Sharjah Trade License

A Sharjah trade license is an official permit that lets you run a legal business in the Emirate of Sharjah and across the UAE. The Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) issues a trade license for mainland businesses. A recognized Free Zone authority, like Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone), issues the license for the relevant Free Zone. With this license, you can sell products or services, open a corporate bank account, hire staff, and easily operate across the UAE’s competitive markets.

In the first half of 2025, Sharjah issued and renewed a total of 37,356 business licenses, marking an 8% increase from last year (as per SEDD). Newly issued licenses alone rose by 16% . This reflects steady growth and strong demand for legal business operations across e-commerce, industrial, and commercial sectors.

This growth highlights why securing a license in Sharjah is so valuable. It not only gives your business legal credibility but also unlocks key advantages, including:

• 100% foreign ownership is applicable except for restricted sectors like oil, natural resources, and certain local service agencies.
• 0% corporate tax on qualifying income (subject to UAE Corporate Tax Law compliance). A 9% corporate tax applies to profits exceeding AED 375,000 annually.
• Easy access to major ports and logistics networks, such as the Port of Sharjah and Sharjah International Airport.

With a trade license, your business can operate confidently and tap into one of the UAE’s fastest-expanding commercial hubs.

Applying for a trade license in Sharjah doesn’t just legitimize your business. It also sets the stage for growth, credibility, and long‑term success in a fast‑evolving market. Here are the key benefits you get:

• Legal Operating Status: A Sharjah trade license gives your company official legal status. This means you can trade, sign contracts, and gain trust from customers, partners, and government agencies right from day one.
• Full Capital & Profit Repatriation: You can take 100% of your profits and capital back to your home country without restrictions. This helps with financial planning and international investment strategies.
• Fast and Streamlined Setup: Sharjah Free Zones often process trade licenses quickly, sometimes in as little as 24–48 hours, with minimal paperwork. This lets you start business operations faster.
• Broad Range of Business Activities: You can choose from many licensed activities, ranging from e‑commerce and consultancy to trading and media. Some Free Zones even allow multiple activities under one license.
• Strategic Location & Global Access: Sharjah sits between key UAE business hubs and offers easy access to major highways, airports, and seaports like Hamriyah and Port Khalid. This strategic location makes it ideal for logistics and international trade.
• Flexible Office and Cost Solutions: You can choose from different office options, including physical space, flexi‑desk, or virtual office solutions. This helps you match your budget and business needs, making the business setup in UAE more affordable and flexible.
• Visa Sponsorship for Growth: With a valid trade license, you can sponsor and apply for visa for yourself, partners, and employees. This helps you attract talent and build a strong team locally.
• Supportive Business Environment: Sharjah’s authorities focus on investor‑friendly policies with transparent procedures, ongoing support, and pro‑business regulations. This helps new and growing companies thrive.

In short, a trade license in Sharjah gives you the legal foundation and financial advantages to grow confidently in the UAE and beyond.

Sharjah offers a variety of trade licenses to match different business activities and growth plans.

Here’s a complete overview:

Read our blog on Which is the Cheapest Trade License in the UAE for details on the most cost-effective options for your business setup.

Choosing between a Mainland and a Free Zone trade license in Sharjah is one of the first decisions for any business.

The table below highlights the key differences between the two types of licenses:

This shows that Sharjah offers both options with flexible regulations, strategic locations, and investor-friendly policies. Hence, your choice depends on your business goals, growth plans, and target audience.

Read More: What is Trade License: Meaning and Types

A trade license in Sharjah lets you run your business legally and grow with confidence. The activities you can perform depend on the type of license and where you set up your business.

• Trading Activities: Buy, sell, import, and export goods locally or internationally. This includes electronics, clothing, groceries, and general trading.
• Professional Services: Offer your skills to clients. Examples include consultancy, marketing, IT services, accounting, design, and training. Freelancers and experts often operate here.
• Industrial Activities: Manufacture, assemble, process, or package products. Factories, workshops, and production units typically fall under this category.
• E-Commerce and Online Business: Run web stores, social media shops, dropshipping, and online marketplaces. Many Free Zones now fully support digital businesses.
• Food and Beverage: Open restaurants, cafés, or catering services. You can also distribute packaged food. Regulatory approvals ensure safety and hygiene.
• Healthcare and Wellness: Provide medical or wellness services. Clinics, pharmacies, and fitness centers usually need health authority approvals.
• Real Estate and Property: Sell, rent, or manage properties. Real estate agencies, brokers, and property consultants work under this activity.
• Tourism and Travel: Offer travel services, tours, or hospitality consulting. Travel agencies and tour operators usually fall here.
• Education and Training: Run schools, coaching centers, workshops, or e-learning platforms. Vocational and skill-based training is also included.
• Media and Advertising: Create, publish, or market content. This covers advertising agencies, media houses, and digital content creators.

Sharjah makes it easy to match your business idea with the right activity. Pick the one that fits your goals, and you’ll operate legally while reaching local and international markets.

For a step-by-step guide on adding activities to your license, read: How to Add Activities in Trade License in UAE?

Obtaining a trade license in Sharjah requires submitting certain documents. While the exact list depends on your license type and location (mainland or Free Zone), the following categories cover most cases.

Essential Documents

These are required for almost every Sharjah trade license application:

• Passport Copies: Valid copies of the owner(s), partners, or shareholders.
• Visa Copies: Required if the owner or partners are UAE residents.
• Proof of Address: Utility bills, tenancy contract, or Emirates ID.
• No Objection Certificate (NOC): From your current sponsor if you’re on an employment visa.
• Trade Name Reservation Certificate: Proof that your business name is officially approved.
• Initial Approval Certificate: Some activities require preliminary approval from relevant authorities.
• Memorandum of Association (MOA) / Local Service Agent Agreement: MOA for multiple partners or a local service agent agreement for single-owner setups.
• Tenancy Contract or Flexi-Desk Agreement: Proof of office, warehouse, or virtual office space.
• Bank Reference / Financial Statements: For certain activities requiring proof of financial stability.

Additional Documents

Certain licenses or specialized activities require extra documents:

• Industry-Specific Approvals: These approvals vary depending on your business activity.
  • Food businesses: Health and hygiene approval
  • Healthcare: Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) approvals
  • Education / Training: Approval from educational authorities
  • Tourism / Travel: Approval from tourism authorities
• Shareholder or Partner Documents: Passport and visa copies of all partners or shareholders.
• Power of Attorney (POA): If someone else is submitting documents on your behalf.
• Experience Certificates / Qualifications: For professional services like consultancy, training, or medical services.
• Trademark or Intellectual Property Documents: If selling branded products or using registered trademarks.
• Vehicle or Equipment Ownership Documents: For logistics, industrial, or transport businesses.

Providing all documents correctly ensures a smooth and fast Sharjah trade license approval process.

The Sharjah trade license procedure is simple and requires obtaining the necessary approvals to operate legally.

Here’s a step-by-step process to help you get your license efficiently:

Step 1: Choose Your Business Activity & Legal Structure

• Decide what kind of business you want to run, whether it’s trading, services, manufacturing, or e-commerce.
• Your choice of activity will determine the type of trade license you need. Make sure it matches your actual business plan.
• Pick a legal structure that works for you, such as a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, branch office, or Free Zone company. This will affect your ownership, liability, and future expansion options.

Estimated Timeline: 1–2 days

Step 2: Reserve Your Trade Name

• Submit your proposed business name to the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) for approval.
• Make sure the name is unique, professional, and fits your business activity.

Have a few backup names ready in case your first choice is not accepted.

Estimated Timeline: 1–3 days

Step 3: Apply for Initial Approval

• Apply for initial approval with SEDD, providing basic details about your business.
• This confirms that authorities have no objection to proposed activities before you move forward with renting an office.

Estimated Timeline: 2–5 business days

Step 4: Secure Office or Business Premises

• You need a physical address for most business types. This could be an office, warehouse, or retail space.
• Mainland businesses must submit a tenancy contract certified by the Sharjah Municipality. Some setups may also need inspections.
• Free zones offer flexible options like shared offices, virtual offices, or flexi-desks.

Estimated Timeline: 3–10 days (depending on lease finalization)

Step 5: Obtain Industry Specific Approvals if Required

Some businesses need extra approvals before the license can be issued. For instance:

• Food businesses need health and safety approvals
• Clinics or pharmacies require medical licenses
• Schools, training centers, or workshops need educational approvals
• Travel agencies and tour operators need tourism authority clearances

Make sure you get these approvals before submitting your final application.

Estimated Timeline: 5–14 days (may vary by authority)

Step 6: Prepare and Submit Final Application

• Gather all necessary documents, including trade name approval, initial approval, office proof, MOA or agreements, and any industry-specific approvals.
• Submit the complete package to SEDD or the relevant Free Zone authority.
• Double-check everything to avoid delays or rejections.

Estimated Timeline: 1–2 days to prepare and submit

Step 7: Pay Fees and Process Application

• Pay the applicable government fees online or at the authority office.
• The authorities will review your documents and perform final checks.
• Once everything is complete, authorities usually approve the license within a few working days.

Estimated Timeline: 3–7 business days

Step 8: Collect Your Trade License

• After approval, you will receive your official trade license.
• Many authorities allow digital downloads, and physical copies are also available if needed.
• Your license shows your approved activities, validity, and compliance requirements.

Estimated Timeline: Immediate to 1 day after approval

Step 9: Completing Post-Licensing Steps

• After you have your license, you should open a corporate bank account to manage your business funds. You should also:
  • Apply for visas for owners, partners, and employees if needed
  • Register with the Chamber of Commerce when required

Estimated Timeline: 7–21 days (depending on visa count and bank processes)

A trade license in Sharjah remains valid for one year from the date of issuance. Annual trade license renewal is necessary to keep your business legally compliant and operational.

Looking to get your Sharjah trade license without the stress? SafeLedger makes the process simple and fast and guides you at every step. Our experts also handle the details, from paperwork to approvals, so you can focus on growing your business. Contact us today!

Obtaining a Sharjah trade license typically costs between AED 15,000 and AED 70,000 in the first year. Below is a breakdown of the typical Sharjah trade license fees:

The total cost of a trade license in Sharjah can vary widely depending on your business activity, number of visas, and whether you choose a mainland or Free Zone business setup. Planning ahead for both initial setup and recurring annual costs ensures smoother operations.

Notes:

• Mainland setups typically cost more due to physical office leases and local service agent fees. On the other hand, Free Zones have lower entry costs and flexible workspaces, ideal for small businesses and e‑commerce.
• Visa fees and office rent are major recurring expenses.
• Many Sharjah trade license costs repeat annually, including license, visa, and office lease renewals.

Choosing the right partner can make the process of obtaining a trade license in Sharjah faster and smoother. SafeLedger offers dedicated expertise and personalized support at every step. Here’s how:

• Extensive Sharjah business expertise: Our team has years of hands-on experience with Sharjah mainland and Free Zone setups, regulations, and approval procedures.
• Complete end-to-end support: We handle all documentation, submissions, approvals, and follow-ups so you can focus on running your business.
• Faster approvals: With our knowledge of local procedures, we help minimize delays and speed up your license issuance.
• Tailored solutions for your business: Whether you’re a startup, freelancer, or established company, we customize services to match your needs.
• Transparent process and pricing: You get clear guidance on costs, requirements, and timelines upfront, with no surprises.

Partnering with SafeLedger means working with experts who understand Sharjah’s business landscape and make your Sharjah trade license process stress-free.