the visa process for yourself or your employees, you must first apply for an Establishment Card. After that, you can begin the visa steps, which include medical tests and getting an Emirates ID card.
• Labour Cards & Work Permits: Register your company with MOHRE to get a company card, and then apply for worker cards for your employees.
• Maintain Proper Financial Records: Ensure accurate and organized documentation of all income and expenses. This is essential not only for effective business management but also for meeting UAE tax compliance requirements.
• Tax Rules:
  • Corporate Tax: Register with the FTA for Corporate Tax. Pay taxes on profits over AED 375,000 and send in your tax reports on time.
  • VAT: If your business makes enough money, register for VAT, add 5% VAT to your prices, and send in VAT reports regularly.
• Renew License: Your trade license must be renewed every year. This means paying renewal fees and making sure your office lease is still valid.
• Follow Laws: Stay updated on all UAE laws, including any changes to labor rules or business regulations. This also means complying with key requirements like Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rules and Economic Substance Regulations (ESR).
• UBO and ESR: Make sure you maintain accurate records of your company’s real owners (UBO), especially if anyone owns 25% or more shares; they must be clearly declared. Also, ensure you follow the Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) if your business falls under its scope.

Knowing the company formation cost in Sharjah Mainland and how long it takes is important for your plans.

Note: Costs vary depending on business type, office size, number of visas, and special approvals required.

How Long Sharjah Mainland Company Formation License Take?

Setting up a Company in Sharjah Mainland usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your business activity and how prepared you are. Here's how that time is typically broken down:

• Choosing Business Activity & Name Approval (2–4 days): Getting your business activity approved and reserving your trade name is the first step.

• Initial Approval & Document Preparation (3–5 days): Preparing MOA, license forms, and gathering required documents.

• External Approvals (if needed) (3–7 days): Some activities need extra approvals from other authorities, which can take additional time.

• License Issuance (3–5 days): Once everything is approved and fees are paid, your trade license is issued.

• Post-License Tasks (Bank Account, Immigration, Visa) (up to 1 week): This includes getting your establishment card, labor file, and starting visa processes.

These are just estimates. A good consultant can give you a more exact time and cost for your specific business.

Even though the process is getting easier, you might still face some common challenges when doing a business setup in Sharjah Mainland:

• Picking the Right Company Type and Activity: It can be confusing to choose between an LLC, a Sole Proprietorship, or other types, and to pick the exact business activities. A wrong choice can cause problems later.
• Understanding the Rules: The rules can sometimes seem tricky, especially if you're new to the UAE. Knowing all the legal needs for licenses, approvals, and ongoing rules can be hard.
• Finding Office Space: Finding a suitable office that meets government rules and fits your budget can be a challenge.
• Opening a Bank Account: Banks may take time to open your account and can ask for proof of business activity or client contracts, especially for high-risk sectors.
• Knowing All Costs: It can be hard to guess the total company formation cost in Sharjah Mainland exactly, as there are many different fees.
• Visa Processes: Managing visa applications for yourself and your staff, including medical checks and ID cards, can be a detailed process.
• Language: English is widely used in business, but official documents and some government interactions may be in Arabic. Having local support can help you avoid misunderstandings and ensure smooth communication.

Working with experienced business setup consultants in Sharjah Mainland is often the best way to get through these challenges smoothly.

Sharjah's varied economy means many different businesses can do well here. Here are some types that are especially suited for business setup in Sharjah Mainland:

• Making and Selling Goods (Manufacturing and Industrial): Sharjah is a major place for factories in the UAE. It's good industrial areas and lower costs for land/rent make it great for light manufacturing and production.
• Trading (Buying/Selling Goods): With access to two coasts (sea) and an international airport, Sharjah is a top spot for businesses that import, export, and trade many different goods.
• Moving Goods (Logistics and Warehousing): Because it's so well-connected, companies that store, deliver, and move goods find Sharjah very useful.
• Education and Training: Sharjah is known for its many universities and colleges. This creates possibilities for establishing schools, training centers, and educational advice companies.
• Professional Services: As the economy grows, people need more professional help. This includes companies that offer advice (for business, IT, marketing), accounting, legal help, and engineering.
• Shops and Selling to People (Retail): More people living in Sharjah means a strong need for shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and online selling.
• Property and Building: Ongoing building projects mean there's always a need for construction companies, property agents, and property managers.

These popular sectors offer a great starting point for anyone planning to launch a new venture in Sharjah. Choose what aligns best with your skills, interests, and market demand.

For most business activities, you can now start a business in Sharjah Mainland without a local sponsor. This means you can have 100% foreign ownership. This is a big positive change from how things used to be.

This change mainly applies to Limited Liability Company (LLC) formation in Sharjah Mainland and other company types for commercial and industrial businesses.

However, it's good to know that:

• Some very specific and important business activities might still have rules about ownership.
• If you choose a Sole Proprietorship for a professional service, you will likely still need a UAE citizen as a Local Service Agent (LSA). This LSA doesn't own any part of your business but helps with government papers for a set fee.

It's always smart to check the newest rules with the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) or a trusted business consultant to be sure about your specific business.

Need expert assistance? Get help with Sharjah Mainland business setup